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
4.7
(14 Ratings)
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1 star
Valeriebf8453nh
Sep 11, 2025
Outing with my family - Awesome experience! Everyone was so nice and informative! The sea air was very nice! I'm originally from Newfoundland and I miss the ocean so much. Sorry I didn't see any whales but next time hopefully! Thank you 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sheila_c
Sep 10, 2025
The total experience from... - The total experience from pick up by Joanne, at my hotel to checking in at the location, and the cruise staff. Very fun staff onboard! Enjoyed the singing voices of the two ladies; along with Screechers part. The educational information was informative. The cruise staff was alert to sightings of various species. Seeing the Sun Fish was facinating; as close enough to the ship to get a good view of its size!
Review provided by Viator
William_s
Sep 9, 2025
The Great Puffin Cruise - We had a great voyage around the puffin laden island, and saw an ocean sunfish, a humpback whale, zillions of puffins and other sea birds, and sailed through a large school of jellyfish. The guide kept us informed of what and where the creature were, and even sang some songs. Weather was perfect as well. Great investment in time and money.
Review provided by Viator
Macmaster111
Sep 8, 2025
A great outing! - We had a fabulous day weather wise which made for a very pleasant tour. We did see some oversized sun fish, jelly fish and puffins. The staff were very friendly and informative! I would strongly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyage44719393843
Sep 2, 2025
Excellent - Great boat tour clean Welcoming warm, explanations about wildlife and Irish songs in addition I recommend it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeremy_f
Sep 1, 2025
The captain and crew were... - The captain and crew were fantastic, knowledgeable and entertaining! We saw a whale, which is quite rare for early September. Even if we hadn't, it would still be worthwhile.
Review provided by Viator
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
Annette_m
Sep 7, 2025
Puffin experience - Ship’s captain very informative. Shuttle was too expensive and could not hear commentary from the driver as she was speaking to the window. No microphone so only the front 4 passengers could hear the driver. Great to see puffins.
Review provided by Viator
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
From $69
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).