Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise

As summer winds down, travelers have a unique opportunity to observe the beloved Atlantic puffins during their late-season preparations for migration. This 3-hour coastal cruise departs from Bay Bulls, providing an up-close look at the puffins in their natural habitat. Guided by local experts, passengers can also take in stunning ocean vistas, learn about maritime history, and even enjoy a refreshing beverage. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, this tour offers a chance to witness a captivating sight that many may never have the opportunity to see.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In St Johns.

Key Points

• The late-season cruise in September and October offers a unique opportunity to observe puffins preparing for migration in their natural coastal habitat.
• Experienced, local guides provide an up-close look at puffins and share insights about the stunning Newfoundland coastline, including sea cliffs, fishing villages, and marine life.
• The tour departs from Bay Bulls, south of St. John’s, and includes safety equipment, a washroom-equipped vessel, and the option to purchase alcoholic beverages.
• The cruise is not wheelchair accessible, but infants on laps, children with adults, and service animals are welcome, and the tour operates in all weather conditions.
• Whales and icebergs are not guaranteed due to environmental factors, but the scenic coastal views and puffin sightings are the main highlights of the 3-hour tour.

Tour Overview

The late-season puffin and scenic coastal cruise offers visitors a chance to witness the iconic seabirds in their natural habitat along the rugged shores of Newfoundland’s East Coast.

This 3-hour tour departs from Bay Bulls, just south of St. John’s, and takes guests on a journey to observe puffins and other seabirds as they prepare for their annual migration.

Led by experienced, local guides, the cruise provides an up-close look at these charming creatures, as well as stunning coastal views.

Passengers will also have the opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages and learn about the region’s rich maritime history and culture.

With safety equipment and a washroom-equipped vessel, this tour is an ideal way to cap off the puffin-watching season.

Included in Tour

This tour includes an experienced, local guide to lead the expedition, ensuring visitors receive insightful commentary and expertise throughout the journey.

Safety equipment as per Transport Canada Marine Safety guidelines is provided, and a pre-departure safety briefing familiarizes passengers with the necessary protocols.

The vessel features a washroom for convenience, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase onboard. Gratuities are also included in the tour price.

Whether you’re seeking a unique wildlife encounter or simply wish to soak in the stunning coastal scenery, this Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise offers a well-rounded and inclusive experience for all participants.

Meeting/Pickup Information

For added convenience, Gatheralls Puffin & Whale Watch offers hotel pickup in St. Johns, available for an additional $35+tax per person, but must be booked at least 3 hours in advance. The meeting point for the tour is Gatheralls Puffin & Whale Watch, located at 90 Northside Rd, Bay Bulls, NL A0A 1C0.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point. It’s important to note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps while children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed, and the tour operates in all weather conditions, so passengers are advised to dress appropriately.

Meeting Point	Pickup Options	Accessibility
Gatheralls Puffin & Whale Watch 90 Northside Rd, Bay Bulls, NL A0A 1C0	Hotel pickup available $35+tax per person Booking required 3 hrs in advance	Not wheelchair accessible Infants on laps Children with adults

Tour Information

After the tour concludes, participants return to the same Gatheralls Puffin & Whale Watch meeting point where the experience began.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infants can sit on laps while children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are permitted, and the tour operates in all weather conditions, so passengers should dress appropriately.

Whales and icebergs can’t be guaranteed, as their appearances are dependent on environmental factors.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point, providing a convenient start and finish for the Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise.

Passengers can look forward to an enjoyable and informative experience along the scenic coastal region of St. John’s, Canada.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Travelers can cancel their Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

If Gatherall’s cancels the activity, participants have the option to either reschedule at no additional cost or receive a full refund.

This flexible cancellation policy ensures peace of mind for travelers.

Some key points about the policy include:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour
• Ability to reschedule if Gatherall’s cancels
• Full refund available if the activity is cancelled by Gatherall’s
• Ensures travelers can plan their trip with confidence
• Demonstrates Gatherall’s commitment to customer satisfaction

Puffin Sightings

Typically, passengers on the Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise catch sight of the charming Atlantic puffins, known for their distinctive black-and-white plumage and bright-colored beaks.

These seabirds are a highlight of the tour, as they’re spotted nesting on the coastal cliffs around the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.

Though puffins can be seen from May through September, the late-season cruises in September and October offer a unique opportunity to view the birds as they prepare to migrate for the winter.

With the expert guidance of the local crew, passengers get an up-close look at these pint-sized seabirds in their natural habitat along the scenic Newfoundland coastline.

Coastal Scenery

The scenic Newfoundland coastline along the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve captivates passengers on the Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise.

Towering sea cliffs, sheltered coves, and rolling hills dotted with quaint fishing villages provide a breathtaking backdrop as the vessel navigates the rugged shores.

Passengers can marvel at:

• Dramatic rock formations sculpted by wind and waves
• Charming towns with colorful seaside homes and fishing stages
• Pristine tidal pools teeming with marine life
• Cascading waterfalls that tumble over the cliffs
• Breathtaking vistas of the open Atlantic Ocean

The tour offers the perfect opportunity to take in Newfoundland’s stunning coastal scenery and witness the beauty of this remote, yet captivating region.

Safety Measures

Gatherall’s takes guest safety seriously, providing all necessary safety equipment as per Transport Canada Marine Safety regulations. Passengers receive a pre-departure safety briefing to ensure they understand proper procedures and protocols before embarking on the Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise.

The washroom-equipped vessel is operated by experienced, local guides who prioritize the well-being of their guests. Infants must sit on laps, and children must be accompanied by an adults. Service animals are welcome.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so passengers are advised to dress appropriately. While whales and icebergs can’t be guaranteed, Gatherall’s ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Food or Drink Options Available on the Tour?

The tour provides a washroom-equipped vessel and offers alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Light refreshments or snacks are not included, but passengers can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the cruise.

What Is the Typical Duration of the Tour?

The tour typically lasts for a set duration, though the specific length is not provided in the information given. The tour ends back at the original meeting point after the scheduled activities are completed.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum Requirements for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for the tour, but infants must sit on laps and children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed, though the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I Bring My Own Camera and Photography Equipment?

Participants can bring their own camera and photography equipment on the tour. The tour operator advises passengers to dress appropriately for the weather conditions to ensure they can comfortably enjoy the scenic coastal views and wildlife sightings.

Is There Any Assistance Available for Those With Mobility Challenges?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, and children must be accompanied by an adult. No specific mobility assistance is mentioned, so guests with mobility challenges should inquire before booking.

Recap

This late-season puffin and scenic coastal cruise offers a unique opportunity to observe the beloved Atlantic puffins as they prepare for migration.

Passengers can expect an up-close look at the puffins, stunning coastal views, and the chance to learn about maritime history and culture.

The tour operates in all weather conditions and includes safety equipment, a washroom-equipped vessel, and gratuities, ensuring a memorable experience.