If your idea of a good time is encasing yourself in a clear tube and getting lowered into a crocodile pond, then the Cage of Death is for you.
Ah, vacation! A chance to kick back, relax, turn off your phone and scare the ever-loving bejeezus out of yourself by getting up close and personal with some motorcycle-sized crocodiles that could eat you for breakfast and still want brunch afterwards. Welcome to the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove, an up-close reptile experience in Darwin, Australia.
The Cage of Death, dubbed “Australia’s only crocodile dive experience,” looks like an oversized jam jar suspended in croc-infested water. It’s big enough for a couple of people to fit inside. Hopefully, it will also muffle your screams as huge hungry reptiles snack on raw meat right in front of your face.
The Cage of Death operates via an overhead monorail. It dangles you above a croc pond before lowering you down to croc-level. Prices start at AU$165 (US$125, £100). You will need to sign a waiver and receive safety training before going in.
Crocodiles may seem scary (and it’s good to have a healthy fear of them), but they are also fascinating creatures. Crocosaurus Cove is home to nearly 200 crocodiles, including “some of the largest saltwater crocodiles on the planet.” The sanctuary’s biggest-croc honor goes to Wendell, a 1,760-pound (800-kilogram) behemoth named after a rugby player.
If the Cage of Death isn’t enough for you and you want to make actual skin contact with a crocodile, Crocosaurus Cove also offers opportunities to hold a 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 crocodile, which is a lot safer than trying to cuddle with a full-size adult. Plus, 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 crocs are cute.
