Birds and Bergs in Newfoundland: A Detailed Look at this Top-Rated Wildlife Tour
Traveling to Newfoundland and looking to see its iconic seabirds, whales, and icebergs up close? If so, the Birds and Bergs tour offered by Gatheralls Puffin and Whale Watch might just be your best bet. It’s a well-reviewed experience that promises an engaging, safe, and scenic adventure on the North Atlantic, with the added bonus of knowledgeable guides who know how to make wildlife spotting both fun and educational.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the elevated viewing decks keep you at eye level with the puffins, whales, and icebergs, giving you great opportunities for photos and spotting distant wildlife comfortably. Second, the crew is consistently praised for their professionalism, friendliness, and ability to mix local humor and stories into the live commentary. On the flip side, one thing to consider is the unpredictability of sightings—icebergs and whales aren’t guaranteed, which is worth keeping in mind if that’s your primary goal. This experience suits travelers who want a relaxed, engaging wildlife cruise with a focus on Newfoundland’s famous seabirds and marine life.
Key Points
- Scenic and Educational: The tour combines stunning views with insightful commentary about puffins, whales, and icebergs.
- Unobstructed Views: Elevated decks ensure better photos and visibility, especially for distant wildlife.
- Wildlife Guaranteed: Puffins are guaranteed, and whales are often spotted, but icebergs are seasonal and not always present.
- Comfort and Safety: The boat is well-equipped, with safety gear, washrooms, and a pre-departure briefing.
- Cost vs. Value: At $71, the tour offers a meaningful glimpse into Newfoundland’s wildlife with knowledgeable guides, making it a worthwhile experience.
- Flexible Options: Pickup is available for an added fee, and the tour operates in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately.
A Deep Dive into the Experience
Starting Point & Duration
The tour departs from St. John’s, a convenient hub for exploring eastern Newfoundland. It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, a good chunk of time that allows for a thorough wildlife encounter without feeling rushed.
What You’ll See & Do
Once onboard, you’ll immediately notice the elevated viewing decks—these are a game changer. They keep you at a level where you’re almost face-to-face with the puffins, making for better photos and an easier time spotting their colorful beaks and tiny bodies nesting on the cliffs. As one reviewer put it, “Great view of puffin colony, but I recommend bringing binoculars.” This is good advice, especially if you’re keen on detailed bird photos or spotting more distant wildlife.
Wildlife & Icebergs
The tour’s name suggests a focus on puffins and bergs (icebergs), and it delivers on both. Puffins are guaranteed—a major plus for bird lovers—and you’ll see them nesting on the cliffs, their vibrant colors bright against the rocky backdrop. For icebergs, the best chance is from May to June, but they’re not guaranteed every year. The crew will navigate safely around any icebergs they find, and guides provide insights into their formation and life cycle. Several reviews mention how stunning these icy giants are when present, and how magical it is to see them drift in the North Atlantic.
Whale Sightings & Marine Life
While whales aren’t guaranteed, the crew always scans the waters for early season sightings. Some guests have been lucky enough to spot whales, which adds a special excitement to the trip. When whales do appear, the boat’s superior vantage points allow you to see them slipping beneath the surface, a sight that’s both peaceful and powerful.
Guides & Commentary
The guides are described as a joyful mix of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned seafaring knowledge. Their storytelling, interlaced with local humor and even songs, captures the spirit of Newfoundland. One reviewer mentioned that the crew “did an excellent job of entertaining the group and making sure we saw lots of wildlife and stayed safe,” which speaks volumes about their professionalism.
Comfort & Safety
The vessel is equipped with all safety gear required by Transport Canada, and the boat has washrooms onboard, making the trip comfortable. You’ll be briefed before departure on safety, and the staff are friendly and approachable for questions. For those with balance issues, sitting during the cruise is recommended, especially during choppier waters.
Additional Offerings & Logistics
For an extra fee, there’s an option for hotel pickup and drop-off, which is great if you prefer a hassle-free day. Just remember to book and confirm at least 3 hours in advance. The tour costs $71, which aligns well with similar wildlife experiences, especially considering the quality of guides and the scenery.
Weather & Seasonality
The North Atlantic can be unpredictable. The tour runs in all weather conditions, so dress warmly, especially on the upper decks where wind and spray are common. If poor weather leads to cancellation, a full refund or rescheduling is offered—something travelers appreciate. Keep in mind that the presence of icebergs and whales is seasonal and dependent on nature’s timing.
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Why This Tour Is Worth Your Time
The Birds and Bergs tour isn’t just about ticking off wildlife sightings; it’s about experiencing Newfoundland’s rugged coastlines and the extraordinary creatures that inhabit them. The guided commentary, combined with the unobstructed views from the elevated decks, makes it an engaging way to learn and enjoy. The sense of being out on the water, with puffins flitting around and the distant glimpse of whales or bergs, is genuinely memorable.
For those seeking a family-friendly adventure, this could be a good option—puffins are guaranteed, and the crew’s friendly approach makes it suitable for most ages. However, travelers with mobility issues should consider the need to remain seated during choppier conditions, as noted in the reviews.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after an authentic Newfoundland wildlife experience that balances education, scenic beauty, and fun, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially perfect for bird lovers and anyone eager to see puffins in their nesting habitat, or catch a fleeting glimpse of whales or icebergs. The price offers good value considering the quality guides, unobstructed views, and the chance to learn about these fascinating creatures directly from those who know them best.
While sightings of whales and icebergs aren’t guaranteed, the chance to see them, combined with guaranteed puffins, makes this tour a solid choice. The friendly, knowledgeable staff and scenic route ensure you’ll come away with not just photos but stories to tell.
This experience suits curious travelers, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates a calm, well-run boat tour that emphasizes wildlife without feeling rushed or commercialized. So, if you’re visiting St. John’s and want to connect with Newfoundland’s coast in an intimate, scenic way, this tour is worth considering.
Birds and Bergs in Newfoundland
“Fun and friendly staff that ensures that your trip is informative and enjoyable!”
FAQs
Is there a chance I won’t see icebergs during the tour?
Yes, icebergs are seasonal and not always present. The best time for iceberg sightings is from May to June, but their presence depends on weather and drift patterns.
Are puffins guaranteed?
Absolutely. Puffins are guaranteed, so you’ll see these colorful birds nesting on the cliffs during your tour.
Can I bring my binoculars?
While not explicitly required, bringing binoculars can enhance your wildlife viewing experience, especially if you want to see distant birds or marine animals more clearly.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but those with balance issues are advised to stay seated during the cruise, especially in choppier seas.
What should I wear?
Dress warmly and in layers. The upper decks can be cold and windy, even in summer, and spray from the ocean is common.
Is pickup included?
Pickup is available for an additional fee and must be booked at least 3 hours in advance.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
You’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund if the tour is canceled because of poor weather, ensuring you don’t lose out on your booking.
In all, Birds and Bergs offers a genuinely enjoyable, well-run opportunity to experience Newfoundland’s wild side. Whether you’re an avid birder, a family looking for a fun outing, or just someone eager for scenic views and marine wildlife, this cruise has something to offer. Just remember—it’s a natural experience, so patience and warm layers will help you make the most of it.