| 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
Conclusion
Whether it’s the thunderous breach of a humpback, the quiet drift of an iceberg, or the laughter echoing across a boat full of strangers turned friends, Newfoundland’s whale watching tours remind us why the wild still matters.
Each experience has its own rhythm — from the intimate zodiac rides out of Trinity to the story-filled coastlines of Twillingate — but together, they capture the essence of a province shaped by the sea.
If you’re planning a trip to Newfoundland, make sure at least one of these tours is on your list. Bring your camera, your curiosity, and a readiness to be surprised by nature. Because out here, every wave tells a story — and every journey offshore feels like you’ve stepped into another world.
In case you’re looking for more information, here’s a link to my full Eastern Newfoundland Guide.
Until next time,
Roland
Roland Bast
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