Birds and Bergs in Newfoundland

Discover North America’s largest puffin colony. Enjoy unparalleled views of puffins, icebergs, and whales from our elevated decks. Book your adventure today!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch - Marvel at playful, colourful puffins nesting on the cliffs. Puffins are guaranteed!
    Should we encounter icebergs within our range, the Captain will safely navigate the waters around it as our guides provide insights into the life of an iceberg. May / June provides best chance for icebergs. Icebergs are not guaranteed. Number & distribution of icebergs varies each season.
    Fingers crossed - Captain & crew always scan the waters for early season whale Sightings.
    Expert and entertaining guides plus the most comfortable boat ensures that you’ll have an unforgettable natural encounter! Professional, knowledgeable and friendly guides offer a live interpretation detailing the lives of the puffins, seabirds, and marine wildlife encountered during this 90 minute adventure. Commentary is interspersed with a colourful mix of local humour, stories & song capturing the essence of Newfoundland’s culture. Gatherall’s crew blends youthful exuberance balanced with decades of seagoing experience.
    Screech In ceremony available - register at check in or during your tour.
    Hotel pick up & return available for additional fee - must be booked & confirmed at least 3 hours in advance.
What's Included
  • Experienced, local guide
  • Free parking on site
  • Washroom-equipped vessel
  • Pre-departure safety briefing
  • All safety equipment provided (Transport Canada compliant)
What's Not Included
  • $35 + tax / person additional fee for transportation available on request.
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic Beverages
Additional Information

Visit the largest puffin colony in North America. Top-rated tour with a professional crew. Safe. Educational. Entertaining. Treat yourself to the best views! Our elevated viewing decks keep you at eye level with nesting puffins for the best pictures and make it easier to spot icebergs and whales even when they are further away (think penthouse view versus ground floor view). Abundant deck and rail space provide unobstructed views. If you’re lucky, the whales may choose to visit for a closer look! When they do, the superior viewing angles of the cat enable you to see deeper into the water to watch as they slip effortlessly beneath. The seabird colony is at its finest from May through to late August (puffins stay through till mid/late September). Icebergs may be present early season and whales sometimes appear before or after peak season.

  • 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
  • Persons in manual wheelchairs can be accommodated with assistance.
  • Persons with balance issues are recommended to remain seated during the cruise
Location
Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Watch
Northside Road
Guests must check in with Gatherall's reception staff 30 minutes before tour time. Pick up & return transportation available on select tours for additional fee (min three hour notice required). Please call / message us to book transportation. Shuttle fee(s) payable at tour check in.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(7 Ratings)
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Laurasb50sy
Jun 17, 2024
Awesome experience - This was a great experience. The staff are all very friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife. We saw Gull Island with its thousands of birds, including puffins and kittiwakes. We were also lucky enough to see a humpback whale so early in the season. Really enjoyed the songs as well! I highly recommend this tour 😊.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia_t
Jun 15, 2024
We were fortunate enough... - We were fortunate enough to have wonderful weather. The crew did an excellent job of entertaining the group and making sure we saw lots of wildlife and stayed safe. A good time was had by all.
Review provided by Viator
Louigott
Jun 15, 2024
Fog and rain … fun time!! - Our trip was on a foggy and rainy day, which only added to the excitement! Minkey whales sighted several times and many puffins! Incredible. Crew was very friendly and helpful, and provided information and sang songs on the way. We would go back again, without question!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachael_w
Jun 10, 2024
Exact same thing as Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise - Check iceberg finder to make sure there are actually icebergs in the area. The boat tour itself was still very enjoyable even though no icebergs drifted so far south this year.
Review provided by Viator
Nancyse7734zj
Jun 7, 2024
Great for kids! - I was absolutely blown away! This boat cruise was incredible. We saw thousands of puffins flying right above our heads and nesting on the island. On top of that there was a real Newfoundland charm from the crew with songs and music. I would recommend for kids - my 5 year old thought it was just grand. She is a Newfoundlander but it was her first time seeing any puffins. The tour is educational and great for both locals and tourists!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderer787148
Jun 1, 2024
See what is available! - We were so impressed with the Gatherall tour. The captain, crew were talented, knowledgeable and kept us informed and entertained during the voyage. The puffins are as pretty and plentiful as promised. I shall return to see whales and icebergs another time! Butt! The most impressive part was the attention given to our sea sick companion. The staff went over and above to make her as comfortable as possible. A HUGE THANK YOU! The gift shop needs to be mentioned. It has all kinds of treasures, practical and decorative. We did wish we had been aware of the shuttle but that may be on us. Again, thank you for a wonderful day
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q58wwkarenb
Jun 12, 2024
A Great Crew Makes the Difference - It turned out to be a bad spring for icebergs, but we still got to see a lot of birds. The crew made the trip enjoyable, entertaining and informative.
Review provided by Tripadvisor