4.9 (1.1 k) · St. John's · By Gatheralls Puffin and Whale Watch Free cancellation
Experience the best location, crew, and tour boat.
Cruise to the stunning Witless Bay Ecological Reserve for a chance to see puffins, whales, and icebergs.
Wildlife sightings vary by season. Puffins are present from May to mid-September, with whale season peaking from mid-June to mid-August. Whales may be sighted before and after the peak period. Icebergs are typically visible from May to mid-June.
Please note that whale and iceberg sightings are not guaranteed on every trip.
Enjoy engaging and educational live commentary from our onboard naturalists and crew. Learn about Newfoundland's rich marine wildlife and heritage from our enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and professional guides.
Our catamaran provides ample space for your comfort, and its design allows for a wider range to enhance your chances of encountering whales and other marine life.
Tours have a minimum duration of 90 minutes and feature indoor accommodations for all guests. Our vessel and crew are certified by Transport Canada.
✓ All safety equipment provided as required by Transport Canada Marine Safety.✓ Tours are hosted by experienced, local guides.✓ Complimentary parking is available on-site.✓ The vessel is equipped with washroom facilities.✓ A pre-departure safety briefing is provided to all passengers.✕ Gratuities for the crew.✕ Round-trip transportation from your hotel. Please contact Gatherall's to arrange details and update your booking. A minimum of 3 hours is required for new transportation requests.✕ Bar service is available on board the tour vessel.Activity Schedule
1 h 30
Explore the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, a haven for Atlantic Puffins and millions of seabirds, and one of Newfoundland's premier whale watching destinations.
Our top-rated tour showcases seasonal wildlife and attractions, complemented by breathtaking coastal scenery year-round.
Seasonal highlights include: Puffins are reliably seen from mid-May to mid-September. The best chances for whale sightings are from mid-June to mid-August. Icebergs are most likely to be spotted in May and June.
The number and distribution of whales and icebergs can vary each season. While we aim to provide sightings on every tour, nature operates on its own schedule.
Please be aware that sightings of whales and/or icebergs are not guaranteed.
Our entertaining and informative commentary shares a wealth of knowledge about the natural and cultural heritage, enriched with colorful stories and songs that capture Newfoundland's vibrant culture.
Travel aboard Newfoundland's largest, most comfortable, and stable tour boat. With multiple decks and ample rail space, you'll have the best viewing opportunities. Its custom design enables us to reach prime locations faster, maximizing your time observing wildlife. This is a top-rated tour experience!
Gatherall's Puffin and Whale Watch Bay Bulls (Bull Head) Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Mobile or paper tickets are accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Gatherall's tours depart from 90 Northside Rd. in Bay Bulls, located about a 25-minute drive from downtown St. John's.
Gatherall's tours depart from 90 Northside Rd. in Bay Bulls, located about a 25-minute drive from downtown St. John's.
Must be requested and confirmed directly with Gatherall's; additional fees apply. The specific location and time will be confirmed upon booking.
Guests are required to check in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour start time.
Hotel pick-up from select properties is available for certain tour times at an additional cost. Transportation requests must be confirmed at least three hours in advance of the tour. Please contact Gatheralls to make arrangements.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
For the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to individuals who are intoxicated or exhibit signs of intoxication. If your tour is canceled due to this, no refund will be issued.
In case of service disruption due to weather, ticket holders may reschedule to an alternative departure time, subject to availability.
The vessel is not barrier-free. Motorized scooters and wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Manual wheelchairs are available for guests who require mobility assistance.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants must occupy an adult's lap. Suitable for all physical fitness levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are advised to follow all instructions provided by the vessel crew. Guidance is provided to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers. Depending on vessel movement and sea conditions, passengers may be advised by the crew to remain seated during certain parts of the cruise. Tours operate in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately. Sightings of whales and/or icebergs cannot be guaranteed on any given cruise. If Gatherall's cancels the activity at any point prior to or during the scheduled time, participants may choose to reschedule at no additional charge or receive a full refund. Transportation is available from select hotels for an additional fee and must be confirmed two hours in advance of the tour. Contact Gatherall's for details. Puffin & Whale Watch Hotel Pick Up & Return: Available for select tours at an additional fee of $35 + tax per person. Must be booked a minimum of 3 hours in advance. Dress in layers, as coastal weather can change quickly. Bring binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing. Consider booking transportation in advance if needed. Check in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Be prepared for potential sea spray and motion. Respect the wildlife and follow crew instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience. For a full refund, please cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 9347P1
Activity offered by Gatheralls Puffin and Whale Watch via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature enthusiasts Wildlife photographers Families Couples Tourists seeking unique Canadian experiences Witness puffins, whales, and potentially icebergs in their natural habitat. Explore the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, a vital seabird sanctuary. Enjoy live, educational commentary from knowledgeable local guides. Travel on a spacious and comfortable catamaran designed for wildlife viewing. Experience Newfoundland's unique coastal scenery and culture. Tours operate year-round, with specific wildlife viewing seasons.
Population 110,525 (2021)
Currency Canadian dollar
Official languages English, French
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Ottawa Average temperatures -2° Jan -2° Feb -1° Mar 1° Apr 4° May 8° Jun 14° Jul 16° Aug 13° Sept 9° Oct 5° Nov 1° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
Are whales and icebergs guaranteed sightings on this tour? + No, whale and iceberg sightings are not guaranteed on any given cruise as nature keeps its own schedule.
What is the best time of year to see puffins and whales? + Puffins are guaranteed from mid-May through mid-September. The best chance for whale sightings is from mid-June through mid-August.
Is transportation from hotels available? + Yes, hotel pick-up from select properties is available for an additional fee and must be booked at least three hours in advance. Please contact Gatherall's to arrange.
What should I wear on the boat tour? + Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. It is advisable to dress in layers as coastal weather can change rapidly.
Can I bring a wheelchair or scooter on the boat? + The vessel is not barrier-free, and motorized scooters or wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Manual wheelchairs are available for guests who require mobility assistance.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather? + In the event of service disruption due to weather, ticket holders may reschedule to an alternate departure time, subject to availability, or receive a full refund if the activity is canceled by Gatherall's.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
An absolutely perfect experience
TofinoFromToronto, September 2026
What an amazing experience! The trip out to the puffin colony was fabulous. We visited NFLD relatively late in the season, so we knew there was a chance we wouldn't see a whole heck of a lot of puffins, but the crew on the boat made sure we got the best experience we could. We saw sunfish, a minke whale, and puffins, puffins and more puffins. The crew regaled us with information about the lifestyle of the little creatures, how they mate, how they survive the pesky seagulls, what they do during the winter etc. They also sang some great local tunes while we were out on the water and of course took us through the formalities of the 'screeching in' procedure....a hilarious and complicated process that requires good listening skills as well as a willingness to get up close and personal with a small seabird's rear-end!!!
I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS TO EVERONE
★★★★★ Viator review
Deceptive Advertising- Not in Halifax
Joseph_P, September 2026
PLEASE READ THIS. Although listed as a Halifax tour, this boat is actually 30-40 minutes away in another town. I booked on Viator and nowhere does it mention this unless you google map it. It also DOES NOT mention a shuttle service, location of it or time. WE spoke to a few on our ship who also were not informed of this. When we got off the ship we did not know, so we called the company. They told us about the shuttle, and we told them we would be there in 5 minutes, however they left. A taxi was $160 one way so we declined. Now they will not give me my money back. To me they are a little deceptive, knowing many will choose not to go when they hear how far away they are. BTW- eliminate Puffins from the description, those on the tour came back and told us they left already.
Response from the operator · mikegatherall Dear Sir
#1 Please be informed. Tour is in Newfoundland. Halifax is a city in the province of Nova Scotia which is an entirely different province 700km away.
With respect, location information is provided prominently in the product description as per all other Viator products. Most obviously it is stated in the product card section labeled "Meeting & Pickup"- provided below for your review:
MEETING & PICKUP
Clearly stated as: "Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Watch 90 Northside Rd, Bay Bulls, NL A0A 1C0, Canada" - includes google map link
Pick up location indicates the following:
Pickup details note - "Must be request / confirmed directly with Gatherall's - additional fees apply. Location and time will be confirmed once booked."
Reference to the departure / meeting location is also clearly noted in the following key section:
WHAT TO EXPECT
Clearly states "Cruise departs from a private dock in Bay Bulls, about 31 miles (35 kilomteres) from downtown St. John's, Newfoundland"
Furthermore, other product detail sections provide additional references:
ADDITIONAL INFO
"Transportation is available from select hotels - additional fees applicable - must be confirmed two hours in advance of tour. Contact Gatherall's"
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Clearly notes that public transportation is not included
Additionally, in the booking window, the following is displayed before completing the booking : "Hotel Pick Up & Return: Available on select tours for additional fee of $35 + tax / person. MUST be booked min 3 hours in advance".
While unfortunate /regrettable that you apparently did not see / read the above listing information highlighted, nevertheless it is well noted and is in no manner obfuscated or hidden. You are welcome to review the listing on line as the information provided has not changed since your booking was created.
Again, while it is unfortunate that you missed the opportunity to partake in the tour, we cannot ensure that each and every guest reads any or all of the information provided no matter how relevant it is to the experience, nor how well nor how often it is stated.
★★★★★ Viator review
No whales on Whale watching tour but worth the ride
Robert_W, September 2026
The ride over is not included in the ticket price and that needs to be more clear in the booking. The tile included whale watching. The whales had long gone for this tour. The title was changed after our tour. The actual tour was wonderful. It was fun, comfortable and very enjoyable.
Response from the operator · mikegatherall Hi Robert
Thanks for your comments. Glad you enjoyed the crew and the experience.
Unfortunately we have no control over when / where / if whales will be encountered and thusly try to provide seasonal guidance for the benefit of our guests (e.g. peak season guidance). On occasion, tours outside of peak season may encounter whales - we've had them in every month of operation from May through to October - but peak has historically been mid May - mid August as noted in the tour Overview section. Some years they arrive earlier / some years later.
For 2027 the program listing name has indeed been changed to incorporate marine wildlife to further drive home the point that wildlife is seasonal.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Don’t miss.
W7397GYjoycew, September 2026
Loved it.
Personable, friendly and entertaining crew. Great day to be on the water. Not too hot and no rain. Learned a lot about the wonderful life of a Puffin. Thanks for the education, songs and entertainment. Captain Al should write a book. We loved his stories & jokes.
You epitomized the friendly Newfoundlander.
Thanks so much.
★★★★★ Viator review
Great crew!
Melinda_B, September 2026
This is a really fun trip. The crew is knowledgeable and very entertaining. They sang us songs, made sure we all got to see the Puffins and the lone Sunfish. They also shared information about the geology of the islands. Recommended for adults and older kids.
Show more reviews 
Top pick
Top pick
Selling fast
Top pick