Newfoundland: Puffin & Whale Watching Cruise Witless Bay

Summary

Witless Bay cruise for puffins whales icebergs with local crew

You’ll lean against the rail as puffins zip past in Witless Bay, listen to folk tales from your local guide, and maybe spot a whale or iceberg if nature’s feeling generous. With plenty of space onboard and shelter if weather turns rough, this cruise is all about real moments—wind in your face, laughter nearby, stories echoing long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that blur of orange?” our guide grinned, pointing just above the waves as everyone shuffled to the rail. I squinted — and there they were, puffins darting like tiny clowns over the water near Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. The wind smelled sharp, like cold salt and something green I couldn’t place. Someone behind me laughed when a puffin landed awkwardly on a rock, wings still flapping. It’s funny how you forget about your phone for an hour or two — you just stand there, watching.

I didn’t expect to care so much about the stories. One of the crew started telling us about how the whales come through here in June and July, chasing capelin. He sang part of a folk song about fishermen lost at sea — his accent thick but warm — and it made the whole thing feel less like a tour and more like being let in on something old. We saw spouts far off (maybe minke or humpback?), but honestly even just hearing those stories with the gulls shrieking overhead was kind of enough.

The boat itself is bigger than I’d pictured — lots of space to move around, rails everywhere so you don’t have to fight for a view. There’s an indoor area too, which was good because it started to drizzle halfway through (classic Newfoundland). Nobody seemed to mind; people just pulled their hoods up and kept scanning for whale tails or maybe an iceberg if it was early enough in the season. Oh, and free parking at the dock — small thing but it made life easier since we drove from St. John’s that morning.

I still think about that moment when everything went quiet except for seabirds and wind, just before we turned back toward shore. If you want guarantees — well, nature doesn’t do those here. But sharing that wild stretch of ocean with locals who know every current? That sticks with you longer than any perfect photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Puffin and whale watching cruise

• Board the catamaran tour boat
• Cruise to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
• Watch puffins and seabirds
• Look for whales and icebergs
• Listen to live naturalist commentary
• Enjoy coastal scenery from multiple decks

Top questions

When is the best time for whale watching in Witless Bay?

The peak whale season is mid-June through mid-August.

Are puffins guaranteed on this Newfoundland cruise?

Puffins are usually present from mid-May through mid-September.

Can I see icebergs during this tour?

Icebergs are most likely spotted between May and mid-June.

Is hotel pickup available for this Witless Bay cruise?

Yes, transportation from select hotels can be arranged for an extra fee if confirmed two hours in advance.

How long does the Newfoundland puffin & whale watch cruise last?

The tour lasts at least 90 minutes.

Are whales or icebergs always seen on every cruise?

No, sightings depend on nature and cannot be guaranteed.

Is there indoor seating on the boat?

Yes, there are indoor accommodations for all guests onboard.

Are children allowed on this cruise?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes all required safety equipment as set by Transport Canada Marine Safety standards, live commentary from experienced local guides and crew, free parking at departure point, access to indoor seating areas with washrooms onboard, plus pre-departure safety briefing before heading out into Witless Bay’s wildlife-rich waters.