St. Andrews by-the-Sea sits on Passamaquoddy Bay at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, and its harbour is the departure point for the region's best-known whale-watching trips. The operator linked here, Quoddy Link Marine, runs a 55-foot power catamaran that travels farther out to find more kinds of whale and to spend time in feeding grounds. Tourism New Brunswick says each trip is narrated by marine biologists and includes an on-board touch element and free hot chocolate and cookies, and that the vessel has washrooms and is wheelchair accessible. Humpback, minke and finback whales are the common sightings on this coast, with sei and pilot whales seen occasionally, and the bay is also a nursery for the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Seasons matter: tours run from June to October, with August considered the peak, so there are no cruises in November.
What to do
Book a seat on a cruise from the St. Andrews wharf, dress warmly and bring binoculars if you have them. Expect a few hours on the water, with the crew and a naturalist pointing out whales, seals and seabirds, and with commentary on the tides and the bay. This page covers a single operator on purpose, because whale watching from St. Andrews is one experience even though several boats sail from the harbour, including a tall ship that is not covered here.
Seasons and planning
Whale-watching tours here run from June through October, and August is generally the best month for whales and other wildlife. The 2026 season has ended, so plan for 2027 and check the operator's dates in spring. No price, schedule or duration is published on the Tourism New Brunswick page, so confirm those before you travel. Fog and wind can change the day, and sea conditions can cancel or shorten a trip.
Fitting it in
St. Andrews is roughly an hour and a half by road from Saint John, so it works best as an overnight, with a morning cruise followed by an afternoon at Kingsbrae Garden and the Blockhouse, and a night at the Algonquin Resort. Because the cruises and the garden are both summer attractions, the same trip suits June to early October.
What to expect
The experience
A narrated cruise on a 55-foot power catamaran from St. Andrews, with marine biologists on board and a touch element for children.
Best time
June to October, with August the peak for whales and other wildlife.
How long
Allow a few hours on the water; confirm the length of the trip when you book.
Tips
Dress warmly in layers, expect wind and fog, bring binoculars and check the operator's dates each spring.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wildlife lovers and families who want to see whales on the Bay of Fundy.
- Families
- The hot chocolate, the touch element and the narration keep children interested, though a long, cold trip can be tiring.
- Couples
- Take a morning cruise, then spend the afternoon in the town and the garden.
- Pair with
- Kingsbrae Garden and the St. Andrews Blockhouse fit into the same stay.
- Time needed
- Allow half a day including the harbour wait.
Good questions
Is whale watching available in November?+
No, tours run from June to October, so the 2026 season has finished. Check the operator's dates in spring for 2027.
Which whales can I see?+
Humpback, minke and finback whales are the most common sightings, with sei and pilot whales occasionally seen. The bay is also a nursery for the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
When is the best month?+
August is generally considered the best month for whales and other wildlife. June, July, September and October also run cruises.
Is the boat accessible?+
Tourism New Brunswick says the vessel has washrooms and is wheelchair accessible. Confirm your needs with the operator when you book.
How far is St. Andrews from Saint John?+
It is roughly an hour and a half by road. Most visitors make it an overnight stay to combine a cruise with the garden and the town.
