Top Northern Territory Water Tours

Discover the rich marine life and fascinating maritime history of Darwin Harbour on a sightseeing cruise. Learn how human activity has shaped the working harbor, from aboriginal uses to World War II bombings and the hippie movement of the 1970s. Visit the site of a shipwreck, wind through a mangrove waterway, and watch the patterns of modern-day boat traffic while your captain narrates. Keep a close eye out for native birds, sea creatures, and crocs that call the harbor home.

Discover the Top End with Wildlife Tours Australia on an unforgettable 1-day adventure to Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls. Cruise through the jaw-dropping cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge on a 2-hour NitNit Dreaming boat tour, then swim or relax at the peaceful tiered pools of Edith Falls (Leliyn). Along the way, visit the Jawoyn-run Nitmiluk Visitor Centre to connect with local culture and enjoy stops in historic NT towns like Adelaide River or Pine Creek. This small-group tour is led by expert local guides who bring the region’s stories to life. With flexible scheduling based on seasonal conditions and boat availability, every tour offers a safe, immersive experience. Support Indigenous communities, explore iconic landscapes, and experience the Northern Territory’s wild beauty in one spectacular day. Book with Wildlife Tours Australia – where nature, culture, and adventure meet.

In February 1942, the North Australian city of Darwin was bombed by Japanese forces. With this two-for-one deal, cruise around the Darwin waterfront on the Bombing of Darwin cruise, sailing by landmarks like the wreck sites of the SS Neptuna and USS Peery; then visit the historic Royal Flying Doctor Tourist Facility and hear the local stories of those air raids. Don’t organize these two attractions separately; book in advance and confirm them for the same day.

See where World War II bombs fell on Darwin on this harbour cruise. On 19 February 1942, Japanese planes targeted Allied ships in Darwin’s waters, causing mass destruction. Board an open-sided boat to cruise by these and other landmarks as you hear stories of the fateful day and Darwin’s wartime history. See remnants of the raids and underwater shipwreck sites, and sail by historical wharfs, pearling luggers, and other maritime locations. Live commentary included.

Experience the magic of a sunset in the Aussie outback, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Katherine Gorge. Travel along the Katherine River on a sunset boat tour, tuck into a delicious 3-course dinner onboard, and sip sparkling wine as you watch the sunset over the rugged landscapes of the Nitmiluk National Park.

Soak up a magical Top End sunset from aboard the Charles Darwin, a 3-level catamaran with a fully licensed bar whilst you enjoy a gourmet grazing platter. Cruise past signature Darwin sights, such as Cullen Bay and the Esplanade, as the city lights up and the crew tell tales of Dawin's History !

If you’re short on time while touring the Top End, this action-packed day trip to Litchfield National Park is ideal for you. The park is famous for its glorious waterfalls, and you’ll see these up-close on a guided nature walk. You’ll also get the chance to swim in refreshing rock pools and spot wildlife, including kangaroos, flying foxes, and rare birds. Learn about the park’s biodiversity while having fun.

The Adelaide River is renowned for its high population of saltwater crocodiles and is just a 1-hour drive from downtown Darwin. With this 1-hour cruise, set sail along the scenic river and have the opportunity to see wild crocodiles in their natural environment. Watch the crocodiles feeding, swimming, or resting on the shore from the safety of the boat as you learn about the fascinating creatures from your guide.

Wetlands made Kakadu National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Yellow Water Billabong is one of the most beautiful. Join Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises on a guided journey of discovery among crocodiles, eagles, and reflecting waters. The wildlife, like the light, changes throughout the day.

Discover the scenic interior of the Katherine Gorge during an informative boat cruise in Nitmiluk National Park. Travel deep into the network of waterways that flow through the Katherine Gorge. Hear stories from your guide about the wildlife and Aboriginal people of this land, the Jawoyn. Enjoy views of the gorge that many visitors miss as they’re not accessible by road.

Experience the thrill of seeing saltwater crocodiles on a jumping crocodile cruise down the Adelaide River about an hour southeast of Darwin. A great way to come face to face with these magnificent creatures, this cruise also offers visitors the chance to learn about the ecology of the river and its incredible inhabitants. Great for wildlife lovers, this Indigenous-owned tour company focuses on sustainable interactions and has been endorsed by the NT Parks & Wildlife for its animal ethics policies.

Attractions such as Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park show that you don’t need to go far from Alice Springs to see the beautiful landscapes of the Australian Outback. However, they can be a challenge to reach on your own. This full-day tour makes visiting easy, though, as you’re driven to Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, and other natural wonders and then shown about by a group guide.

Starting from Darwin, this Adelaide River Adventure includes a scenic drive to the Adelaide River wetlands, where you’ll learn about the wildlife species that call these waterways home—including the saltwater crocodile. You’ll then go on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise to see these crocs in their natural habitat. A local Indigenous owned and operated venture, the cruise is a great way to support the Traditional Custodians of this Country.

Ensure you get the best sunset vista by heading out onto the water on this cruise across Darwin Harbour. Aboard a large, ocean-going catamaran with plenty of deck space, sit under the sails or in the air-conditioned salon and toast the setting sun with a glass of sparkling wine before enjoying a tapas/barbecue dinner while soaking up the views—if you wish, you can bring your own drinks and keep them chilled in the on board coolers.

Set out from Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin for a fabulous sunset cruise accompanied by a meal of fish and chips, and a complimentary drink. Relax and enjoy watching a colorful Top End sunset over Fannie Bay from the best spot in Darwin Harbour. Your captain stops at Cullen Bay Beach to pick up your meal, which is made with fresh wild–caught Northern Territory fish. Eat a classic Australian dish, snap photos and enjoy the beauty of Darwin during this memorable sunset cruise.

This cruise requires your own transport. Only 90 minutes drive, on your way to Kakadu, is a wetland experience not to be missed. Corroboree Billabong is part of the beautiful Mary River Wetlands and apart from teeming with birdlife, it boasts the largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world. View these prehistoric creatures in their natural environment cruising past our vessel or basking on the banks. The sunset cruise allows you to view the wildlife during their active periods. Birds are trying to catch their final meals for the evening and crocodiles are on the move ready for a night of hunting. Add to this a spectacular sunset over the floodplains as we gently cruise around the Billabong and it`s easy to understand why this is one of our most popular cruises. Guests are provided with amazing photograph opportunities throughout the entire cruise as the sun sinks below the horizon. We are the only company in this region offering sunset cruises to their customers.

Nitmiluk National Park (formerly Katherine Gorge National Park) is one of the Top End’s most dazzling destinations—but at a 7-hour round trip from Darwin, it’s a challenging drive. Leave navigation to your accredited Outback driver/guide on this low-stress package, which includes a cruise between the glowing sandstone walls of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and a guided bush walk (fitness permitting) to the tumbling Edith Falls cascades.

There are few ways of getting close to 19-foot (6-meter) long saltwater crocodile safely, but the Jumping Croc Cruise is one. On a sturdy boat with well-trained staff you’ll cruise out onto the Adelaide River, looking for crocs. Staff will entice the animals with food, causing them to jump high in the air. This is an unmissable Northern Territory experience, and one that you’re sure to remember. Learn about the unique animals of the top end on a low-impact tour that respects the environment and its inhabitants.

Experience the Yellow Water River Cruise filled with an abundance of birds and wildlife, Ngourlangie Rock Art Gallery, Warradjan Cultural Centre and the Wetlands Bird Hide. Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, is one of Australia’s most celebrated natural and cultural landscapes. Spanning over 20,000 square kilometers, it is home to diverse ecosystems, from wetlands and floodplains to sandstone escarpments and dense forests. Its rich cultural history, both natural and Aboriginal, makes it an essential destination for those wanting to experience Australia’s wild heart.

Explore the World War II sites of Darwin on this city sightseeing and cruise tour. Visit the Darwin war memorial and East Point Military Precinct, and explore Darwin Military Museum to chart the city’s wartime experience. Midway through, enjoy a small-boat cruise around Darwin Harbour, passing the modern naval base and the remnants and wreck sites of Japan’s devastating February 1942 air raids. Hotel pickup, entrance fees, and live onboard commentary included.

Take a half-day tour from Darwin that includes a crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River and a stop at Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve to see abundant birdlife. Watch crocodiles jump up from the river to snatch hunks of meat just outside your boat, then take in the region's wildlife and wetlands. This wildlife tour is a great way to get close to a few risky creatures in a safe environment.

Maximize your chances of spotting native Australian wildlife on this full-day tour from Darwin to Corroboree Billabong, where saltwater crocodiles and native birdlife are abundant. Step aboard a shaded, open-sided boat designed for optimal viewing, with live commentary helping you spot and understand the wildlife around you. The day also includes a stop at the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre, lunch, and round-trip hotel transport—so you can experience the Top End’s wildlife without the planning, driving, or guesswork.

Darwin’s Jumping Crocodile cruise is one of the most popular ways to see the Northern Territory’s infamous wild crocodiles. With this tour, avoid the stress of organizing your own transport to the remote tour departure point and take a ride on the air-conditioned Croc Bus instead. Stop along the way to see the World’s largest boxing crocodile at the Humpty Doo Hotel, enjoy a thrilling crocodile-watching cruise along the Adelaide River, then go wildlife-watching at Fogg Dam.