The human population of Darwin may be small, but the real stars of Darwin - saltwater crocodiles - are abundant! If you're a thrill-seeker looking for an adventure, Darwin is the place to be to witness these ancient beasts in action. But before we get into the best tours to see crocodiles jump, let's cover some important laws protecting these creatures in Australia. First things first, saltwater crocodiles are a protected species in Australia. It's illegal to harm, harass, or interfere with them in any way. That means no petting, poking, or trying to wrestle them. Those jaws could crush metal, let alone a human limb.
Did you know that saltwater crocodiles are the largest reptiles in the world? That's right, they can grow up to 23 feet long and weigh over a ton. It’s now estimated that there are 150,000 saltwater crocodiles in the world, with roughly 100,000 across the Northern Territory of Australia, mostly around Darwin.
Darwin is home to some of the best crocodile tours in the world, where if you’re lucky, you can see these massive reptiles jump out of the water to grab some tasty treats. One of the most popular tours is the Jumping Crocodile Cruise. As the name suggests, you'll get to witness these creatures jump out of the water to grab some meat dangled by the tour guides. It's like watching a National Geographic documentary come to life, except you're not in danger of becoming the crocodile's next meal.
We traveled by luxury motor coach about an hour from our cruise ship to Australia’s tropical Top End to the Adelaide River. There we boarded a small motorboat operated by Spectacular Crocodile Cruises for an hour-long cruise hoping to spot crocodiles. The wildlife you’ll observe is just that, wild. Expect to see not only some of the world’s largest saltwater crocodiles but some of north Australia’s most interesting birdlife. All crocodile interactions are monitored and recorded to ensure that over-feeding or over-interaction never occurs. We were warned that there was no guarantee that we would see any crocodiles, but within minutes, we encountered several swimming quickly towards the boat.
Our tour guide insisted that they enforce a “no splash, no cash” policy and only feed the crocodiles if they jump or more accurately “vertically swim” by using their powerful tails to swim vertically up and out of the water to grab the meat treat. Vertical swimming is a natural behavior, not theatrics, but it is a very entertaining show! We watched in awe as she lifted 250 kilos of crocodile out of the water with her tail in just a few seconds. It took her a few attempts to snatch the dangling meat for a well-deserved snack. During the hour on the river, we encountered several crocodiles willing to jump for meat. They each had their own style and personality, but all were fast jumpers. Crocodiles’ reaction time is 37 times faster than humans, so definitely keep your body parts inside the boat during this tour!
Saltwater crocodiles are extremely territorial and will defend their territory at all costs. So, if you're thinking of taking a dip in one of Darwin's rivers or estuaries, think again. These crocs are known for their aggressive behavior and have been known to attack humans who get too close.
Another option for wildlife encounters is the Crocosaurus Cove, where you can get up close and personal with crocs of all sizes. They have an exhibit called the "Cage of Death" where you can hop into a clear acrylic cylinder and be submerged into a pool of crocodiles. It's like an underwater safari, except you're the one in the cage instead of the crocodiles.
If you're looking for an adventure in Darwin, look no further than the Spectacular Crocodile Cruise or Crocosaurus Cove. Just remember to respect these ancient creatures and follow the laws protecting them. And if you're feeling brave enough to witness them in action, hop on one of the many crocodile tours in the area. Who knows, you might just witness a crocodile jump that will leave you speechless (and maybe a little scared). It’s a primal, surprising thrill you won’t soon forget.
Fun facts about Saltwater Crocodiles:
🐊 crocs can live to be 100 years old 🐊 have the strongest bite force of any animal (3700 psi) 🐊 males weigh up to 1000 kg and grow to over 6 m long 🐊 are the largest and most aggressive of all reptile species 🐊 typically have 66 teeth, each with a new tooth underneath ready to replace the old one 🐊 can stay underwater for nearly 3 hours 🐊 only need to eat 1% of their body weight to stay healthy 🐊 spend much of their lives in freshwater 🐊 an estimated 150,000 live in Australia 🐊 it is illegal to shoot a wild crocodile in Australia 🇦🇺 (fines of AUS$22,500+), but they are farmed. 🐊 tastes like 🐓 (really, I tried it) 🐊 can jump or “vertically swim” for food!
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