Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is four small islands off the Avalon Peninsula, about half an hour south of St. John's, and the province describes it as home to the largest Atlantic puffin colony in North America. This guided boat trip leaves from a private dock at Bay Bulls and takes about an hour and a half, cruising close to the island cliffs where puffins, murres and kittiwakes nest and watching for humpback and minke whales offshore. The operator is Gatherall's Puffin and Whale Watch, one of the licensed tour boats that serve the reserve. This is a seasonal experience, with whales seen roughly from May to October and puffins on the islands from late spring through to early August, and neither is ever guaranteed. Outside the season there are no sailings, so plan it for late spring or summer.
What to do
Board at Bay Bulls and settle in for a cruise along the rocky shore of the reserve islands, where the boat can approach closer than private vessels are allowed to. The crew point out puffins, which look like small clowns in flight, along with huge numbers of other seabirds, and they search the water for whales. Icebergs can drift into the bay in late spring and early summer, which is a spectacular bonus when it happens.
Practical planning
The season runs roughly from May to October, with whale watching said to peak from mid-June to mid-August and puffins most reliable from late May to early August. Tours run in most weather, so dress for cold wind and spray even on a warm day, and bring a camera with a strap.
The dock is at Bay Bulls, about 25 minutes by road from downtown St. John's, so you need a car, a taxi or a tour with transport. Hotel pickup can be arranged for an extra fee, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Fitting it in
Allow about three hours door to door from downtown including the drive. Book ahead for July and August, the busiest weeks, and pick a morning or afternoon sailing depending on the light. If you are travelling in autumn, check that the operator is still sailing before you plan around it, because late-season departures are limited. Pair the cruise with a drive along the Southern Shore or lunch back in the city.
What to expect
The experience
A guided boat cruise of about an hour and a half from Bay Bulls to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve islands.
Best time
Late May to early August for puffins and mid-June to mid-August for peak whale watching; the season runs roughly May to October.
How long
About an hour and a half on the water, plus about 25 minutes by road each way from downtown.
Tips
Dress for cold wind and spray, bring a camera with a strap, and accept that whales and icebergs cannot be guaranteed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wildlife lovers and first-time visitors who want the signature Newfoundland experience.
- Families
- Children enjoy the boat and the birds, but they must be accompanied by an adult and infants sit on laps.
- Couples
- Choose a morning sailing for calmer water and softer light.
- Pair with
- A Southern Shore drive, the Irish Loop day trip or dinner downtown.
- Time needed
- About three hours door to door from downtown.
Good questions
When is the best time for puffins and whales?+
Puffins are on the islands from late May to early August, and whale watching is usually best from mid-June to mid-August. The overall boat season runs roughly from May to October.
Is the boat tour running in winter?+
No, the boats run roughly May to October, so plan it for a spring or summer trip. Check the operator's calendar for the start of the season.
Where does the boat leave from?+
It leaves from a private dock at Bay Bulls, about 35 kilometres from downtown St. John's. You need your own transport, a taxi or a tour that includes transfers.
Are whales and icebergs guaranteed?+
No, wildlife and icebergs cannot be guaranteed on any cruise, although puffins and other seabirds are very reliable in season. Fog can also reduce visibility.
Is the cruise suitable for children?+
Yes, children can go if they are accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps. The boat is not wheelchair accessible.
