Lets Talk About Darwin, Australia...
Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia with one of the most dramatic climates on the planet. With two distinct seasons (dry/hot) it lays claim to having the most lethal creatures in the world – some of which include box jellyfish, taipan snakes, bull sharks, and you called it… SALTWATER CROCODILES!
Not only does the croc roam freely in this neighborhood, Darwin is known for having more of these monsters than any other city in the world! When we were told we would be visiting this incredible place we knew we had to check out CROCOSAUROUS COVE and experience the CAGE OF DEATH for ourselves!
Crocosaurous Cove
Visit their website HERE
Located in Darwins City Centre and occupying an entire block is this three-story aquarium housing some of the most monstrous salt water crocodiles. Although there are other reptiles that call this place home (iguanas, lizards, geckos, turtles, frogs, rare pythons and lethal snakes) it is definitely known for its intimate underwater experience with massive scaly predators – which brings me to the Cage of Death aka Australias ONLY crocodile dive.
Cage of Death
For a chance to experience Australia’s Apex predator in its natural environment, the Cage of Death is an absolute MUST! You get an uninterrupted, 15 minute, face-to-face encounter with one of their largest crocodiles in the facility. You will watch as it circles your reinforced plastic enclosure and feed from meats dangling right beside you. This is definitely a thrill seekers paradise and such an adrenaline rush!
Honestly I knew this was something I wanted to do 10000% but I didn’t quite know what to expect… I can tell you from personal experience there is NOTHING like seeing this terrifying beast look you in the eye with only a few inches of plastic between the two of you. Watching its ginormous razor sharp teeth bite down on a piece of meat right in front of you while still keeping eye contact is something to get your heart pumping that’s for sure! I mean he only has a 3 ton bite force and all the strength + resilience of a modern day dinosaur!
The dive itself involves getting into a transparent tank filled with water with only a few feet of air left atop so you can head up for breath when needed. You are lowered in to the water from a monorail hanging above – quite an eerie feeling watching the croc circle the waters below awaiting your arrival. There are massive windows from underwater where spectators gather in crowds to watch the beast stalk its new prey… YOU.
If you are a traveler with an absolute craving for danger – this is definitely something you need to add to your bucket list!
Okay... So Now For the Tips
- Cage of Death is currently experiencing VERY HIGH traffic and you will need to BOOK IN ADVANCE. Make sure you plan ahead so you can dive with these magnificent creatures!
- Cost: 1 Person $135.75 / 2 Person $209.44 (US dollars); Prices include a full day entrance into the Cove when diving concludes.
- What to Wear: Something comfortable that you don’t mind getting wet (preferably a swimsuit) + Something that will look good in pictures 😉 FYI: You will be wearing a snorkel mask to see under water so keeping your hair up is preferable to avoid a tangled hair mess.
- Schedule: There are 11 dives per day ranging from 9:30am to 5:00pm – Crocosaurus Cove is open every day of the week.
- They practice under an Animal Welfare Statement: All animal handling is conducted in a way which seeks to avoid unnecessary discomfort, behavioral stress or actual physical harm to the animals – as recommended by the EAZA Standards for the Accommodations and Care of Animals in Zoos and Aquaria.
- Minimum age is 15 years old and ID is required for proof of age. Persons between the ages of 15-17 must be accompanied by an adult (>18yrs).
- Participants must arrive 30 minutes prior to dive time for additional safety briefing.
- FYI: During the dry season (May-Sept) feeding performances may be affected due to lack of appetite. Our dive was in late May and they were plenty hungry in the morning!