The Lady Douglas is an amazing cruise experience for families with children. The entire crew was friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about Mangrove areas. The boat departs from the Port Douglas Marina which is super convenient if you stay in town.

Review of the Lady Douglas Boat in Port Douglas

The boat itself was clean and well-maintained, with plenty of seating under a roof to protect you from the sun and the rain. The views from the boat were breathtaking, and the crew made sure that we were able to see all the best sights along the way.
One of the highlights of our Lady Douglas cruise was seeing not one, but three crocodiles in their natural habitat. The crew was incredibly knowledgeable about these amazing creatures and made sure to give us plenty of information about their behavior and habitat. We were able to observe the crocodiles from a safe distance, which was both thrilling and educational. It was an unforgettable experience for the whole family and one that we will treasure for years to come.

The Lady Douglas cruise not only offers stunning views and the opportunity to see wildlife up close but also includes a complimentary drink and food for all guests on board. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of the food that was provided, which included fresh fruit, cheese, and baked goods. The complimentary drink was also a nice touch, with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to choose from.

What is the best time to do a crocodile cruise?

The best time of year to see crocodiles in Port Douglas is during the warm, wet season from December to April. This is when the crocodiles are most active and visible, as they come out to bask in the sun and hunt for food in the rivers and estuaries.

Tip: Time your cruise with the tide. The lower the tide, the more chance you have to see crocs on the river banks. Our cruise was during a rising tide and we only saw crocodiles swimming.

A great experience for kids

What really stood out to me, however, was how well the crew interacted with the children on board. They were patient, friendly, and engaging, making sure that everyone, regardless of age, was having fun and learning about the local wildlife and environment. Our kids loved the educational aspect of the cruise, and it was wonderful to see them so engaged and excited. The kids even got to drive the boat for a few minutes.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Lady Douglas cruise to any family looking for a fun and educational experience on the water. The crew was amazing, the boat was fantastic, and the scenery was simply stunning. The whole cruise lasts only 90 minutes so it is a great activity if you want to spend the rest of the day relaxing in Port Douglas.
The cruise operates 3 or 4 times a day for 90 minutes trip and costs 40 AUD per person. You can book it directly on their website

 

For more things to do in Cairns, read my articles about the wildlife night tour, the Shangri La Hotel in Cairns, or how to find the best great barrier reef day cruise.