Getting bogged in my tinny at Shady Camp in Darwin turned into one of the wildest moments of my Northern Territory adventure. What started as a simple day on the water quickly escalated when the outgoing tide dropped faster than expected and left my tinny stuck deep in the mud, completely exposed in one of Australia’s most infamous saltwater crocodile hotspots. Shady Camp is known worldwide for its massive saltwater crocodiles and dense croc-infested waters, and when I stepped out to try and free the boat, the reality of just how close these prehistoric giants were became very real. I could hear splashes, see eyes in the water, and feel that intense pressure of being watched by apex predators perfectly adapted to these murky tidal flats.As the crocodiles cruised around me, waiting patiently in that eerie stillness, the entire situation forced me to stay calm, think clearly, and work my way out without making a single mistake (NOT). What makes this spot so unforgettable is that Shady Camp has some of the highest concentrations of wild crocodiles anywhere in the Northern Territory and World, and being stuck with them only a few metres away gave me a whole new respect for these incredible, powerful animals. The adrenaline, the isolation, and the sight of those massive crocs sliding through the water made this one of the most intense travel experiences I’ve ever had.