NORTHERN Territory News photographer Katrina Bridgeford captured the moment when a 5.5m saltwater crocodile leapt out of the water, giving tourists a moment they'll never forget.

Yes, it is real.

Ms Bridgeford took this amazing front page photograph of Brutus, a 5.5m saltwater croc, giving a boatload of tourists a once-in-a-lifetime moment on the Adelaide River, just over 100km south of Darwin, last week.

The NT News photographer was on the cruise with sons Jordan, 14, and Dylan Woodward, 11, of Sydney, NSW, four-year-old niece Skye Bridgeford and boyfriend Daniel Wilson.

Son Dylan had only two words when the massive man eater rose out of the water in front of the group: ``Holy crap!''

The huge saltwater crocodile, which is missing its right front leg, is a favourite with tourists on the Adelaide River Jumping Croc Cruises, because he loves his meal of buffalo meat and always puts on a good show for it.

“There was a lot of oos and ahs and oh my god” Ms Bridgeford said.

“I wasn't expecting anything like this. I couldn't believe how close it got to us. If you put your hand out, you would've touched it.”

Jumping crocodile cruises are a major tourist attraction in the Territory with several operators providing their services along the croc-infested Adelaide River.

But Brutus doesn't always get it his own way.

Cruise operator Harry Bowman said the 80-year-old crocodile lost his front leg in a shark attack.

It must have been a hell of a big shark.

Did you see Brutus showing off? If so, the NT News would like to hear from you. Please email: ntcos@ntnews.com.au

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