Gatherall's Travel Trade 2026 & 2027
No visit to Newfoundland is complete without getting out on the water!
For over 40 years, Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch has welcomed guests from around the world to experience incredible marine wildlife, dramatic coastal scenery, and the charm of our friendly crew—just 25 minutes from downtown St. John’s.
Incredible Wildlife
Experience the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Gatherall’s operates exclusively in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to over 2.5 million seabirds including over 250,000 pairs of Atlantic Puffins. It is widely regarded as one of the best whale-viewing locations in Eastern Canada.
The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is the best way to experience Newfoundland’s best marine wildlife in its natural environment!
Catamaran Views
Get a Bird’s Eye View
with Gatherall’s
Our custom-built catamaran is designed for the best wildlife viewing experience. The spacious upper deck offers elevated sightlines for spotting whales, unobstructed rail space, and eye-level views of puffin burrows. When whales come close, the catamaran’s viewing angles let you see them with a bird’s eye view.
Riding our ultra-efficient catamaran means travelling with a smaller environmental footprint.
Top Destination
Just 25 minutes from downtown St. John’s
Located just 25 minutes from downtown St. John’s, Gatherall’s is an easy addition to any itinerary. The tour length of 90 minutes is ideal—long enough to deliver an unforgettable wildlife experience, yet short enough to keep schedules on track.
Convenient transportation options are available for both FIT guests and groups, making it simple to include us in your Newfoundland programs.
Why choose Gatherall’s …
Since 1984 the Gatherall Family, along with our valued crew & support staff, have strived to provide the highest level of service to our guests. Our tours operate exclusively in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve which means that there is always something to see. Home to over 2.5 million seabirds including over 250,000 pairs of Atlantic Puffins. The Reserve is also widely regarded as one of the best places in Atlantic Canada to encounter and experience whales in their natural environment. Our stretch of coastline – both rugged and breathtaking – is conveniently situated at the end of Iceberg Alley and is a real treat for our early visitors.
YOU’RE IN GREAT COMPANY!
Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch works with many established professional tour operators in Canada, the United States, the UK, Germany, Australia, and many other countries. Our long standing relationships with these industry leaders assures you that you are in good company when choosing Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch as an activity for your clients.
Whether you choose to contract directly with Gatherall’s or through a receptive – either way your in great hands! Gatherall’s has partnered with many Canadian and regional receptive operators so its easy to add your incredible experience to your itinerary. guaranteed departures provided for both escorted group tours and customized FIT adventure. Of course we’re always looking to establish relationships with new operators as we believe that “a rising tide lifts all boats”.
Tour Schedule
Group Tour
Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch cruise is available for bookings (30 or more adults) at the following times May 14 through to September 30.
9:00 AM / 10:30 AM / 12:30 PM / 2:30 PM / 4:30 PM / 6:30 PM
FIT
FIT reservations are available on scheduled public cruises. Scheduled cruises operate regardless of guest counts to minimize disruption to your guests’ itineraries. If your client gets delayed or needs to change their travel plans, our staff will be delighted to reschedule their cruise without penalty (subject to availability).
BOOKING TIP!
We recommend scheduling your guests’ experience with Gatherall’s during their first day in the St. John’s area. Should the weather be inclement we will happily reschedule the service for the next available cruise (cruise / cruise & shuttle only) and will add in a departure if need to accommodate your schedule (group bookings)!
Rates (Net Group & FIT)
Gatherall’s offers great rates to Group & FIT clients.
We understand that you have many attractions so we try to keep it simple and uncomplicated for your accounting office and booking agents!
Rates below are subject to applicable taxes (HST @ 15%).
2026 Travel Trade Rate
$69 / Person
$51 / Person
2027 Travel Trade Rate
$70 / Person
$52 / Person
Wildlife Seasonality
Gatherall’s tours are based around the migrating wildlife. While it would be great to experience puffins, whales, and icebergs on every tour, we’re ever mindful to remind guests that nature runs on its own schedule. Be sure to check seasonality for Gatherall’s local attractions.
*Whales and/or icebergs cannot be guaranteed*
Time of day generally doesn’t affect sightings but time of the season sure does.
PUFFINS
May – September
Puffins arrive early May and can be viewed in large numbers through till mid September with a few staying till the 3rd week of September. Timing for the other seabirds (murres, guillemots, gannets, kittiwakes, fulmars & more) varies by species.
WHALES
Mid-June to Mid-August
Whale encounters typically peak mid-June through to mid-August (may vary slightly year to year). Whales may arrive mid May and stay as late as September but please remember that sightings outside of the peak season are a bonus! Whales are not guaranteed.
ICEBERGS
May – June
Iceberg season around the St. John’s area typically runs May through to mid / late June. Although we are at the end of Iceberg Alley and see fewer bergs than northern Newfoundland, the bergs here are often very dramatic as they near the end of their journey.
Tour Add Ons
Round out your visit to Gatherall’s with one or more of of our popular offerings. Shop our great selection of Newfoundland arts & crafts for that special memento. Get inducted to the Royal Order of Screechers by Gatherall’s crew and become an Honorary Newfoundlander on board. For FIT guests who need a lift Gatherall’s offers convenient shuttle service from major St. John’s hotels. Need a ride?
Screech-In’s
Get Screech’d-In by Gatherall’s
Shuttle Service
Pickups from most St.John’s hotels
Gift Store
One of Newfoundland’s best craft stores
Gatherall’s Catamaran
Gaffer VI
Gatherall’s catamaran & crew – the best experience.
Our catamaran is purpose-built to offer guests the best possible viewing experience. The upper deck provides excellent sight lines for spotting whales at a distance, while spacious railings and open deck areas ensure unobstructed views when they come in close.
When visiting the puffin colony, the elevated vantage point places you at eye level with the nesting cliffs—ideal for photos and wildlife watching.
Ride with peace of mind
Travel with a smaller carbon footprint too! The catamaran was designed to be ultra efficient which means that we consume less fuel per guest per mile traveled than other vessels.
Comfort
Bigger is Better
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
Live Commentary
Gatherall’s guides use wireless microphones so they are free to move around, answer questions and chat one-on-one. A full commentary is provided throughout the cruise.
Range
Experience More
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
Peace of Mind
The cat & crew are Transport Canada Certified. All required life safety & fire safety equipment is in place and our crew are expertly trained in Marine emergencies, Domestic Vessel Safety, Marine First Aid and more.
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.
Media Catalogue
Our Travel Trade Media page features a curated selection of high-quality images and video clips to help you promote your Newfoundland programs. All assets are free to download and use for your marketing needs.
We’ll be adding new content throughout the season — wildlife stills, panoramic and drone footage, and even upcoming 360°/VR clips — so you’ll always have fresh, original material to share with your audiences.
Ready to Book Your Clients’ Adventure?
For reservations and or questions please feel free to contact us by phone during business hours, email, or through our social media channels.
CONTACT INFO
