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When do we pay for the tour?

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Payment for online reservations are processed at the time of booking.  Once the reservation request page has been successfully completed, a unique booking number will be created and assigned to the reservation and a confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided. 

The confirmation email will include a link back to the booking should the reservation holder need to amend and or cancel the reservation (in accordance with the terms & conditions agreed to at the time of booking).  Please feel free to contact us at any time should you have any issues, need any assistance or wish to reserve by phone (valid credit card is required for confirmation).

Where does the tour depart?

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Gatherall’s tour departs from its private dock located at 90 Northside Road in Bay Bulls.  Bay Bulls is approximately 30 minutes drive south of St. John’s on Route 10 (via Route 2 west and exiting onto Route 3 south from downtown St. John’s).

Guests are asked to be on site 30 minutes in advance of tour departure time and must check in at the reception desk to obtain vessel boarding passes for their party.

Do we need to book ahead?

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The number of people on any trip can vary and cruises can sell out at any time so reservations are recommended.  Tickets can be purchased on-line for any of the scheduled departures which indicate availability (just click any BOOK NOW button on our web site to check available date & sailing times).  While we sail rain / shine, we recommend that you keep some room in your schedule in case weather requires a change in plans.

Do we need a minimum number of people?

Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch features scheduled tours throughout the entire season that operate regardless of the number of persons booked.  You can reserve from one to fifty persons directly online.  For larger group bookings please reach out to our friendly and helpful staff. 

What is the cancellation policy?

Gatherall’s will honour all reservations and we sail rain or shine, however, it does reserve the right to cancel or to delay a departure in which case we make every effort to notify reservation holders in advance. No charges will apply in the event of cancellation on the part of Gatherall’s. 

Reservations can be rescheduled without penalty and cancellation of individual reservations (9 persons or fewer) up to three (3) hours prior to the scheduled departure without penalty or cancellation fee charges – 50% cancellation fee applied if reservation is cancelled less than three (3) hours prior to the departure.

No refund is provided in the event of a “no-show”.  

Can I smoke on board?

In accordance with our provincial liquor laws, smoking is prohibited in licensed public areas which includes on board the tour vessel and indoors in our reception area. Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside and are equipped with suitable refuse containers.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

We do not promote our service as being “barrier free” or “accessible” – unfortunately too many companies take great liberties with such wording (e.g. vessel washrooms are not accessible, stairs / door sills hinder independent accesses, etc.).  Having said that we regularly have persons on board with mobility issues and physical limitations (e.g. persons requiring the use of canes, walkers, wheelchairs / etc.). Parking is available dockside and the access to the vessel berth is by way of a ramp.  

For the safety of our guests we do not permit the use of scooters / motorized wheelchairs on board as they are not sufficiently stable while on a moving platform.  Scooters / motorized wheelchairs can be used from the parking lot through to the vessel boarding gate. We have several manual wheelchairs on hand to accommodate our guests who require assistance.

 The crew are quite aware of persons on board who may have mobility issues / limitations and as such will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the vessel is positioned in such a manner throughout the voyage as to provide all passengers with an opportunity to view the sights and wildlife encountered. We have numerous repeat guests with mobility issues who visit each season.  Our staff and crew are there to assist all guests as required and take great effort to ensure that all persons are treated with respect and dignity – help and assistance is always available if warranted and or requested.

Please note that our shuttle van is not wheelchair accessible.  GO Bus provides accessible transportation (chair lift capability) throughout St. John’s and area while several cab service providers offer accessible vans (City Wide Taxi / Jiffy Cabs).

Where do we park?

Free parking is provided on site.  Please note that there are parking spaces indicated for exclusive use of persons with mobility parking permits (blue zones) as well as areas labeled for bus parking which are for large motor coach vehicle only.  Assistance is available for guests travelling in motorhomes by enquiring at the reception desk on site. Please follow directional arrows reduce speed in and around the parking areas due to pedestrian activity. 

Why choose Gatherall’s?

Location. Location. Location. Gatherall’s is licensed to operate in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve – home of the Atlantic Puffin and one of the undisputed best places to encounter whales in their natural environment.
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.

Are whales guaranteed.

We cannot guarantee whales but we will do our very best to spot them.  Please remember that these are wild animals living in their natural habitat who’s movements and life rhythms do not revolve around our schedule or desire to observe them.  General seasonal guidance is provided based on close to 40 years of offering our tours to the public.

All local boats chat however for best chances it is recommended to visit during the peak feeding season. Local whale sightings and encounters typically peak during mid-June through to mid-August. Whales may arrive mid-May and sometimes stay through September.  Please remember that sightings outside of the peak season are a bonus!

 

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