So many of us travelling around Australia on big laps or doing a road trip have ‘seeing animals in their native habitats’ on their Aussie bucket list. I know I did. One unexpected animal I saw amongst the koalas, kangaroos, wombats, spiders and snakes was the jumping crocodiles in Adelaide River in Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. Yep, crocodiles. Let me explain what to expect and how you can see the crocodiles jump in Adelaide River too.
Already to see the Jumping Crocodiles? Suggested tours:
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The Australian Saltwater Crocodile
In 1971 the Australian saltwater crocodile, believed to be facing extinction, was declared a protected species. Today increased numbers of saltwater crocs roam the waterways of the Northern Territory. And many people come from around Australia and from overseas to see them.
Some facts I learnt about ‘salties’, as they are affectionately referred to in the NT.
- Australian Saltwater crocodiles are referred to as saltwater crocs, salties, crocs.
- Salties are different to the Australian Freshwater Crocodiles ‘Freshies’ that are found in some of the freshwater rivers and billabongs.
- They can grow up to 6 metres (20 feet) long.
- Salties can jump out of the water so far that only one third of their tail remains underwater. They are jumping to reach food being offered.
- Salties can, and do, prey on humans – so don’t get too close!
- They grow new teeth as and when they are needed.
- Crocs swallow stones. This is thought to help both with digestion and buoyancy.
- Crocodiles can swim up to 24 to 28 km per hour, that is 15 to 18 mph in short bursts.
- Crocodiles bask in the sun with their mouths open to regulate their body temperature.
- Many of the crocodiles have names, given by the crews of the jumping croc cruises.
How to See the Crocodiles Jump
I was actually on a 3 day organised tour exploring Kakadu National Park. Amongst the many wonderful things included in this tour was a cruise on the Adelaide River. The cruise only lasted an hour, but that was long enough to see plenty of crocodiles.
Basically, you hop on a boat and sail down the muddy river waters. You see crocodiles sunning themselves on the sandy shores. A crew member hangs out some food on a fishing line and the crocodiles come toward the boat and jump for the food. You may see their clear yellow eyes focused on the dangling meat.
When they jump you see just how mighty these creatures are. How big their teeth are. How crinkled their skin is. And those long claws!
FAQs
Where is Adelaide River?
Adelaide River is 65km from Darwin, on the Arnhem Highway on the way to Kakadu National Park. I did my cruise as part of my 3 day organised tour, but if you are based in Darwin for a few days you could easily do it as a day trip from Darwin either on an organised trip or independently as it only takes about an hour to reach.
What makes the crocodiles jump?
The crocodiles jump for food. On the cruise it is provided on fishing line but crocs have been known to jump for birds that fly over them.
How often are the cruises?
There are four cruises daily at 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm. It is best to book in advance so you don’t miss out.
How long does a cruise on the Adelaide River last?
Cruises to see the jumping crocodiles last about an hour. And believe me, you will see crocodiles during the hour.
What to take when seeing the crocodiles on Adelaide River?
As you will be outside, wear comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and reef safe sunscreen. And take a camera as seeing the crocs jump for food is something special.
What safety precautions do I need to be wary of?
The crew of the boat will run over safety precautions before you set sail. I remember two things we were told. If the boat sinks, swim to shore as quickly as possible. And the next thing was, don’t put your arms outside of the boat, as the crocs may think they are food and jump for them. Otherwise, the cruise was very safe.
Are You Ready to See the Jumping Crocodiles?
After the amazing jumping croc cruise, I was lucky enough my tour guide took us night croc spotting! But that’s another story! I can totally recommend taking a cruise along the Adelaide River to see the jumping crocodiles. I would definitely add seeing them to any ‘seeing animals in their native habitat bucket list. Have you seen the crocodiles jump? I’d love to hear.
While I was in Darwin, I really wanted to visit the crocs in Kakadu, but ran out of time. What a spectacle to see them jump so high from the water!
I hope you will return to Kakadu to get the chance to see them!
this is wild. I used to live in perth for 8+ years but never made it up to NT… so i’ve heard about this but never actually been. Would be quite an interesting thing to see but i’m sure I’ll be scared nonetheless!
It’s too exhilarating to be scared! I hope you get the chance to see them!
What an unforgettable experience! Seeing saltwater crocodiles jump out of the water must be both exciting and a little terrifying at the same time. I really like that you included so many interesting facts about the crocs and practical tips about the cruise. Australia’s wildlife is truly on another level, and this looks like one of those bucket list adventures you never forget. Your description of their power and size is incredible!
Yes, all that – unforgettable, exciting, terrifying – but I’m glad I saw them and would highly recommend going on the cruise.
I’m glad you addressed safety because that was my first thought when thinking about a cruise to see the crocs!! They’re serious predators, and like you said, humans can be at risk. I knew they will prey on humans, but I did not realize how big they can get!! Makes sense now. Regardless, seems like a very unique experience.
Some of them are huge and I was a little scared seeing them jump but couldn’t take my eyes off them! Felt exhilarating and unique.
I’d never heard of jumping crocodiles before. It would be very cool to see them with most of their bodies out of the water (as long as they’re not jumping towards us)!
It is cool and they jump next to the boat because the crew know how to dangle the food out so they jump next to the boat and not towards it. So you will be safe!