Puffins  Whales  Icebergs

Destination – Gatherall’s is licensed to operate in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve – home of the Atlantic Puffin (sightings guaranteed mid-May to mid-September) and one of the undisputed best places to encounter whales in their natural environment. Location. Location. Location.

Quality –  Trip Advisor designated Gatherall’s the “Best of the Best” on the strength of unbiased guest experiences.   We’re rated five stars on Google / Yelp / Facebook too for our consistently great experience and attention to service.  Gatherall’s has been welcoming guests since 1984 and strive to maintain and exceed this incredibly high service standard with each and every single guest.

Staff – Gatherall’s is a team effort.  We are so incredibly proud to work with a truly outstanding group of dedicated, professional, engaging, entertaining and hospitable individuals who are committed to providing you with the best possible experience.

Equipment – Gatherall’s catamaran tour boat is simply the most spacious and most comfortable tour boat in Newfoundland.  It has been designed to provide you with the best possible experience.

Gatherall’s is one of the oldest and most trusted tour operators in Newfoundland and is the preferred supplier for many local, national and international tour operators.  Your enjoyment & safety continue to be our foremost priority.  Our family & staff take great pride in our reputation and work hard to ensure that each and every guest is treated with the respect and care they deserve.

We cannot guarantee whales but we will do our very best to spot them. All local boats chat but it is best to visit during the season.  Whale sightings typically peak during mid-June through to mid-August however whales may arrive mid May and sometimes stay through September.  Please remember that sightings outside of the peak season are a bonus!

Our Puffin & Whale cruises are typically between 90 to 110 minutes in duration.  Actual tour time & route can vary depending on weather conditions and presence / location of whales and or icebergs. Gatherall’s can travel further in less time than any of the other large tour boats (and many of the smaller ones too), so more of your tour time is spent with the wildlife and not just getting there.

We sail rain / shine but sometimes have to cancel when sea conditions  warrant. If we cancel your ticket will be refunded or rescheduled.  Safety is our foremost concern.  When booking ahead we recommend that you don’t wait for the last day of your stay – leave room for flexibility.

Gatherall’s catamaran is design to make the cruise as comfortable as possible. Everybody is different though and some days are nicer than others.  On average less than 2% of our guests get seasick.  If you are prone to motion sickness then we recommend an anti-nausea medication. Vessel is equipped with two washrooms.

Gatherall’s cruise features the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve – home of the Atlantic Puffin and one of the best places to experience whales in Newfoundland.  The route of the cruise may vary depending on presence of whales, icebergs and sea conditions. We depart from our private dock in Bay Bulls – free parking is provided.

Helpful Hint: Please check in 30 minutes before cruise departure time.

Conditions can change so it’s best to dress in layers with a windbreaker and a pair of gloves for cooler days.  Please wear proper footwear with a flat sole and good grip – heels / sandals / are not recommended. 

Time of day has minimal impact on sightings and encounters.  We offer multiple cruises each day (high season) so you can pick a time that best fits your schedule.  Availability is limited so we recommend that you reserve.  4:30 pm cruises are generally less busy – there’s lots of daylight and lighting is best for photography..

Helpful hints:– book your cruise with a day or two on either side as an alternate in the event of inclement weather.   You can click any Book Now button to see available dates & times. 

The cruise is open to families and persons of all ages.  Use of an infant carrier / snuggly recommended if traveling with infants.  For the safety of guests, we cannot accommodate scooters / motorized chairs (manual wheelchair available on request).  Washrooms are conveniently located on the main deck.

Safety is our foremost priority. Vessel is inspected annually by Transport Canada and is equipped with required life saving equipment including life jackets, inflatable life rafts, fire fighting systems, etc. is  Vessel crew are trained in Marine Emergency Duties and an AED is provided on board. 

Gatherall’s cat features a cabin large enough so that all guests can be sheltered inside in the event of rain. There are two washrooms onboard as well as a simple canteen / bar facility.  Your safety & comfort are top priorities. 

For the best rates and most flexible booking conditions we recommend that you book directly with Gatherall’s.   Our booking app is secure and all transactions are via a verified merchant service provided for your safety.