The World’s 7 Best Wildlife River Trips

1.Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,663 reviews · from $25Our pick

Spend an hour on the Daintree River aboard Solar Whisper, a quiet solar-assisted boat carrying no more than 24 people. Guides such as Mark and Dave point out named crocodiles, birds, frogs, snakes, and fish while sharing clear facts about the river and mangroves.

“Disappointed no crocs seen however the main issue is no refund just free entry if you return... Most people are on holidays and don't return so money wasted”

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2.Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,250 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $46

Leave Myrtle Beach’s beach strip behind for a shaded, two-hour boat ride through the Waccamaw River, Intracoastal Waterway, creeks, and swamps. Guides such as Agnes and Abigail mix local history with wildlife facts. Look for herons, osprey, egrets, turtles, cormorants, and alligators.

“This was great fun! Abigail gave so many interesting facts about the river and the history of the river and people. The ride was very smooth and interesting. Scenery was beautiful.”

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3.Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,052 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47

Cruise Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands and the Banana River with a captain and naturalist guide such as Diane or Rusty. Expect a relaxed, narrated 2-hour eco-tour with mangroves, dolphins, manatees, birds, onboard restrooms, and wheelchair access. Wildlife sightings vary with weather and season.

“Fantastic experience on the mangroves, managed to see multiple dolphins and manatees plus an abundance of different birds including osprey and ibis. Guides were extremely informative and answered our many questions. Highly recommend to anyone and I will definitely book another trip when I return. Thank you!!”

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4.1-Hour Daintree River wildlife cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 947 reviews · from $25

Spend one hour on the Daintree River with guides such as Bruce, Brad, Ray, or Griff, watching for crocodiles, kingfishers, tree snakes, and other wildlife. Choose a morning, lunch, or afternoon departure, with refreshments included and commentary on the river’s ecology, culture, and history.

“It’s was nice, we seen crocks and some nice story telling. Nice refreshing drink after the experience and something nice to eat.”

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5.Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 409 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Join Turtle Mound River Tours for a relaxed two-hour boat trip from New Smyrna Beach. Your captain and first mate point out dolphins, seasonal manatees, birds, turtles, fish, and sometimes alligators. You also learn about Turtle Mound and the Canaveral National Seashore.

“Jessie and Austin were fun and knowledgeable. Scenery was amazing! What a lovely way to spend the morning! Highly recommend!!”

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6.Daintree: River Rainforest Crocodile & Wildlife Cruise (DV)

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 346 reviews · 14 days · from $27

Take a one-hour Crocodile Express cruise through the Daintree River rainforest, with guides such as Neil and Justin pointing out crocodiles, birds, reptiles, and mangrove plants. One pass covers the Upper and Lower Daintree routes, so you can return for a second cruise and compare both sections.

“A peaceful cruise on the Daintree river with a very knowledgeable and friendly guide (Justin). Was great to know a bit about the forest and spotting a few crocs. Definitely worth it.”

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7.Darwin: Mary River Wetlands Wildlife Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 324 reviews · 8 hours · from $166

Travel from Darwin to Fogg Dam and Window on the Wetlands, then spend 2.5 hours on an open-air Mary River cruise. Guides such as Cam, Evan, Richard, and Luke share local stories while you watch saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, birds, water buffalo, and lotus flowers. Lunch and hotel pickup are included.

“It was a pleasant for the Bus was airconditioned and we wete picked on time.. The Tour Guide provided a really good commentary for the places of interest.The cruise was relaxing very informative about the plants, birds and the ecosystem of the Lagoon. He was knowledgeable and able to explain it well. . It was an interesting and enjoyable trip.”

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