Witless Bay Tour: Puffins and Marine Wildlife

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: 24 hours
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…
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…

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
4.5
(6 Ratings)
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1 star
947sheilac
Oct 21, 2024
A well-spent few hours observing nature in all its glory! - The cruise was amazing and the crew was great. The scenery was beautiful; puffins zipping over the ocean, bald eagles soaring overhead. We didn't see any whales; too late in the season, but we did see an awesome sun fish, with a face only a mother could love. All in all, a relaxing, enjoyable journey out on the clear waters of Newfoundland. Would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H
Aug 23, 2024
Excellent Boat Tour - It was absolutely wonderful! The hosts were so knowledgeable and entertaining! I highly recommend!!! Excellent tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
X515elbarrym
Sep 15, 2024
Underwhelming - Puffins are small, fly fast and don't allow the boat to get close, so you really don't get a good look at them or photograph. We saw a sun fish but no whales and not a lot of puffins. So if you're expecting a great exposure to wildlife you may be disappointed. The crew give good commentary and sing and tell jokes to fill the void. Over priced compared to other tours we did in NL.
Review provided by Tripadvisor