2 Hour Award-Winning Whale and Seabird Boat Tour from St. John's

St. John's , Canada

2 Hour Award-Winning Whale and Seabird Boat Tour from St. John's

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(454 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join Newfoundland’s award-winning boat tour as we depart from the heart of downtown St. John’s, the oldest seaport in North America. Witness the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales, watching as they thrust their massive 40 ton bodies into the air, and wave their iconic tails for amazing photo opportunities. Steam through the passageway of 12,000 year old icebergs as they travel from the glaciers of Greenland. Surround yourself with the different seabirds that frequent our shores including the black-legged kittiwakes, northern gannets, bald eagles and the elegant yet playful Atlantic Puffins. Visit the most easterly point in North America, Cape Spear. Breathtaking views of where the Atlantic Ocean meets the land, with Cape Spear Lighthouse and Battery above you. Both entertaining and educational, our narrated tour is fun for the whole family.

Available options

2 Hour Award-Winning Whale and Seabird Boat Tour from St. John's

What's included

(available for purchase)

Pre-Departure Safety Briefing

Experienced Guides

Safety Equipment Provided, as per Transport Canada Requirements

Restroom on board

Heated Cabin

Licensed Bar on board

Detailed itinerary

View the St. John's harbour and skyline from the water! Spectacular 'whale's eye' views of historic buildings, colourful rows of houses and the famous St. John's Outer Battery. Wave to passing ships as you make your way to the entrance of St. John's harbour, The Narrows.

From the base of Signal Hill, you will witness the historic and significant Cabot Tower, the site of the first wireless transatlantic communication. You'll have a front-row seat to the hiking trails that dot along the coastline.

Pass by historic landmarks such as Fort Amherst Lighthouse. Learn about the history of these landmarks through a guided narration including the significance of the St. John's port since the early 1500's.

Sailing past the incredible Blackhead Sea Caves you will witness a kittiwake colony. Keep watch for bald eagles, northern gannets, puffins and other seabirds that you may see as they frequent this area.

Witness breathtaking views of the incredible Cape Spear National Historic Site - the most easterly point in North America! You will be on the Atlantic Ocean looking at the emerging rugged coastline of ancient volcanic and metamorphic rock. Atop the cliffs is the Cape Spear Lighthouse and Battery, sitting at 213 feet above sea level, providing both direction and safety to passing ships for over a century.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

123 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.6

331 reviews

5★

261

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Iceberg and Whale Sightings are not guaranteed.

The Tour Operates Rain or Shine, Please Dress Appropriately. A Heated Cabin is Available.

Please Follow All Instructions Provided by the Crew.

Meeting point

Located in downtown St. John's, departing from the oldest seaport in North America. Please arrive at our Kiosk 30 minutes prior to departure for check in and safety briefing. Walk from downtown hotels, B&B's, the Convention Centre, dining, George Street & shopping. No shuttle required.

Important notes

Check-In at the orange ticket office on the pier.

About St. John's

St. John's is the capital and largest city of Newfoundland and Labrador, known for its colorful row houses, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. It is the oldest city in North America, offering a unique blend of history, adventure, and coastal charm.

Top Attractions

Signal Hill National Historic Site

Signal Hill offers stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a historic site where the first transatlantic wireless signal was received.

Historical 1-2 hours Free entry to the park, fees for some attractions

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Cape Spear is the easternmost point in North America and home to the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland.

Historical 1-2 hours Free entry to the park, fees for some attractions

The Rooms

The Rooms is a museum, art gallery, and archives that showcases the history and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Museum 1-3 hours Admission fees apply

Bowring Park

Bowring Park is a beautiful urban park with gardens, walking paths, and a large pond. It is a popular spot for picnics and leisurely strolls.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Quidi Vidi Village

Quidi Vidi Village is a charming fishing village within the city limits, known for its colorful houses, local art, and the famous Quidi Vidi Brewery.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, fees for brewery tours and tastings

Must-Try Local Dishes

Jiggs' Dinner

A traditional Newfoundland dish made with salt beef, cabbage, carrots, turnips, and pease pudding.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef and salt

Fish and Chips

Freshly caught cod or haddock, battered and fried, served with chips (fries) and tartar sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and gluten

Todo

A traditional Newfoundland dessert made with molasses, breadcrumbs, and spices, baked and served with cream or ice cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains gluten

Molly's Crackers

A traditional Newfoundland snack made with hardtack, a simple type of cracker, often served with molasses or cheese.

Snack Vegetarian, contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Whale watching Iceberg viewing Picnicking Beachcombing Spa treatments Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and numerous festivals. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions.

12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

GMT-3:30 (Newfoundland Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

St. John's is generally a safe city, but visitors should exercise caution in certain areas and during certain times.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis
• Be cautious of strangers offering services

Getting there

By air

St. John's International Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from city center

By bus

St. John's Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Metrobus is the primary public transportation system in St. John's, offering affordable and reliable service.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Apps

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown The Battery Quidi Vidi Bellevue

Day trips

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove

15 km (9 miles) • Half day to full day

A charming fishing village with scenic views, hiking trails, and local art galleries.

La Manche Provincial Park

20 km (12 miles) • Half day to full day

A beautiful provincial park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic

25 km (15 miles) • Full day

A unique picnic experience at a historic lighthouse, accessible only by boat.

Festivals

George Street Festival • August Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival • August St. John's Reggae Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit Signal Hill for stunning views and a deeper understanding of the city's history
Try local seafood, especially fish and chips and Jiggs' Dinner
Explore the historic Battery neighborhood for its unique charm and picturesque streets
Take a day trip to Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove for hiking and scenic views
Check out the local music scene on George Street, especially during the George Street Festival