Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

The best part of this cruise is the sheer wildlife around the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Puffins crowd the islands from mid-May through mid-September, while whales are most likely from mid-June to mid-August. In May and June, icebergs may drift past on their way down Iceberg Alley.

I like the roomy catamaran, with outdoor viewing space and an indoor cabin, and I like the crew’s mix of wildlife facts, Newfoundland stories, music, and humor. The main catch is simple: wild animals set the schedule. You may see whales, dolphins, puffins, and icebergs, or you may spend the trip watching seabirds and dramatic coastline instead.

Quick takeaways

• Puffin season runs from mid-May to mid-September, with nesting seabirds spread around the reserve.
• Whale season is strongest from mid-June to mid-August, but sightings are never promised.
• The catamaran has room for up to 100 people on its outside decks, plus an interior cabin and washroom.
• Bay Bulls is about 25 minutes from downtown St. John’s, so a car or paid shuttle makes the trip easier.
• Local culture is part of the outing, with songs, stories, live commentary, and a possible Screech-In ceremony.
• Bring warm layers and binoculars, even on a sunny day. The North Atlantic can feel cold and windy.

From Bay Bulls into Iceberg Alley

The cruise begins at Gatherall’s private dock in Bay Bulls, south of St. John’s. You can drive there and use the free parking, or arrange transportation from select St. John’s hotels for an added fee.

The ride to the reserve takes you along the coast toward the end of Iceberg Alley. Icebergs drift south from Greenland each spring and summer. By the time they reach Newfoundland, waves, sun, wind, and rock have carved them into odd shapes. May and June give you the best chance of seeing them, though no iceberg sighting is guaranteed.

The advertised cruise lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Actual time on the water can sometimes run closer to two hours, especially when the captain spends extra time near wildlife. Build a little flexibility into your day rather than scheduling a tight connection right afterward.

Stop One: Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch

The first stop is the departure dock and the vessel itself. The catamaran used for the cruise is designed to carry up to 100 people on its outside decks, with an enclosed cabin for all passengers if the weather turns unpleasant.

That layout matters. You are not trapped inside a small boat with one narrow rail for viewing. You can move between outdoor areas, look for wildlife from different angles, and retreat indoors when the wind gets sharp. The boat also has a washroom, a useful feature on a short cruise with children or older family members.

The drawback is that a full boat can still feel crowded. One sighting described a passenger missing a whale because people blocked the view. Whales surface quickly, sometimes for only a few seconds, so being near the rail helps. If getting the clearest possible view is your priority, arrive ready to listen to crew instructions and move promptly when wildlife appears.

The crew uses wireless microphones, so commentary can reach passengers around the vessel. Guides explain the birds, whales, geology, and local heritage, and they can repeat information or answer questions. Several crew members, including Jane, Rebecca, Cole, and Captain Al, have been praised for their friendly presentation. Janice has also been singled out for her work with the shuttle service.

Stop Two: Bay Bulls and the Open North Atlantic

Bay Bulls is more than a pickup point. It is your gateway to the open water, and the change from land to sea is part of the experience.

A sunny day at the dock does not mean a warm ride. Once the catamaran leaves shore, wind and spray can make the air feel much colder. I would wear several layers, bring a waterproof outer jacket, and avoid dressing only for the forecast in St. John’s. The cruise operates in all weather conditions unless the operator cancels for safety or poor conditions.

Sea conditions can affect how you use the boat. At times, the crew may ask you to remain seated or avoid standing. Follow those instructions. They are meant to keep everyone safe when the vessel is moving or the water becomes rough.

If you are prone to seasickness, plan carefully. One passenger became ill along with a grandchild, though the crew offered close support. The fact that staff helped quickly and kindly is encouraging, but it does not change the basic reality: this is an ocean cruise, not a calm harbor ride.

Stop Three: Witless Bay Ecological Reserve

The main destination is the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, a protected group of islands and surrounding waters. More than 2.5 million seabirds use the area, making this one of the strongest reasons to take the trip even if whales are not your main goal.

The catamaran stops near sheltered parts of the islands. From the viewing decks, you can watch birds flying over the water, resting on the rocks, and returning to nesting sites. The crew may point out Atlantic puffins, common murres, black guillemots, northern gannets, greater shearwaters, and northern fulmars.

Puffins are the stars for many people, but they are smaller than you may expect. A pair of binoculars makes a real difference, especially when birds sit farther up the rocks or move quickly among the colony. Your camera phone may capture the general scene, but binoculars help you appreciate the small details.

The reserve also has impressive sound and motion. Millions of seabirds create a constant rush of wings and calls. Puffins fly low and fast, while gannets and other seabirds add larger shapes to the sky. Even without a whale, the birdlife gives the cruise a clear purpose.

Whale Watching Without False Promises

Whales are most commonly seen from mid-June through mid-August. Humpbacks are a regular target, and lucky cruises have also seen dolphins and even a rare sperm whale. Some outings have included a mother, calf, and male escort traveling together, with whales remaining near the boat for about 20 minutes.

Those are remarkable encounters, but they are not the normal guarantee of the ticket. Whales may be nearby and remain underwater. They may surface once and disappear. The crew can search, adjust the route, and spend more time in the area, but it cannot control where wild animals feed or travel.

This is an important booking decision. If you need a guaranteed whale sighting, no responsible operator can offer that. If you can enjoy seabirds, cliffs, icebergs, and ocean scenery as the main event, a whale becomes a wonderful bonus rather than the measure of success.

The crew’s skill still matters. They know the local waters and watch for movement that a first-time visitor may miss. Their live explanations help you understand what you are seeing instead of simply scanning the horizon in silence.

Newfoundland Stories, Songs, and the Screech-In

This is not a quiet nature cruise from start to finish. The crew adds Newfoundland character through music, storytelling, humor, and local history. Songs have been part of the ride, and the return trip may include a Screech-In ceremony.

The ceremony is a Newfoundland tradition connected with becoming an honorary Newfoundlander. On this boat, it can be a lively group activity, and it is optional in the sense that it is an added part of the experience rather than the reason to book the cruise. If you enjoy local culture and a little theatrical fun, it may become one of your favorite memories.

The tone is informal and family-friendly. Children can take part, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The mix of education and entertainment also helps during slower wildlife stretches, when the boat is traveling between islands or waiting for animals to surface.

How the Price Works at CA$94.06

At CA$94.06 per person, the cruise is a reasonable value if you want a short wildlife outing with a proper vessel, local guides, indoor shelter, outdoor viewing areas, parking, and a washroom.

The price is easier to justify during peak wildlife periods, especially mid-June through mid-August when whale sightings are more likely. In May and June, icebergs add another reason to go. From late summer into early September, puffins may remain the strongest draw even as whale chances change.

Transportation needs a closer look. The departure point is about 25 minutes from downtown St. John’s, and public transportation is listed at CA$40.25 per person. Paid hotel pickup is available from select hotels, but it must be confirmed in advance and costs extra. The operator has described the shuttle price as about $35 plus tax per person, so confirm the current amount when booking.

For many people without a car, the shuttle is worth considering. It removes the need to arrange a rental car for one outing and may include local information from the driver. Just do not assume hotel pickup is included in the base cruise price.

There is also a small shop at the dock with souvenirs, drinks, and snacks. Bar service is available aboard the vessel, but alcoholic drinks are not included.

Group Size, Comfort, and the Best Place to Stand

The boat can carry up to 100 people. That gives you a stable, spacious platform compared with a small open boat, but it also means popular viewing spots can fill quickly.

I would arrive early, listen carefully to the pre-departure safety briefing, and use the outside decks when it is safe to stand. Keep moving politely so other passengers can see too. When a whale surfaces, the crew may direct people toward one side of the vessel, and everyone may get only a quick look.

The enclosed cabin is valuable in poor weather and for anyone who becomes cold. One passenger who felt seasick still managed to see whales and puffins from downstairs. That is a useful reminder that you do not need to remain outside for the whole trip.

Most people can participate, and safety equipment is supplied according to Transport Canada Marine Safety requirements. The cruise is not described as wheelchair accessible, so anyone with specific mobility needs should confirm arrangements before booking.

The Best Time to Go

Choose your date based on what you most want to see.

• May and June: Your best period for icebergs, with puffins beginning their season.
• Mid-June through mid-August: The strongest window for whales, along with abundant seabirds.
• Mid-May through mid-September: The main puffin period.
• Late summer: Often a good choice for birdwatching, even if whales are uncertain.

Multiple departure times make it easier to fit the cruise around a day in St. John’s. Still, allow extra time for weather changes or schedule adjustments. Departure times can occasionally be changed, and the operator may contact you by phone to arrange a new time.

The cruise requires suitable weather and may be canceled if conditions are poor. In that case, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own cancellation, cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Changes made later are not accepted.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend it to families, couples, birdwatchers, photographers, and anyone who wants a close look at Newfoundland’s coastal wildlife without committing to a full-day excursion.

It works particularly well for families because the trip is short, the vessel has an indoor cabin, and the crew keeps children interested with stories and songs. It also suits first-time visitors who want more than a standard sightseeing ride. You get wildlife, coastal scenery, local culture, and a little Newfoundland humor in one outing.

I would be more cautious if you dislike wind, motion, crowds, or uncertainty. A whale sighting is never guaranteed, and a full boat can make a fast encounter harder to see. If you are sensitive to seasickness, dress warmly, follow crew guidance, and consider staying inside during rougher portions.

Should You Book It?

Book this cruise if you want a well-equipped boat, strong puffin viewing, a real chance at whales during peak season, and a crew that treats local culture as part of the outing. The seabird reserve alone gives the cruise value, while icebergs and whales can turn it into a spectacular day.

I would choose a mid-June to mid-August departure for the best whale odds, or May and June if icebergs matter most. Bring binoculars, warm layers, and patience. If you can accept that wildlife does not perform on command, Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch offers one of the most memorable short excursions from St. John’s.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from a private dock in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, about 25 minutes from downtown St. John’s.

How long does the cruise last?

The advertised duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Some outings may spend closer to two hours on the water.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include Atlantic puffins, humpback whales, dolphins, common murres, black guillemots, northern gannets, greater shearwaters, northern fulmars, icebergs, and other seabirds.

When is the best time to see whales?

Peak whale watching takes place from mid-June through mid-August. Whale sightings are not guaranteed on any departure.

When can I see puffins?

Puffins are generally present from mid-May through mid-September.

When are icebergs most likely?

Icebergs are most likely in May and June as they move along the coast from Greenland.

Is transportation from St. John’s included?

Transportation is not included in the cruise price. Paid pickup is available from select hotels and must be confirmed in advance. Public transportation is listed at CA$40.25 per person.

Does the boat have indoor space?

Yes. The catamaran has an interior cabin that can accommodate all passengers if weather conditions make the outdoor decks uncomfortable.

Is there a washroom on the boat?

Yes. The vessel is equipped with a washroom.

What happens if the cruise is canceled because of weather?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor weather. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.