Daintree River Sunset Cruise: Breathtaking Wildlife and Scenic Views with a Small Group

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Daintree River at sunset on a small group cruise. Spot wildlife, including birds, crocodiles, and snakes, while enjoying the scenic views. Limited to 10 passengers for a personalized experience.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Daintree Boatman Wildlife Cruises - Finish your day aboard a small comfortable vessel catering for just 10 passengers. From the Daintree Village boat ramp and jetty you will be welcomed aboard by the professional guide for a 2 hour guided sunset cruise taking you along the mighty Daintree river and its adjoining tributaries, to where the big boats don’t go. You will explore the rivers unique ecology from its freshwater origins to the saline mangroves gliding along the river in the late afternoons rays. The cruise provides excellent wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities getting up close to the iconic wildlife. Cruises are a special experience, with highly sought-after birds, crocodiles and snakes seen on most cruises. The smaller vessel enables a quiet intimate exploration of the river. The tour concludes back at the Daintree Village boat ramp where it is just a short stroll up to the village to the hotel for a beverage or dinner.
What's Included
  • Experienced driver/guide included
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Wrap up your journey through the Daintree Rainforest with an immersive sunset cruise. As the day slowly fades away, you’ll find yourself peacefully floating, enjoying the dimming light, and observing wildlife as they prepare for the night. Often, you can catch sight of flocks of egrets returning to their nests for the night, creating a truly magical scene. It’s an unparalleled experience being out on the Daintree River at this time. A variety of rare birds (including kingfishers, herons, and frogmouths), along with saltwater crocodiles and snakes, are usually spotted during these cruises.

Each cruise is designed to accommodate up to 10 passengers and is tailored according to passengers’ preferences. The boat used for the cruise is a unique ‘hybrid’ model, featuring an outfitted board and an impressive electric motor. This design causes less disruption and yields superb wildlife viewing opportunities.

The starting and ending point of the cruise is the public boat ramp situated in Daintree Village, which is a 45-minute drive from Port Douglas and is positioned on the southern side of the Daintree River.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Recommended to bring a hat and jacket for weather protection
  • Vessel is roofless but has a dual Bimini roof that can be erected in inclement conditions
Location
Daintree Public Boat Ramp
Stewart Street
Daintree Village public boat ramp, beside Riverview Lodge & Van park, 150m downhill from the Daintree Village Hotel
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(170 Ratings)
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Trip42106922117
Jul 23, 2024
Great trip and ideal time of day - Helpful guide who knew his stuff. A great trip and would recommend. Not a long journey at all, but seeing great sights. :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielmb1917lb
Jul 11, 2024
Totally recommend. - As a wild life enthusiast I had a great time, Murray was happy to accomodate everyone on the boat. We saw lots of crocs and birds and were treated to facts about all species we encountered. I'd definitely recommend this cruise for all ages and walks of life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
697maddys
Jul 5, 2024
Incredible tour, amazing wildlife - We were blown away by the beauty of the Daintree river, made more special by Murray and his extensive knowledge and the incredible golden hour. We saw multiple crocs, snakes and rare to see birdlife (including a great billed heron!!!). The tour didn’t feel rushed and we spent a good amount of time with each sighting. Overall a very relaxing and beautiful sunset cruise which we would definitely recommend to anyone. Thank you Murray! -Gregor and Maddy
Review provided by Tripadvisor
831randalll
Jul 2, 2024
Jewel in the crown of the Daintree - There is no better way to experience the beauty of this region, than on a tour of the mighty Daintree River with Murray Hunt of Daintree Boatman. Some close encounters (but not too close) of large crocodiles, 3 species of gorgeous Kingfishers, the camouflaged Papuan Frogmouth, 2 species of Flycatchers, Green Tree Snake and much more. And not to forget Murrays very informative commentary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curious420624
Jun 10, 2024
A beautiful experience on the river - This is the second time we have done this cruise and both were truly wonderful experiences. Saw many wildlife including crocodiles, appreciated the landscape and rainforest and it was beautiful and peaceful being out on the river especially at that time of day. Murray is an excellent and very knowledgeable guide and also leaves quiet time for reflection. Thoroughly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Drdaz
Jun 9, 2024
Wonderful experience! - An excellent tour, in a stunning area, at a beautiful time of day. Murray is a great host, with a very keen eye, and a tonne of knowledge of the river and the nature on and around it. Can highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L1745chpaulj
Jun 6, 2024
Daintree River wildlife comes alive! - My cousin who lives in Newport, NSW recommended Murray as he had taken his kids a few years previously. Needless to say I was not disappointed! Murray is incredibly knowledgeable about the local environment whatever your particular interest (mine was birds) and a bloody nice bloke to boot! Crocs, snakes, kingfishers and other bird life of all shapes, colour and sizes, it didn’t matter, as with an almost uncanny knack, they all seemed to be exactly wherever Murray pointed the boat. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tihom2023
Jun 6, 2024
Best boat cruise - A fantastic boat ride on the daintree river. Skipper Murray was knowledgeable, deadpan witty and had a keen eye for creatures large and small, hidden in plain sight. The convertible electric boat was perfectly suited to the river. We benefited from Murray’s deep knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area. A highlight of our entire trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nztravellers2018a
May 29, 2024
First class nature river cruise - Fabulously informative river journey seeing crocs and some rare birds .. little kingfisher. Loved ge whole afternoon trip. Highly recommend to anyone who loves nature.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Murrayanddenise
May 25, 2024
Great Private tour - Thank you Murray for a great private tour which we all thoroughly enjoyed. Murray went to a great effort to ensure we got the best photo opportunities. We highly recommend the cruise to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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