Locals Only Boat Safari at WILDFOTO in Marrakai NT
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for anyone comfortable sitting for extended periods on a boat with short bursts of movement
Overview
Join WILDFOTO’s local expert Paul Thomsen for a hands-on wildlife photography boat safari in Marrakai’s wild floodplains. This no-frills outing offers Top End residents a genuine chance to hone skills amid saltwater crocodiles and diverse bird species.
Locals only Boat Safari
Ages 15+ • 4 Hours • Nature Photos with World Class Photographer
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About This Adventure
Join local expert Paul for an exhilarating wildlife photography adventure on the water! Capture stunning images alongside him while learning valuable tips. This unique experience offers a chance to bond over photography without the usual pampering, making it a memorable outing for Top End residents. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity!
Do wildlife photography and learn tips with a local expert!
Duration
4 Hours
About
With all these tours and looking after clients, its sometimes hard for us to take photos ourselves! With this in mind we are offering trips out in the boat with Paul just for locals – and for a much reduced price. But beware – Paul isn’t going to pamper you! :)
You are just going out taking photos with him and he’ll be taking photos too!
He might not feed you to the crocs if you steal one of his cold water bottles from the esky – but you get the idea.
You’ll just be a mate on the boat taking photos too – and therefore mates rates it is.
The idea is you pay for the costs along with a bit extra to tap into Paul’s experience and Paul gets to take photos too! Note these trips can only be confirmed 2 weeks before commencement – as larger multi-day tours by interstate/international clients would need to take priority.
Start and Finish Times
Sunrise/Sunset times vary so check with me but the below is a guide :)
Morning Boat Tour - be at WILDFOTO property at 6.30am for a 7pm boat launch. If requiring pickup from Darwin this would be 5.30am. Out of the water around 10.30am. Drop off back in Darwin at 12pm noon if picked up.
Evening boat tour – be at WILDFOTO property at 2pm for a 2.30pm boat launch. If requiring pickup from Darwin this would be 1pm. Out of the water around 6.30pm. Drop off back in Darwin at 8pm if picked up.
Please note this is for local Top End residents only.
Adventure Tips
Bring your own camera gear
This trip centers on photography, so bring your camera and lenses – no gear rentals are provided.
Arrive prepared for early starts
Morning tours launch at 7:00 AM, so plan for a 6:30 AM arrival at the WILDFOTO property.
Wear insect repellent
The Top End’s riverine environment can have significant insects, especially near dawn and dusk.
Mind wildlife safety
Stay seated and follow Paul’s guidance around saltwater crocodiles; this is a wild environment.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Saltwater crocodile
- Jabiru stork
History
The Mary River floodplain area around Marrakai is part of Aboriginal lands with rich traditions and has been a vital waterway for millennia.
Conservation
WILDFOTO promotes respectful wildlife interactions, emphasizing minimal disturbance to habitats during their boat safaris.
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Adventure Hotspots in Darwin
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
DSLR or mirrorless camera
Essential to capture the diverse wildlife and river landscapes.
Polarizing filter
Helps reduce glare from water and enhances sky and foliage contrast.
Wide-brimmed hat
Protects against sun exposure during the boat safari.
summer|spring|fall specific
Insect repellent
Crucial for comfort in the insect-prone Top End environment.
summer|fall|spring specific