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Early morning cruises, shortly after dawn, provide the best conditions to see the river at its most stunning, as well as the greatest chance to see wildlife of the Daintree River. Cruises are 2 hours in duration, and focus on highly sought-after birds, crocs and snakes, along with insight into the ecology of the mighty Daintree. Cruises are limited to a maximum of 10 passengers (with a minimum age of 6) to enable a personalised experience with cruises customised to the viewing hopes of passengers.
The vessel used is a unique ‘hybrid’, utilising a regular outboard and an incredible electric engine powered by a portable 24V lithium battery. The electric motor reduces wildlife disturbance leading to better wildlife observations.
Referred to in many ‘birding’ reference books, this famous cruise has been in operation for more than 30 years. Key target species include Azure Kingfisher, Little Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, Great-billed Heron, Saltwater Crocodile, Green Tree Snake, Water Dragon and butterflies.
This cruise is owned and operated by Murray Hunt, a professional guide with experience at some of the great locations around Australasia including Uluru, Kakadu and Fiordland. This business is a member of TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame.
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Next time I’m back here it’s Murray & Daintree Boatman for sure.
We were very fortunate to see Barrett the dominat male, an amazing sight to see with many other creatures big and small.
Highly recommend Daintree Boatman tour, you will walk away as we did with ever lasting memories.
Thank you once again Alex and Jody
We were lucky to spot three snakes, a male crocodile, and multiple birds and nests. The mangrove forest was beautiful, with flowers leaning gracefully toward the water. The peaceful early morning river, filled with natural sounds, was truly amazing.
We had been on other tours before, but this one felt much more private, unhurried, and thoughtful, allowing us to really take in the beauty around us.
Murray took great care of us and even extended the tour to make sure we had the chance to see the rare green heron.
I would highly recommend this experience!
We were able to see many types of birds, including a heron. We also were able to see two crocodiles, a tree snake, and a toad. I would recommend this to anyone even just for the experience of being able to take sometime out on the Daintree river to learn about it, and enjoy its beauty.
Thanks Murray!
We were recommended the Daintree Boatman by our hosts and thought the pricing for a 2 hour river trip was extremely good value.
As avid nature people we had high hopes to see some of Australia’s iconic wildlife.
We met a friendly, relaxed and very knowledgable guide who made us feel welcome at 6:30am!
This was the best experience we’ve had on our holiday. We were lucky enough to see crocodiles (at the wrong time of year). Our big ticket item was an azure kingfisher and thanks to the Daintree boatman’s incredible manoeuvring, knowledge of Barratt Creek and wildlife behaviour, we got within 6 feet of this beautiful bird.
Would recommend The Daintree Boatman to anyone as a must do experience whilst in FNQ.
A great trip and would recommend.
Not a long journey at all, but seeing great sights. :)
It was a small cruise which allows easy interaction between Murray and guests. He seems to be able to answer all the questions we posed!
Murray has a good eye for all the various wildlife, and we managed to spot some crocs and even float near a sea eagle for a couple of minutes.
Overall a great tour, and I would highly recommend it! Thanks Murray!
I have been on a number of his trips and always leave reflecting it is definitely one of the best nature experiences you can have in the region.
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!
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
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
Jacob
A very enjoyable and memorable time with the Boatman.
We saw abundant bird life, water plants, green tree snakes and crocodiles including a baby croc about a year old. The bird song was beautiful and each was identified for us by Murray. The feeling of peace and tranquility gliding down the river was surreal. I can’t recommend this cruise highly enough.
Beautiful Scenery, Birds, snakes
and of course Wild Crocidiles.
Small group tour with a knowledgeable and friendly Guide/Skipper
-Ask Murray the Skipper about the "Fancy Cows"
100% recommend.
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.



































