Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman
By Daintree Boatman Wildlife Cruises
About
Discover the natural wonders of the UNESCO-listed Daintree Rainforest from the water on this early morning cruise. Set sail along the Daintree River at dawn when the cooler temperatures are ideal for wildlife watching and cruise through the scenic wetlands and mangrove forests. Along the way, look out for wildlife such as crocodiles, snakes, kingfishers, and herons; and learn about the region’s unique ecosystems from your guide.
from per adult
AU$70.00
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 4-99, max of 10 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Stunning views of the Daintree Rainforest from the water
- Dawn cruise: experience the river at its most tranquil
- Spot crocodiles and exotic birds in their natural environment
- Small boat cruise with a maximum of 10 passengers
- Driver/guide
- Entry/Admission - Daintree Boatman Wildlife Cruises
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Departure details
- Daintree Public Boat Ramp, Riverview Caravan Park, 2 Stewart St, Daintree QLD 4873, Australia Daintree Village boat ramp, beside Riverview Lodge & Van Park, 150m downhill from the Daintree Village Hotel
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 86779P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Recommended to bring a hat and jacket for weather protection
- Most travellers can participate
- Vessel is roofless but has a dual Bimini roof that can be erected in inclement conditions
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- How much is Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman?
- Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman price starts from AU$71.11. Discover and book Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman on Tripadvisor
- What is the Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman cancellation policy?
- Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman?
- Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman is hosted by Daintree Boatman Wildlife Cruises. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Daintree Boatman Wildlife Cruises on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 2h. Discover and book Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 86779P1
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Itinerary
- You'll start atDaintree Public Boat RampRiverview Caravan Park, 2 Stewart St, Daintree QLD 4873, AustraliaDaintree Village boat ramp, beside Riverview Lodge & Van Park, 150m downhill from the Daintree Village HotelSee address & details
- 1Daintree Boatman Wildlife CruisesStop: 2 hours - Admission includedStart your day with a cruise on the mighty Daintree river.  This 2 hour cruise takes you on journey of discovery exploring the main river and its tributaries in search of iconic wildlife including crocodiles, birds and snakes.  The dawn cruise showcases the river at is most picturesque and serene as the boat travels along the smooth waters of the Daintree river.  The river meanders through tranquil farmland and into the bounds of the Daintree rainforest from its freshwater origins into the saline tributaries to explore the mangroves and surrounds.  The small boat allows for up to 10 passengers to experience the river in comfort with a professional guide to personalise the experience. Tours depart from the Daintree Village boat ramp.Read more
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- gcincinnati0 contributionsOur top experience in Daintree!Murray led a phenomenal tour that far exceeded our expectations. Be prepared to see the crocs in their natural habitat, hear their backstories, and spot animals you didn't even know were there after he's pointed them out to you! The Tawny Frogmouth? It's hard to spot the pair, but Murray found them! We followed Barrett, the big man on the river, during his evening patrol on our way back to the dock. It was a truly unforgettable experience that we won't soon forget. Murray's website offers much more information than you can read here, so I recommend you go there for more personalized plans and details about the trip!Written 13 November 2023
- 452leer0 contributionsExcellent wildlife experienceWe had a great boat tour with the Daintree Boatman. We did both the morning and late afternoon cruises and they did not disappoint. Murray clearly knows his plants and animals and loves his Daintree River and its habitat. Highly recommend!Written 27 October 2023
- kenwK2315UM0 contributionsOur evening cruise was fantastic.We went on an evening cruise in mid-October and enjoyed every minute. Our guide was excellent in all respects. He was extremely knowledgeable of all the flora and fauna in the area and knew where to find the best available specimens. While there was a scarcity of wildlife at the time of our visit (bad luck), we were still able to see a good variety of reptiles and birds. We have several excellent photos to prove it. We highly recommend this tour, especially for the dedicated birder.Written 22 October 2023
- Dream068869055330 contributionsBetter than I thoughtVery interesting & informative - and to see the crocodiles was awesome! Craig knew alot about everything. Beautiful space.Written 11 October 2023
- 864bradleyn0 contributionsDaintree Boatman a must-see highlight of FNQ.Fantastic cruise with an abundance of birdlife, crocs and a few snakes. Murray is an encyclopedia of local and wildlife knowledge, delivered with a calmness befitting the natural beauty. An avid bird watcher was also on our tour and Murray was up to the task! The boat was super comfy and everyone had an excellent vantage point. Serene. A+. A highlight of our 3 weeks in FNQ.Written 1 October 2023
- Z9872CGjacobh0 contributionsSuperb!Simply brilliant. Me and my family have been on a number of wildlife experiences before and this, by a long way, was the best. From start to finish the experience was fantastic. Murray was incredibly knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. Furthermore his sharp eye and quick directions meant we saw an incredible amount of wildlife in two hours (as well as beautiful scenery). If you go to the Daintree this tour is a must. I’m just disappointed we didn’t have time in our schedule to fit in a morning tour as well :) Thanks JacobWritten 6 September 2023
- JoN3140 contributionsOutstandingWe had a fabulous trip with Murray. He was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all the wildlife we saw. He gave me great advice about when was the best time to view the river and ensured we had the best experience possible. Highly recommended, we will definitely go againWritten 5 September 2023
- sherolynv10 contributionsDaintree river sunset cruiseWas such a great experience and we learnt so much from our extremely knowledgeable boatman Alex. Saw three crocodiles which was what we really wanted to see but in the end it was the bird life that stole the show. All the birds flying down the Daintree to roost at sunset is an experience we will never forget. Thankyou Alex it was great and the fact that it’s only a small capacity made it even more special.Written 30 August 2023
- 241victoriav0 contributionsMemorable evening wildlife cruise on the Daintree riverI loved hearing more about the plants and animals an d birds that live here and we saw a very satisfying number of them from the comfort of the boat! I loved the Papuan frogmouths, four pairs seen! also three kinds of egret including thousands returning cattle egrets, a little great and an eastern great egret. It was very interesting to know more about the large proportion of the worlds mangroves found on the Daintree and see a few crocodiles and quite a large number of snazzy green and gold snakes easily see on nearby branches over the river. It was good to see hibiscus and lilies among the mangroves. A memorable experience including a rainbow as we sheltered from a shower under the awning the way home.Written 26 August 2023
- AnnaGee123450 contributionsNature focussed sunset cruise - simply breathtakingThis is the second time we have visited Daintree and done this river cruise. Small groups focussing on nature and the river. Very knowledgable guide and tailored for all guests on the 12 seat boat. We saw an abundance of birds, crocodiles, plants and even a tree snake. This is by far the best tour on the river and I would recommend it to all. Plenty of time to look for birds, rest in the calm inlets and creeks and enjoy nature. I recommend you bring along a good camera and a pair of binoculars.Written 17 August 2023
- HayleyR1234560 contributionsAmazing experience!We had a brilliant time! Murray was so knowledgeable and we saw and learnt so much. Would really recommend!Written 12 August 2023
- markpU2640AK0 contributionsTwilight splendourA great evening cruise with a very knowledgeable guide on a glorious evening Great to see crocodiles in their natural world Was a great experienceWritten 12 August 2023
- cham0240 contributionsA great way to experience wildlife in the wildThis was a fantastic trip which all of us (two adults + 15 + 13 year olds) really enjoyed. We were delighted to get great views of several (very large!) crocodiles plus loads of beautiful and interesting birds. Really enjoyed ticking them off on the spotters sheet provided. Murray told us loads of interesting things about the wildlife we saw, especially the habits of the local crocodiles. A thoroughly enjoyable, inspiring and memorable part of our holiday. Thank you.Written 9 August 2023
- heatherhP4769SI0 contributionsDon't miss itGoing out on the river with Murray is why we have been visiting Daintree Village for the past 10 years. It is an unmissable experience, enjoying the unique wildlife and vegetation along the banks while being treated to Murray's inexhaustible knowledge of what we are looking at.Written 3 August 2023
- audtown0 contributionsWorth the visitGreat wildlife tour! Saw crocs, a frog, herons, tawny frogmouth and lots of kingfishers! Thanks MurrayWritten 2 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
156 reviews
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Clay N
1 contribution
Oct. 2023 • Family
We had a wonderful experience with Murray on our Daintree River cruise! The small group (6) and nimble boat, along with Murray’s encyclopedic knowledge and spot-on instincts for finding wildlife, made it an unforgettable tour. Though it was not prime croc-spotting season, he found two, along with two beautiful Common/Green Tree Snakes (how he spotted them I can’t fathom). He also located and identified a large number of birds for the hard-core birders that made up most of our tour group.
Written 3 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
New Zealand105 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
This was simply amazing! Three of us took Murray's tour. My mate and I have birded all over the world. Murray knows his birds, knows his river and is an extremely clear and precise guide. Even my non-birding wife was blown away by our 2 hours with Murray. Whether you are a keen birder or just interested in wildlife, I can't recommend this trip highly enough. The Daintree is magical early morning, there's plenty to see and we had the added interest of seeing Barret (ask Murray about Barret). Many thanks, Murray, your tour was a highlight of our two weeks in Queensland and NT.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MurrayH206
Ahhh brilliant. Thank you for your wonderful review 😀
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul E
Waterford, Ireland6 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
This was a wonderful experience led by Murray, whose knowledge of the wildlife and ability to find and explain, was second to none. Highly recommended
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MurrayH206
Thank you very much. I appreciate your kind comment’s particularly regarding clear commentary as this is not commonly referred to. With thanks, Murray
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rebecca B
Didcot, UK22 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Our cruise with Murray was absolutely fantastic. The boat is small and quiet and the views all round are superb. Murray is immensely knowledgeable and found so much for us to see that we would never have seen alone (frogmouths, snakes, fig parrot). We had wonderful views of three crocodiles and Murray conveyed masses of information while we quietly cruised along. Highly recommended for anyone interested in nature!
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MurrayH206
Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed your cruise. You've been lucky - crocs are getting pretty difficult to find now that the water is getting warm.
Written 9 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Geoff U
3 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Excellent tour , plenty of interest for general nature enthusiasts and expert spotting of birds for the keen birders. We had great views of some of the star target species like Great-billed Heron, Black-necked Stork and Papuan Frogmouth plus a few nice surprises including Buff-banded Rail. Murray was keen to know what species the birders particularly wanted to see, and if he didn't manage to find them he gave good advice about where to look.
A very comfortable boat trip, my wife who is not such a keen birder thoroughly enjoyed it too, a very peaceful and serene experience.
Geoff Upton, UK
A very comfortable boat trip, my wife who is not such a keen birder thoroughly enjoyed it too, a very peaceful and serene experience.
Geoff Upton, UK
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MurrayH206
Great! Thank you for your kind review. I'm pleased that a good variety of the key birds and animals turned up for you.
Written 9 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen A
1 contribution
Sep. 2023 • Solo
I am so pleased I took the 6.30am private wildlife (birds, crocs & snakes) photography tour. It was the highlight of the holiday, gliding along the serene river. Murray, the Daintree Boatman, is brilliant at spotting wildlife and will tailor the tour to what you want to see. I got some fabulous video of beautiful birds on my camcorder, fantastic memories of a wonderful trip. Highly recommended.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MurrayH206
Terrific! I really appreciate that you've taken the effort to leave a review. Thank you.
Written 9 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ALY
2 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Tour was wonderful. Informative about reptile, bird species and the ecology of the river. The tour was not rushed and considered the needs of all onboard from the bird enthusiasts with professional zoom lenses on their cameras to the average nature admirer with a phone camera.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MurrayH206
Thank you for your review. (As you state), Each cruise I try to cater as best as possible to the varying interests of each cruise guest.
Written 10 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jon Westaway
Cairns, Australia1 contribution
Sep. 2023 • Solo
I'm a very enthusiastic bird/ wildlife photographer and the Daintree area has some of the most stunning birds residing there. So, when I had the chance to join Murray on his dawn river cruise, I could hardly refuse. Murray is a very experienced and knowledgeable guide. He took our small group out and within minutes had us in front of my key target species, the Great-billed Heron. I had only ever seen this bird from a great distance, and here on the Daintree River, we were in front of it in minutes. Slowly moving along the river we came across very large estuarine crocodiles, Stunning Kingfishers and many other birds that we were able to photograph from the comfort and safety of Murray's vessel.
A very enjoyable and memorable time with the Boatman.
A very enjoyable and memorable time with the Boatman.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MurrayH206
Thank you. This cruise sounds like one of those wonderful mornings when everything works - the sun shining, the tide low, birds and crocs co-operating putting on a show! This is what I aim for every cruise! 😀
Written 10 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janet N
Canberra, Australia11 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
This was the best wildlife cruise I’ve ever been on. I took my Mum who was in her late 80’s and she really enjoyed it too and was easily able to get into the boat. Beautiful bird life including an Azure and Sacred kingfisher were highlights, as were the green tree snakes poking their heads out of hollowed logs. Big crocs and a baby croc too. I can’t recommend this cruise with Murray highly enough !!
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MurrayH206
Thank you for your wonderful review.
Written 10 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David C
Adelaide, Australia32 contributions
Aug. 2023
I went on 2 dawn cruises on 11-12 August.
Having done many other such cruises in tropical Australia, , I thought that this ranked with the best. Murray was good at spotting things of interest (orchids, birds, snakes, crocodiles) and patient in helping us to see them. His commentary was all informative.
Personally I'm most interested in birds, and least interested in crocodiles, but realise that tastes differ.
The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful.
Having done many other such cruises in tropical Australia, , I thought that this ranked with the best. Murray was good at spotting things of interest (orchids, birds, snakes, crocodiles) and patient in helping us to see them. His commentary was all informative.
Personally I'm most interested in birds, and least interested in crocodiles, but realise that tastes differ.
The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful.
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MurrayH206
Thank you David. Every cruise I try to find a good assortment of birds, plants, animals for everyone and am only satisfied when all guests have had a good view.
Written 17 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
