Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

St. John's , Canada

Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

Active

(836 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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. Icebergs typically appear May to mid-June. Whales and or icebergs are not 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. Our catamaran offers the most space for your comfort. Our tour boat offers the greatest range to improve chance of encountering whales and other marine wildlife.
Tours duration is a minimum of 90 minutes. Tour boat has indoor accommodations for all guests. Transport Canada Certified crew & boat.

Available options

Puffin & Whale Watch

Hotel Pick Up & Return: Available on select tours for additional fee of $35 + tax / person. MUST be booked min 3 hours in advance

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

Free parking available on site

Vessel is washroom equipped

Passengers are provided a pre-departure safety briefing

What's not included

Gratuities

Round trip transportation from / to hotel. Contact Gatherall's to confirm details and update booking. 3 hour minimum for new requests.

Bar service provided on board tour vessel

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

144 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

692 reviews

5★

647

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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

Meeting point

Important notes

Guests must check in 30 minutes before tour start time.
Hotel pick up from select properties on select tour times is available for an additional fee. Transportation request must be confirmed minimum three hours in advance of tour time. Please contact Gatheralls to arrange.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund
• In the event of service disruption due to weather, ticket holders may reschedule to an alternate departure time (subject to availability)
• Vessel is not barrier free. Motorized scooters / wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. A manual wheelchair(s) is available for persons requiring mobility aids

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