Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise: Witness Wildlife in Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
4.9
629 Ratings
Bay Bulls
Embark on an incredible wildlife adventure in Newfoundland's Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Watch puffins, whales, and icebergs while enjoying entertaining commentary from knowledgeable guides.
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch - Discover the stunning Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to over 2.5 million seabirds and one of the largest whale populations in the North Atlantic (sightings depend on the season). You’ll embark on a stable catamaran equipped with a comfortable viewing platform for an optimal wildlife experience.

The tour includes visits to the sheltered areas of the islands within the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. These spots provide excellent opportunities to observe and photograph the nesting sites and behaviors of various seabird species.

Whale watching is a significant part of the adventure, with the peak season for sightings typically from mid-June to mid-August each year. While we strive to give you the best chance to see whales in their natural habitat, the level of activity and interaction is ultimately up to the whales.

The tour is narrated by an experienced, professional crew member who offers insights and information about the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

What's Included
  • Transport Canada Marine Safety compliant safety equipment provided
  • Tours led by experienced, local guides
  • Complimentary on-site parking
  • Vessel equipped with washroom facilities
  • Pre-departure safety briefing for all passengers
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation available on request. Additional fee applicable. Contact vendor to add transportation
Additional Information

Embark on a journey to the amazing Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to catch sight of puffins, whales, and icebergs. Note that the animal encounters may vary depending on the season. Puffins are usually nesting from May to mid-September. The prime time for whale watching is between mid-June and mid-August. Spotting a whale outside this peak period is a bonus. Icebergs usually make their appearance from May to mid-June. Please keep in mind that sighting whales or icebergs on every cruise is not guaranteed.

Benefit from interesting and informative commentary shared by onboard naturalists and crew members. Gain insight into the marine wildlife and heritage of Newfoundland from our passionate and well-informed guides during this remarkable adventure (lasting at least 90 minutes). Our spacious catamaran allows for maximum comfort and increasing your chances of locating whales.

  • 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
Location
Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Watch
Northside Road
Shuttle service available from St. John's hotels & cruise terminal (additional fee). Contact us to confirm. Driving from St. John's (30 minutes by car). Route 2 South from downtown. Exit Route 3 South to Bay Bulls. Exit left on St. John's Road & left on Northside Road.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(629 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Karen_s
May 16, 2024
Puffin magic - Very happy crew. The singing and stories with facts and information were terrific. A Newfoundland welcome. Not to mention plenty of puffins and a minke whale.
Review provided by Viator
310dianney
Dec 10, 2023
See many places (even stay in Labrador one night!) - My travel agent booked with McCarthy's Party. We couldn't have chosen a better group in any respect. They were wonderful from beginning to end. EXCELLENT tour guide, accommodations, food, cultural experiences, bus driver, etc. I have slight mobility issues and everyone couldn't have been more helpful, kind and considerate.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tfcheetah
Dec 9, 2023
Fantastic Crew - Went with family and friends. I wasn’t expecting to see so many whales. Puffins were cool I had no idea what to expect. The crew was awesome, they were pretty hilarious and great singers. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Whiskeyw575
Oct 11, 2023
Gatherall's - Whale Watch Cruise Bay Bulls Whales and Puffins 919455604 Had a great time whale watching and becoming an official Newfoundlander. No cod but a stinky stuffed puffin bottom. Considering we moved here from B.C., we now feel at home. Our friends from B.C. also had a whale of a time. Next time we will get out earlier to see the whales play. Saw one young Humpback and considered lucky since end of their feeding time. Love the gift shop too. Thanks to the crew. A great memory.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
773francisc
Sep 12, 2023
Great Atmosphere even without the wildlife. - We had a great time during our recent Puffin & Whale watching trip. The crew really made it a fun filled and happy occasion, and being Irish we knew and were able to join in most of the singing. Great atmosphere, great trip. Not so much the weather, but you take it as you find it. We look forward to being able to do it all again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gardener46
Sep 12, 2023
Beautiful day trip, with lots of puffins. - Beautiful day and great experience. Did this while on a cruise. I met them at a hotel right outside the cruise terminal. Simple pick up and off to their boat. We had excellent weather and interesting commentary. Saw one whale feeding and thousands of puffins. Beautiful scenery and several lovely songs from the area. All in all a great day
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V4518dymarthas
Sep 11, 2023
Puffin excursion - It was a very positive experience, We all enjoyed the ability to see the various birds including puffins, listen to all the information. Also 3 of our party were Screeched in on the excursion and it was definitely a highlight since you added your own twist to it. Thank you for a wonderful memory
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pennymp6002fd
Sep 9, 2023
A wonderful experience! - Highly recommend Gatherall's. From the time we entered the shop to check in, we were greeted with warmth. Their shop was not your tacky souvenir shop but filled with quality art and items. The bathrooms on shore were clean and cared for and the boat was well maintained and comfortable. Skipper Al was entertaining and skilled and guide Liam was filled with info and even sang us some traditional songs without accompaniment or music. Liam has an excellent voice and this was an unexpected treat! Oh and we saw plenty of puffins busy flying and fishing to feed their young and also managed to see a minke whale even though it was at the end of the whale season. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Passenger684582
Sep 9, 2023
Wonderful! - Saw lots of puffins despite heavy fog. The crew gave us lots of good info on Puffins, was entertained us too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dreamer584660
May 15, 2024
Whale watching - The weather was cold, we had rain this morning. So I was a bit skeptical and didn’t know what to expect. But it was a great experience. We sighted a minke whale . It was amazing. Also saw the puffins. I didn’t expect that they were such small birds. And they could swim under the water . It was a a lovely experience. Will love to go again to see the more of the whales
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today