| Newfoundland isn’t just a destination — it’s a front-row seat to one of the greatest shows on Earth. Every summer, the North Atlantic fills with life as humpbacks breach, puffins skim the surface, and icebergs drift through the blue. For travellers and photographers alike, it’s a place where every wave tells a story — and every click of the camera captures a fleeting moment of wild beauty. From the cliffs of Bay Bulls to the rugged harbours of Twillingate, these five unforgettable whale watching tours offer more than sightseeing — they offer connection. To nature. To adventure. To that unmistakable feeling that you’re standing somewhere truly special. Grab your camera, a warm jacket, and a sense of wonder — here are the best whale watching tours in Newfoundland that deserve a spot on your travel list. |
1. Trinity Eco-Tours – TrinityTrinity
Eco-Tours offers a unique perspective with their Zodiac boat tours. Their guides, including the passionate “Skipper Bob,” ensure an intimate and informative experience. The tours often feature humpback and minke whales, icebergs, and a variety of seabirds. Trinity Eco-Tours Duration: Varies Highlights: Whales, icebergs, seabirds Price: Contact for details
2. Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Boat Tour –
Bay Bulls Gatherall’s offers a top-rated tour that combines the excitement of whale watching with the charm of puffin sightings. Their award-winning service ensures a memorable outing. Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Highlights: Whales, puffins, coastal scenery
- Price: Contact for details
3. O’Brien’s Whale & Bird Tours – Bay Bulls
Voted as one of the best boat tours by Newfoundlanders, O’Brien’s offers an unparalleled experience. Their tours provide views of over half a million Atlantic puffins, majestic humpback whales, and towering icebergs. O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Highlights: Humpback whales, puffins, icebergs
- Price: Starting from $90
4. Northland Discovery Boat Tours – St. Lunaire-Griquet
Northland Discovery offers a range of tours, including the Discovery Tour and Dark Tickle Expeditions. These tours offer the chance to spot icebergs, whales, dolphins, and seabirds, all while taking in breathtaking scenery and enjoying traditional music. Northland Discovery Boat Tours
- Duration: 2–2.5 hours
- Highlights: Icebergs, whales, dolphins, seabirds
- Price: Contact for details
5. Twillingate Adventure Tours – Twillingate
Located in the heart of Newfoundland’s Iceberg Alley, Twillingate Adventure Tours offers an unforgettable experience. Their 2-hour boat tours provide close encounters with 15,000-year-old icebergs, majestic humpback whales, and breathtaking coastal scenery. The tours are conducted on a Zodiac, accommodating 20–25 passengers, ensuring an intimate and personal experience. The knowledgeable crew shares insights into the area’s rich marine life and history, making each tour both educational and exhilarating. Twillingate Adventure Tours
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Highlights: Humpback whales, icebergs, seabirds, rugged coastline
- Price: Contact for details
Why I Love Newfoundland
There’s something profoundly humbling about photographing whales in Newfoundland. The light, the sound of the ocean, the shared gasps when a whale breaches — it all reminds me why I chase these moments. Newfoundland’s raw beauty feels both wild and welcoming, a place that stays with you long after the boat docks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whale Watching
Layers are your best friend. Even on warm days, ocean winds can bite. Bring: a warm jacket, waterproof gear (just in case you get a close-up splash!) Sunscreen and sunglasses, your camera with a strap — the whales don’t pose twice
Not at all. These tours are designed for beginners and are fully guided. Just bring curiosity, respect for wildlife, and a steady grip on your camera.
The prime season runs from June to August, when humpbacks migrate north to feed. Early July is especially magical — calm waters, longer daylight, and the chance to spot both whales and icebergs in one frame.
About the Author
Roland Bast is a Canadian travel photographer and visual storyteller with over 10 years of experience capturing the beauty of Canada and beyond. A proud member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada), Roland’s work highlights the emotion and authenticity of every destination through both photography and storytelling.
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