Cruises

A variety of cruises are offered through the day. Two hour cruises are conducted most days in the early morning & late afternoon. Advantage of a 2 hour early morning cruise is that wildlife is at its most active and often the reflections on the river are extraordinary. Conversely advantage of a 2 hour late afternoon cruise is the late burst of golden colour before sunset along with egrets accumulating in large numbers to roost for the night. For those with a special interest such as wildlife photography the early morning or late afternoon period may be booked as a 2.5 hour private cruise. In the busy season, a 1 hour mid morning cruise is provided for those wishing for a more leisurely start. Final option is a fully customized 1 to 1.5 hour private charter, perfect for small groups or families wishing to see the best of the Daintree.

Early Morning Cruise

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $70 adult, $45 child (<16)

April, May, June, July, Aug: 7 am

Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan: 6.30 am

Early morning cruises provide the best conditions to see the river at its most stunning, as well as the greatest chance to see wildlife of the Daintree River. Cruises are 2 hours in duration, and focus on highly sought-after birds, crocs and snakes, along with insight into the ecology of the mighty Daintree. Cruises are limited to a maximum of 10 passengers to enable a personalised experience with cruises customised to the viewing hopes of passengers.

Referred to in many ‘birding’ reference books, this famous cruise has been in operation for more than 25 years. Key target species include Azure Kingfisher, Little Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, Great-billed Heron, Shining Flycatcher, Black Bittern, Saltwater Crocodile, Common Tree Snake, Water Dragon and butterflies.

Late Afternoon Cruise

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $70 adult, $45 child (<16)

April, May, June, July, Aug: 4 pm

Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan: 4.30 am

Late afternoon cruises are a wonderful exploration of the river in the lovely late afternoon light. These cruises give an opportunity to see the incredible scenery of the river and its wildlife as they forage before the fall of the day. With a little bit of luck there will also be a lovely sunset. Particularly in the cooler months, another highlight is the accumulation of a large number of egrets plus a few other avian friends to roost for the night.

Wildlife commonly seen on cruises include Saltwater Crocodile, Common Tree Snake, Water Dragon, Azure Kingfisher, Little Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, Great-billed Heron, Cattle Egrets, Great Egret, cormorants and butterflies.

Private Cruise (Dawn or Dusk)

Duration: 2.5 hours

Cost: $425 (1 or 2 passengers, extra passengers $50 each)

April, May, June, July, Aug: 7 am & 3.45 pm

Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan: 6.30 am & 4.15 pm

Private cruises, 2.5 hours in duration, conducted in the good light of the early morning or late afternoon are suitable for those with a special interest such as bird photography or simply wish to cruise exclusively. Cruises are private to your group and hence the cruise can be tailored to your interests and focused entirely on your viewing and photographic aims. Private cruises are generally conducted on lower tides to help ensure good wildlife observations.

Private cruises are longer than regular public cruises, providing an opportunity to slowly explore the river, observe the most scenic sections, and find the wildlife inhabitants of the river. Key target species include Azure Kingfisher, Little Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, Black Bittern, Great-billed Heron, Water Dragon, Saltwater Crocodile, Common Tree Snake.

Mid Morning Cruise

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: $45 adult, $25 child (<16)

June, July, August: 9.45 am

September: 9.15 am

Mid-morning cruises provide the opportunity to observe the river at a more friendly time than dawn or dusk. Mid-morning cruises allow a more leisurely wake-up and are great addition to your day exploring the area, maybe on your way to or from Cape Tribulation. Tours focus on crocodiles, snakes and kingfishers along with insight into the ecology of the mighty Daintree.

If you’d like to book this as a private cruise for your group please view the private charter option.

Private Charter

Duration: Either 1 or 1.5 hours

Cost: $225 per hour (1 or 2 passengers, extra passengers $25 each)

April, May, June, July, Aug: anytime between 9.45 am & 3.45 pm

Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan: anytime between 9.15 am & 4.15 pm

A private charter, either 1 or 1.5 hours in duration, is designed to enable a small group or family avoid the crowd and experience the best of the Daintree River exclusively. Private cruises are entirely customised to the interests of the passengers ensuring a great experience with close views of crocs, snakes and birds.

Cruise duration and starting time as required by the guest. For best wildife viewing, low tide is recommended.

To book please call me on 0417 651 929 or email me so I can tailor the cruise to ensure it achieves your viewing hopes.