2-Hour Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls: 40 years of expertise

Four million seabirds nest on the islands every spring and summer.

A 2-hour guided whale and bird watching boat tour departing from Bay Bulls takes you out to four islands that form a seabird reserve, where you watch nesting colonies and scan for whales along the coastline. The tour includes a lifejacket and a live guide who speaks English. You'll see species like Leach's Storm-Petrels, Common Murres, Razorbills and Kittiwakes in their natural habitat. The boat is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels, though the operator recommends bringing warm clothing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale and bird watching boat tour

• Board boat in Bay Bulls
• Enjoy 2-hour guided tour
• Observe seabirds nesting on islands
• Spot various bird species
• View coastline and marine life
• Return to Bay Bulls

The experience

Two hours on the water puts you in front of the reserve's four islands during spring and summer, when roughly 4 million seabirds arrive to nest. The guide points out the second-largest colony of Leach's Storm-Petrels in the world (620,000 pairs) along with Common Murres, Razorbills, Black-Legged Kittiwakes, Great Black-backed Gulls, Black Guillemots, Northern Fulmars, Thick-billed Murres and Herring Gulls. The boat stays close enough to see the birds without disturbing them, and the guide shares what they are doing and why they gather here.

Whales move through the same waters, and spotting them is part of the watch. The coastline itself carries local history the guide knows. 40 years of running this tour means the crew reads the conditions and the wildlife patterns the way locals do. The boat is well-maintained and carries modern safety gear. Lifejackets are provided, and the deck is set up so you can move around and get a clear view from different angles as the tour unfolds.

Bring or wear warm clothing: the water and the wind off the Atlantic make layers necessary even in summer. The operator sells coats in the store if you arrive unprepared. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Children can ride in a pram or stroller on deck. Service animals are welcome. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the tour suits all fitness levels since you're seated and the boat does the moving.

What’s included

• Lifejacket.
• live guide in English narrating the seabirds and marine life.
• access to all four islands of the reserve during the 2-hour tour.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Child (2 to 17 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bay Bulls O'Brien's Puffin and Whale Tour

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Bay Bulls, so if you're staying in St. John's or the surrounding area without a car, you'll need to arrange your own transport to the dock, but once you're on the boat, the guide and the schedule handle the rest, and you spend the full two hours watching instead of navigating.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 17 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What birds will I actually see on this tour?

The reserve hosts eight species regularly during nesting season: Leach's Storm-Petrels (the second-largest colony in the world at 620,000 pairs), Common Murres, Razorbill Auks, Black-Legged Kittiwakes, Great Black-backed Gulls, Black Guillemots, Northern Fulmars and Herring Gulls. The guide identifies them as they appear and explains what they are doing on the islands.

Is there a chance to see whales on this tour?

Whales move through the waters around the reserve during spring and summer, and the guide watches for them as part of the tour. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the boat is positioned to spot them if they surface in the area.

How long does the tour actually take on the water?

The tour runs 2 hours total. That time covers the boat ride out to the islands, time spent watching the seabird colonies and scanning for marine life, and the return to Bay Bulls.

What should I wear for a 2-hour boat tour in Bay Bulls?

Warm clothing is essential: the water and Atlantic wind make it cold even in summer months. Layers work best. If you don't have a coat, the operator sells them in the store before you board.

Is the boat accessible if I use a wheelchair?

The boat is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are also allowed on board.