O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours

O’Brien’s Whale & Bird Tours Bay Bulls | Book Whale Watching Newfoundland
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⭐ Top Rated Bay Bulls
🌿 Eco-Certified Tour
Bay Bulls, Newfoundland · 30 min from St. John’s

O’Brien’s Whale
& Bird Tours

The ultimate wildlife encounter humpback whales, half a million puffins, and icebergs on a guided 2-hour cruise into Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.

🐋 Humpback Whales
🐦 500K+ Puffins
⏱️ 2-Hour Tour
💰 From CA$130.00
Book Now From CA$130.00 Watch the Tour Video
2 hrs
Tour Duration
CA$130.00
From Per Person
500K+
Atlantic Puffins
4
Whale Species
30 min
From St. John’s
All Ages
Family Friendly
CA$130.00 per person
2-Hour Guided Whale & Bird Tour · May–October · Bay Bulls, NL
✅ Expert Local Guides
✅ All Ages Welcome
✅ Eco-Responsible Tour
Book Your Spot
O'Brien's Whale and Bird Tours boat on the water in Bay Bulls Newfoundland
⭐ 5/5 Rated by
Travellers
About the Tour

The Most Spectacular Wildlife Tour on the Avalon Peninsula

O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours is the most celebrated tour operator in Bay Bulls, operating guided boat cruises from the harbour directly into the heart of Witless Bay Ecological Reserve home to North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony and some of the most reliable humpback whale feeding grounds on earth.

Every tour is led by expert local guides with deep knowledge of the reserve’s marine ecosystem. You’ll cruise past towering cliff faces alive with seabirds, watch humpbacks breach and dive just metres from the boat, and float past the puffin colony as half a million birds wheel overhead. In spring, ancient icebergs from Greenland drift past the islands, creating a scene unlike anything else in the world.

The tour runs 2 hours and departs from 22 Lower Road, Bay Bulls just 30 minutes south of St. John’s. Tours operate May through October, with peak season running June to August.

Whale Watching Puffin Tours Seabirds Icebergs Bay Bulls Family-Friendly Photography Ecotourism
Wildlife You’ll See

What Awaits You in Witless Bay

Every tour into the reserve is a live wildlife documentary. Here’s what you can expect to encounter.

Humpback whale breaching near O'Brien's tour boat in Witless Bay Newfoundland
🐋 June–August · Most Sightings
Humpback Whales
Humpback whales migrate to Witless Bay each summer to feast on the massive capelin schools that gather offshore. Watching a 40-tonne whale breach just metres from the boat its tail slapping the ocean surface as it dives is the defining moment of any Newfoundland trip. Minke, fin, and sperm whales are also regularly spotted. O’Brien’s guides know exactly where to find them.
Atlantic puffins in Witless Bay Ecological Reserve Newfoundland
🐦 May–September
Atlantic Puffins
Over 500,000 Atlantic puffins nest on Gull Island every summer the largest colony in North America. Their brightly coloured beaks and cartoon-like flying style make them instant favourites. Watch them diving for fish at astonishing speed, just metres from your boat.
Seabirds murres kittiwakes in Witless Bay
🦅 Millions of Birds
Murres, Kittiwakes & Razorbills
The cliffs of Witless Bay are packed with common murres, black-legged kittiwakes, and razorbills. In sheer numbers, this is one of the most impressive seabird gatherings in the Atlantic world. The noise and motion is utterly extraordinary.
Iceberg drifting near Witless Bay Newfoundland in spring
🧊 May–June · Spring Season
Icebergs
In May and early June, towering icebergs calved from Greenland glaciers drift south along Iceberg Alley past Witless Bay. On the right spring day your tour will include a close encounter with one of these ancient formations alongside the puffin colony.
O'Brien's boat tour departing Bay Bulls harbour
Out on the Water
Whale watching from O'Brien's tour boat
Whale Encounter
Coastal scenery near Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Witless Bay Coastline
Humpback whale surfacing near boat tour Bay Bulls
Humpback Whale
Atlantic puffins on the water in Witless Bay
Puffin Colony
Why Choose O’Brien’s

What Makes This Tour Exceptional

O’Brien’s has spent decades perfecting the art of wildlife encounters. Here’s what sets them apart.

🔬
Expert Local Guides
O’Brien’s guides have backgrounds in marine biology and ornithology. They share fascinating, accurate insights throughout the tour turning a boat trip into a genuine learning experience.
🌿
Responsible Ecotourism
O’Brien’s follows strict protocols to minimise disturbance to wildlife and the fragile Witless Bay ecosystem. Choosing this tour actively supports sustainable, responsible tourism in Newfoundland.
🐋
Incredible Wildlife Encounters
Humpback whales, orcas, puffins, murres, razorbills O’Brien’s knows exactly where to find them. Sighting rates during peak season are among the highest of any tour operator in Atlantic Canada.
👨‍👩‍👧
All Ages & Abilities Welcome
From young children to seniors, every participant is welcomed and accommodated. O’Brien’s will work with you in advance to ensure a comfortable experience regardless of mobility needs.
🌊
Breathtaking Coastal Scenery
The cruise through Witless Bay reveals towering sea cliffs, rugged offshore islands, and the stunning expanse of the North Atlantic a photographic feast from start to finish.
📸
Outstanding Photography
The boat’s positioning is optimised for close-range wildlife photography. Puffins at arm’s length, whales surfacing alongside, icebergs in golden light bring your best camera gear.
Visitors on O'Brien's tour boat watching whales in Bay Bulls
Before You Go

What to Bring on Your Tour

Pack right and you’ll have the experience of a lifetime. The North Atlantic is always colder than you think.

🧥

Warm Layers & Waterproof Jacket

Even in July, it can be cold and windy on the water. Dress in layers and bring a windproof, waterproof outer layer. You can always remove layers on a warm day.

📷

Camera with Telephoto Lens

A 200mm+ lens is ideal for puffins and whales. Bring extra memory cards and a waterproof bag spray happens. Your phone works great too for wide shots.

🔭

Binoculars

Great for scanning distant whale spouts or watching birds on the cliffs. Even a small pair makes a big difference in spotting wildlife before it surfaces near the boat.

💊

Seasickness Medication (If Needed)

Take medication 30–60 minutes before boarding if you’re prone to motion sickness. Staying at the back of the boat and looking at the horizon also helps.

🕶️

Sunscreen & Sunglasses

The sun reflects intensely off the water. Even on overcast days, UV levels on the open ocean are high. Protect yourself before you board.

Traveller Reviews

What People Are Saying

Thousands of travellers have experienced O’Brien’s tours here’s what they say.

★★★★★
“From start to finish, this tour exceeded all my expectations and left me with unforgettable memories. The moment we boarded, the crew welcomed us with warm smiles and shared their extensive knowledge about the marine wildlife. We had three humpbacks surface right alongside the boat my kids couldn’t stop screaming with joy.”
Traveller review
An Unforgettable Adventure
Verified Traveller · ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
★★★★★
“O’Brien’s provided me with a wildlife encounter that surpassed all my wildest dreams. The crew’s passion for marine life was contagious their expertise made the trip not only informative but deeply moving. The puffins were so close I could see their orange beaks perfectly. And then a whale breached right next to us. I cried.”
Traveller review
A Spectacular Wildlife Encounter
Verified Traveller · ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5.0
★★★★★
Outstanding Rating
Based on verified traveller reviews
Read All Reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know

Common questions from travellers planning their O’Brien’s tour.

O’Brien’s operates from 22 Lower Road, Bay Bulls, NL A0A 1C0 approximately 30 minutes south of St. John’s via the Southern Shore Highway (Route 10). Free parking is available at the departure point.
The standard tour is 2 hours. It includes a guided cruise to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve with full expert commentary on the wildlife, marine ecosystem, and local history. Life jackets and safety equipment are provided. There is no food service on board so bring snacks if needed.
Tours operate May through October. Peak whale and puffin season is June to August book well in advance as tours sell out weeks ahead during this period. May is great for icebergs alongside puffins. September offers fall colours and fewer crowds with tours still running.
Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed animals are wild and unpredictable. However, O’Brien’s guides have decades of experience locating wildlife in the reserve and sighting rates during peak season (June–August) are exceptionally high. Even on quieter days, the puffin colony and seabird spectacle alone make the tour unmissable.
Yes O’Brien’s welcomes all ages and experience levels. Children are absolutely captivated by the puffins and whale encounters. For passengers with specific mobility requirements, contact O’Brien’s in advance to discuss the best options for your needs.
Cancellation policies depend on the booking platform and package. O’Brien’s provides detailed cancellation and refund information during the booking process. We recommend reviewing the policy carefully before confirming weather cancellations are typically rescheduled or refunded.
Yes! In May and early June, icebergs calved from Greenland glaciers drift south along Iceberg Alley past Witless Bay. Tours during this window can include close encounters with towering icebergs alongside the puffin colony an extraordinary combination.
Getting There

How to Reach O’Brien’s Tours

Bay Bulls is one of the easiest day trips from St. John’s 30 minutes south on a scenic coastal highway.

🚗
From St. John’s (30 min)
1
Head south from downtown St. John’s on Route 10 (Southern Shore Highway).
2
Pass through Witless Bay village after approximately 25 minutes.
3
Continue 5 more minutes to Bay Bulls. O’Brien’s is at 22 Lower Road free parking on site.
4
Check in at the booth, receive your safety briefing, and board. That’s it!
✈️
Flying into St. John’s (YYT)
1
Fly into St. John’s International Airport (YYT) direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax & Calgary.
2
Pick up a rental car at the airport essential for the drive south.
3
Drive 45 minutes south to Bay Bulls on Route 10 a beautiful coastal road the whole way.

📅 Book Your Tour Before You Arrive

O’Brien’s tours sell out weeks ahead in June and July. Secure your spot online as soon as your travel dates are confirmed especially for weekend departures.

📍 Address: 22 Lower Road, Bay Bulls, NL

Free parking available on site. The departure point is clearly signed from the main road into Bay Bulls.

🚗 Rental Car Recommended

Combine your O’Brien’s tour with a full Irish Loop scenic drive Ferryland, Tors Cove, Cape Race and more. Book your rental car early as vehicles sell out in peak season.

🕗 Arrive 15 Minutes Early

Check-in, collect your life jacket and get settled before departure. Latecomers may miss the boat literally. Allow extra time if driving from St. John’s during summer traffic.

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Ready to Meet the
Whales?

Book your spot on O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours today. Tours sell out fast in peak season don’t miss out.

Book Now From CA$130.00 Plan Full Trip