Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise: Witness Wildlife in Witless Bay Ecological Reserve

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: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch - Explore the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to the Atlantic Puffin, millions of seabirds, and one of Newfoundland’s premier whale watching locations. This top-rated tour showcases seasonal wildlife and attractions, along with stunning coastal scenery year-round.
    Seasonal highlights (attractions & experiences…
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

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….

Location
Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Watch
Northside Road
Please check in with Gatherall's reception staff 30 minutes before tour time. Shuttle service available on select tours for additional fee. Shuttle MUST be booked at least 3 business hours in advance. Call / message us to confirm. 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
(702 Ratings)
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Jennifer
Aug 23, 2024
Fun puffin boat trip with gorgeous views - This is a must do near St John’s! The crew was so fun! We saw thousands of puffins and learned a lot about the different seabirds. We had a great view of an ocean sunfish as well. Late season so no whales but we knew it may not happen. The puffins were worth it!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nora_l
Aug 23, 2024
Don't miss the BEST Tour in Newfoundland! - I can't say enough good things about Gatherall's Puffin and whale watching tour! We had an absolutely marvelous time! They were pleasant ... they were helpful ... and it was a FANTASTIC day for us!!!
Review provided by Viator
Lorraine_d
Aug 21, 2024
Absolutely book this excursion! - Absolutely book this excursion! We were picked up on time by a funny and friendly driver. The drive was scenic and comfortable. The whale and puffin watch was so much fun! The boat was comfortable and not over crowded. The guides made sure everyone had time and oppurtunity to see the whales and puffins. The crew on the boat were fantastic. They were funny and friendly. We loved their singing and music. 10/10 trip!
Review provided by Viator
Laurasr1155ma
Aug 19, 2024
Worth the tour! - Lots of Puffins, great treat to have a Puffinling release. Guide very knowledgeable. Saw a Sunfish - weird fish. No whales though. Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scott_b
Aug 18, 2024
Puffins will be delivered - Fun tour that goes right by a huge Puffin island. We also followed a whale back towards the port after seeing puffins. The staff was informative and funny. Claire was terrific as the main host.
Review provided by Viator
Jeffrey_p
Aug 15, 2024
Fantastic Puffin and whale watching tour - We had a fantastic trip. All the staff including our bus driver was great. We would definitely redo the trip next time we're back.
Review provided by Viator
Celinecoady
Aug 13, 2024
The Best Grey, Foggy Day - Seeing Puffins has been on my wish list for such a long time and this visit did not disappoint. The crisp morning and and light fog added to the magic of the day. I will definitely be back next trip !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_h
Aug 13, 2024
Puffin love - This trip was hugely enjoyable! The crew was amazing, and was very entertaining and educational. The puffins were perfect!!! We even saw some pufflings released after they got last leaving the nest the night before. 100% recommend this experience!!!
Review provided by Viator
Rustyhook
Sep 25, 2024
Fun trip - Did the whale watch and puffin tour in mid afternoon. Each previous trip that day saw humpback whales apparently but we saw only the dorsal fin of a minke. However, slow trip around the islands to see the puffins and other birds was still worthwhile and got a nice boat trip in general as well. No guarantees on whales - take your chances especially in late July. Perhaps better to go earlier in day but hard to say - it was also very windy so lots of challenges. Boat handled no problem in waves. They did seem to extend the tour over a larger area trying other spots as well. Take binoculars if have them - even just for seeing the birds they were nice to have with us We toured on a Monday - note that the tour no longer has a restaurant and nearby restaurants we saw online were closed on Mondays - simply drove back to somewhere else as had lots of time but was an unexpected surprise. Lots of parking at site. Nice gift shop, clean boat and friendly crew. If back we would take this trip again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarah
Aug 18, 2024
Great fun - We went on the whale and puffin tour. The staff were very good on the ship. We found the gift tour shop was very expensive to buy things The staff on the ship were very helpful,to older people to get around .. it was a bit wavy but they were there to help you get around to get good shots on your camera the restrooms were very clean as well
Review provided by Tripadvisor