Port Douglas: Dickson Inlet River Cruise & Crocodile Spotting

Summary

Port Douglas river cruise with croc spotting and local tales

You’ll board Lady Douglas in Port Douglas for a gentle river cruise through Dickson Inlet, spotting crocodiles and hearing local stories from your skipper. Enjoy complimentary snacks and a drink as you glide past shipwrecks and historic waterfront buildings. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing wildlife up close—and you might find yourself thinking back on that hush after your first croc sighting.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the Lady Douglas just as the sun was slipping behind the palms—everyone seemed to know each other, or maybe it was just that easygoing Port Douglas thing. The deck had this faint salty smell mixed with something sweet from the bar (ginger beer, I think). Our skipper, Dave, started chatting straight away—he’s one of those people who can point out a bird mid-sentence without missing a beat. He handed out activity sheets to the kids; one little girl immediately tried coloring a crocodile pink. That made her mum laugh.

The water on Dickson Inlet was so calm it felt like we were gliding instead of cruising. I didn’t expect to see so much life—there were crabs scuttling over the mudbanks and these weird little fish (mudskippers?) popping up like they owned the place. Dave slowed down near an old shipwreck and told us about storms that hit Port Douglas years ago; you could almost picture it. Then suddenly he nodded toward a log—except it blinked. Crocodile. Not huge, but still gave me goosebumps seeing it so close and so still.

As we looped past the marina, someone pointed out an old building with faded blue shutters—I forget its name now, but Dave said it used to be a customs house when Port Douglas was all gold rush and wild stories. The breeze picked up a bit then, and I sipped my drink (free from the bar—small detail but honestly appreciated). Kids were still giggling about their “pink croc” drawings. I kept looking back at that stretch of inlet where everything went quiet for a second after we saw the real thing—you know how some moments just stick?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cruise and wildlife spotting on Dickson Inlet

• Board Lady Douglas cruise
• Cruise up Dickson Inlet
• Spot shipwrecks, birds, crocodiles
• Observe crabs and mudskippers
• Cruise along Marina waterfront
• View historical Port Douglas buildings
• Enjoy coastline views

Top questions

Is the Port Douglas river cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on Lady Douglas are wheelchair accessible.

Are snacks included on the Dickson Inlet cruise?

Yes, complimentary snacks are provided during the cruise.

Will I definitely see crocodiles on this tour?

Crocodile sightings are common but not guaranteed as they are wild animals.

Is there commentary during the cruise?

Yes, your skipper provides live commentary throughout the trip.

Can children join this river cruise?

Yes, children are welcome and receive free activity colouring sheets.

Are drinks included on Lady Douglas cruises?

Your ticket includes one complimentary beverage from the bar.

How long is the river cruise in Port Douglas?

The full experience lasts around 1–1.5 hours depending on conditions.

Are service animals allowed onboard?

Yes, service animals are permitted on Lady Douglas cruises.

What’s included

Your cruise includes one complimentary drink from the bar (soft or alcoholic), snacks throughout the journey, fun activity colouring sheets for kids, plus live commentary by your local skipper as you explore Dickson Inlet—all while enjoying full wheelchair accessibility onboard Lady Douglas.