Saint John to St. Martins: Fundy Coast Small Group Tour

Summary

St. Martins sea caves, reversing rapids and coastal walks from Saint John

You’ll trade cruise crowds for wild coastlines on this small group day trip from Saint John to St. Martins and Fundy Trail Parkway. Walk into sea caves at low tide, watch river currents reverse direction (twice!), share snacks with fellow travelers, and let a local guide show you places only locals seem to notice. You might leave with salt in your hair—and something quieter inside.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect when we climbed onto the little bus in Saint John — just that I was restless and needed a break from the ship’s crowds. The driver, Dave (he’s got this dry way of telling stories), handed out coffee and said something about “catching the tide right.” That stuck with me. The Reversing Rapids were first — honestly, it looked calm at first glance, but then you see the water fighting itself, swirling where river meets sea. Dave grinned and said we’d come back later when it’d look completely different. I didn’t believe him, but he was right.

The drive along the coast felt like exhaling after holding your breath too long — salt on the air even with the windows up, trees flickering past, everyone sort of quiet in their own heads for a bit. When we reached St. Martins, it was all red cliffs and these wooden fishing boats resting crookedly on mud (the tide had run off somewhere else). We wandered down to the sea caves — you can smell wet stone and old seaweed if you get close enough. I tried to pronounce something in French for one of the other guides; she laughed and corrected me gently. It was chilly but not harsh — just enough to feel awake.

On the Fundy Trail Parkway (they warned us it closes after mid-October), there’s this lookout where you can see forever — or at least as far as Nova Scotia across the bay on a clear day, which ours wasn’t but somehow that made it better? The wind picked up and someone’s hat nearly flew off; people actually cheered when they caught it. Snacks came out then (granola bars and coffee again), which felt oddly perfect after all that walking around damp rocks and forest trails.

Back at the Reversing Rapids before heading to port, I finally saw what Dave meant — water rushing backward now, loud enough that we all stood there just listening for a minute without talking. I still think about that sound sometimes when things get too noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coastal drive and walking tour

• Visit Reversing Rapids first time
• Explore Saint Martins Sea Caves
• Tour Fundy Trail Parkway highlights
• Visit Reversing Rapids second time

Top questions

Is lunch included on this Saint John to St. Martins tour?

No lunch stop is planned due to time limits; bottled water, coffee, and snacks are provided onboard.

Does this Fundy Trail Parkway tour include pickup from my cruise ship?

Yes, pickup from your ship in Saint John is included—just check timing if more than one ship is in port.

How much walking is involved during this day trip?

A moderate amount of walking is required; comfortable shoes are recommended (no sandals).

Will we see the Reversing Rapids twice during this tour?

Yes, you'll visit at both ends of the tour to see how the tides change them.

Is this small group tour available year-round?

The tour runs daily in September and October; after October 18th, Fundy Trail Parkway closes for the season.

Are children or people with mobility issues recommended for this trip?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; some fitness is needed.

What should I wear for this coastal day trip?

Dress warmly in layers; hiking or running shoes are strongly suggested—no sandals allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your cruise ship in Saint John, bottled water, fresh coffee or tea onboard along with snacks (think granola bars), plus guidance throughout by a local driver who knows when to catch those tidal changes—before returning you safely back to port before departure time.