Cage of Death, Darwin: Crocosaurus Cove crocodile swim prices

It is possible to swim with crocodiles in Darwin at Crocosaurus Cove’s Cage of Death. It’s like cage diving with sharks, albeit with a see-through acrylic box to protect swimmers from the crocs.

Swimming with crocodiles at the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove is a chance to experience something that would never normally be safe.

Under normal circumstances, there is absolutely no way you want to get into the water with a saltwater crocodile. Crocodiles kill an average of one to two people a year in Australia. They are ruthlessly efficient killing machines that have barely changed since the age of the dinosaurs.

Get the perfect time slot by booking your Darwin crocodile swim in advance.

In Darwin, capital of the huge Northern Territory, crocs are part of the culture. You have to swim in the Wave Lagoon to avoid them in Darwin Harbour or on the beaches. But the city also offers the unique opportunity to safely get in the water with some of the biggest crocodiles that have ever lived. These include big beasts that give Sweetheart at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory a run for his money.

The Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove

The Cage of Death is a very Australian version of diving with great white sharks. It’s available at Crocosaurus Cove, an attraction that’s home to giant saltwater crocs in the middle of Mitchell Street, Darwin’s main bar strip. You pay the money, get your swimming gear on, then get dunked in the crocodile’s enclosure. As swims go, it’s pretty nerve-wracking.

Your protection against the crocodiles during this adrenalin experience is a see-through acrylic box. Essentially, you’re in a cage being lowered into the water. What happens next is up to the massive crocodile.

In reality, the crocodiles might not be interested. They’ll only attack when they’re pretty sure of success, and might not bother if they’ve been fed recently. In the wild, they’ll sit in the same spot for days, working out what time a cow will come by for a drink of water.

The crocs used for the Cage of Death are pretty huge. Wendell is 5.5 metres long and weights 800 kilograms. They all have different techniques, too. Houdini prefers to stalk around the edge of the cage, while Denzel piles straight in for an all-out assault.

Cage of Death prices

If you want to swim with crocodiles in Darwin, Australia’s northernmost city, book in advance. The Cage of Death experience costs $180 for one person.

A considerably less stressful way to approach Darwin is mooching at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. The more history-inclined may prefer exploring the World War II Oil Storage Tunnels or visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility.

Anyone preferring to see wild crocodiles might be better off taking a cruise on the Yellow Water billabong. That’s in Kakadu, Australia’s largest national park. Crocodile cruises are also available on the Daintree River and Proserpine River in northern Queensland.

More Northern Territory experiences

Can I take a scenic flight over Kings Canyon?

Why can’t I climb Uluru?

Swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Where’s the best place for birdwatching in Kakadu National Park?

7 things that surprise visitors to Uluru.