Itinerary
Explore the incredible Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to over 2.5 million seabirds and one of the largest populations of whales in the North Atlantic (sightings vary by season). You'll travel aboard a stable catamaran with a comfortable viewing platform for your wildlife experience.
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 the nesting sites and activities of several seabird species.
Whale watching is big part of the adventure with the peak season for encounters typically mid-June through mid-August annually. We make all reasonable efforts to provide you with an opportunity to encounter whales in their natural environment, the level of activity and interaction is entirely at the discretion of the whales.
Tour narrated by an experienced, professional crewmember providing commentary, with a mix of information about the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Stop At:
• Gatherall's Puffin and Whale Watch, 90 Northside Rd Box 281, Bay Bulls, Newfoundland and Labrador A0A 1C0 Canada
• Bay Bulls (Bull Head), Bay Bulls, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada
• Witless Bay ecological reserve, Harbour Rd, Witless Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada
See Availability.
Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Watch, 90 Northside Rd, Bay Bulls, NL A0A 1C0, Canada
Traveler pickup is offered
Shuttle service is available on select tours from St. John's hotels for additional fee of $35 + tax / person. MUST be booked directly with us at least 3 business hours in advance of tour time. Please contact / message us to confirm. Shuttle fees payable at time of tour check in.
1 hour 30 minutes(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Participants are advised to regard all instruction provided by the vessel crew
Not wheelchair accessible
Direction/guidance is provided to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers
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
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Infants must sit on laps
Whales and or icebergs cannot be guaranteed on any given cruise.
Most travelers can participate
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.
Transportation is available from select hotels - additional fees applicable - must be confirmed two hours in advance of tour. Contact Gatherall's
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Posted By : Karen_S
Very happy crew. The singing and stories with facts and information were terrific. A Newfoundland welcome. Not to mention plenty of puffins and a minke whale.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-16
Posted By : Dreamer584660
The weather was cold, we had rain this morning. So I was a bit skeptical and didn’t know what to expect. But it was a great experience. We sighted a minke whale . It was amazing. Also saw the puffins. I didn’t expect that they were such small birds. And they could swim under the water . It was a a lovely experience. Will love to go again to see the more of the whales
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Posted On : 2024-05-15
Posted By : 310dianney
My travel agent booked with McCarthy's Party. We couldn't have chosen a better group in any respect. They were wonderful from beginning to end. EXCELLENT tour guide, accommodations, food, cultural experiences, bus driver, etc. I have slight mobility issues and everyone couldn't have been more helpful, kind and considerate.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-12-10
Posted By : TFCheetah
Went with family and friends. I wasn’t expecting to see so many whales. Puffins were cool I had no idea what to expect. The crew was awesome, they were pretty hilarious and great singers. Definitely recommend.
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Posted On : 2023-12-09
Posted By : whiskeyw575
Whale Watch Cruise
Bay Bulls
Whales and Puffins
919455604
Had a great time whale watching and becoming an official Newfoundlander.
No cod but a stinky stuffed puffin bottom.
Considering we moved here from B.C., we now feel at home.
Our friends from B.C. also had a whale of a time.
Next time we will get out earlier to see the whales play.
Saw one young Humpback and considered lucky since end of their
feeding time.
Love the gift shop too.
Thanks to the crew.
A great memory.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-10-11
Posted By : 773francisc
We had a great time during our recent Puffin & Whale watching trip.
The crew really made it a fun filled and happy occasion, and being Irish we knew and were able to join in most of the singing.
Great atmosphere, great trip. Not so much the weather, but you take it as you find it.
We look forward to being able to do it all again.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-09-12
Posted By : gardener46
Beautiful day and great experience. Did this while on a cruise. I met them at a hotel right outside the cruise terminal. Simple pick up and off to their boat. We had excellent weather and interesting commentary. Saw one whale feeding and thousands of puffins. Beautiful scenery and several lovely songs from the area. All in all a great day
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Posted On : 2023-09-12
Posted By : V4518DYmarthas
It was a very positive experience, We all enjoyed the ability to see the various birds including puffins, listen to all the information. Also 3 of our party were Screeched in on the excursion and it was definitely a highlight since you added your own twist to it. Thank you for a wonderful memory
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Posted On : 2023-09-11
Posted By : pennymP6002FD
Highly recommend Gatherall's. From the time we entered the shop to check in, we were greeted with warmth. Their shop was not your tacky souvenir shop but filled with quality art and items. The bathrooms on shore were clean and cared for and the boat was well maintained and comfortable. Skipper Al was entertaining and skilled and guide Liam was filled with info and even sang us some traditional songs without accompaniment or music. Liam has an excellent voice and this was an unexpected treat! Oh and we saw plenty of puffins busy flying and fishing to feed their young and also managed to see a minke whale even though it was at the end of the whale season. Thank you!
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Posted On : 2023-09-09
Posted By : Passenger684582
Saw lots of puffins despite heavy fog.
The crew gave us lots of good info on Puffins, was entertained us too.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-09-09
