This Darwin Aquarium Lets You Swim With Gigantic Crocodiles

Sophia Softky is an armchair philosopher and wayward American trying…

If sharing an environment with one of the world’s deadliest predators sounds like your idea of a fun-filled afternoon, then Darwin’s Crocosaurus Cove, home to the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles, is the place for you. As the name suggests, massive Australian saltwater crocodiles are the main attraction at Crocosaurus Cove, and visitors to the centre can swim with, “fish” for, or even cuddle these prehistoric killing machines.

If you have nerves of steel, venture into the famous “Cage of Death” and be immersed into a pool containing a saltwater croc more than five meters in length. The crocs featured in the Cage of Death experience are generally well fed, so despite the name, you (probably) won’t actually die.

For the faint of heart, Crocosaurus Cove still has plenty to offer visitors interested in wildlife unique to Australia’s Top End. The centre boasts a turtle enclosure, a 200,000 litre freshwater tank containing barramundi, sawfish and whiprays, as well as a reptile enclosure with more than 70 species represented. For only $32 (or $160, including a trip to the Cage of Death), you can spend all day learning about, observing, and getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures while trying not to think about how they could totally swallow you whole if they felt like it.