Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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 is from mid-June through mid-August with occasional sightings in late season. Wildlife cannot be guaranteed on any given cruise.
Enjoy entertaining and educational live commentary provided by on board naturalists and crew. Learn about Newfoundland's marine wildlife and heritage from your enthusiastic, knowledgeable, professional guides during this awesome adventure (minimum 90 minutes). Our catamaran offers the most space for your comfort.
Screech In ceremony available during cruise - guests should pre-register at time of tour check in.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Depending on vessel movement/sea conditions, passengers may be advised by the crew to refrain from standing or to remain seated during certain portions of the cruise
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Participants are advised to regard all instruction provided by the vessel crew
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Whales and or icebergs cannot be guaranteed on any given cruise.
If in the event that the activity is cancelled on the part of Gatherall’s at any time prior to or during the scheduled activity, participants can elect to either reschedule at no additional charge or will receive a full refund.
Direction/guidance is provided to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers
Persons travelling with infants / small children to provide their own car / booster seats for shuttle service
What To Expect
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 includes stops along the sheltered areas of the islands that comprise the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. The areas visited offer great opportunities to view and photograph late season puffins and other bird life encountered. While past peak whale season, any whales and other marine life encountered will be incorporated into the tour. Tour narrated by an experienced, professional crewmember providing commentary, with a mix of information about the natural and cultural heritage of the area as well as some live local musical selections. Cruise duration is 90 minutes. Please allow additional two hours for shuttle pick up and drop off to selected hotel.
Options
Scenic Coastal Cruise
Pickup included
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
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities are not included and are at the discretion of the guest
Round trip transportation from / to hotel. Contact Gatherall's to confirm details and update booking. 3 hour minimum for new requests.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Puffins did not disappoint!
Michael O,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the boat tour, giving us an opportunity to see Puffins! The tour operator team were fantastic and we learned a lot about the area and wildlife.
Excellent puffin viewing boat trip.
jjo,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went late in the season so all we got to see were the puffins. But we love bird watching and puffins are a blast to watch. They were swimming near the boat and flying by the whole time. The Gatherall boat is large and has plenty of viewing areas for everybody. All in all, a really fun couple of hours.
Puffins! Eagles! and More
Mary K,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We took this tour near the end of August. We loved seeing puffins, eagles, and even a sunfish. Be aware that the puffins shed their bright beaks after the breeding season. They are still cute! You should bring field glasses/binoculars to increase your chances of seeing animals. The Gatherall staff, including the shuttle driver and the crew on the boat, were all friendly and professional. There was the right mix of information and humor while the crew also focused on keeping everyone safe. The boat is not a small boat. To see some sights, you will need walk to the sides of the boat. Be sure to dress for breezes and, potentially, rain.
Ocean Adventure
deh480,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is the tour to take if you want to experience sea life. Saw a leatherback turtle, blue fin tuna, many different sea birds and of course puffins. Not only did we get to see all of that, but also enjoyed singing by some of the boat crew. Certainly a highlight of our trip to Newfoundland.
Great boat tour
O2725QDdaveb,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a well organized boat tour. So entertaining and professional run. The singing and stories added to our tour. Lots of puffins to see. We saw a large ocean sunfish but no whales.
Outing with my family
valeriebF8453NH,Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome 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 😊
The total experience from...
Sheila C,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The 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!
The Great Puffin Cruise
WILLIAM S,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We 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.
A great outing!
macmaster111,Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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!
Puffin experience
Annette M,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Ship’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.
Related Experiences
Operated by Gatheralls Puffin and Whale Watch