4.5 (587) · St. John's · By Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours Free cancellation Likely to sell out
Iceberg Quest is the only boat tour operating from St. John's harbour. Walking distance from hotels. No shuttles required.
Welcome aboard Newfoundland’s award-winning boat tour. Depart from the heart of downtown St. John’s, the oldest North American seaport. Witness the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales thrust their 40 ton bodies into a full breach! Encounter 12,000 year old icebergs from Greenland glaciers. Observe seabirds including Atlantic puffins, Northern gannets, black-legged kittiwakes, and bald eagles.
Visit the most easterly land point in North America, Cape Spear. Experience breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean meeting the land. Take in Cape Spear Lighthouse standing proud. Entertaining and educational, our narrated tour is fun for the whole family. Step aboard ...Experience the WONDER!
✓ Snacks and drinks available for purchase✓ Screechins' available for a fee✓ Expert guides✓ Safety equipment provided as per Transport Canada requirements✓ Safety briefing before departure✓ Onboard restroom facilities✓ Heated cabin✓ Licensed bar onboard1 St. John's
View the St. John's harbour and skyline from the water!
Spectacular 'whale's eye' views of historic buildings, colourful rows of houses and the famous St. John's Outer Battery.
Wave to passing ships as you make your way to the entrance of St. John's harbour, The Narrows.
· Non-stop passage
2 Signal Hill
From the base of Signal Hill, you will witness the historic and significant Cabot Tower, the site of the first wireless transatlantic communication.
You'll have a front-row seat to the hiking trails that dot along the coastline.
· Non-stop passage
3 Fort Amherst Lighthouse
Pass by historic landmarks such as Fort Amherst Lighthouse.
Learn about the history of these landmarks through a guided narration including the significance of the St. John's port since the early 1500's.
· Non-stop passage
4 Blackhead Sea Caves and Seabird Colony
Sailing past the incredible Blackhead Sea Caves you will witness a kittiwake colony.
Keep watch for bald eagles, northern gannets, puffins and other seabirds that you may see as they frequent this area.
· Non-stop passage
5 Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
Witness breathtaking views of the incredible Cape Spear National Historic Site - the most easterly point in North America!
You will be on the Atlantic Ocean looking at the emerging rugged coastline of ancient volcanic and metamorphic rock.
Atop the cliffs is the Cape Spear Lighthouse and Battery, sitting at 213 feet above sea level, providing both direction and safety to passing ships for over a century.
· Non-stop passage
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
The tour departs from downtown St. John's, located in North America's oldest seaport. Please arrive at our Kiosk 30 minutes before departure for check-in and your safety briefing. You can easily walk here from downtown hotels, B&Bs, the Convention Centre, dining areas, George Street, and shopping districts. No shuttle service is needed.
The tour returns to downtown St. John's, located in North America's oldest seaport. Please arrive at our Kiosk 30 minutes before departure for check-in and your safety briefing. You can easily walk here from downtown hotels, B&Bs, the Convention Centre, dining areas, George Street, and shopping districts. No shuttle service is needed.
Please check in at the orange ticket office located on the pier.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants and small children can be accommodated in a pram or stroller. Service animals are permitted on the tour. Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. Infants must be seated on an adult's lap during the tour. This tour is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. The typical iceberg season runs from May to June. Please note that iceberg sightings are not guaranteed and can vary annually. Peak whale sightings usually occur from mid-June to mid-August. Whale sightings are not guaranteed, and sightings outside this period are considered a bonus. The tour operates regardless of weather conditions, so please dress appropriately. A heated cabin is available onboard. This experience is weather-dependent. In case of cancellation due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund. This tour has a maximum capacity of 100 travellers. A minimum number of travellers is required for this experience. If it is cancelled due to not meeting the minimum, you will be offered an alternative date or experience, or a full refund. Kindly follow all instructions provided by the crew. Most travellers are able to participate in this tour. You will receive confirmation of your booking at the time of reservation. St. John's Exclusive Whale Watching, Seabird & Iceberg Tours
Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly. Bring binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing. Consider bringing a camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife. Arrive at the check-in point at least 30 minutes before departure. Be prepared for a memorable experience on the water! Check the iceberg and whale sighting seasons for the best chances of viewing. To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 317898P1
Activity offered by Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Nature enthusiasts Wildlife photographers History buffs Tourists Exclusive boat tour from St. John's harbour Witness humpback whales, icebergs, and diverse seabirds Visit Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America Educational and entertaining narrated tour Conveniently located downtown, no shuttle needed Heated cabin and onboard amenities
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.
When is the best time to see icebergs and whales? + Iceberg season is typically May to June, though sightings are not guaranteed. Whale peak sightings are usually from mid-June to mid-August, but sightings outside this period are a bonus.
What should I wear on the tour? + The tour operates rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather. A heated cabin is available onboard.
Is the tour suitable for all ages? + Yes, this tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to weather? + This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Where does the tour depart from? + The tour departs from downtown St. John's harbour. Please arrive at our Kiosk 30 minutes prior to departure for check-in and safety briefing. No shuttle is required as it's within walking distance of downtown hotels.
What is the maximum group size? + This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
No WHALES!
jimlO406OU, September 2026
The guide was up front with the fact that the whales had left 3 weeks earlier, but we had already purchased the tour. The captain did all that he could to make the experience better but no whales puts a damper on everything. I wish these tour companies had to quit selling tours when they haven't seem a whale in three weeks.
★★★★★ Viator review
We had a great time! Even...
Martina_M, September 2026
We had a great time! Even though we didn’t see any sea life, we did see amazing views! The crew is very knowledgeable and funny! Highly recommend!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Awesome time
karenfS3267AF, September 2026
Awesome time. Really beautiful and educational on the history and knowledge of the area. Staff were so friendly and fun.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
The people made this unforgettable
747loria, September 2026
★★★★★ The people made this unforgettable
It was one of the last tours of the season, and the crew made us feel welcome from the moment we sat down. They had us laughing, joining in, and feeling like we belonged.
My son has had a rough start to the school year, and these wonderful people put the twinkle back in his eyes without even knowing how much he needed it. As his mom, that meant everything.
Glen-Aiden and the entire crew, thank you for giving my family one of our happiest memories. My son and my mom were having the time of their lives! The scenery was beautiful, but your kindness is what we’ll remember most. The world needs more of it. ❤️
★★★★★ Viator review
Incredible coastal views...
emmamcsweeney, September 2026
Incredible coastal views in some terrifying swell, but worth it all. Advised on arrival it is too late in season to see whales and puffins and no icebergs out there but would look for sunfish and others. We found the sunfish and was worth it for the views alone, tour guides gave lots of info on the harbour and life in St John’s in general.
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