Puffins Whales Icebergs
TOP RATED TOUR!
Gatherall’s has welcomed guests to join our informative, entertaining and educational cruises for almost 40 years. You know that it is truly a special and unparalleled destination when it is designated as an Ecological Reserve. Gatherall’s cruise focuses on the world renown Witless Bay Ecological Reserve – home of the Atlantic Puffin (North America’s largest puffin colony) and one of the top whale watching locations in North America. At the start of each season, incredible icebergs often arrive just in time to enchant & astound our guests.
Puffins, whales, icebergs, spectacular coastal scenery combined with our knowledgable, professional & entertaining guides make this a “must do” activity. Please be sure to check below for recommended “Best Times” to visit as everything has a season.
Acclaimed as “BEST OF THE BEST” by TripAdvisor, Gatherall’s is in the top 1% of things to do worldwide!
Puffins Whales Icebergs
Seasonal guidance regarding suggested best times for wildlife represents historical norms but can vary.
Learn about Newfoundland’s incredible natural heritage during this top rated wildlife cruise. Professional, knowledgable and friendly guides offer a live interpretation during each cruise. Our interpretation program details the lives of the birds & whales along with the journey of the icebergs and is interspersed with a colourful mix of local humour, stories & song capturing the essence of Newfoundland’s culture. Gatherall’s crew is a blend of youthful exuberance balanced with decades of seagoing experience. Our shore staff and vessel crew are all here to make sure that you have a wonderful experience from start to finish.
Convenient shuttle service available from St. John’s hotels (additional fees apply).
Simply select your hotel from the list in the booking app. Click bus icon for shuttle locations.
#1 On TripAdvisor
FIVE STARS on Google, Facebook and Yelp!
BEST TIMES
Seasonal guidance regarding suggested “Best Times” for wildlife encounters represents historical norms but can vary from year to year.
Puffins Whales Icebergs
Like you, we would love to experience puffins, whales, and icebergs on every tour. However, please remember that nature keeps its own schedule. Be sure to check below for the suggested “best times” to experience each attraction. Time of day generally doesn’t affect sightings but time of the season sure does.
Whales and / or icebergs cannot be guaranteed on any specific cruise.
Puffin Season
Whale Season
Iceberg Season
RESPONSIBLE WHALE WATCHING
Gatherall’s makes every effort to ensure you have a great experience but please remember that respect for wildlife comes first.
All whale watching boats – big and small – are governed by the the same regulations regarding approach distances and practices. In our experience, patience and a cautious approach are often rewarded. Whales may be plentiful and curious, while other times they are busy feeding, sleeping or travelling doing long, deep dives – this is a matter of chance. To improve our success, our catamaran can travel further in less time and its high decks enable our crew (and you) to spot the whales from greater distances so as to not miss any of the action.
Our captains are familiar with their behaviour will try to provide you with the best possible experience without disturbance. Our Captains communicate with the other boats to co-ordinate visits to ensure as few boats are around them at any given time. Sometimes the encounter is a short, fleeting glimpse as a whale passes through our area. Other times it may be a profound and intimate interaction as a whale(s) comes alongside to check us out. Either way we are tremendously lucky to be in their presence.
Interactions are entirely up to the whales.
We’re just there to observe in a respectful manner.
Puffins Whales Icebergs
Gatherall’s catamaran is designed to provide our guests with the best experience. The upper deck allows you to spot whales even when they are further away and seemingly disappear in the ocean swells (think penthouse view versus ground floor view). Abundant deck area and rail space provides more unobstructed views of the action. If you’re lucky, the whales may choose to visit for a closer look! When they do, the superior viewing angles of the cat enable you can see further into the water to watch as they slip effortless beneath. While viewing puffins, the upper viewing decks of the cat keeps you at eye level with their nests for the best views and pictures.
Riding the cat means that your carbon footprint is smaller too.
The cat was designed to be ultra efficient which means that we consume less fuel per guest per mile traveled than other vessels. Click to learn more about the best tour boat.
COMFORT
Gatherall’s cat is the largest tour boat in Newfoundland. It offers the most space and the smoothest ride plus it has room for everybody inside in the event of rain.
INTERPRETATION
Gatherall’s guides use wireless microphones so that they are free to move about to answer your questions and chat one on one. A full commentary is provided throughout the cruise.
RANGE
The unique design of the cat allows it to travel further than other vessels. This means that we can travel further to find whales & icebergs and spend more time.
SAFETY
The cat & crew are Transport Canada Certified. All required life safety & fire safety equipment is in place and our crew are expertly trained.
Open May 14 through September 20
Please note that dates & times may be subject to change.
We’re open 7 days a week in season.
Only 25 minutes from downtown St. John’s (shuttle service available).
Fabulous selection of local crafts & gifts
Group rates for 30 adults or more. Beach BBQ & bonfire facilities for staff party, reunion, wedding socials, conferences & events. Transportation available.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
No car! No worry. You can add return transportation to your booking on most tours (additional fees apply).
Simply select your hotel or nearest hotel to your accommodations in the drop down menu when booking. The approximate pick up time prior to the tour start time for the selected hotel will be indicated.
Please feel free to reach out to our staff if you have questions or need any other info.
Everyone wants to be a Newfoundlander!
Get Screech’d-In by Gatherall’s crew during your tour!
There’s no better time or way to become an “Honorary Newfoundlander” than while sailing on the North Atlantic. Open to all CFA’s (people who “Come From Away”), Gatherall’s take on this ceremony includes a personalized certificate, custom souvenir shot glass, and of course a sample of authentic Newfoundland Screech rum!
Book your ceremony with our reception staff at check-in. Additional charges apply.
Puffins Whales Icebergs
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether its your first adventure or you’re a returning friend, we know you have questions and we’re only too happy to answer them. A few of the most common questions and answers are provided below – click any one to load more FAQ’s or visit our FAQ page. Of course you’re welcome to reach out to us if you have a specific question that’s not listed.
Puffins Whales Icebergs
Close to 40 Years of Great Service.
We’re proud of our commitment to providing incredible experiences and stellar customer service. We’ve been welcoming explorers since 1984. We’ve learned a few things along the way. With so many great reviews, you know Gatherall’s should be your first choice for your boat tour in Newfoundland to see puffins, whales and icebergs.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Click any Book Now button to select your date & cruise time or to check availability.
For questions please feel free to contact us by phone during business hours, email, or through our social media channels.
CONTACT INFO
TEL. 709-334-2887
Email info@gatheralls.com
Address 90 Northside Rd., Bay Bulls, NL Canada, A0A 1C0