🐋 Wildlife Experience · Newfoundland
Whale Watching
in Newfoundland
Every year, thousands of humpback, minke, fin and blue whales visit the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador. Come face to face with the ocean’s greatest giants in one of the world’s premier whale watching destinations.
🐋 Bay Bulls, Newfoundland
Why Newfoundland
One of the World’s Greatest Whale Watching Destinations
Newfoundland and Labrador is blessed with some of the richest marine waters on earth. The cold, nutrient-dense Labrador Current collides with the warm Gulf Stream just off the coast, creating a marine ecosystem that explodes with life every summer — and draws thousands of whales to feed in the process.
From humpbacks to minkes, fin whales to the rare blue whale, the waters around Newfoundland offer encounters with these magnificent creatures that are simply not possible elsewhere in Canada. The proximity of the whales to shore — often just metres from the coastline — makes Newfoundland uniquely special.
Whether you’re watching from the deck of a boat with O’Brien’s or Gatherall’s, or spotting from the clifftops of Cape Spear and Signal Hill, Newfoundland delivers whale watching experiences you’ll never forget.
90%+
Sighting success rate during peak season
Jun–Sep
Prime whale watching season
7+
Species regularly spotted offshore
$60–$120
Typical tour price per adult (CAD)
Marine Wildlife
Whale Species You May See
Newfoundland’s waters attract an extraordinary variety of whale species every summer. Here’s who you might encounter on your tour.
Humpback Whale
Up to 16 metres · 30 tonnes
The star of the show. Humpbacks are acrobatic, curious and frequently breach — launching their entire body clear of the water. They follow the capelin inshore to feed and are seen in huge numbers from June to September. The most commonly sighted whale in Newfoundland.
Minke Whale
Up to 10 metres · 10 tonnes
Smaller and faster than humpbacks, minke whales are a regular sight in Newfoundland waters. They often surface close to boats and their pointed snout and white flipper patches make them easy to identify. Present from May through October.
Fin Whale
Up to 27 metres · 80 tonnes
The second largest animal on earth — only the blue whale is bigger. Fin whales are often spotted offshore and their distinctive asymmetric colouring (white on the right jaw, dark on the left) makes them unmistakable. A truly awe-inspiring sight at close range.
Blue Whale
Up to 30 metres · 150 tonnes
The largest animal ever to have lived on Earth. Blue whales are occasionally spotted in Newfoundland waters, particularly in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Strait of Belle Isle. A rare but unforgettable sighting — one that few people on earth will ever experience.
Orca (Killer Whale)
Up to 9 metres · 6 tonnes
Occasionally spotted in Newfoundland waters, orcas follow the same prey as humpbacks — capelin and herring. Their distinctive black and white markings and tall dorsal fins make them instantly recognisable. Always a spectacular and unexpected sighting.
Atlantic White-sided Dolphin
Up to 2.8 metres · 230 kg
Fast, playful and gregarious — Atlantic white-sided dolphins are frequently encountered on whale watching tours, often bow-riding in front of the vessel. They travel in large pods of dozens or even hundreds, creating an exhilarating spectacle for passengers.
Book Your Tour
Trusted Whale Watching Tour Operators
These well-reviewed operators offer unforgettable whale watching experiences departing from Bay Bulls — just 30 minutes south of St. John’s.
O’Brien’s Whale & Bird Tours
📍 Bay Bulls, NL
One of Newfoundland’s most iconic and well-loved whale watching operators. O’Brien’s has been taking visitors into the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to see humpback whales, puffins and seabirds for decades. Their knowledgeable guides and comfortable vessels make for an outstanding experience. Tours run daily throughout the summer season.
Book Now →
Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch
📍 Bay Bulls · 90 Northside Road, Bay Bulls, NL A0A 1C0
Gatherall’s combines world-class whale watching with puffin viewing in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Their tours visit the islands where hundreds of thousands of Atlantic puffins nest every summer — alongside humpback whales, murres, kittiwakes and other seabirds. A truly spectacular wildlife double-header.
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Where to Go
Best Whale Watching Locations in Newfoundland
From boat tours out of Bay Bulls to land-based spotting from dramatic clifftops — here are the top locations for whale watching across the province.
Top Pick
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
The premier whale watching location in Newfoundland. Accessible by boat tour from Bay Bulls, the reserve’s rich waters attract humpback whales in extraordinary numbers. Also home to one of the largest puffin colonies in North America.
Land-Based
Cape Spear
The most easterly point in North America is also one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the province. From the clifftops, humpbacks and minkes can often be seen feeding in the waters directly below from May through September.
Land-Based
Signal Hill
The clifftops above St. John’s Narrows offer spectacular views of the open Atlantic where whales regularly feed. Bring binoculars and scan the water — humpback and minke whale sightings from Signal Hill are common throughout the summer.
Boat Tours
Trinity Bay
Trinity Bay on the Bonavista Peninsula is a celebrated whale watching location, particularly famous for the close-range humpback encounters in the shallow waters near the historic town of Trinity. An excellent choice for those combining whale watching with a Bonavista Peninsula road trip.
Northern NL
St. Anthony & L’Anse aux Meadows
The Northern Peninsula is prime whale and iceberg territory. The Strait of Belle Isle channels both icebergs and feeding whales in spectacular concentrations from May through July. A bucket-list combination — Viking history, icebergs and whales all in one trip.
Central NL
Twillingate
Known as the Iceberg Capital of the World, Twillingate also offers exceptional whale watching. Boat tours from this charming island town venture into waters where humpbacks feed alongside drifting icebergs — one of the most photographed wildlife encounters in Canada.
How to Experience It
Ways to Watch Whales in Newfoundland
There’s more than one way to experience whale watching in Newfoundland — from thrilling boat tours to peaceful clifftop vigils.
Boat Tours
The most popular and immersive way to watch whales. Catching a glimpse of humpbacks, orcas and dolphins from the deck of a boat is thrilling — you get to watch them feed, breach and play in the Atlantic at close range. Tours typically depart from Bay Bulls, Trinity and Twillingate.
Land & Coastline Viewing
Whales are so plentiful in Newfoundland waters that you can often see them from the coastline with binoculars. Cape Spear, Signal Hill and the East Coast Trail offer spectacular clifftop vantage points where patient watchers are frequently rewarded with sightings — and it’s completely free.
Kayak & Zodiac Tours
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.
Combined Wildlife Tours
Many boat tours combine whale watching with puffin viewing at the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. This wildlife double-header — humpback whales and hundreds of thousands of Atlantic puffins in the same two-hour tour — is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the world.
Visitor Tips
Everything You Need to Know
Plan your whale watching experience with these essential tips from experienced Newfoundland visitors and tour operators.
What to Wear
Even on warm summer days the temperature on the water can be 10°C cooler than on land. Always bring a windproof jacket, dress in layers, and wear non-slip footwear. Many operators provide life jackets — check when booking.
What to Bring
Binoculars for land-based spotting. A camera with a good zoom lens. Sunscreen and a hat (the sun reflects off the water). Motion sickness medication if needed — take it before you board. Snacks and water for longer tours.
Book in Advance
Whale watching tours in Newfoundland fill up fast during peak season (June to August). We strongly recommend booking at least a few days in advance — and as far ahead as possible for July and August departures, especially on weekends.
Sightings Guarantee
While sightings are never 100% guaranteed — whales are wild animals — the success rate exceeds 90% during peak season. Most reputable operators offer to rebook you at no charge if no whales are spotted on your tour.
Families & Children
Whale watching is suitable for children of all ages and is one of the most memorable experiences a family can share in Newfoundland. Check minimum age requirements with your operator. Life jackets are provided for all passengers.
Accessibility
Many whale watching operators strive to be inclusive. Contact your preferred operator in advance to discuss wheelchair access and any specific accessibility requirements. Prices range from CAD $60 to $120 per adult — discounts often available for children and groups.
When to Go
Best Time for Whale Watching in Newfoundland
Whale watching is possible from May through October in Newfoundland — but the season and species you’ll encounter varies significantly throughout the year.
Spring
May – Jun
Iceberg season overlaps with the first whale arrivals. Minke and fin whales appear first, followed by humpbacks in June as the capelin spawn begins. A magical time — combine whale watching with iceberg viewing for an unforgettable double experience.
Summer
Jul – Aug
Peak season. Humpback whales are inshore in huge numbers following the capelin. 90%+ sighting rate. Tours run daily. Puffins are nesting at Witless Bay. The absolute best time for whale watching — book well in advance as tours sell out.
⭐ Best Time to Visit
Early Fall
Sep – Oct
Excellent whale watching continues into September and sometimes October. Fewer tourists and calmer seas make for a quieter, more intimate experience. Humpbacks begin moving offshore but minkes and fin whales remain. Beautiful autumn coastal scenery as a backdrop.
Winter
Nov – Apr
Most commercial whale watching tours do not operate in winter. The whales migrate to warmer waters south. However, fin whales and other species can occasionally be spotted offshore by keen-eyed observers on coastal headlands.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about whale watching in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Newfoundland’s coastal waters are home to humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, and occasionally orcas and blue whales. Humpbacks are by far the most commonly sighted — they follow the capelin inshore in huge numbers every summer and are the star of most whale watching tours.
The prime whale watching season runs from late May to early October, with peak sightings from June to August when humpback whales migrate to the area to feed on capelin. July and August offer the highest success rates and the most tours available — but book well in advance.
While sightings are never 100% guaranteed — whales are wild animals and their movements can be unpredictable — the success rate exceeds 90% during peak season. Most reputable operators offer to rebook you at no charge if no whales are spotted. Experienced guides know the best locations and greatly increase your chances.
Most whale watching tours in Newfoundland last 2 to 2.5 hours — enough time to spot whales, observe puffins and seabirds at the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery. Some operators offer longer tours. Check with your operator when booking.
Yes! Most whale watching tours departing from Bay Bulls visit the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve — home to one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in North America. Seeing humpback whales and hundreds of thousands of puffins on the same two-hour tour is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the world.
Whale watching tour prices in Newfoundland typically range from CAD $60 to $120 per adult. Discounts are often available for children, seniors and group bookings. We recommend booking in advance online to secure the best price and guarantee your spot during peak season.
Yes — whale watching tours in Newfoundland are generally suitable for all ages. Life jackets are provided and the vessels are stable and comfortable. Factors such as weather conditions and participants’ mobility should be considered. Contact your operator directly for specific age restrictions or accessibility requirements.
Absolutely. Whales are so plentiful in Newfoundland that they are frequently spotted from the coastline. Cape Spear, Signal Hill, and the East Coast Trail all offer excellent land-based whale watching — particularly from June to September. Binoculars are recommended for the best views.
Ready to Watch Whales?
Book your whale watching tour and find flights to St. John’s to start planning your Newfoundland adventure.
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Explore The Province
Find Your Destination
in Newfoundland & Labrador
Avalon Region
St. John’s & The Avalon
Cape Spear · Signal Hill · Witless Bay
Eastern Region
Bonavista & Beyond
Bonavista · Trinity · Clarenville
Central Region
Central Newfoundland
Gander · Twillingate · Fogo Island
Western Region
Gros Morne & The West
Gros Morne · Corner Brook · Deer Lake
Labrador
Wild Labrador
L’Anse aux Meadows · Battle Harbour