The rugged coastline of St. John’s, Newfoundland comes alive through its excellent boat tours. The standard 2-hour guided excursions offer the best bang for your buck, efficiently covering the essential sights: whales, icebergs, and those charming puffins.
I especially like the late-season puffin cruise from Bay Bulls – it’s well-organized, comfortable (holding up to 100 passengers), and staffed by genuine locals who know their stuff. The whale and bird watching tours from Bay Bulls are consistently good, with nearly all travelers giving thumbs up. For a more intimate experience, consider the small group combo tour that pairs city sights with an Iceberg Quest boat ride.
Looking to splurge? The private catamaran charters are worth every penny for families or small groups wanting flexibility.
Let’s explore our favorite tours in detail:
Key Points
- Guided Boat Tours from St. John’s offer a 2-hour showcase of Newfoundland’s natural wonders, including humpback whales, icebergs, and Atlantic puffins.
- Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise departs from Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch in Bay Bulls, with a maximum capacity of 100 participants.
- Whale and Bird Watching Tour in Bay Bulls is a 2-hour tour with a 98% traveler recommendation, offering sightings of puffins, dolphins, and minke whales.
- Small Group Tour with Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise provides a personalized experience, with potential whale sightings and visits to popular landmarks.
- Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise is a 90-minute adventure to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, featuring a high-recommendation rate and flexible booking policies.
2-Hour Guided Boat Tour From St. Johns
The 2-hour guided boat tour from St. John’s is a popular excursion that offers visitors a chance to experience Newfoundland’s natural wonders.
Departing from downtown St. John’s, the tour provides easy access to the marine life and scenery of the area. Travelers can expect to see the world’s largest population of humpback whales, 10,000-year-old icebergs, and the iconic Atlantic puffins.
The tour is led by knowledgeable captains who share insights about Newfoundland’s natural history. On board, passengers can enjoy amenities like a restroom, licensed bar, and heated cabin.
While wildlife sightings may vary by season, the tour offers a memorable experience for travelers seeking an up-close encounter with the region’s coastal beauty.
Read our full review: 2-Hour Guided Boat Tour From St. Johns Review
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Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise
Departing from Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch in Bay Bulls, the Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise offers travelers a chance to witness the region’s coastal beauty and observe the iconic Atlantic puffins in their natural habitat.
With a maximum capacity of 100 participants, the cruise is led by an experienced local guide and provides safety equipment as per Transport Canada Marine Safety.
Passengers can enjoy a pre-departure safety briefing, use the vessel’s washroom, and purchase alcoholic drinks.
While whales and icebergs aren’t guaranteed, the tour operates in all weather conditions.
Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and shuttle service from St. Johns hotels is available for an additional fee.
Read our full review: Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise Review
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2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls
For those seeking a more comprehensive whale and bird watching experience, the 2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls offers an immersive adventure.
With a 98% traveler recommendation and 345 reviews, this tour provides a maximum of 100 travelers the opportunity to observe puffins, dolphins, and minke whales in their natural habitat.
The knowledgeable guides offer insightful commentary, while the friendly crew adds to the experience by performing local songs. Guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique wildlife sightings, even when availability is limited.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and warm clothing is recommended to ensure a comfortable journey.
Read our full review: 2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls Review
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St. John’S Small Group Tour With Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise
Frequently, the St. John’s Small Group Tour with Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise provides a comprehensive glimpse of St. John’s, Canada.
With a maximum of 6 people, the 4-6 hour tour includes visits to Cape Spear National Historic Site, Signal Hill National Historic Site, Cabot Tower, and a narrated drive through Jellybean Row and Quidi Vidi Village.
The highlight is the Iceberg Quest boat cruise, allowing for potential whale sightings.
However, the tour has received mixed reviews, with some noting the misleading duration, lack of proper vehicle, and limited exploration time at sites.
Alternatively, the hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a more cost-effective and flexible way to access similar attractions with knowledgeable drivers.
Read our full review: St. John’S Small Group Tour With Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise Review
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Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise
The Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise offers visitors to St. Johns a 90-minute adventure to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.
This tour features an experienced local guide, safety equipment, and a spacious catamaran with comfortable seating. Guests can expect to see iconic seabirds like Atlantic puffins, common murres, and northern gannets, with the possibility of whale sightings between mid-June and mid-August.
Though whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with 99% of 702 customers recommending the experience.
Priced at $87.22 per person, the tour provides transportation options and flexible cancellation policies, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a wildlife-focused boat tour in St. Johns.
Read our full review: Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise Review
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Catamaran Private Charter
Those seeking a more intimate and customizable boating experience in St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda can consider the Catamaran Private Charter offered by Salt Life Tours Antigua.
The charter accommodates up to 15 guests and provides a range of inclusions, such as snorkeling equipment and a provided lunch.
Booking is flexible, with free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience. The charter departs at 9:30 am, with pickup points available.
While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.
With a perfect 5-star rating from past guests, this private charter offers a personalized and enjoyable way to explore the waters around St. Johns.
Read our full review: Catamaran Private Charter Review
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Recap
The St. John’s area offers a variety of boat tours and cruises that provide opportunities to see puffins, whales, icebergs, and the scenic Newfoundland coastline. Whether you prefer a guided tour or a private charter, there’s something to suit different interests and budgets. Considering the weather and your preferences, you’re sure to find a boat excursion that delivers an unforgettable experience in this picturesque region.