Whale Watching
in Newfoundland
Where to Go & When
Known as one of the best places in the world to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, Newfoundland offers an unparalleled view of some of the largest mammals on earth — from humpbacks breaching the surface to orcas hunting in the blue.
Peak: July & August
One of the Best Places
in the World to Watch
Whales
Newfoundland is home to several species of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, and orcas. The province’s rich coastal waters and abundant food sources — particularly the annual capelin spawn — draw whales inshore in extraordinary numbers during the summer months, offering a wildlife experience that rivals anywhere on earth.
The best time to watch whales in Newfoundland is from May to September when the whales are most active. During this time, you can witness the whales breaching, feeding, and playing in the waters around Newfoundland. The peak time for whale watching is in July and August, but you can still see the whales earlier and later in the season. The best months to see whales are May, June and July — during these months the whales feed along the coast with their calves and pods.
Tour operators offer zodiac boat tours, larger boat tours, and kayaking tours. The zodiac boat tours are the most exhilarating, as the boats are smaller and can get closer to the whales. The larger boat tours are more comfortable. The kayaking tours are the most immersive as you paddle alongside the whales. Morning is typically the best time for whale watching — calmer seas and lower light conditions make it easier to spot them.
What Types of Whales
Can You See in Newfoundland?
Newfoundland is home to several species of whales. You can also spot the occasional blue whale. These magnificent creatures migrate to the area during the summer months.
Humpback whales are the most common whales on a whale watching tour in Newfoundland. They are known for their acrobatic displays, such as breaching, tail slapping, and flipper waving. Humpback whales are also famous for their songs, which can be heard underwater and last up to 20 minutes. During the summer months they feed along the coast with their calves and pods, often inshore in large numbers following the capelin spawn. By late August they start their journey back south where they will stay all winter.
Minke whales are the second most common whale species in Newfoundland. They are smaller than humpback whales and are known for their streamlined bodies and pointed dorsal fins. Although they are not as acrobatic as humpback whales, they are still a sight to behold. Minke whales appear first in the season, often before humpbacks arrive in June.
Fin whales are the third most common whale species in Newfoundland. They are the second-largest whale species after the blue whale and can grow up to 80 feet long. Fin whales are well-known for their long, slender bodies and blowholes. They are also considered one of the fastest whale species in the ocean. Spotting a fin whale is a remarkable experience given their enormous scale.
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are Newfoundland’s least common whale species. They are known for their distinctive black-and-white colouring, intelligence, and social behaviour. Orcas are apex predators and can hunt prey, including seals, fish, and even other whales. St. Anthony on the Great Northern Peninsula is particularly associated with orca sightings.
Besides whales, you may encounter other wildlife species. Common sightings include dolphins and porpoises (Atlantic white-sided dolphin and white-beaked dolphin), seals often found on rocks and smaller ice formations, and seabirds including puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes. It is possible to see puffins during a whale-watching tour — the coastal waters are home to numerous seabird colonies. Keep an eye out for these adorable and colourful birds during your tour.
Whale Watching Season
Month by Month
The best time to go whale watching in Newfoundland is from late May to early September. By late August, whales start their journey back south for winter.
Whales begin arriving. Minke and fin whales appear first. A magical time to combine early whale watching with iceberg viewing. Best months include May, June and July.
Humpback whales arrive as the capelin spawn begins. Whale watching season in St. John’s runs from mid-June to mid-August. Icebergs still drifting — often visible near whales.
Peak whale watching. Humpback whales inshore in huge numbers. The best time for whale watching is in July and August. Puffins at peak breeding season too.
Peak whale watching continues. By late August, whales start their journey back south where they will stay all winter. Whale watching season in St. John’s runs mid-June to mid-August.
Excellent whale watching continues. Fewer tourists and calmer seas. Whale watching is popular from June to September. Minkes and fin whales remain as humpbacks move offshore.
Where to Go Whale Watching
in Newfoundland
Notable whale watching locations include Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, Trinity Bay, Bonavista Bay, Twillingate, St. Anthony, Signal Hill, Cape Spear, and Cape St. Mary’s. Each offers a different experience.
One of the best places to go whale watching is in Bay Bulls, located about 30 minutes south of St. John’s. Bay Bulls is home to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, a protected area that is home to thousands of seabirds and several species of whales. The tour operators in Bay Bulls offer a variety of tours, including zodiac and larger boat tours. The reserve’s rich waters attract humpback whales in extraordinary numbers and are also home to one of the largest puffin colonies in North America.
Trinity Bay is about 2 hours from St. John’s and is home to several species of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, and fin whales. The tour operators offer a variety of tours, including kayaking tours and larger boat tours. Trinity Bay is celebrated for close-range humpback encounters in the shallow waters near the historic town of Trinity — one of the most photogenic whale watching experiences in the province.
Twillingate offers excellent whale and iceberg watching opportunities. Twillingate is more famous for its iceberg and whale sightings than almost anywhere else in Central Newfoundland. Boat tours venture into waters where humpbacks feed alongside drifting icebergs — one of the most photographed wildlife encounters in Canada. Rock Adventures also offers sea kayaking tours where you can kayak alongside icebergs and whales.
If you are looking for a more remote and rugged whale-watching experience, head to the northern tip of Newfoundland to St. Anthony. St. Anthony is home to several species of whales, including orcas, and is known for its stunning scenery and rugged coastline. The Strait of Belle Isle channels both icebergs and feeding whales in spectacular concentrations from May through July — a bucket-list combination of Viking history, icebergs, and whales.
Whales are so plentiful that you can often see them from the coastline with binoculars — completely free. Signal Hill in St. John’s offers historic clifftop views with humpback and minke sightings common throughout summer. Cape Spear — North America’s most easterly point — allows you to watch humpbacks and minkes feeding from the clifftops May through September. Petty Harbour, just outside St. John’s, offers great late-summer viewing. Whale-watching season in St. John’s runs from mid-June to mid-August.
Newfoundland offers numerous excellent locations including Battle Harbour, Red Bay, Strait of Belle Isle, Point Amour, Bonne Bay, White Bay, Cape Bonavista, Trinity, Cape Race, St. Vincent’s Beach, and Cape St. Mary’s. Bonavista Bay is known for its rich marine biodiversity. Bonavista Puffin & Whale Tours and Discovery Sea Adventures provide excellent tours on the Bonavista Peninsula. Cape Bonavista Lighthouse offers panoramic clifftop whale views during the season.
Three Ways to Watch Whales
in Newfoundland
Tour operators offer a variety of options. Each provides a unique perspective and level of adventure — choose the experience that suits your preferences and comfort level.
The zodiac boat tours are the most exhilarating, as the boats are smaller and can get closer to the whales. While tours adhere to regulations that maintain a safe distance, zodiac boats can manoeuvre much more responsively when whales surface nearby. Depending on their behaviour, whales may even approach the boat out of curiosity. The most thrilling way to experience whale watching.
The larger boat tours are more comfortable, offering more space and amenities like snacks. A tour guide on board will inform you about the whales and their behaviour, answer questions, and provide interesting facts about the area. You can expect to spend up to 2 to 4 hours on the water. A typical tour lasts around 2 to 3 hours. Tour operators provide a life jacket and may provide a waterproof jacket.
The kayaking tours are the most immersive as you paddle alongside the whales. Encountering a humpback whale from a kayak is a genuinely life-changing experience — check with local operators for availability. Rock Adventures in Twillingate offers morning, day, and sunset tours around Twillingate Harbour and Notre Dame Bay where you can kayak alongside icebergs and whales swimming nearby.
Whale Watching Tour
Operators in Newfoundland
Several tour operators in Newfoundland offer whale watching tours. Book your tour in advance during the peak season. Most offer online booking.
Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch in Bay Bulls offers a variety of tour options, including whale watching, puffin tours, and iceberg tours. Located 30 minutes south of St. John’s at the entrance to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve — home to humpback whales in extraordinary numbers and North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony.
O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours in Bay Bulls provides informative and engaging whale watching tours with experienced guides. A popular choice for visitors staying in St. John’s wanting a full-day whale, puffin, and seabird experience just 30 minutes from the city. Multiple daily departures throughout summer.
Trinity Eco-Tours offers a variety of whale watching tours, including zodiac and kayak tours, from the historic village of Trinity on Trinity Bay. Trinity Bay is celebrated for extraordinarily close humpback encounters in the shallow waters near shore — an intimate and breathtaking experience.
Sea of Whales Adventures in Trinity Bay offers whale watching tours with a focus on the extraordinary marine life of the Bonavista Peninsula coast. The area’s shallow, productive waters attract humpbacks, minkes, and fin whales in concentrated numbers throughout the summer season.
Bonavista Puffin & Whale Tours and Discovery Sea Adventures in Bonavista provide various tour options, including whale watching, puffin tours, and iceberg tours. Bonavista Bay is known for its rich marine biodiversity offering whale watching alongside one of Newfoundland’s top iceberg viewpoints at Cape Bonavista Lighthouse.
Twillingate Adventure Tours offers guided iceberg and whale watching tours with knowledgeable captains. Tours venture into Notre Dame Bay where humpbacks frequently feed alongside drifting icebergs. Also kayaking with Rock Adventures who offer morning, day, and sunset paddling tours around Twillingate Harbour and Notre Dame Bay.
What to Expect on a
Whale Watching Tour
Depending on your chosen tour, you can expect to spend up to 2 to 4 hours on the water. Here is what happens from departure to sighting.
Tour operators provide a life jacket and may provide a waterproof jacket. Dress in layers — the weather can change quickly on the water even in summer. Bring a waterproof jacket, pants, hat, and gloves.
The tour operator searches using binoculars, hydrophones, and visual cues like birds hovering over water and splashing. Be patient — watch for signs of whale activity on the horizon.
When whales are spotted, the operator slowly approaches keeping a safe distance to avoid disturbing them. There are strict regulations prohibiting touching or swimming with whales. Whales may approach the boat out of curiosity.
The tour guide informs you about whale behaviour, answers questions, and shares facts about the area. Take a good camera with a zoom lens. Enjoy the moment and take in the breathtaking scenery around you.
Whales, Puffins & Icebergs
All in One Trip
In late May and June, Newfoundland offers one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife triple-bills — all three of the province’s iconic experiences at the same time.
The best months to see whales are May, June and July — during these months the whales feed along the coast. Humpbacks, minkes, fin whales, and occasionally orcas. Most active June through August.
Puffins can be seen from late May to early September. The best months are June and July during the breeding season. It is possible to see puffins during a whale-watching tour — keep an eye out during your time on the water.
There is a possibility of seeing icebergs while whale watching, especially in the early summer months. In June and July, humpbacks often breach near icebergs — one of the most photographed wildlife encounters in Canada.
Kayaking Alongside
Humpback Whales
For a more intimate experience, some operators offer small zodiac or kayak tours that allow you to get much closer to the water surface. Encountering a humpback whale from a kayak is a genuinely life-changing experience — check with local operators for availability.
Rock Adventures in Twillingate offers morning & day tours and a sunset tour around Twillingate Harbour and Notre Dame Bay. You can kayak along the coastline while watching icebergs and whales swimming around. These intimate small-group tours give you a perspective on whale scale and behaviour that no larger vessel can match.
Trinity Eco-Tours also offers kayak tours on Trinity Bay — famous for close-range humpback encounters in the shallow waters near the historic town of Trinity. Sea of Whales Adventures provides a unique perspective on marine life throughout the Bonavista Peninsula coastline.
How to Make the Most of
Your Whale Watching Trip
Go in the Morning
Morning is typically the best time for whale watching — calmer seas and lower light conditions make it easier to spot whales. The calmer morning waters also make for a more comfortable boat ride, especially if you are prone to seasickness.
Book in Advance
Book your tour in advance during the peak season (July and August). Most tour operators offer online booking. Peak time tours sell out — 90%+ sighting rates in peak season mean tours run daily and fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Dress in Layers
Dress in different layers because the weather can change quickly. Bring a waterproof jacket, pants, hat, and gloves. Temperatures on the water can be significantly colder than on land. Tour operators will provide a life jacket.
Bring a Good Camera
Take a good camera with a zoom lens to capture the whales up close. If you are using a smartphone, bring a waterproof case to protect it from spray and water. Always have your camera ready when on deck — breaches happen fast.
Be Patient & Watch the Surface
Whales are wild animals and their behaviour can be unpredictable. While tour operators do their best to find the whales, there is no guarantee on every tour. Be patient and watch for signs of whale activity — splashing water, birds hovering, and distant blows.
Choose the Right Tour Style
Zodiac tours are the most exhilarating — smaller and can get closer. Larger boat tours are more comfortable with space and amenities. Kayak tours are the most immersive. Choose based on your comfort level and what you most want from the experience.
Whale Watching in Newfoundland
— Common Questions
More Whale Watching Guides
Whales in the Wild?
From humpbacks breaching to orcas hunting — a whale watching experience in Newfoundland will stay with you forever. Plan your trip and book your tour now.