Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

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Highlights

  • Travel by spacious catamaran: Provides ample viewing space

  • Learn about local wildlife and heritage from on-board naturalists

  • Choice of departure times to suit your schedule

Summary

This cruise departs from a private dock in Bay Bulls, about 25 minutes from downtown St. John's, Newfoundland.   At the dock, step aboard a catamaran equipped with a spacious viewing platform. The catamaran can accommodate up to 100 people on its outside decks, and its interior cabin can fit all passengers comfortably in the event of inclement weather. This is the only tour vessel in Newfoundland with such capacity.   Your captain navigates the boat to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, located at the end of Iceberg Alley. Icebergs drift along the coast from Greenland each spring and summer, and by the time they reach the reserve, they have been sculpted by the seas, sun, waves and shoreline to create incredible shapes.   On board, crew and naturalists share insight into the 2.5 million seabirds and the large populations of whales that call the reserve home. Peak whale watching takes place from mid-June through mid-August. (Your crew will do its best to make sure you see whales, but sightings are not guaranteed.) The guides and crew are equipped with wireless microphones and are happy to answer your questions or repeat information as you like.   The boat will stop along sheltered areas of the islands that comprise the Reserve. Snap photos of nesting sites and watch seabirds in their natural habitat. Some species you may see include Atlantic puffins, common murres, black guillemots, northern gannets, greater shearwaters and northern fulmars.

Tour info

Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Get an up-close view of Newfoundland's natural wonders with a cruise through the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Depending on the time of year, you can will see puffins and other seabirds, whales, or icebergs—perhaps all of them on one tour. Traveling in a spacious catamaran means you can take advantage of ample viewing areas, and commentary from on-board naturalists provides insight into Newfoundland’s natural heritage.

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What’s included?

  • All tours hosted by an experienced, local guide

  • All safety equipment is provided as per requirements set forth by Transport Canada Marine Safety

  • Passengers are provided a pre-departure safety briefing

  • Free parking available on site

  • Vessel is washroom equipped

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

  • Gratuities

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 1h 30m

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Current COVID19 information is provided on our web site and is updated as local guidelines are amended.

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Operator Website

Operated by:

Gatherall's Puffin and Whale Watch

About operator:

Experience whales, puffins and icebergs in Newfoundland with the Gatherall family and crew. Gatherall's original cruise has been finely tuned over three decades to provide you with an incredible experience. This 90 minute tour features the islands of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and the surrounding waters and headlands. For your comfort and safety, service is provided on our large modern catamaran. Relax and enjoy the sights while our professional, knowledgeable and personable guides provide a live interpretation of the fascinating sights above, below and around us. Sightings of wildlife varies by season.

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