whale and puffin tour st john's

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Avalon Region

Gatherall's Puffin and Whale Watch

• May 14 - Sep 20

Watch whales, puffins and icebergs in Newfoundland with Gatherall's on their incredible 90 minute tour. Only minutes from St. John's. Fun and exciting, comfortable and safe with friendly and knowledgeable guides that narrate every cruise. Experience and learn about puffins and whales in their natural environment. Striking coastal scenery. Icebergs in season. Fabulous craft store on-site. Shuttle service available. Learn why the world's leading tour operators choose Gatherall's.

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Locations & Dates

• 90 Northside Road, Bay Bulls
• 47.3143, -52.8065

Family and group rates available. See website.

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We are also home to the world’s largest population of humpback whales!

Every spring and summer the world’s largest concentration of majestic humpbacks bless us with their presence as they swim and play alongside our rugged coastlines. You will have an up close and personal experience with these giants that are known for their melodic songs and mind blowing acrobatic breaching ability.

Welcome to the Seabird Capital of North America… Newfoundland and Labrador is home to over 350 species of birds, making it a major destination for birdwatching. 35 million seabirds spread across almost 30,000 kilometers of coastline. Gatherings of up to 25,000 Gannets or a colony of the ever loved Atlantic Puffin are just a couple of the attractions you may find here.

National Geographic has noted Newfoundland as one of the Top 50 Places of a Lifetime , and it’s no trouble to understand why. Our coastlines are as beautiful and rugged as our people. Join us as we explore the many coves and crevices that this land has to offer.

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Whale and Puffin Watching in St. Johns, Newfoundland

July 3, 2014 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

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A trip to Newfoundland just isn’t complete without a look at the famous Puffin. Small funny-looking birds with bright-coloured beaks like a parrot can be found in many windy seaside areas of Newfoundland. They are simply awesome to watch and cute of course.

Puffins are also very interesting. They feed by diving into the water (up to 60m I was told) and are better swimmers than they are flyers. They’re nests consist of burrowing a hole into the soil and they even go as far as to have two separate rooms; one for resting and one for pooping. Although they don’t fly extremely well, they can flap their wings up to 400 times per minute and they stay in windier areas where it can assist them in flight. Smart.

We saw thousands of them on a whale-watching tour we took with Mullowney’s Puffin and Whale Tours. Located in Bay Bulls, just 30 minutes from the famous city of St.Johns, Mullowney’s is a small outfit with a lot of charm and a great track record with their customers. We love supporting companies like this and we’re thrilled to hit the seas with them.

I knew we would see some puffins but I never imagined that there would be thousands. I also didn’t know we’d be visiting an island the puffins call home. Thousands of little burrows can be seen all over the place as puffins come in and out of their home looking for food. They also have to watch for the bigger birds in the area, which prey on them and their eggs.

Even though we had seen plenty of Humpback whales a few weeks earlier in Tadoussac, Quebec, we were really hoping to see more on this trip, despite the fact that whale season was already over by the time we got there in mid-August. We crossed our fingers though.

It turns out crossing our fingers must have worked because just an hour or so later, we heard people cheering. We looked around us and sure enough, we saw a Humpback whale in the distance. After it went back down, the boat headed over in its direction. The boat became so silent as we all strained our eyes in search of the big animal. None of us could find it. We knew it had to come up for air at some point but this one was obviously a skilled diver.

We waited and waited. I was on the upper deck but peering off the left side. Just when my mind was getting ready to drift, the whale appeared right in front of my eyes . PFFFFF! The whale blew out water as it took in more air. It was so close! Just seven or eight feet away. AMAZING. I had never seen a whale so close before. Any closer, he would have hit the boat.

It was absolutely incredible. His tail came out and splashed back into the water. I could even see the barnacles on his skin.

Simply Incredible. One of those moments you never forget.  It was truly magical to see such a massive creature that close.

As we headed back to land, our tour guide sang us an old-fashioned traditional Newfy song. A fitting touch for the occasion.

What a marvelous day. Humpback whales, Puffins and a song at sea. What more could one ask for?

Disclaimer: The whale pictures above were taken on a different trip by a professional photographer. The picture of the tail coming out of the water was similar to what I saw, except it was MUCH closer to the boat. Incredible. Unfortunately, I missed taking a picture.

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About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

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9 Best Whale Watching Tours in Newfoundland 2024

Table of Contents

Are you looking for the best tours for whale watching in Newfoundland? 

Newfoundland is renowned for their whale watching worldwide. Every spring, approximately 10,000 whales return to Newfoundland to find food.

Off the coast of Newfoundland, you’ll find many different kinds of whales in the spring and summer. Most notably, the largest population of Humpback whales.

You can occasionally see whales from the shoreline, but for the best experience, you should book a whale-watching boat tour with an experienced guide.

I am a lifelong lover of whales and have been lucky to experience them up close on several incredible Newfoundland whale watching tours.

So, let’s review some of the best whale watching in Newfoundland tours available and what to expect!

My Top 3 Picks for Tours

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise ✔️ 90 Minutes ✔️ Family business

2-Hour Guided Boat Tour From St. John’s ✔️ Cape Spear Lighthouse view ✔️ 2 Hours

Harbour Kayak Tour (Marine Wildlife Excursion ) ✔️ Via Kayak, Not Boat ✔️ 6 People Max

1. Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

⭐5/5 (550+ Reviews)

This tour combines whale watching and puffin viewing into one action-packed sightseeing adventure. The boat tour departs from Bay Bulls, which is 25 minutes from downtown St. Johns, Newfoundland. 

It’s a considerably large tour, with room for up to 100 people.

The tour starts by lining up to board a large catamaran with outdoor and indoor viewing decks, which is great for when the weather is cold or rainy. 

Local naturalists, who are experts on Newfoundland culture and wildlife, narrate the entire tour.

Your captain will also take you to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and Iceberg Alley while they search for pods of whales in the Atlantic!  

“The crew was amazing and so friendly, not to mention incredibly welcoming. Everyone in the shop was so sweet you can tell it’s a family business. The sights were beautiful and it was a great time. Absolutely a must do while in NL!” – Brianna

Important info:

• Tour Length – 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Restroom on the Boat? – Yes
• Wheelchair Accessible? – No
• Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
• Cancellation Policy –  24 hours in advance of departure for a full refund.
• Parking? – Private Parking available

Check Prices and Availability Here!

2. 2-Hour Guided Boat Tour From St. John’s

⭐4.5/5 (160+ Reviews)

This whale watching tour by Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours allows you to view whales, puffins, and massive icebergs on your holiday in Newfoundland.

This tour is excellent for people looking for whale watching in St. John’s, Newfoundland, because it departs from St. Johns Harbor instead of Bay Bulls (a 30-minute drive south of St. Johns). 

In addition to nature, you’ll have guided narration as you view St. John’s quaint skyline from the harbor and pass by  Signal Hill and Fort Amherst Lighthouse. 

You will also see North America’s most Eastern land point when the tour passes by the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site.

The tour does allow service animals and has a limit of 100 people per tour, so it doesn’t get overcrowded on the boat!

“We had a great time and the crew’s personalities and kindness really enhanced this experience. The ride out of St John’s harbour and along the coast was beautiful. We were lucky to see a whale and calf. Highly recommend!” – Jacklyn.

• Tour Length – 2 hours
• Parking? – Indigo Parking Garage

3. Harbour Kayak Tour (Marine Wildlife Excursion )

⭐4.5/5 (5+ Reviews)

Three hours outside of St. Johns is a small town called Trinity. This village is a marvelous throwback to a time long before, and it’s a place where you’ll find the adventure of a lifetime. 

Imagine navigating your kayak through the picturesque coastal waters of Trinity to the feeding areas of whales and other awesome marine wildlife. 

This tour is for thrill seekers and is more physically demanding than others on this list. You also must sign a waiver before heading out in your kayak. 

A local guide who is knowledgeable about the waters narrates the tour and will teach you about the whale’s natural habitats, feeding, and migratory habits. It’s also a small group tour (max of 6 participants), so you will get a personalized experience. 

“What an incredible, incredible experience. One of my favourite life experiences by far. The crew at Trinity Eco-Tours is absolutely fantastic, there is never a dull second. Daryl was incredibly patient, kind, and knowledgeable. We learned such a great deal throughout our tour. And best of all, because of his quick whale spotting skills we got to experience two whales come right by our kayak.” – Jasleen

• Tour Length – 3 hours
• Restroom on the Boat? – No
• Cancellation Policy –  Cancel 24 hours in advance of departure for a full refund.
• Parking? – Yes, private parking at Trinity Eco Tours and Lodge. 

4. Whale Watching, Shark and Cod Fishing, Marine Charter from St. John’s Harbor

⭐5/5 (55+ Reviews)

The highlight of this tour is fishing for cod, but after catching some fish, the guides will fillet and cook your fish right on the boat while you sip a cold drink (unless you want to bring a cooler and take your cod home to cook later). 

You should also be on the lookout for whales, puffins, and other sea animals. If you’re lucky, you may also encounter floating icebergs along the way! 

You will also pass Cape Spear, North America’s most easterly land point.

This tour, operated by NL Boat Tours, departs from St John’s and passes Cape Speak, North America’s most easterly land point.

It’s also a private tour that is fully customizable. So if fishing for sharks is more your speed, you should depart either in the morning or later in the afternoon.

“This was one of the best parts of our trip to Newfoundland. Captain Mike is a legend and we had a blast!! We caught tons of cod fish, had a laugh, and would recommend this to everyone. Can’t wait to do it again when we come back.” – TripAdvisor Reviewer

• Parking? – Yes, public parking at Fort Amherst Harbor 

5. 2-Hour Boat Tour in Twillingate

⭐4.5/5 (35+ Reviews)

This 2-hour whale watching tour departs from the stunning, rugged, small coastal town of Twillingate, roughly 5 hours from St John’s, Newfoundland. 

On board, you’ll experience a fun, relaxing boat cruise searching for majestic humpback whales. On the tour, you can also check out floating icebergs drifting south from Greenland and other beautiful marine wildlife.

You’ll also notice the friendliness and hospitality of Newfoundlanders throughout the journey. They have such a charming way of life and attitude.  

It’s important to remember that this is a large group tour, so expect about 80 people on board during the weekend. But there are also perks to a larger boat. For example, the bigger boat has a heated cabin, restrooms, and a full-service bar. 

This two-hour boat ride operated by Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours is the perfect amount of time to spend out on the water. Two daily departures leave at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

“A great excursion with engaging conversation throughout the tour. Two hours was a perfect amount of time to see far more icebergs than I expected for this time of year. Highly recommend.” – Craig

• Parking? – Public Parking is Available

6. Whale Watching Tour with 2-Nights Accommodation Package

⭐5/5 (3+ Reviews)

For the traveler who wants an in-depth whale watching experience, this extended 2-night tour is for you! 

On Day 1, you’ll experience whale watching from a zodiac boat. Their guide will help you put on an immersion suit to prepare you to brave the elements. Then, you’ll embark on a 3-hour tour together. 

Then, you get an even more immersive experience on Day 2. The guides will give you a kayak , and you’ll paddle out and search for whales closer to the harbor. 

Between all the nature sightseeing, you will stay at Trinity Eco-Tours Lodge. All accommodation is included in the price of the tour. Each guest gets a private ensuite room with a queen bed, cable, and free WiFi. 

Your stay also includes a hot breakfast before you head out on each tour, and you have the flexibility to choose what time you take the whale watching tour.  

“Everyone has to do this – all right, there may be the odd mad whale. I don’t know yet how we didn’t end up upside down in the water with the one that kept belting our boat! Recommended to everyone” – TripAdvisor

• Tour Length – 2 Days 
• Cancellation Policy –  Cancel up to 7 days in advance of the tour for a full refund
• Parking? – Trinity Eco Lodge & Tours

7. O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours

⭐5/5 (1,720+ Reviews)

O’Briens Whale and Bird Tour offers excellent value. A two-hour sightseeing adventure is one of the most affordable options in Newfoundland, and they have special discounts for students, seniors, and youth under 17.

Departing from Bay Bulls, you’ll cruise to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, where you will be looking for puffins and whales. Depending on the time of year you are on the tour, you may even spot some icebergs floating by on their way from Greenland.

The boat offers plenty of indoor and outdoor viewing space, with a heated cabin and bar.

This family-run tour company has been operating for 35 years, so they know a thing or two about whale watching.

“Recommend. Nice boats with bar and restrooms. Really charming guide who sings traditional songs and is knowledgeable about the wildlife. Saw TONS of puffins…and 2 whales!” – TripAdvisor

• Tour Length – 2 Hours 
• Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – Yes (for an additional charge)
• Cancellation Policy –  Cancel up to 3 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
• Parking? – Yes

8. Sea of Whales Adventures

⭐5/5 (955+ Reviews)

Do you want to whale watch but not on a massive tour boat? This tour is specifically for people who prefer a more personalized experience!

Departing from Twillingate, Newfoundland, climb aboard the zodiac boat with a maximum of 11 other passengers. You will then head out to navigate the waters around the Bonavista Peninsula. 

Sea of Whales Adventures has been in the business for over 25 years. With that comes a wealth of knowledge on what wows guests and how to find these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. 

On tour, some of the wildlife you’re most likely to see includes humpback whales, minke whales, and pilot whales, as well as puffins, dolphins, porpoises, and eagles.

You’ll leave the tour in awe of these amazing animals and more educated about them.

“Incredibly friendly team right from booking through to the tour guide himself who was incredibly knowledgeable of the area which made the tour even more entertaining.” – Tripadvisor Reviewer

• Tour Length – 2 Hours OR 3 hours
• Cancellation Policy –  Cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
• Parking? – Yes, Near their office at 12 Ash’s Lane, Trinity 

9. Discovery Sea Adventures

⭐5/5 (45+ Reviews)

Discovery Sea Adventures is a tour company based in Bonavista, Newfoundland, one of the top places in Newfoundland to view icebergs.

But don’t worry, it’s not all about icebergs on tour. You’ll be mainly watching for whales and puffins!

Three tours are offered daily during whale watching season in Newfoundland. Each tour lasts 2.5 to 3 hours on a 24-foot zodiac, which gives guests a fast and comfortable ride out to sea! 

They offer both public and private tours. Public tours mean you’ll join a larger group, and private tours are on your own with up to 11 guests. 

“We had an amazing whale watching tour with Captain Bob. He was an excellent skipper and knew where those whales were, and we saw so many of them! Many thanks for providing us such a great memory which will last a lifetime!” – TripAdvisor Reviewer

• Tour Length – 2.5 to 3 hours
• Parking? – Yes, Near their office at 15 Roper Street, Bonavista 

What is the best time to view whales in Newfoundland? 

The best time to view whales in Newfoundland is between May and September. Peak whale watching season is from mid-June through mid-August. There are no whales during winter in Canada. 

What kind of whales can you see in Newfoundland?

During whale season, Newfoundland is home to the world’s largest population of humpback whales. You can also see minke, sperm, pothead, orca, and blue whales.

Where is the best spot for whale watching in Newfoundland?

Newfoundland’s best locations to view whales are Witless Bay, Twillingate, Cape Bonavista, Cape Spear, St. Anthony, Signal Hill, and Trinity. 

What should I bring on a whale watching tour?

The tour agency takes care of almost everything you need for a whale watching tour, but you should bring the following: 

• Warm, comfortable clothes, 
• A rain poncho
• Motion-Sickness Medicine
• Water and a small snack
• Your phone or a Waterproof Camara

Final Thoughts 

Newfoundland whale watching is some of the best in the world, so if you’re taking a trip to the easternmost territory in Canada, you should absolutely have a whale watching tour on the itinerary! 

It’s truly breathtaking to see these majestic wild animals up close.

If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure, I recommend finding a Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Tour or choosing a whale watching kayak tour. These each allow you to get closer to the action. 

But if you want a more comfortable experience or are traveling with a service dog, I think that taking a whale watching tour on a large boat is still worth your time.

This one with Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours is my top recommendation. 

These boats are comfortable with indoor viewing facilities, restrooms, full-service bars, and more! 

I hope you enjoy your whale watching experience in Newfoundland, and if you absolutely love it, check out these other great places in Canada to go whale watching! 

More Whale Watching Tours:

• 9 Best Places for Whale Watching Canada: Know Before You Go!
• 11 Best Whale Watching Tours in Victoria, BC: An Honest Review
• 6 Best Whale Watching in Tadoussac Quebec: Tour Reviews
• 7 Best Whale Watching Halifax Tours: Where to See Whales in Nova Scotia
• 7 Best Whale Watching Tours in Vancouver Canada
• 3 Best Whale Watching Tours in Tofino
• Whale Watching in Quebec: 9 Best Tours

Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑  Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES!  — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧 Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes  — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨  Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes  — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. ( Read more )

📲  Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe  — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩  What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com . For hostels, I use Hostel World . If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️  What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend  Skyscanner .

🎫  Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not  — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do ( check here! ). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.

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Explore Our Tours

Step aboard and set sail to Atlantic Puffins, Humpback Whales, Icebergs, and more. Watch as seabirds dive for food, Bald Eagles soar overhead and the sun glistens off of towering icebergs all along the beautiful Newfoundland coastline.

Award-Winning Boat Tour

Duration : 2 hours, price from $90.

Voted best boat tour by Newfoundlanders. Enjoy the view of 1/2 a million Atlantic Puffins, majestic Humpback Whales and towering icebergs.

Coastal Adventure

Duration : 90min, price from $150.

For the more adventurous, hop aboard our Coastal Adventure Tour for an up close and personal experience with nature. Whales, sea stacks, caves and more!

Very charismatic tour guide who brought us on a beautiful tour of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to see the whales and puffins in the area. Very knowledgable with lots of tips and fun facts for everyone!

Highly recommend this tour! We had a great evening. It was the end of the feeding season in the area but did see 2 whales. The staff were so friendly. They went above and beyond to make sure the guests felt welcome. We all had a WHALE of a time!

Sighting a Minke Whale during our 3 hour trip was way over the top!! We were told we were particularly lucky to see a whale since our trip was in September. The Newfoundland terrain is something everyone should experience first hand. I strongly recommend this tour!!

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The BEST Whale Watching & Puffin Viewing in Canada!

Perfect tour with a marine biologist guide who will teach you a lot during your trip..

Last updated Apr 9, 2023

Until you’ve seen a humpback whale in the wild, you have no idea how the overwhelming contrast of its power and gentleness will affect you. And once you’ve experienced that, it is hard not to fall in love with these majestic creatures. Plus, puffin viewing in the wild is enough to make anyone squeel with joy!

No one understands the majesty of nature more than Jeannine, the extremely knowledgeable guide for Molly Bawn’s whale & puffin tour in Newfoundland. This was by far our favorite and most informative tour in Newfoundland.

Jeanine is the resident Marine Biologist on the crew and is a wealth of knowledge. But what we liked most about her is the passion and love for these animals that she is so eager to share. Which is why we chose Molly Bawn – for their smaller tour size and genuine love for wildlife.

Table of Contents

Our Tour with Molly Bawn

On the night before our tour, we were admiring the Atlantic Ocean from a nearby RV park. The waves crashed against the sharp rocks below, birds soared around an island far off in the distance, and we even saw a few whales.

As we watched, the couple next to us shared their wonderful whale and puffin-watching adventure from earlier in the day. They went on and on about how fantastic their Newfoundland tour was. And we were excited to hear it was the same whale and puffin tour we had booked. Soon we would have much closer seats to this mesmerizing show.

The next day was beautiful, but windy. I stood on the side of the boat as it rocked along with every wave. My stomach tossed and turned with each new motion, but I was too distracted to care. There were puffins above, whales below, a soft breeze and bright sunshine to warm my skin. If the ocean can’t bring you peace, I don’t know what will.

Puffin Viewing in Canada – Who Knew?

All around us, Newfoundland Puffins flew as fast as they could back to their cliff-side nests, beaks stuffed to the brim with dozens of fish for their chicks. Before we planned our trip, I had no idea we could see this unique birds in Newfoundland and I was so thrilled!

The puffin babies would be learning to fly and fish on their own soon. But until then, mom and dad were working double time to feed the family. The gulls made this especially difficult, diving at them in hopes they would drop a few and give them an easy snack.

Seagulls can only go a few feet into the water, while puffins can dive up to 200 feet – making them the far superior hunters. It was amazing to watch them soar down into the water, flapping their wings and kicking their webbed feet.

Then they came up a few seconds later with their catch and flew back home. Others bobbed along on the water or wandered around their island as they took a much-needed break from fishing.

The Newfoundland Puffin seem so at home on their little patch of earth in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, but this isn’t their true home. Although this area is the largest Atlantic Puffin colony in North America – they only live on land while they are breeding in the spring and summer. Puffins truly belong out in the open ocean and only come back to this place to have babies.

Puffin Patrol

During fledgling season, it is common for the young puffin chicks to get confused by the city lights and end up in town. And the wonderful, nature-loving crew of Molly Bawn helps rescue them at night and safely return them in the morning. If you are lucky, you may even be able to help out with this end-of-summer activity.

The “clowns of the sea” have always been my favorite type of bird. It seems like God put them together with left-over parts: colored like a penguin, beak like a parrot, feet like a duck. But they are as nimble as they are gorgeous and are just as impressive in flight as they are underwater.

The round bodies of the Newfoundland Puffin don’t seem very aerodynamic. But they can actually flap their wings hundreds of times per minute and reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. But mostly, they are just really entertaining to watch.

Whale Watching in Newfoundland

The only good reason to stop watching the hilarious and interesting antics of the adorable Newfoundland puffins, is to watch the awe-inspiring humpback whales dance below (and sometimes above) the water. The whale watching in Newfoundland is just amazing!

Seeing these bus-sized, 40-ton mammals glide effortlessly under and around our small boat was humbling, to say the least. At any moment, they could crush us with their massive bodies. Or send a gawking tourist flying with a flip of a fin. When we spotted our first whale, another lady on board even yelled out, “Oh no, is it going to tip us?” in a panicked way. But most of us just leaned over for a closer look, as though its beauty was magnetic. I would have welcomed taking an unexpected swim with these majestic creatures.

However, seeing these enormous mammals swim below you and dive next to you does make you feel very, very tiny. And at one point on our whale watching tour there were six or seven, all swimming, breaching and making themselves known with loud blows. They use their giant tail fin (called a fluke) to propel their bodies underwater or into the air. It is uncertain why they breach, but I like to think it is just their way of having fun.

See more of these gentle giants as they swim around us:

About the Humpbacks in Newfoundland

If you want to see a humpback, Newfoundland is certainly the place to do it. The waters of Newfoundland and Labrador boasts the largest gathering – about 35,000 every summer before migrating to the Caribbean. They are attracted to the abundant capelin, which they eat about two tons of a day. So, if you catch a whiff of fish on your tour in Newfoundland, congrats! You just experienced whale breath.

Although their size and appetite can be a bit daunting, the most amazing thing about the humpbacks, in my opinion, is the undeniable sense that they are friendly, playful and kind.

The crew at Molly Bawn told us that the whales will often play near the boat dock if the weather hasn’t allowed for tours. As if to say, “Hey, we are out here!” And since they always make sure their tours are not harming or interfering with the local wildlife, the whales see them as friends instead of intruders. Which is obvious with how close the humpbacks get to the boat.

Starbuck the Humpback Whale

But my favorite story is about Starbuck – a humpback Jeannine spotted and named in 2010. She had a special connection to this whale and was ecstatic to see her flippered friend while we were out on our tour. After confirming it was him by looking at some old photos, she was kind enough to send me an email update to confirm. She said, by the last tour of the day, he was rubbing against the boat like he did years ago. Amazing!

And can we all just give a collective “aww” for how sweet Molly Bawn’s resident Marine Biologist is! We just adore her. And if you need an extra excuse or two, she mentioned to me that she got married in the water in a mermaid tail. And she drives a car that looks like an orca. LOVE HER!

There are countless tours that promise to get you close to these unique animals. And you may even find a few locals willing to take you out. But, we didn’t just want to catch a glimpse of the humpbacks and clowns of the sea.

We wanted an intimate look at these majestic creatures and to walk away with a better understanding of what makes them so special. Jeanine and Molly Bawn provided us with so much more on this fantastic puffin and whale tour in Newfoundland.

Know Before You Go Whale Watching & Puffin Viewing in Canada’s East

• Tour Location : Mobile, Newfoundland (about 40 minutes south of St. John’s). Tickets can be purchased at the information booth across from Mobile High School on Route 10. The tours depart from Gus O’Reilly’s Road.
• Times : Each tour is about 1 hour and 15 minutes long. Tours are at 10a.m., 11:30a.m., 1p.m., 2:30p.m. and 4p.m. daily.
• Price : $50 per adult. Reservations are recommended. Boats fit 12 passengers.
• What you might see : Puffins, dolphins, sharks, humpback whales, otters, jellyfish, killer whales, bald eagles, and even icebergs if the season is right!
• Tips for RVers: Call ahead to inquire about parking – there should be room at the nearby high school. We don’t recommend taking your rig all the way to the departure point. We took our 26-ft motorhome, but had to do a 12-point turn to leave and would have been stuck had more cars come. If staying overnight, check out nearby Celctic Rendezvous by the Sea RV Park for great views of the water you had the pleasure of exploring during the day.

Special thanks to Molly Bawn Whale & Puffin Tours for hosting us on this fun ocean adventure! As always, opinions are our own.

For more stories and tips, check out our other  Newfoundland blog posts . And for a list of where we stayed overnight during our trip, take a look at our RV Camping Reviews page .

About the Author: Brooke Baum

Brooke is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager for various blog sites. After five years of full-time travel with her husband Buddy, they made the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, their permanent home base. However, they still travel regularly and are always planning their next trip.

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Are there whale sighting yet? We are planning on visiting from June 1-7 are wonder what are chances are to see some whales?

Hi Sharon, We went on this trip a few years ago, so I’m not sure what the sightings are looking like this year. But, I’d suggesting emailing the tour company and checking what the sightings are looking like. -Brooke

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Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch

Newfoundland puffin boat tour, discover the ultimate wildlife adventure with gatherall’s.

Experience the thrill of witnessing puffins in their natural habitat on this TOP RATED Newfoundland puffin boat tour.

“ BEST OF THE BEST ” by  TripAdvisor, Gatherall’s  is among the top 1% of things to do worldwide!  

Best place to see puffins.

Embark on our award winning Newfoundland Puffin Tour to marvel at playful puffins nesting on the cliffs and diving in deep waters. While this tour is past peak whale season, our watchful crew keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, ocean sunfish and other marine wildlife that may appear. With expert and entertaining guides and the most comfortable boat, Gatherall’s ensures an unforgettable wildlife encounter!

Tour Dates: August 16 – September 05.  Check below for more tours & dates.

Expert Guided Tour

Professional, knowledgable and friendly guides offer a live interpretation detailing the lives of the birds, the surrounding geology and of course any whales or other marine wildlife encountered. Commentary is interspersed with a colourful mix of local humour, stories & song capturing the essence of Newfoundland’s culture.  Gatherall’s crew blends youthful exuberance balanced with decades of seagoing experience. 

Tour duration between 90 to 110 minutes.

Tour Add Ons

Round out your Newfoundland Puffin Boat Tour with one or more of Gatherall’s most popular offerings.  Shop our great selection of Newfoundland arts & crafts for that special memento.  Get inducted to the Royal Order of Screechers by Gatherall’s crew and become an Honorary Newfoundlander on board.  Need a ride?  Book our convenient door to door shuttle ( most St. John’s hotels) .

Screech-In’s

Get Screech’d-In by Gatherall’s

Shuttle Service

Pickups from most St.John’s hotels

One of Newfoundland’s best craft stores

Gatherall’s Catamaran…. Designed to Provide the Best Experience

Treat yourself to the best views! Elevated viewing decks keep you at eye level with nesting puffins for the best pictures and make it easier to spot whales and other marine life even when further away ( think penthouse view versus ground floor view ).  

Abundant deck and rail space provide unobstructed views.    If we’re lucky should a whale, dolphins, or ocean sunfish appear, the superior viewing angles of the cat enable you to see deeper into the water to watch as they slip effortless beneath. 

Riding the cat means that your carbon footprint is smaller too. The cat was designed to be ultra efficient which means that we consume less fuel per guest per mile traveled than other vessels. 

Spacious & Comfortable

Gatherall’s cat is the largest tour boat in Newfoundland.  The cat offers the most space and the smoothest ride.  Multiple viewing decks provide rail space for everyone.  Room for all guests inside the cabin in the event of rain. Washrooms and canteen service on board.

Certification & Training

Vessel & crew are Transport Canada Certified and inspected annually. All required life safety & fire safety equipment is in place and our crew have been expertly trained in Marine Emergencies Duties, Domestic Vessel Safety, Marine First Aid plus more.

Range & Speed

The unique design of the cat allows it to travel further than other vessels. Featuring dual engines and slim hulls means that the cat can travel more quickly than other tour boats. It can also travel further to find whales & icebergs and spend more time.

More Times & More Tours 

Gatherall’s offers tours daily May 14 to September 20 

Great adventures still await even if you’re visiting outside peak whale season. The seabird colony is at its finest May through to late August ( puffins stay through till mid / late September ). Icebergs may be present early season and whales sometimes appear outside of peak season. Incredible coastal vistas await all season! 

For 2024 we’ve added a couple of new special tours …

Music & Friends

Puffin Palooza

Coastal Puffins

Birds & Bergs

Puffin & Whale Watch

Nature Tour

Newfoundland  puffin boat tour.

We would love to experience puffins, whales, and icebergs on every tour but please remember that nature keeps its own schedule. Time of day generally doesn’t affect sightings but time of the season sure does. Planning your visit?  Click below to discover the best times to visit for each attraction.

Seasonal guidance regarding suggested “Best Times” for puffins and whale encounters represents historical norms but can vary from year to year. 

Whales & / icebergs cannot be guaranteed on any specific cruise.

Puffins arrive early May and can be viewed in large numbers through till mid September with a few staying till the 3rd week of September. Timing for the other seabirds (murres, guillemots, gannets, kittiwakes, fulmars & more) varies by species.

Whale encounters typically peak mid-June through to mid-August (may vary slightly year to year). Whales may arrive mid May and stay as late as September but please remember that sightings outside of the peak season are a bonus! Whales are not guaranteed.

Iceberg season around the St. John’s area typically runs May through to mid / late June. Although we are at the end of Iceberg Alley and see fewer bergs than northern Newfoundland, the bergs here are often very dramatic as they near the end of their journey.

Top Rated Newfoundland Puffin & Whale Boat Tour 

Close to 40 Years of Great Service.   We’re proud of our commitment to providing incredible experiences and stellar customer service.  We’ve been welcoming explorers since 1984.  We’ve learned a few things along the way.  With so many great reviews, you know Gatherall’s should be your first choice for your Newfoundland puffin and whale boat tour.

Awesome Trip

The crew were so friendly& entertaining, the scenery & birds incredible, and we got to see a couple of whales! Definitely met and exceeded our expectations.  Thanks

Highly Recommended

Great Tour with excellent staff! From the check in to the onboard staff, everyone was friendly, efficient, and professional.  This is our second whale watch with this company. Highly recommend for an authentic experience.

Fantastic Experience!

Fantastic experience!! Crew were informative and very entertaining!! Boat was very clean and safe, and we learned a lot about the birds and the whales we saw! Highly recommend it!!

Recommend Them Thoroughly!

Thanks guys. It was an awesome trip. Enjoyed the whales and trillions of birds. Terrific songs and commentary too! Great job!

Awesome Experience

It was an awesome experience and really enjoyed the view and everything the staff  and crew were very informative and funny I got to taste some of the iceberg.

The trip was excellent.  The captain and crew  were fantastic.   Also seeing the first humpbacks of the season.  We will recommended you to friends and family

Enjoyed Every Minute!

Great day, we enjoyed every minute! The staff was helpful and provided good information all through the cruise.

Excellent Trip!

An excellent trip. Although we knew that seeing whales could not be guaranteed the crew did their utmost to make sure we did. 

Highlight Of Our Trip!

Our experience with Gatheralls was by far the highlight of our trip to St. John’s! My 7 year old keeps talking about how amazing the sights were and how funny the tour guides were. We can’t wait to come back and do it again!

Definately Recommend!

Great tour, fun and friendly staff! Very knowledgeable and great sense of humor!  Very helpful and accommodating for my mother who was in a wheelchair. Definitely recommend!

Absolutely Awesome!

Foggy Day but that didn’t dampen the experience. Absolutely awesome

Very Impressed!

We were very impressed with the knowledge of the staff on-board our tour regarding the Puffins, Razorbills and Murres as well as their commitment to conservation. We commend your efforts and thank you for your excellent work and learned a lot too. Absolutely great experience. 

Highly Recommend!

Was absolutely amazing.  Not to be missed experience when visiting St Johns. Highly recommend.

Tours won't resume until Summer 2024

• Newfoundland Whale Watching Tour

Humpback whales, & more

The Molly Bawn whale watching boat tour takes you on an adventure, just 40 mins from St. John’s . Every tour is a great opportunity to see humpback whales up close.

(Some of these beautiful iceberg photos are provided courtesy of the  Newfoundsander travel blog .)

Humpback whales info

Every summer the  largest gathering of humpback whales  can be observed in the waters around Newfoundland and Labrador. 35,000 of these  40 ton  and up to  18 meter long giants  come here to feed on up to 2t of capelin per day and to educate the next generation in fishing.

Make sure you don’t miss out on this mind-blowing spectacle! (Photo by Chris Huh, [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons)

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Tours will resume Summer 2024

• Whale watching tours
• Puffin tours
• Iceberg tours

An experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Tour details

Duration: Approximately 1 hour, and 15 minutes

Hours: 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm Every day

• Under 16: $60
• Senior: $60
• Children under 5: Free
• Private rental: $690

Tours include the chance for:

• Puffin boat tour
• Whale watching
• Iceberg boat tour

(depending on the season)

5-star rating on Trip Advisor

Newfoundland boat tours like no other

Puffin tours take you up close to our exotic wildlife native to Newfoundland.

Whale watching tours in the heart of Newfoundland, where only seeing is believing.

Iceberg tours for experiencing 10,000 year old icebergs up close.

What we see

• Newfoundland Iceberg Tour
• Newfoundland Bird Watching Boat Tour
• Atlantic Ocean Wildlife Boat Tour
• We're proud Puffin Patrol members
• Waldo, the White Puffin

(709) 334-2621

Gus O’Reilly’s Road Mobile, Newfoundland A0A 3A0

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