The Daintree in Tropical North Queensland is one of Australia’s most stunning natural wonders. The World Heritage listed Wet Tropics area contains some of the most pristine rainforest on the planet and there are various Daintree tours for visitors to experience the untouched beauty. But there is another attraction in these parts that draws visitors in droves; saltwater crocodiles. Salties, as they are colloquially known, are rather elusive creatures and the best way to see them in the wild without ending up as lunch is with Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruises. There are a number of cruises to choose from but Bruce Belcher’s is the best Daintree crocodile cruise by far. Read on for all the details …
Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruises
Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruises is a family run business that has been operating Lower Daintree tours since 1987. They operate six cruises per day, seven days a week starting at 9.30am. They are easily accessible by car from Cairns, Mossmaan and The Daintree and we used the ‘dead time’ between checking out of Silky Oaks Lodge before we could check in at The Abbott Boutique Hotel for our perfectly timed one hour Daintree crocodile cruise. If you don’t have your own car, check out Airport Rentals for the cheapest hire cars in town. Our 12.00pm cruise was just before low tide which is ideal for croc spotting. Mary-Lou checked us in and answered all our questions with a cheerful smile. We wandered around the delightfully colourful gift shop prior to our cruise and The Hubs couldn’t resist buying one of their unique crocodile skin stubby holders. Faux of course! About 15 minutes prior to your allotted cruise time it’s time to head down to Bruce’s private jetty. The path down to the river’s edge meanders through lush tropical gardens and I loved the colourful cabana.
The Best Daintree Crocodile Cruise
Ray was our captain and he kept up an entertaining banter throughout the cruise. We had one particularly inquisitive little boy on our cruise who fired all manner of questions at Ray which he answered with wit and aplomb, but I think even he was a little bit stumped when he was asked how crocodiles would deal with an asteroid. The atmosphere was very laid back and there was just enough commentary without being overbearing. Duke, the Belcher’s family dog, decided to tag along on our cruise to the delight of passengers. He lapped up the attention from my fellow cruisers and he had no qualms about taking over their seat! We saw the man himself, Bruce Belcher, captaining another cruise as we sailed by. He doesn’t look like he will be retiring any time soon.
The Stars Of The Show
Ray could spot a saltie for miles and well before any of his passengers did. One particular keen spotter at the front of the boat kept mistaking sticks for crocs and Ray gave him a bit of curry over that. Binoculars are supplied for all guests and they even had a special pair for the littlies. Ray knew all the crocs by name and was privy to all their favourite hang outs. I loved the personal stories he told about each of these distinctly individual creatures. Winter is the best time to see crocs as they need to come out of the cooler waters (22c – 24c) to sun themselves on the river banks to warm their core temperature for the cool night ahead. We saw four large crocodiles on our cruise and plenty of juveniles. Unfortunately according to Ray, many of these would not make it to adulthood. Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruises provided us with a privileged glimpse into the natural habitat of the crocodiles and the emphasis was always on not disturbing their natural habitat and routine.
But it’s not all about the crocs … Crocodiles are spotted on 98% of Bruce’s Daintree tours but even if you are in that unlucky 2% there is still plenty to see. Ray was able to point out lots of native birds and the scenery was breathtaking.
Not All Daintree Tours Are Created Equal
We were pleasantly surprised to find the 12.00pm cruise comes with a free lunch! How cool is that. Cruisers get to choose between a selection of pastries prior to boarding that are served piping hot when you disembark. The Hubs chose the giant sausage roll while I enjoyed the spinach and cheese. Add a couple of complimentary cokes and we were set! The dining area was very welcoming and the rugrats will enjoy eating in the quirky train themed dining area. If you prefer to cruise in the afternoon the 4.00pm cruise gets you a beer or wine on the house and all the other cruises come with complimentary tea and coffee. Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruises are exceptional value at $27 per adult. Kids under 4 travel free and family tickets are available.
The Final Word
Of all the things to do in Cairns and the surrounding areas you don’t want to miss this Daintree tour. Getting to Cairns is easy as Jetstar often have bargain flights from most Australia cities and is an international hub. If you find yourself in beautiful Tropical North Queensland make sure you get in touch with Bruce Belcher to organise an unforgettable Daintree crocodile cruise. We had a great time sharing their unique part of the world with them and I’m sure you will too. Make sure you give Duke a pat from me while you are there 🙂
Have you ever seen a saltie in the wild? I would love to hear your thoughts on Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruises in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
Like it? Pin it!
Disclaimer: The Hubs and I travelled as guests of Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruises. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links which will earn me a few cents to contribute to the running of this site if you make a qualifying purchase at no extra cost to you.
you.theworld.wandering says
I’d really love to visit tropical north Queensland and the Daintree! Reading your blog makes me realise how little of Australia I have seen. The croc spotting and cruise sound like amazing experiences – you’ve inspired me to make this happen at the end of the year! Thanks Allison.
Allison Smith says
We have a great time. We’ve visited four or five times now. TNQ keeps drawing us back and we always find something new to do!
Neha says
The cruise looks nice. And spotting the animals in their natural habitat is always so much fun. Coming to the inquisitive boy, my little one is exactly like that in the current age. I wonder how many question she will have if the takes this cruise 🙂
Allison Smith says
Haha kids say the funniest things don’t they Neha! I’m sure she would come up with some great questions!
Zohaib Yusuf says
These post are amazing, and I’m liking your posts
Allison Smith says
Thanks Zohaib.
Anita says
Crocodile spotting sounds a bit scary tk me, but if I would decide to do it I could come back to your guide. Thanks for sharing.
Allison Smith says
It’s all very safe in the boat Anita and a great way to spend an hour in the Daintree.
Manjulika Pramod says
I have seen crocodiles in the wild in many countries like India, Nepal, Malaysia and more.
Daintree river cruise sounds interesting to me and you managed some good pictures.
Allison Smith says
That’s so cool Manjulika. I didn’t see any in Malaysia but I wasn’t looking for them ?
Suzannah says
This looks like SO MUCH FUN! I’d love to be on that boat doing some croc hunting! And I’m really pleased that they’ve offered a vegetarian snack for us veggies to enjoy!
Allison Smith says
I’m not sure about the hunting Suzannah lol. This is all about croc spotting ?
Brooke Herron says
hmm… well I personally try to stay as far away from crocodiles as possible but more power to you if you have the cajones to get close without getting nervous! -Interesting idea for a side trip
Allison Smith says
It’s a great way to spend an hour Brooke. The scenery is stunning and the crocs are a bonus!
James says
The Daintree river cruise looks like a fun experience. I learnt that a saltwater crocodile is called a saltie here, I would have been a little confused on the boat if everyone kept saying saltie before reading this! The snacks for the lunch trip sound perfect I’d have gone for the sausage roll like the hubs! You took some beautiful images on this trip, I’d love to take it too!
Allison Smith says
Everything is shortened in Oz James. We simply don’t have the time to say full words lol ?
Bee says
These photos are amazing, and I’m liking your posts on Cairns and Northern Oz. I’m really impressed with this tropical environment and would love to see it should I return to Oz on day. Those crocs are huge!
Allison Smith says
Thanks Bee! Hope you make it to this stunning region again soon!
Mel says
Call them salties sure makes them seem cute ;). What a fun way to see crocs in the wild. I love that your guide knew the back story on each individual– it makes it so much more interesting. And lunch included — total win!
Allison Smith says
Hahaha Mel. While magnificent, cute is probably not what I would call them lol. It was great hearing about their individual stories ?
Lisa says
I’d like to do this cruise to see some salties just chilling on the banks! How sweet, and obedient is Duke the dog on board the boat. This sounds like a fun cruise, with a delightful host too. So good to know about the different cruises with different perks; I’d choose the 12pm one too, those sausage rolls look good!
Allison Smith says
The 12pm cruise is definitely the way to go! Hope you get to meet Duke soon ?
Mel Butler says
I have been intrigued about doing a crocodile boat tour since my brother went on a similar one when he lived up. I would love to do this but I think my heart will definitely be pumping once those Crocodiles got close. Glad to know that the respects them and the area. I am impressed to know that they run this tour 6 times a day, every day that is a lot of people. Never knew it was so popular.
Allison Smith says
It’s all very safe Mel! Hope you get to cruise soon ?
Abigail Sinsona says
What a cool experience and cruise to try while in Queensland! I am a little freaked out about the idea of being in the water surrounded by crocodiles though! It might not be my first option when visiting Cairns but it would be good to conquer that fear.
Allison Smith says
It is very safe Abigail. As long as you stay in the boat ?
Suzanne says
I’ve been to Cairns but haven’t been on a crocodile cruise. After reading your post, I’ve realized that I’ve missed out on a really good outing. Those salties look pretty fierce in the wild. The tour you recommend sounds pretty great because the guides know their stuff and share personal stories about the location and its inhabitants.
Allison Smith says
Ray was a great captain Suzanne. Hope you make it back to Cairns soon to catch up on what you missed!
neha says
A cruise down the Daintree River sounds really exciting. And that the family dog also joined you on it, must have been all the more exciting. Even the pictures are speaking up for that 🙂
Allison Smith says
It was very tranquil Neha. The Daintree is a beautiful part of the world and a short cruise is the perfect way to see it. The crocs were a bonus!
Gina says
I like how the pup was able to come along on the cruise, He’s probably like, “Eh salties” but it’s always exciting to see a crocodile on the river. I’m glad the guide was well informed and that he could easily spot them. Also, it’s always yes to me if there’s free lunch!
Allison Smith says
He was almost as good at spotting crocs as the captain Gina lol
Katie says
This sounds like such a fun tour! I did something similar in Florida on an airboat and had a blast- I would love to do it in Australia to see crocodiles!
Allison Smith says
I missed that when I was last in Florida Katie but sounds awesome! Hope you get a chance to do this soon ?
Indranil Chowdhury says
We would love to visit this when we are down under. Your article was so comprehensive. Loved the pictures. This was beautifully written. Thanks for sharing. PS: We’re a little scared of crocodiles though. 🙂
Allison Smith says
Hahaha Indranil just stay in the boat and you will be fine ?
Kathy Marris says
Hi Allison, as a fellow Aussie of course I’ve seen crocs in the wild! I did this exact cruise down the Daintree River a few years ago and have similar photos. It was one of the best croc cruises I’ve been on. The other one I did was in the Adelaide River in NT where they feed the crocs chickens and the leap out of the murky water. Very scary!
Meghna Malhotra says
wow your pics are mesmerizing. Croc spotting tour, I’m sure is an amazing experience and we would definitely want to do it one day. We had done a Tiger spotting safari in India and it was an unforgettable experience.
Allison Smith says
Thank you Meghan. Tiger spotting sounds amazing! Hope you get to spot some crocs soon!
Iuliana Marchian says
You took some very good shots of the crocodiles. I saw crocodiles when I was in Chitwan National Park, in Nepal. I did a jungle walk and the guided showed us the crocodiles that were laying in the sun on the other side of the river. However, there was a croco that was staying 10 m from our boat when we crossed the river so it’s something very normal there. The dog watching the crocodiles looks very interested in the photos! Nice shot!
Allison Smith says
Nepal sounds amazing Luliana. I would love to go one day. There are lots of crocs in TNQ so yes it is quite normal for them also. I love that Bruce Belcher’s tours are focussed on respecting the crocs and their natural environment while still allowing visitors a very unique insite into their world.