Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise

Explore Witless Bay’s wildlife on a 90-minute cruise. Spot puffins, whales, and more. Enjoy live commentary and a Screech In ceremony. Book now!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch - 90 minute exploration of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and the scenic vistas of the surrounding coastline. Best opportunity for late season puffin sightings (its late seas but usually there are some remaining till Sept 20). You’ll travel aboard a stable catamaran with a comfortable viewing platform.

The tour includes stops along the sheltered areas of the islands that comprise the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. The areas visited offer great opportunities to view and photograph late season puffins and other bird life encountered.

While past peak whale season, any whales and other marine life encountered will be incorporated into the tour.

Tour narrated by an experienced, professional crewmember providing commentary, with a mix of information about the natural and cultural heritage of the area as well as some live local musical selections.
Cruise duration is 90 minutes. Please allow additional two hours for shuttle pick up and drop off to selected hotel.

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
  • Vessel is washroom equipped
  • Passengers are provided a pre-departure safety briefing
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation available on request. Additional fee applicable. Contact vendor to add transportation
  • Payment for hotel pick up will be payable at time of tour check in at Gatherall’s.
Additional Information

This 90 minute tour features the incredible Witless Bay Ecological Reserve - your best chance to view puffins in late season. Attractions vary with the time of year but occasionally whale, dolphins, tuna and ocean sunfish are encountered. Seasonal guidance: puffins nest May through to mid-September with some usually remaining till Sept 20. Whale season is from mid-June through mid-August with occasional sightings in late season. Wildlife cannot be 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 (minimum 90 minutes). Our catamaran offers the most space for your comfort. Screech In ceremony available during cruise - guests should pre-register at time of tour check in.

  • 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
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Participants are advised to regard all instruction provided by the vessel crew
  • 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.
  • Direction/guidance is provided to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers
  • Persons travelling with infants / small children to provide their own car / booster seats for shuttle service
Location
Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Watch
Northside Road
For shuttle service please contact us to arrange. Driving: From St. John's (30 minutes by car). South on Route 2 from downtown. Exit Route 3 South to Bay Bulls. Exit left on to St. John's Road & left on Northside Road to Gatherall's Dock.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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611marshallj
May 30, 2024
Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise - This was one of the better boat tours we have taken. They were extremely honest in that actual sightings of puffins could be limited. In addition, chances are we wouldn't be seeing whales as it was too late in the season. The crew was amazing and a lot of fun. They offered us great views of the birds that were still nesting. We look forward to enjoying a repeat adventure on our return trip to Newfoundland
Review provided by Tripadvisor
24debbym
Sep 14, 2023
Stunning - Even though we didn't have the honor of seeing any whales, we were blessed with the Puffins.. Captain AL, First mate Luke, and Liam, Luke and Becca were amazing.. especially loved the poems and songs.. will be back ... thank you all.. oh and let's not forget the beautiful ladies in the gift shop 😉
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leilah_hillman
Sep 2, 2023
Neat puffin cruise! - Nice and light cruise on a beautiful day! Very accommodating crew. They (Liam, Rebecca, April and Luke) were all friendly and respectful! The puffins were cute:)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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