Where can I watch whales in Newfoundland
Where can I watch whales in Newfoundland? Whale Watching Adventures Near St. John’s, Newfoundland: A Guide to the Best Tours and Seasons. Nestled along the rugged Atlantic coastline, St. John’s, Newfoundland, offers unparalleled opportunities for whale watching. The province is one of Canada best places for whale watching.
Prime Whale Watching
The best time to go whale-watching in Newfoundland spans from late May to early September. During these months, the waters teem with various whale species, including humpbacks, minkes, and orcas. This period aligns with the whales’ migration patterns as they come to feed on the abundant capelin and krill in the area. Notably, Newfoundland hosts the planet’s largest gathering of humpback whales during this season.
Top Whale Watching Spots Near St. John’s
Several locations around St. John’s are renowned for their whale-watching opportunities:
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve: Just a short drive from St. John’s, this reserve is home to millions of seabirds and is a hotspot for humpback whale sightings.
Cape Spear: The easternmost point in North America. Watching the sunrise here is magical, too. Cape Spear offers panoramic ocean views and frequent whale sightings from the shore and boardwalk trail around the lighthouse.
St. Vincent’s Beach: Known for its deep waters close to shore, this beach allows for excellent whale watching without the need for a boat.
Recommended Whale-Watching Tours
For those seeking guided experiences, several boat tours near St. John’s offer exceptional whale-watching opportunities:
O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours: Operating out of Bay Bulls, they provide daily tours to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, combining whale watching with puffin and seabird sightings.
Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch: Also based in Bay Bulls, Gatherall offers narrated tours focusing on the area’s rich marine life and bird colonies.
Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours: Departing from St. John’s harbour, this tour combines whale watching with iceberg viewing, offering a comprehensive maritime experience.
Best Times and Tips for Whale Watching
From May to September. The best times to go whale watching are in the mornings when the seas are calmer. Booking tours in advance is advisable, especially during the peak months of June and July. Additionally, dressing in layers and bringing waterproof gear can enhance comfort during the excursions.
What are the best whale-watching tours in Newfoundland?
Highly recommended whale-watching tours in Newfoundland include:
- Trinity Eco-Tours offers zodiac boat tours in Trinity Bay.
- Sea of Whales Adventures is a family-operated company in Trinity.
- Bonavista Puffin & Whale Tours provides scenic tours along Bonavista Bay.
What are the best whale-watching spots in Newfoundland?
Notable whale-watching spots in Newfoundland include:
- Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is home to numerous humpback whales.
- Trinity Bay offers sightings of various whale species.
- Bonavista Bay is known for its rich marine biodiversity.
What types of whales can I see during tours in Newfoundland?
Common whale species spotted during Newfoundland tours include:
- Humpback Whales
- Minke Whales
- Fin Whales
- Sperm Whales
- Blue Whales
- North Atlantic Right Whales
- Additionally, sightings may consist of dolphins, porpoises, and seals.
What should I wear for a whale-watching tour in Newfoundland?
Dressing in layers, including a waterproof jacket, is advisable, as weather conditions can change rapidly. Even in summer, temperatures on the water can be extraordinary.
Can I see icebergs during whale-watching tours in Newfoundland?
Yes, during spring and early summer, many whale-watching tours also offer views of icebergs, especially in areas like Bonavista and Twillingate.
What is the duration of typical whale-watching tours in Newfoundland?
Most whale-watching tours last 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the operator and specific tour package.
Do I need to book whale-watching tours in advance?
Yes, book in advance, during peak season (July-August), to secure your preferred date and time.
20 Places to Watch Whales in Newfoundland
By Boat Tour (High Whale Sightings)
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve A whale-watching hotspot tour departs from Bay Bulls and Witless Bay.
Bay Bulls: Home to O’Brien’s and Gatherall’s boat tours.
St. John’s Harbour: Launch point for Iceberg Quest tours.
Trinity Bay: Is known for its scenic waters and Trinity Eco-Tours.
Bonavista Bay: is a great area for boat tours and land-based watching.
Twillingate: Offers boat tours where you can spot whales and icebergs.
St. Anthony: Northern whale watching with tour operators like Northland Discovery.
King’s Cove: Peaceful, less crowded boat watching in the Bonavista area.
Port Rexton: A charming outport offering occasional whale-watching excursions.
New Bonaventure: Known for calm waters and high marine activity.
From Land (Scenic Whale Watching Lookouts)
Cape Spear is the easternmost point in North America and has a great vantage for humpbacks.
Signal Hill: This historic site in St. John’s has high elevation ocean views.
Spillars Cove: Near Bonavista, this cliffside view offers dramatic whale sightings.
Elliston: A prime puffin site also known for whales near shore.
Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve: While known for seabirds, whales are often spotted offshore.
Lamaline: In Fortune Bay, a peaceful coastal location with occasional sightings.
Cape Bonavista: Clifftop lighthouse offering panoramic whale views.
Durrell (Twillingate): Coastal lookout spot for shore-based whale spotting.
Petty Harbour: Just outside St. John’s, great land-based viewing in late summer.
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