Embarking on a marine safari to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve offers an awe-inspiring adventure into one of the most concentrated seabird and whale habitats in North America. Located just south of the city, this protected reserve consists of four rugged islands that serve as the breeding grounds for over 260,000 pairs of Atlantic Puffins—the largest puffin colony on the continent. As the tour boat glides near the rocky cliffs, you are surrounded by a swirling cloud of millions of puffins, murres, and kittiwakes nesting on the rocks and diving into the sea.
What makes this ocean safari highly rewarding is the incredible probability of close-up encounters with giant humpback and minke whales. During the summer, the nutrient-rich waters attract hundreds of migrating whales, which feed, breach, and play near the tour boats. Watching a massive humpback whale tail slap against a backdrop of towering green cliffs and drifting white icebergs is a powerful, unforgettable spectacle. Guided by local captains who share traditional folklore and marine biology, it is a quintessential Newfoundland experience.
One fun fact people love:
Newfoundland is known as the "Puffin Capital of North America," and the Atlantic Puffin is the official provincial bird of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Where in St. John’s is it?
Boat cruises depart from the harbors of Bay Bulls and Witless Bay, located roughly 30 minutes south of downtown St. John's along the Irish Loop.
How to reach:
Easily accessible by driving south from St. John's along Route 10 (Southern Shore Highway) to the main tour operator docks in Bay Bulls.
Best time to visit:
Late June to mid-August when puffin nesting is at its peak and humpback whale populations are highly active in the bay.
Best time of day:
Morning departures around 10:00 AM are recommended, as ocean swell conditions are typically calmer and marine wildlife is highly active.
Entry fee:
Approximately 65 to 85 CAD per adult depending on the tour provider and vessel size.
Commute difficulty:
Easy; the experience involves boarding and sitting on a modern, stable passenger vessel, requiring minimal physical exertion.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- The ocean breeze in the North Atlantic is incredibly cold; even in the middle of a warm July, you must wear a heavy winter coat, gloves, and a hat on the water.
- If you are prone to motion sickness, take preventative medication before boarding, as the outer passages near the islands can experience open Atlantic swells.
- Bring a zoom lens for your camera, as federal conservation laws strictly prohibit tour boats from getting too close to the nesting islands or marine mammals.
