What are the tour options available for Crocodile Express Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises ?
Tour 1: Cruise 1 one hour wildlife cruise departing from Daintree Village
Tour 2: Cruise 2 one hour wildlife cruise departing from Daintree Gateway near Daintree Ferry crossing
Tour 3: Combo tour including Cruise 1 one hour wildlife cruise departing from Daintree Village and entry to Daintree Discovery Centre. Cruise 2 from Daintree Gateway may also be added at no extra charge.
Tour 4: Combo tour including Cruise 2 one hour wildlife cruise departing from Daintree Gateway near Daintree Ferry crossing and entry to Daintree Discovery Centre. Cruise 1 from Daintree Gateway may also be added at no extra charge.
https://www.crocodileexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TOURS-1.23-4-OPTIONS.pdf
Here is a breakdown of what is included in each option :
Tour/Cruise 1 : Ticket includes – one hour river cruise departing from Daintree Jetty. Firstly check-in at Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises office and Information Centre. Look for the sky blue “CROCODILE CRUISE CHECK-IN) sign. Bonus: Come back again free! Both cruise locations included in one ticket. Pass valid up to 14 days. Check-In at Big Croc Head kiosk – Crocodile Express Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises, 315 Cape Tribulation Rd. Lower Daintree. Arrive 15 Minutes before cruise departure time. Cruise duration approximately 60 minutes. Returns to the same jetty. Public toilets close by. After your cruise return to our kiosk and collect your free Explorer Pass to experience a second cruise from Daintree Ferry Gateway Big Croc Head kiosk – 315 Cape Tribulation Road and a team member will book your bonus cruise if you wish to see more !
Tour/Cruise 2 : Ticket includes – one hour river cruise departing from Daintree Ferry Gateway located 300m before reaching Daintree Ferry Crossing. Look for the sky blue “CROCODILE CRUISE CHECK-IN NEXT LEFT” sign. Bonus: Come back again free! Both cruise locations included in one ticket. Pass valid up to 14 days. Check-In at Big Croc Head kiosk – Crocodile Express Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises, 315 Cape Tribulation Rd. Lower Daintree. Arrive 15 Minutes before cruise departure time. Cruise duration approximately 60 minutes. Returns to the same jetty. Public toilets close by. After your cruise return to our kiosk and collect your free Explorer Pass to experience a second cruise from Daintree Village and a team member will book your bonus cruise if you wish to see more !
Tour 3 Combo Ticket Cruise & Daintree Discovery Centre Entry : Ticket includes – one hour river cruise. Bonus: Come back again free! Cruise pass valid up to 14 days. Both cruise locations included in one ticket. Check-In at GREATER DAINTREE WILDLIFE CRUISES – 5 Stewart Street, Daintree. Look for the sky blue “CROCODILE CRUISE CHECK-IN” sign on the right as you enter the village. Arrive 15 Minutes before cruise departure time. Cruise duration approximately 60 minutes. Returns to the same jetty. Public toilets close by. After your cruise return to our kiosk and collect your free Explorer Pass to experience a bonus cruise from Daintree Ferry Gateway. Our team member will book a second cruise if you wish to see even more of the Daintree.
After your cruise, next drive 10km back along Mossman Daintree Road and turn left at crossroads onto Cape Tribulation Road until you reach the ferry crossing (3km) and cross the river by ferry (ferry fee applies). Drive a further 10km north to Cow Bay. Daintree Discovery Centre is located on Tulip Oak Road, Cow Bay. Centre entry pass is included for 7 days. Includes Interpretive Centre and Canopy Tower. Aerial rainforest walkways, Jurassic Walk and a 68 Page Interpretive Guide Book.
Tour 4 Combo Ticket Cruise & Daintree Discovery Centre Entry : Ticket includes – one hour river cruise. Bonus: Come back again free! Cruise pass valid up to 14 days. Both cruise locations included in one ticket. Check-In at Big Croc Head kiosk – Crocodile Express Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises, Daintree Ferry Gateway, 315 Cape Tribulation Road, Lower Daintree. Arrive 15 Minutes before cruise departure time. Cruise duration approximately 60 minutes. Returns to the same jetty. Public toilets close by. After your cruise return to our kiosk and collect your free Explorer Pass to experience a bonus cruise from Daintree Village. Our team member will book a second cruise if you wish to see even more of the Daintree.
Next drive to Daintree Ferry 300m along Cape Tribulation Road and cross the river by ferry (ferry fee applies). Drive a further 10km north to Cow Bay. Daintree Discovery Centre is located on Tulip Oak Road, Cow Bay. Centre entry pass is included for 7 days. Includes Interpretive Centre and Canopy Tower. Aerial rainforest walkways, Jurassic Walk and a 68 Page Interpretive Guide Book
Where are our cruises located ?
Tour/Cruise 1: Check-in at our office Crocodile Express Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises, 5 Stewart Street, Daintree located in Daintree Village.
Tour/Cruise 2: Check-in at our kiosk Crocodile Express Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises, 315 Cape Tribulation Road, Lower Daintree.
https://www.crocodileexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Daintree-River-Map-2026.pdf
How long are the cruises ?
All cruises are approximately one hour (60 minutes) duration.
What times do cruises depart ?
Tour/Cruise 1 : Daily 8.30am*, 9.45am, 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm, 3.30pm*
Tour/Cruise 2 : Daily 8.30am*, 10.00am, 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm, 3.30pm*
* Please note: Timetable may change due to seasonal demands. Bonus cruises are subject to availability and cannot be booked online. Our friendly crew will be happy book any bonus cruises at either of our tour desks or by calling (07)40986120
Do your cruises operate every day ?
Yes, all our cruises operate daily with the exception of Christmas day 25 December.
Are the cruises suitable for children ?
Yes, the commentary is both educational and informative with magnificent scenery.
Are there family rates ?
Yes, we offer family rates online.
Are there special rates for senior’s and students ?
Yes, we offer lower rates for all senior’s, 60 years and over and Australian students with id.
What wildlife is commonly seen on Daintree River ?
Reptiles
• Saltwater crocodiles
• Water dragons
• Amethystine pythons (often coiled in branches overhanging the river)
• Tree snakes
Birdlife
The Daintree is a birdwatcher’s dream. Regular sightings include:
• Great-billed heron – one of Australia’s rarest herons
• Azure kingfisher – tiny, bright, and fast
• Little kingfisher – even rarer, often seen on quieter creeks
• White-bellied sea eagles
• Ospreys
• Shining flycatchers
• Egrets, herons, darters, cormorants
Insects
• Butterflies
• Dragonflies
What is the difference between the Upper Daintree (near Daintree Village) and Lower Daintree (near the ferry crossing) ?
Lower river = tidal, salty, wide, mangrove-dominated, crocodile-rich
Upper river = freshwater, narrow, rainforest-lined, quieter, crocodile-rich
Will I see crocodiles on every cruise ?
Crocodile sightings on Daintree River are not 100% guaranteed but we have sightings on the majority of trips. Daintree River has the largest wild population of saltwater crocodiles in the tropical north. No operator can guarantee croc sightings. Our experienced guides are very familiar with the habitats where to locate them. Crocodile Express is the only operator to offer you the best opportunity to see them “in the wild” as we operate cruises in both the upper and lower sections of the river and you can do both cruises on the one ticket at no extra cost.
How far is Daintree Village from (Cruise 1) from Daintree Ferry Gateway (Cruise 2) ?
13km between both cruise locations and allow about 15 minutes travel time.
What is the “Daintree Explorer Pass” ?
The “Daintree Touring Pass” allows ticket holders to travel on another cruise from either of our departure locations free of charge. The pass is non transferable and valid for up to 14 days. For T&Cs go to https://www.crocodileexpress.com/t&cs/
How long is a “Daintree Explorer Pass” valid for ?
The pass is valid the length of your stay in the region up to 14 days.
Is the Daintree Explorer Pass transferable ?
No, passes are not transferable, photo ID is required.
Can I book more than one tour option online with my first cruise?
Book your first tour only online. Your extra tours will be confirmed on check-in at our offices. Subject to availability, it is possible to do both cruises in the one day.
What are the main differences between tour operators on the Daintree River?
Crocodile Express Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises is the only operator that offers cruises that covers both upper and lower sections of the Daintree River, Cruise locations are 13 km away from each other along the river. With the one ticket you can do either cruise can do either location or both cruises for the same low price. Plus you have up to 14 days to do a second cruise.
Do tours operate in wet and rainy weather ?
Yes, all our vessels have covered roofs. The waterways where we cruise are zoned as calm water. We only cancel in very stormy conditions or if the river is in flood and deemed unsafe to operate.
What do I need to bring with me ?
Your ticket or digital voucher, phone/camera, sunscreen, raincoat or poncho if it is raining. Ponchos are available for sale at either of our offices.
Is it possible for mobility limited people to join a cruise ? Wheelchair or Wheelie-Walker ?
Cruise 1 departing from Daintree Village is the most assessable as the vessel has a drop door/ramp at the front of the vessel. The boarding ramp can lowered so persons with mobility issues enter the vessel from the boat ramp nearby. There is one small step on entering the the vessel. You can drive your car right up to the boat ramp. The drop/door entrance is narrow so wheelchairs cannot be rolled into the vessel. Collapsible wheelchairs and wheelie walkers will have to be lifted on to the vessel. The carpark is located 50 metres from the boat ramp. Please call ahead for assistance on 07 4098 6120 so our crew are aware of your needs. Motorised and non-collapsible wheelchairs cannot be taken aboard.
Cruise 2 departing from Daintree Ferry Gateway is accessed via a walkway to the floating pontoon. The vessel is accessed via two steps into the boat. This vessel may be restrictive for persons with very limited mobility. Please call ahead for assistance on 07 4098 7757 so our crew are aware of your needs.
Do you have coach pick-up from Cairns, Northern Beaches, Palm Cove and Port Douglas ?
Crocodile Express Greater Daintree River Cruise operates from Daintree and Lower Daintree catering for the self-drive visitor market. We do not provide a coach pick-up service. The following tour operators include Crocodile Express cruises in their Daintree day tours :
Tropic Wings pick-up from Cairns, Northern Beaches, Port Douglas
Australian Luxury Escapes pick-up from Cairns, Northern Beaches, Port Douglas
Discovery Tours Australia pick-up from Cairns, Northern Beaches, Port Douglas
Daintree Discovery Tours pick-ups from Port Douglas
Travel Times from Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas to Daintree
Cairns: 110km, allow 1 hour 45 minutes minimum allow extra 15 minutes for roadworks.
Palm Cove: 87km, 1 hour 10 minutes minimum, allow extra 15 minutes for roadworks.
Port Douglas: 55km, 45 minutes minimum, allow extra 5 minutes for roadworks.
Are the cruises safe ?
A Daintree River cruise is one of the safest ways to experience crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Many guides know individual crocs by name and territory. That familiarity helps them keep safe distances and to predict where crocs are likely to be basking or moving.
The boats are built for crocodile country with high sides and very stable.
Crocodile Express has been operating since 1979 and never had any incidents
What payment methods do you accept ?
We accept Mastercard, Visa Card, Amex & Afterpay
How do I use Promo Codes ?
At the checkout enter in the last entry box the code as shown in the ad you saw it in.
Is there mobile phone reception on the cruises ?
Telstra, Optus, Vodaphone and affiliated service providers reception is generally available in both upper and lower cruise locations. The vessels do not have WiFi.
What are your operating hours ?
Crocodile Express Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises shopfront in Daintree Village opens daily 8.00am until 3.30pm. The shop also incorporates Daintree Visitor Information Centre and Daintree Originals for a great range of local souvenirs.
How can I contact customer support ?
Phone: Head Office (07)40986120 (24 Hours), Daintree Ferry Gateway (07) 40987757 9.30am – 3.30pm
Do you have a cafe at the cruise locations ?
Croc Xpresso Cafe is located next to our office and souvenir shop in Daintree Village. Open from 7.30am until 2.30pm daily. The cafe is the only air-conditioned dining in Daintree as well a shaded outdoor dining area. Serving barista Segafredo coffee, Daintree Tea and is fully licensed. Try our famous Daintree Croc Burgers ! We also have a great range of chicken, fish, and beef burgers. Gluten free and vegetarian options are also available. To see our menu click here.
At Daintree Ferry Gateway, we provide complementary tea and coffee for guests. Cold drinks are available for sale. There is no food (with the exception of some confectionery) available at the Daintree ferry location.
Sms/Text: 0424 368 390
Email: info@crocodileexpress.com
What is your cancellation policy ?
For bookings made directly through Crocodile Express Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises website, 24 hours full refund. For bookings made through other websites contact them directly as their cancellation policy may differ from www.crocodileexpress.com