The crew were so friendly& entertaining, the scenery & birds incredible, and we got to see a couple of whales! Definitely met and exceeded our expectations. Thanks
FAQ PG
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 and you’re welcome to reach out to us if you have others.
GENERAL FAQ
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.
Yes. The vessel is equipped with a cabin (inside seating area) that can hold the capacity of the vessel inside (100 passengers). the cabin is also equipped with two bathrooms.
You can drive (we have ample parking on site). If you can’t get to us, we can get to you! guests can book our return shuttle service from major hotels and B&B’s in St. John’s (additional charge). The shuttle will bring guests to and from the dock.
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.
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.
Awesome Trip
Jenny Hatt
Highly Recommended
Great Tour with excellent staff! From the check in to the onboard staff, everyone was friendly, efficient, and professional. This is our second whale watch with this company. Highly recommend for an authentic experience.
Kerry Smith
Fantastic Experience!
Fantastic experience!! Crew were informative and very entertaining!! Boat was very clean and safe, and we learned a lot about the birds and the whales we saw! Highly recommend it!!
Kim Gray
Recommend Them Thoroughly!
Thanks guys. It was an awesome trip. Enjoyed the whales and trillions of birds. Terrific songs and commentary too! Great job!
Jean Reiser
Awesome Experience
It was an awesome experience and really enjoyed the view and everything the staff and crew were very informative and funny I got to taste some of the iceberg.
Sam Palmieri
Excellent!
The trip was excellent. The captain and crew were fantastic. Also seeing the first humpbacks of the season. We will recommended you to friends and family
John Reid
Enjoyed Every Minute!
Great day, we enjoyed every minute! The staff was helpful and provided good information all through the cruise.
Roy Parteno
Excellent Trip!
An excellent trip. Although we knew that seeing whales could not be guaranteed the crew did their utmost to make sure we did.
Geraldine Cook
Highlight Of Our Trip!
Our experience with Gatheralls was by far the highlight of our trip to St. John’s! My 7 year old keeps talking about how amazing the sights were and how funny the tour guides were. We can’t wait to come back and do it again!
Leah Kays
Definately Recommend!
Great tour, fun and friendly staff! Very knowledgeable and great sense of humor! Very helpful and accommodating for my mother who was in a wheelchair. Definitely recommend!
Dyanna Retzlaff
Absolutely Awesome!
Foggy Day but that didn’t dampen the experience. Absolutely awesome
Reuben Pike
Very Impressed!
We were very impressed with the knowledge of the staff on-board our tour regarding the Puffins, Razorbills and Murres as well as their commitment to conservation. We commend your efforts and thank you for your excellent work and learned a lot too. Absolutely great experience.
Sheila Kuja
Highly Recommend!
Was absolutely amazing. Not to be missed experience when visiting St Johns. Highly recommend.
Michael Courtney