Witless Bay Puffin Cruise: Late Season Sightings

Puffins in September when most tours have ended

A 90-minute catamaran cruise through the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve with a professional naturalist guide and hotel pickup included. The tour operates into late September when puffins are still nesting, and the stable catamaran offers comfortable viewing from sheltered areas around the islands. Wildlife sightings vary by season and cannot be guaranteed. Whale season peaks earlier in summer, but late-season cruises occasionally encounter whales, dolphins and other marine life.

The experience

The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve sits off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, and this cruise takes you into the nesting grounds where puffins remain through mid-September. You board a catamaran with a comfortable viewing platform and spend 90 minutes exploring the sheltered areas around the islands. An experienced naturalist provides live commentary on the marine and cultural heritage of the region, mixing information with local musical selections. The crew briefs you on safety before departure and remains on hand throughout to point out wildlife and answer questions.

Late season means puffin numbers are lower than peak nesting months, but birds usually remain through September 20. The tour also passes through areas where whales, dolphins, tuna and ocean sunfish have been encountered, though sightings depend on what is moving through the reserve on any given day and cannot be guaranteed. The catamaran's stable design and washroom facilities make the 90 minutes comfortable even if sea conditions require you to remain seated for portions of the cruise. All safety equipment is provided per Transport Canada Marine Safety requirements.

Allow roughly two additional hours beyond the cruise itself for hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour operates in all weather, so dress for wind and spray. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. If the tour is cancelled by the operator before or during the scheduled time, you can reschedule at no extra charge or receive a full refund.

What’s included

• 90-minute catamaran cruise through the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve with a professional naturalist guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• all Transport Canada-required safety equipment.
• pre-departure safety briefing.
• access to washroom facilities on board.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Sep 2027

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 8 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteCA$ 40

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gatheralls Puffin and Whale Watch

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to watch puffins from a stable catamaran platform in late season, when smaller group tours replace the larger peak-season departures.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (2 to 8 years); Infant (under 2): free.

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 are the chances of seeing puffins on a late-season cruise in September?

Puffins nest in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve from May through mid-September, with some birds usually remaining until September 20. Late season means fewer birds than peak nesting months, but sightings are still the tour's primary draw. Wildlife cannot be guaranteed on any given cruise, and what you encounter depends on conditions and the time of day.

Do whales appear on these cruises?

Whale season in the reserve peaks from mid-June through mid-August, so late-season cruises are past the peak window. Occasional sightings do occur in September, along with dolphins, tuna and ocean sunfish, but whales cannot be guaranteed on any given departure.

How much time should I set aside for the whole experience?

The cruise itself is 90 minutes. Allow approximately two additional hours for hotel pickup and drop-off, so plan for roughly three hours total from the time the shuttle collects you.

What happens if the sea conditions are rough?

The catamaran is designed to be stable, and the crew provides a safety briefing before departure. Depending on vessel movement and sea conditions, the crew may advise passengers to remain seated or refrain from standing during certain portions of the cruise. The tour operates in all weather, so dress appropriately for wind and spray.

Is the guide commentary educational or just entertainment?

The naturalist guide provides a mix of live commentary on Newfoundland's marine wildlife and cultural heritage, along with some local musical selections. The crew is experienced and knowledgeable, and passengers are encouraged to ask questions throughout the tour.

What is included in the ticket price?

The tour includes all safety equipment, the 90-minute cruise with naturalist guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, a pre-departure safety briefing, and access to the vessel's washroom. Gratuities are not included and are at the guest's discretion. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase on board.