Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Best location.
Best crew.
Best tour boat.
Cruise to the incredible Witless Bay Ecological Reserve for your chance to watch puffins, whales, and icebergs. Wildlife attractions vary with the time of year. Puffins nest May through to mid-September. Whale season peaks mid-June through mid-August. Whale sometimes sighted before and after peak period. Icebergs typically appear May to mid-June. Whales and or icebergs are not guaranteed on any given cruise.
Enjoy entertaining and educational live commentary provided by on board naturalists and crew. Learn about Newfoundland's marine wildlife and heritage from your enthusiastic, knowledgeable, professional guides during this awesome adventure. Our catamaran offers the most space for your comfort. Our tour boat offers the greatest range to improve chance of encountering whales and other marine wildlife.
Tours duration is a minimum of 90 minutes. Tour boat has indoor accommodations for all guests. Transport Canada Certified crew & boat.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Participants are advised to regard all instruction provided by the vessel crew
Direction/guidance is provided to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers
Depending on vessel movement/sea conditions, passengers may be advised by the crew to refrain from standing or to remain seated during certain portions of the cruise
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Whales and or icebergs cannot be guaranteed on any given cruise.
If in the event that the activity is cancelled on the part of Gatherall’s at any time prior to or during the scheduled activity, participants can elect to either reschedule at no additional charge or will receive a full refund.
Transportation is available from select hotels - additional fees applicable - must be confirmed two hours in advance of tour. Contact Gatherall's
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All safety equipment is provided as per requirements set forth by Transport Canada Marine Safety
All tours hosted by an experienced, local guide
Free parking available on site
Vessel is washroom equipped
Passengers are provided a pre-departure safety briefing
Gratuities
Round trip transportation from / to hotel. Contact Gatherall's to confirm details and update booking. 3 hour minimum for new requests.
Bar service provided on board tour vessel
What To Expect
Visit the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home of the Atlantic Puffin and millions of seabirds plus one of Newfoundland's best whale watching areas. Top rated tour features wildlife & attractions in season. Incredible coastal scenery all season. Seasonal guidance (attractions & experiences may vary): Puffins guaranteed mid-May through mid-September. Whales: Mid-June through mid-August best chance for sightings. Icebergs: May & June best chance for sightings. Number & distribution of whales and icebergs vary each season. We’d love to experience whales and icebergs on every tour but please remember that nature keeps its own schedule. WHALES and / or ICEBERG SIGHTINGS NOT GUARANTEED. Entertaining and informative commentary features a wealth of information about the natural and cultural heritage interspersed with colourful stories and songs characteristic of Newfoundland's vibrant culture. Travel aboard the largest, most comfortable and stable tour boat in Newfoundland. Multiple decks and abundant rails space provide the best views. Its custom design allows us to spend less time getting to the best spots so you can spend more time with the wildlife. Top Rated Tour!
Options
Puffin & Whale Watch
Hotel Pick Up & Return: Available on select tours for additional fee of $35 + tax / person. MUST be booked min 3 hours in advance
Reviews
836 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Thoroughly Enjoyable Day!
Colin B,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day of fun and adventure! New and unique experiences with the added bonus of interacting with enjoyable people..
Top notch experience
joannasF486FM,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience was top notch from being greeted by the crew on the boat to the scenery, and being screeched in during the ride. There were quite a few laughs during our excursion, we will never forget. Will definitely recommend this tour to family and friends. Thank you from the Shelton, Lagace & Jeffrey families.
History Knowledge Top Notch
Ikerbranden,
Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The boat, customer service, history knowledge, and organization was top notch. We knew there wouldn’t be any whales, late in the season, but the coastal views and Puffins made it still a great adventure.
It was a great tour. It...
Gaye P,
Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great tour. It was a combination of beautiful scenery, amazing bird watching and Newfoundlander hospitality. We loved the whole adventure.
Puffin and whale watch tour reality against expectations
Kevin c,
Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00No complaints about tour as such.hotel pick up,transport to boat fine.this was a late season Tour so Newfoundland weather had to be Factored in.it was quite cold and overcast Although dry,the water was calm though.i was Layered up but still felt cold .for most people Me included the puffins were what they came For and there were still plenty around.they are So small and fast that without large telephoto Lens they will only show up as lacking sharp Focus with the digital enlargement needed To get them as a decent size in the picture There was one disturbing incident I was a Witness to.somebody who had bought a ticket And was boarding the boat had to get off. The boat crewmember explained to him that Due to safety regulations they couldn’t exceed Their permitted passenger total and that it was like an airline where there are too many Passengers booked for seats available.i don’t Know the full details,maybe he just bought a Ticket right before departure.i assume he was Offered a refund or alternate trip.as someone A bit paranoid i might be afraid of that happening to me.
We had a great time .....
Barbara T,
Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00We had a great time .. even though we didn't see any whales. The weather was beautiful... calm water.
Good experience
528fawada,
Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great experience. No whales but it was late in the season. Say sunfish, lots of puffins , bald eagles. The guide was very informative. Beautiful scenery , even songs were sung. Shout to Jane super hilarious . Would recommend:)
Amazing Tour
893victorw,
Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I, along with 3 of our closest friends, went upon a board this cruise. Along with a former crew member , Jimmy and his wife Mary. The crew are very entertaining with Newfoundland folk songs and dancing along with 3 new SCREECHER’S. It was too late to see the whales, but the puffins and other seabirds were amazing to watch. I would like to “Thank you” for this amazing trip. PS this review was written along with my friend’s. Thank you again..
Puffins and Screech in... what a day!
565MichelleS,
Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful experience. The crew was friendly and musical! They made the most of the adventure and we saw so many birds. Whales were not to be found but it wasn't really the season and not our main goal. We did see a sunfish and had a great time being "screeched in"... would recommend 100%
How small the puffins...
Cynthia H,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00How small the puffins are!! The vast number of species of birds. The guides were very knowledgeable, ever so friendly & helpful.
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