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
  • Gratuities
  • Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
  • Alcoholic beverages
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
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(835 Ratings)
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Joannasf486fm
Sep 6, 2025
Top notch experience - Our experience was top notch from being greeted by the crew on the boat to the scenery, and being screeched in during the ride. There were quite a few laughs during our excursion, we will never forget. Will definitely recommend this tour to family and friends. Thank you from the Shelton, Lagace & Jeffrey families.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ikerbranden
Sep 1, 2025
History Knowledge Top Notch - The boat, customer service, history knowledge, and organization was top notch. We knew there wouldn’t be any whales, late in the season, but the coastal views and Puffins made it still a great adventure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gaye_p
Sep 1, 2025
It was a great tour. It... - It was a great tour. It was a combination of beautiful scenery, amazing bird watching and Newfoundlander hospitality. We loved the whole adventure.
Review provided by Viator
893victorw
Aug 28, 2025
Amazing Tour - My wife and I, along with 3 of our closest friends, went upon a board this cruise. Along with a former crew member , Jimmy and his wife Mary. The crew are very entertaining with Newfoundland folk songs and dancing along with 3 new SCREECHER’S. It was too late to see the whales, but the puffins and other seabirds were amazing to watch. I would like to “Thank you” for this amazing trip. PS this review was written along with my friend’s. Thank you again..
Review provided by Tripadvisor
565michelles
Aug 26, 2025
Puffins and Screech in... what a day! - What a wonderful experience. The crew was friendly and musical! They made the most of the adventure and we saw so many birds. Whales were not to be found but it wasn't really the season and not our main goal. We did see a sunfish and had a great time being "screeched in"... would recommend 100%
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cynthia_h
Aug 23, 2025
How small the puffins... - How small the puffins are!! The vast number of species of birds. The guides were very knowledgeable, ever so friendly & helpful.
Review provided by Viator
Jda60
Aug 21, 2025
A Fun Day - A fun and enjoyable tour, with a great crew who entertain you with singing and information. Their boat is double hulled and stable so better for someone who is queasy at sea. My only complaint is the ship holds at least 100 people and if you want a good spot, line up early.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevin
Aug 30, 2025
Puffin and whale watch tour reality against expectations - No complaints about tour as such.hotel pick up,transport to boat fine.this was a late season Tour so Newfoundland weather had to be Factored in.it was quite cold and overcast Although dry,the water was calm though.i was Layered up but still felt cold .for most people Me included the puffins were what they came For and there were still plenty around.they are So small and fast that without large telephoto Lens they will only show up as lacking sharp Focus with the digital enlargement needed To get them as a decent size in the picture There was one disturbing incident I was a Witness to.somebody who had bought a ticket And was boarding the boat had to get off. The boat crewmember explained to him that Due to safety regulations they couldn’t exceed Their permitted passenger total and that it was like an airline where there are too many Passengers booked for seats available.i don’t Know the full details,maybe he just bought a Ticket right before departure.i assume he was Offered a refund or alternate trip.as someone A bit paranoid i might be afraid of that happening to me.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbara_t
Aug 29, 2025
We had a great time ..... - We had a great time .. even though we didn't see any whales. The weather was beautiful... calm water.
Review provided by Viator
528fawada
Aug 28, 2025
Good experience - Great experience. No whales but it was late in the season. Say sunfish, lots of puffins , bald eagles. The guide was very informative. Beautiful scenery , even songs were sung. Shout to Jane super hilarious . Would recommend:)
Review provided by Tripadvisor