9 Best Whale Watching Tours in Newfoundland 2024

Are you looking for the best tours for whale watching in Newfoundland? 

Newfoundland is renowned for their whale watching worldwide. Every spring, approximately 10,000 whales return to Newfoundland to find food.

Off the coast of Newfoundland, you’ll find many different kinds of whales in the spring and summer. Most notably, the largest population of Humpback whales.

You can occasionally see whales from the shoreline, but for the best experience, you should book a whale-watching boat tour with an experienced guide.

I am a lifelong lover of whales and have been lucky to experience them up close on several incredible Newfoundland whale watching tours.

So, let’s review some of the best whale watching in Newfoundland tours available and what to expect!

1. Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

⭐5/5 (550+ Reviews)

This tour combines whale watching and puffin viewing into one action-packed sightseeing adventure. The boat tour departs from Bay Bulls, which is 25 minutes from downtown St. Johns, Newfoundland. 

It’s a considerably large tour, with room for up to 100 people.

The tour starts by lining up to board a large catamaran with outdoor and indoor viewing decks, which is great for when the weather is cold or rainy. 

Local naturalists, who are experts on Newfoundland culture and wildlife, narrate the entire tour.

Your captain will also take you to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and Iceberg Alley while they search for pods of whales in the Atlantic!  

“The crew was amazing and so friendly, not to mention incredibly welcoming. Everyone in the shop was so sweet you can tell it’s a family business. The sights were beautiful and it was a great time. Absolutely a must do while in NL!” – Brianna

Important info:

• Tour Length – 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Restroom on the Boat? – Yes
• Wheelchair Accessible? – No
• Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
• Cancellation Policy –  24 hours in advance of departure for a full refund.
• Parking? – Private Parking available

Check Prices and Availability Here!

2. 2-Hour Guided Boat Tour From St. John’s

⭐4.5/5 (160+ Reviews)

This whale watching tour by Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours allows you to view whales, puffins, and massive icebergs on your holiday in Newfoundland.

This tour is excellent for people looking for whale watching in St. John’s, Newfoundland, because it departs from St. Johns Harbor instead of Bay Bulls (a 30-minute drive south of St. Johns). 

In addition to nature, you’ll have guided narration as you view St. John’s quaint skyline from the harbor and pass by  Signal Hill and Fort Amherst Lighthouse. 

You will also see North America’s most Eastern land point when the tour passes by the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site.

The tour does allow service animals and has a limit of 100 people per tour, so it doesn’t get overcrowded on the boat!

“We had a great time and the crew’s personalities and kindness really enhanced this experience. The ride out of St John’s harbour and along the coast was beautiful. We were lucky to see a whale and calf. Highly recommend!” – Jacklyn.

Important info:

• Tour Length – 2 hours
• Restroom on the Boat? – Yes
• Wheelchair Accessible? – No
• Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
• Cancellation Policy –  24 hours in advance of departure for a full refund.
• Parking? – Indigo Parking Garage

Check Prices and Availability Here!

3. Harbour Kayak Tour (Marine Wildlife Excursion)

⭐4.5/5 (5+ Reviews)

Three hours outside of St. Johns is a small town called Trinity. This village is a marvelous throwback to a time long before, and it’s a place where you’ll find the adventure of a lifetime. 

Imagine navigating your kayak through the picturesque coastal waters of Trinity to the feeding areas of whales and other awesome marine wildlife. 

This tour is for thrill seekers and is more physically demanding than others on this list. You also must sign a waiver before heading out in your kayak. 

A local guide who is knowledgeable about the waters narrates the tour and will teach you about the whale’s natural habitats, feeding, and migratory habits. It’s also a small group tour (max of 6 participants), so you will get a personalized experience. 

“What an incredible, incredible experience. One of my favourite life experiences by far. The crew at Trinity Eco-Tours is absolutely fantastic, there is never a dull second. Daryl was incredibly patient, kind, and knowledgeable. We learned such a great deal throughout our tour. And best of all, because of his quick whale spotting skills we got to experience two whales come right by our kayak.” – Jasleen

Important info:

• Tour Length – 3 hours
• Restroom on the Boat? – No
• Wheelchair Accessible? – No
• Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
• Cancellation Policy –  Cancel 24 hours in advance of departure for a full refund.
• Parking? – Yes, private parking at Trinity Eco Tours and Lodge. 

Check Prices and Availability Here!

4. Whale Watching, Shark and Cod Fishing, Marine Charter from St. John’s Harbor

⭐5/5 (55+ Reviews)

The highlight of this tour is fishing for cod, but after catching some fish, the guides will fillet and cook your fish right on the boat while you sip a cold drink (unless you want to bring a cooler and take your cod home to cook later). 

You should also be on the lookout for whales, puffins, and other sea animals. If you’re lucky, you may also encounter floating icebergs along the way! 

You will also pass Cape Spear, North America’s most easterly land point.

This tour, operated by NL Boat Tours, departs from St John’s and passes Cape Speak, North America’s most easterly land point.

It’s also a private tour that is fully customizable. So if fishing for sharks is more your speed, you should depart either in the morning or later in the afternoon.

“This was one of the best parts of our trip to Newfoundland. Captain Mike is a legend and we had a blast!! We caught tons of cod fish, had a laugh, and would recommend this to everyone. Can’t wait to do it again when we come back.” – TripAdvisor Reviewer

Important info:

• Tour Length – 2 hours
• Restroom on the Boat? – No
• Wheelchair Accessible? – No
• Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
• Cancellation Policy –  24 hours in advance of departure for a full refund.
• Parking? – Yes, public parking at Fort Amherst Harbor 

Check Prices and Availability Here!

5. 2-Hour Boat Tour in Twillingate

⭐4.5/5 (35+ Reviews)

This 2-hour whale watching tour departs from the stunning, rugged, small coastal town of Twillingate, roughly 5 hours from St John’s, Newfoundland. 

On board, you’ll experience a fun, relaxing boat cruise searching for majestic humpback whales. On the tour, you can also check out floating icebergs drifting south from Greenland and other beautiful marine wildlife.

You’ll also notice the friendliness and hospitality of Newfoundlanders throughout the journey. They have such a charming way of life and attitude.  

It’s important to remember that this is a large group tour, so expect about 80 people on board during the weekend. But there are also perks to a larger boat. For example, the bigger boat has a heated cabin, restrooms, and a full-service bar. 

This two-hour boat ride operated by Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours is the perfect amount of time to spend out on the water. Two daily departures leave at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

“A great excursion with engaging conversation throughout the tour. Two hours was a perfect amount of time to see far more icebergs than I expected for this time of year. Highly recommend.” – Craig

Important info:

• Tour Length – 2 hours
• Restroom on the Boat? – No
• Wheelchair Accessible? – No
• Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
• Cancellation Policy –  24 hours in advance of departure for a full refund.
• Parking? – Public Parking is Available

Check Prices and Availability Here!

6. Whale Watching Tour with 2-Nights Accommodation Package

⭐5/5 (3+ Reviews)

For the traveler who wants an in-depth whale watching experience, this extended 2-night tour is for you! 

On Day 1, you’ll experience whale watching from a zodiac boat. Their guide will help you put on an immersion suit to prepare you to brave the elements. Then, you’ll embark on a 3-hour tour together. 

Then, you get an even more immersive experience on Day 2. The guides will give you a kayak, and you’ll paddle out and search for whales closer to the harbor. 

Between all the nature sightseeing, you will stay at Trinity Eco-Tours Lodge. All accommodation is included in the price of the tour. Each guest gets a private ensuite room with a queen bed, cable, and free WiFi. 

Your stay also includes a hot breakfast before you head out on each tour, and you have the flexibility to choose what time you take the whale watching tour.  

“Everyone has to do this – all right, there may be the odd mad whale. I don’t know yet how we didn’t end up upside down in the water with the one that kept belting our boat! Recommended to everyone” – TripAdvisor

Important info:

• Tour Length – 2 Days 
• Restroom on the Boat? – No
• Wheelchair Accessible? – No
• Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
• Cancellation Policy –  Cancel up to 7 days in advance of the tour for a full refund
• Parking? – Trinity Eco Lodge & Tours

Check Prices and Availability Here!

7. O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours

⭐5/5 (1,720+ Reviews)

O’Briens Whale and Bird Tour offers excellent value. A two-hour sightseeing adventure is one of the most affordable options in Newfoundland, and they have special discounts for students, seniors, and youth under 17.

Departing from Bay Bulls, you’ll cruise to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, where you will be looking for puffins and whales. Depending on the time of year you are on the tour, you may even spot some icebergs floating by on their way from Greenland.

The boat offers plenty of indoor and outdoor viewing space, with a heated cabin and bar.

This family-run tour company has been operating for 35 years, so they know a thing or two about whale watching.

“Recommend. Nice boats with bar and restrooms. Really charming guide who sings traditional songs and is knowledgeable about the wildlife. Saw TONS of puffins…and 2 whales!” – TripAdvisor

Important info:

• Tour Length – 2 Hours 
• Restroom on the Boat? – Yes
• Wheelchair Accessible? – No
• Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – Yes (for an additional charge)
• Cancellation Policy –  Cancel up to 3 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
• Parking? – Yes

Check Prices and Availability Here!

8. Sea of Whales Adventures

⭐5/5 (955+ Reviews)

Do you want to whale watch but not on a massive tour boat? This tour is specifically for people who prefer a more personalized experience!

Departing from Twillingate, Newfoundland, climb aboard the zodiac boat with a maximum of 11 other passengers. You will then head out to navigate the waters around the Bonavista Peninsula. 

Sea of Whales Adventures has been in the business for over 25 years. With that comes a wealth of knowledge on what wows guests and how to find these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. 

On tour, some of the wildlife you’re most likely to see includes humpback whales, minke whales, and pilot whales, as well as puffins, dolphins, porpoises, and eagles.

You’ll leave the tour in awe of these amazing animals and more educated about them.

“Incredibly friendly team right from booking through to the tour guide himself who was incredibly knowledgeable of the area which made the tour even more entertaining.” – Tripadvisor Reviewer

Important info:

• Tour Length – 2 Hours OR 3 hours
• Restroom on the Boat? – No
• Wheelchair Accessible? – No
• Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
• Cancellation Policy –  Cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
• Parking? – Yes, Near their office at 12 Ash’s Lane, Trinity 

Check Prices and Availability Here!

9. Discovery Sea Adventures

⭐5/5 (45+ Reviews)

Discovery Sea Adventures is a tour company based in Bonavista, Newfoundland, one of the top places in Newfoundland to view icebergs.

But don’t worry, it’s not all about icebergs on tour. You’ll be mainly watching for whales and puffins!

Three tours are offered daily during whale watching season in Newfoundland. Each tour lasts 2.5 to 3 hours on a 24-foot zodiac, which gives guests a fast and comfortable ride out to sea! 

They offer both public and private tours. Public tours mean you’ll join a larger group, and private tours are on your own with up to 11 guests. 

“We had an amazing whale watching tour with Captain Bob. He was an excellent skipper and knew where those whales were, and we saw so many of them! Many thanks for providing us such a great memory which will last a lifetime!” – TripAdvisor Reviewer

Important info:

• Tour Length – 2.5 to 3 hours
• Restroom on the Boat? – No
• Wheelchair Accessible? – No
• Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
• Cancellation Policy –  Cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
• Parking? – Yes, Near their office at 15 Roper Street, Bonavista 

Check Prices and Availability Here!

FAQs

What is the best time to view whales in Newfoundland? 

The best time to view whales in Newfoundland is between May and September. Peak whale watching season is from mid-June through mid-August. There are no whales during winter in Canada. 

What kind of whales can you see in Newfoundland?

During whale season, Newfoundland is home to the world’s largest population of humpback whales. You can also see minke, sperm, pothead, orca, and blue whales.

Where is the best spot for whale watching in Newfoundland?

Newfoundland’s best locations to view whales are Witless Bay, Twillingate, Cape Bonavista, Cape Spear, St. Anthony, Signal Hill, and Trinity. 

What should I bring on a whale watching tour?

The tour agency takes care of almost everything you need for a whale watching tour, but you should bring the following: 

• Warm, comfortable clothes, 
• A rain poncho
• Motion-Sickness Medicine
• Water and a small snack
• Your phone or a Waterproof Camara

Final Thoughts 

Newfoundland whale watching is some of the best in the world, so if you’re taking a trip to the easternmost territory in Canada, you should absolutely have a whale watching tour on the itinerary! 

It’s truly breathtaking to see these majestic wild animals up close.

If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure, I recommend finding a Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Tour or choosing a whale watching kayak tour. These each allow you to get closer to the action. 

But if you want a more comfortable experience or are traveling with a service dog, I think that taking a whale watching tour on a large boat is still worth your time.

This one with Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours is my top recommendation. 

These boats are comfortable with indoor viewing facilities, restrooms, full-service bars, and more! 

I hope you enjoy your whale watching experience in Newfoundland, and if you absolutely love it, check out these other great places in Canada to go whale watching!