Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Newfoundland’s natural beauty without spending hours at sea, the Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise offers a relaxed yet rewarding experience. This approximately 90-minute boat trip from St. John’s takes you into the heart of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, with its towering cliffs, nesting puffins, and a chance—though never guaranteed—to see whales or sunfish. It’s a tour that appeals to those who want an authentic taste of Newfoundland’s marine wildlife without a long commitment or hefty price tag.

What immediately attracts travelers is the tour’s focus on puffin sightings in late summer, when most other tours have already wrapped up for the season. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and lively commentary tend to make the cruise more than just a boat ride—they turn it into a mini education on the region’s wildlife and heritage.

The only downside? Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, which might disappoint some expecting a certain species to appear. But even if the animals don’t show up, the scenic views, friendly crew, and pleasant boat ride still make for a worthwhile outing.

This experience is perfect for families, bird lovers, and anyone eager to enjoy Newfoundland’s coastal charm without the intense activity of a longer expedition. It’s a relaxed, informative trip suitable for most travelers, including children and those with limited time.

Key Points

• Wildlife in late season: Puffins usually nest until mid-September, providing the best chance for sightings, but whales and sunfish may still appear.
• Comfortable boat: The cruise is aboard a spacious, stable catamaran designed for comfort and clear viewing.
• Educational value: Guides provide lively, insightful commentary on local wildlife and heritage, often including local musical touches.
• Value for money: At $70.52 per person, it offers a good balance of scenery, wildlife viewing, and learning.
• Flexible options: Pickup is offered, making access easier, plus safety gear and a washroom onboard add convenience.
• Unpredictable wildlife: While sightings add excitement, they can’t be guaranteed, so keep expectations flexible.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The 90-minute cruise is a beautifully paced journey through Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, an area renowned for its bird colonies and scenic coastal vistas. Your adventure begins with a pre-departure safety briefing—an important step to ensure everyone feels secure and prepared for the boat ride.

Once underway, the vessel glides through sheltered waters, stopping at key points around the islands that form the reserve. These islands serve as nesting sites for puffins, which are the star attraction—especially in late season when some are still roosting. If the timing is right, you’ll also encounter other seabirds and marine life, with past travelers reporting sightings of sunfish, humpback whales, and even jellyfish.

While the tour’s main highlight is puffins, the scenic coastline itself is worth the trip. Expect dramatic cliffs, ocean vistas, and the chance to photograph seabird colonies. Many reviews praise how close and clear the views are from the catamaran’s spacious deck, with some noting that the comfortable platform allows for great photo opportunities.

The commentary during the cruise adds a layer of depth, as crew members share stories about Newfoundland’s wildlife and local history. Reviewers mention the crew’s entertaining singing, which adds a fun, local flavor to the trip—something that enhances the sense of place.

Wildlife and Sightings

Although we all hope for a whale, dolphins, or ocean sunfish, the crew emphasizes that wildlife cannot be guaranteed. Past travelers, however, have been lucky. One review enthusiastically notes, “We saw a whale, which is quite rare for early September,” highlighting that timing can sometimes work in your favor. Others have enjoyed close encounters with puffins and seabirds, making the experience worthwhile even if the larger animals remain elusive.

The Scenic Vistas

Beyond wildlife, the coastal scenery itself is a draw. Expect rugged cliffs, calm sheltered waters, and small islands teeming with bird life. The tour’s relaxed pace allows plenty of time for photographs and soaking in the landscape, which many find adds to the value of the experience.

Additional Details

Transportation and logistics are straightforward, with pickup offered for convenience. The tour costs around $70.52 per person, which includes safety equipment, a pre-departure briefing, and onboard amenities like a washroom. The cruise duration is about 90 minutes, but travelers should allocate extra time for pickup and drop-off, typically around two hours total.

Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for all weather conditions—layered clothing, waterproofs, and sun protection—as the weather at sea can change quickly. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult, and all participants are asked to follow crew instructions for safety.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see puffins in late summer or families looking for an accessible outdoor activity. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy scenic boat rides combined with educational commentary. Perfect for day-trippers in St. John’s seeking a break from land-based sightseeing, this tour offers a relaxed pace and engaging experience.

Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to see seabirds and possibly whales, while those interested in Newfoundland’s coastal scenery will find plenty to enjoy. The value for money is notable, especially when compared with longer, more expensive wildlife excursions.

The Sum Up

The Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise provides a genuinely enjoyable way to experience Newfoundland’s maritime environment. With its focus on puffins, scenic vistas, and engaging guides, it offers a balance of wildlife, education, and relaxation—all for a reasonable price. The comfortable boat and flexible options make it accessible for most travelers, including families with children.

While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed in nature, past travelers have often seen puffins, seabirds, and even whales, making the trip unpredictable but rewarding. The lively commentary and local music add a personal touch that enhances the sense of place.

If you’re looking for a short, scenic adventure that combines wildlife viewing with Newfoundland’s rugged coastlines, this cruise is well worth considering. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a laid-back, informative experience and are prepared for the occasional wildlife tease.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Pickup is available and offered as part of the tour, making it easier to access the departure point in St. John’s. You may need to arrange or pay separately for transportation if not included.

How long does the tour last?
The cruise itself runs about 90 minutes, but plan to set aside around two hours total for pickup, the cruise, and return.

Can I see whales on this tour?
Whale sightings are possible but not guaranteed. The tour provides the best chance for puffin sightings, with whales appearing occasionally from mid-June through mid-August.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers and bring waterproofs, as weather conditions at sea can change unexpectedly. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are also recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate, but must be accompanied by an adult. All passengers are expected to follow crew instructions for safety.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

In short, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Newfoundland’s marine wildlife and coastal scenery. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers seeking an authentic, educational, and scenic adventure that won’t break the bank.