Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise

If you’re heading to Newfoundland and want a taste of its incredible marine wildlife, the Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise offers a relaxed, engaging way to see puffins and other sea creatures. While it’s not the longest tour out there, it packs a lot of charm into just an hour and a half, making it perfect for those wanting a quick yet memorable wildlife encounter.

What we really appreciate about this cruise is how it combines natural beauty with education — the guides are passionate and knowledgeable, adding a personal touch to what could otherwise be just another boat ride. Plus, the chance to see puffins late into the season, along with occasional whales, dolphins, and sunfish, makes it stand out.

One thing to keep in mind is that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. If your trip hinges on seeing specific animals like whales or puffins, it’s worth managing expectations. This tour suits travelers who love wildlife, scenic views, and a laid-back cruise atmosphere, especially those who enjoy learning about local stories and marine life from friendly, local guides.

Key Points

• Wildlife focus: The main attraction is puffins, with occasional whale or sunfish sightings, but no guarantees.
• Expert guides: Naturalists and crew provide engaging, educational commentary, enhancing the experience.
• Comfortable vessel: The cruise is aboard a stable catamaran with plenty of space and a good viewing platform.
• Seasonal timing: Best for late-season puffins (up to mid-September) and mid-summer whale sightings.
• Price & value: At just over $70 per person, it’s a reasonably priced way to explore the coast and wildlife.
• Transportation options: Pickup is offered, but the shuttle might be costly, and communication during transfers isn’t always clear.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The 90-minute cruise takes you around the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, a well-known spot for puffin nesting and bird-watching. The tour begins with a pre-departure safety briefing and a bit of friendly chatter from your onboard naturalist, setting a relaxed, informative tone. You’ll be on a spacious, stable catamaran, which makes the whole journey comfortable and easy to enjoy — especially if you’re prone to sea sickness or just prefer a steadier ride.

The cruise’s main highlight is the opportunity to see puffins in their late season. Puffins nest from May through mid-September, and while most leave by September 20, there’s often a chance to spot some still hanging around. As one reviewer shared, “Great to see puffins,” which many find rewarding, given how difficult they are to spot elsewhere. The areas visited are sheltered, providing some protection from rough seas, which adds to the comfort and safety of the ride.

The wildlife sightings can include a variety of seabirds and marine mammals. A traveler recounted seeing an ocean sunfish, a humpback whale, and large schools of jellyfish. Our guides and crew make a point to keep everyone informed, sharing interesting facts and stories about each creature and the local environment. These moments of learning and discovery add depth to the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

During the cruise, the crew sometimes offers local musical selections, adding a cheerful, authentic Newfoundland vibe. You might even get to participate in a Screech-In ceremony if you pre-register — a fun cultural tradition for those interested in Newfoundland’s local heritage.

The Value of the Tour

At just over $70, the tour comes across as a solid value. It includes all safety gear and a knowledgeable guide, which makes a big difference when you’re out on the water. Reviewers have praised the staff’s enthusiasm, with comments like, “The captain and crew were fantastic, knowledgeable, and entertaining.” The marine wildlife sightings, while not guaranteed, often include some impressive encounters, making the price worthwhile.

The shuttle service to and from your hotel is available but comes at an extra cost — around $35 per person for the round trip. Some travelers found this to be pricey and noted that the driver’s commentary wasn’t audible due to lack of a microphone, which is a small annoyance if you’re relying on that for info.

The duration of 90 minutes is perfect if you’re short on time but still want a quality wildlife experience. Keep in mind that you’ll want to allow for extra time (about two hours) for pickup and drop-off, so plan your day accordingly.

What to Expect: The Itinerary

The tour kicks off with pickup — if you’ve booked transportation — followed by check-in at Gatheralls. Once aboard the vessel, the crew runs through safety instructions, which are straightforward and reassuring. As the boat departs, your guides will start sharing stories and facts about Newfoundland’s marine environment and cultural background.

The route takes you close to the sheltered islands of Witless Bay, which are known for their puffin colonies. You’ll cruise along the coastline, enjoying sweeping vistas of rugged cliffs and scenic coastlines. The birdlife is quite active here, and you might catch sight of other seabirds like gannets or murres.

While most of the focus is on puffins, you’ll be near the waters where whales can occasionally be seen, especially in mid-June through mid-August. Although late-season whale sightings are less common, some travelers have reported seeing humpbacks or sunfish, which makes for a delightful bonus.

Throughout the cruise, the guides point out interesting features of the landscape and explain the importance of the ecological reserve. The musical interludes, along with the lively commentary, create a cheerful atmosphere that keeps the mood light and engaging.

Wildlife Encounters and Photo Opportunities

If you’re into birdwatching or photography, this cruise offers some excellent chances, especially around the puffin colonies. The sheltered areas allow for decent viewing angles, and the boat’s spacious platform helps you get steady shots of the birds and the sea. As one reviewer noted, “Great to see puffins,” highlighting how satisfying it can be to catch a glimpse of these charming birds in their natural habitat.

Occasionally, sightings of whales or sunfish add an element of surprise. While it’s impossible to guarantee these encounters, the knowledgeable crew ensures you’re in the right spots and are quick to point out anything interesting. One guest shared, “We saw a whale, which is quite rare for early September,” emphasizing how moments like this make the trip special.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participation

The best time for puffin sightings is from May through mid-September. If you’re visiting later in the season, don’t be discouraged — some puffins usually stick around till September 20, and whale sightings, although less frequent, can still happen.

Dress appropriately for the weather — Newfoundland can be breezy and unpredictable at sea. Layers and waterproof gear are recommended, especially if the forecast calls for rain or wind. The vessel is equipped with a washroom, which adds to the comfort during the cruise.

Children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone should be mindful of crew instructions. The crew emphasizes safety, especially during rougher seas or if there are movements on the boat.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is a fantastic pick for wildlife enthusiasts, casual nature lovers, and anyone interested in the local marine environment. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy short, scenic trips that combine education with wildlife spotting. If you’re traveling with family, older children or teenagers who can sit still and appreciate natural wonders will get the most out of it.

If your main goal is to see whales, you might want to note that sightings are not guaranteed, especially late in the season. Still, the chance to see puffins, seabirds, and even the occasional whale or sunfish makes this a worthwhile outing.

FAQs

What is the duration of the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes, making it a manageable activity if you have a busy schedule.

Is pickup included?
Pickup is offered for an additional fee, around $35 per person for a round trip. Remember, the communication during transportation might be limited, so plan accordingly.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No, wildlife cannot be guaranteed on any cruise, but guides are skilled at pointing out animals when they’re visible and in the right locations.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing, as weather conditions at sea can change quickly. The vessel is equipped with a washroom for your convenience.

Can children participate?
Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult. Make sure they’re comfortable sitting through about 90 minutes on the water.

Is the tour suitable in all weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions. If the weather is too severe, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with full refunds offered.

How do I book the Screech-In ceremony?
Guests interested in participating should pre-register at the tour check-in to secure their spot.

Final Thoughts

The Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise offers a pleasant, well-organized way to experience Newfoundland’s marine wildlife without the fuss of a longer tour. Its focus on puffins and the chance for some whale sightings make it a good choice for wildlife lovers who want a compact but meaningful outing. The naturalist-guided commentary adds educational value, making it not just a boat ride but a window into the local environment.

While wildlife sightings are inherently unpredictable, the friendly guides, scenic routes, and lively atmosphere make this cruise a solid addition to your Newfoundland itinerary. It’s especially suitable for those who want a comfortable, short trip with a good chance of seeing puffins and seabirds, all at a reasonable price.

If you’re after a fun, informative, and scenic water adventure with a focus on Newfoundland’s iconic seabirds, this trip ticks many boxes. Just remember to manage your expectations about wildlife encounters, dress warmly, and enjoy the views and stories along the way.

Happy sailing and birdwatching!