Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise

Puffins are still out there in September. This 90-minute cruise from St. John’s to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve gives you a strong late-season chance to see them from a stable catamaran, along with seabirds, coastal cliffs, and the occasional whale or sunfish. I like the mix of wildlife viewing and local storytelling, and I also like that the crew adds live music instead of filling the trip with nonstop facts. The main drawback is timing: late-season puffins may be present, but whales and icebergs are never guaranteed.

I especially like the spacious viewing setup. You can move toward the sides of the boat when sightings happen, then return to a comfortable area when the wind picks up. The crew also gets high marks for being friendly, alert, and safety-conscious, with names such as Joanne making the hotel shuttle feel welcoming.

The added shuttle from St. John’s costs $35 plus tax per person and must be arranged in advance. That is convenient, but it can add a noticeable amount to a tour priced at $71.18. You should also bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens, since wildlife may not always appear close to the boat.

Key points to know before booking

• Late-season puffins: Puffins usually remain in the reserve until around September 20, though their bright breeding colors fade after the season.
• Stable catamaran: The vessel has a viewing platform, washrooms, and required safety equipment, but crew may ask you to remain seated in rougher water.
• More than puffins: Sightings can include eagles, other seabirds, jellyfish, ocean sunfish, and occasionally a humpback whale.
• Music with the narration: Commentary covers natural and cultural heritage, with live local musical selections and a bit of Newfoundland spirit.
• Hotel shuttle option: Pickup is available from selected St. John’s hotels for an additional fee, but you must book it directly at least three business hours ahead.
• Weather matters: The cruise operates in all weather conditions, so layers and rain protection are practical, not optional.

Why this late-season cruise is worth your time

The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is one of the main reasons to choose this outing. The protected island area supports large numbers of seabirds, and the surrounding water gives you a chance to see wildlife in its natural setting rather than in a prepared attraction.

I like that the cruise does not promise a perfect checklist. You may see puffins, but you could also find yourself watching an eagle, a school of jellyfish, or an ocean sunfish rising near the boat. One late-August outing included all three, along with a humpback whale. Another early-September trip produced a whale, which is a lucky sighting after the main whale season has passed.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but you should set your expectations properly. This is a wildlife search, not a guaranteed puffin performance. The crew will scan the water and islands, point out animals, and help you understand what you are seeing. Still, nature decides the schedule.

The late-season timing brings one small visual change. Puffins shed their bright breeding beaks after the nesting season, so birds seen near the end of August or in September may look less colorful. They are still unmistakable and photogenic, but you should not expect every puffin to have the full bright orange appearance shown in many tourism photographs.

From Bay Bulls to the Witless Bay islands

The meeting point is Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch at 90 Northside Road in Bay Bulls. The cruise begins around the Bay Bulls area, including Bull Head, before moving toward the islands of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.

The trip is not simply a straight ride to one viewing spot. The catamaran makes stops and passes through sheltered areas around the islands, giving the crew room to look for birds and marine life. These calmer sections may also make the trip easier for anyone who is uneasy on boats, though sea conditions can change and the crew has the final say on where you should stand.

The coastline provides a strong visual backdrop even during a quiet wildlife period. You will see open water, rocky shores, and the reserve’s island setting. The tour is best for people who enjoy watching and waiting rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.

The boat is not a small craft. That has clear advantages: it feels more substantial on the water, offers more room, and includes a washroom. The tradeoff is that some sightings require you to walk toward the side of the vessel. If the crew spots something off the port or starboard side, you may need to move quickly but carefully for a clear view.

What the 90-minute boat ride feels like

The cruise lasts about an hour and a half. That is long enough to reach the reserve, look for birds, and take in the coastal scenery without turning the outing into an all-day commitment.

At the start, passengers receive a safety briefing. Transport Canada marine safety requirements guide the equipment on board, and the crew gives instructions about movement and seating. If the boat begins to move more sharply, you may be told to remain seated or avoid standing. Take those directions seriously. A better photograph is not worth an unstable step.

The catamaran has a comfortable viewing platform, but comfort depends partly on the weather. Newfoundland conditions can shift quickly, and a calm departure does not guarantee a calm return. Wear layers, bring rain protection, and keep a warm outer layer handy even on a mild day.

The crew’s style is one of the strongest parts of the trip. You get information about local wildlife, the coast, and the cultural background of the area, but the tone is not stiff. Live local music adds character, and the singing was a highlight for several passengers. There is also some Newfoundland humor and Screech-In spirit, which gives the cruise a sense of place rather than making it feel like a generic boat ride.

The balance matters. A wildlife cruise can become tiring if every minute is packed with technical facts. Here, the narration is mixed with music, humor, safety reminders, and time to simply watch the water.

Puffins, eagles, sunfish, and the possibility of whales

Puffins are the main reason most people book this cruise. The islands offer a good setting for late-season sightings, and the crew knows where to look. You may see birds perched on the islands, flying over the water, or moving in groups around the boat.

Bring binoculars if you have them. A pair of field glasses can turn a distant bird into a clear sighting. A camera with a zoom lens is also more useful than a standard phone camera if you want recognizable wildlife photographs.

Puffins are not the only attraction. Eagles and other seabirds may appear around the reserve. Ocean sunfish can be especially memorable because of their size and unusual shape. One passenger saw a sunfish close enough to appreciate its bulk, while another outing passed through a large school of jellyfish.

Whales remain possible, but the tour is offered after the main whale season. That means a whale sighting is a welcome surprise rather than a reasonable guarantee. The same applies to icebergs. The crew will include any marine life encountered in the trip, but no responsible operator can promise specific animals on a particular departure.

I think this makes the cruise more appealing for nature-minded people than for anyone who needs a guaranteed photo. If your only goal is a close puffin portrait, you may feel disappointed by distance or weather. If you enjoy a changing mix of birds, water, and coastal scenery, the uncertainty works in your favor.

The shuttle from St. John’s: useful, but not cheap

You can meet the boat directly in Bay Bulls, or arrange pickup from selected St. John’s hotels. The shuttle requires an extra $35 plus tax per person and must be booked directly with the company at least three business hours before departure. The fee is payable when you check in for the tour.

Allow about two extra hours for pickup and drop-off. That means the full outing takes considerably longer than the 90-minute cruise itself. If you are planning other St. John’s activities on the same day, leave plenty of room in your schedule.

The shuttle can be a good choice if you do not have a car or do not want to manage the drive to Bay Bulls. Joanne, one of the shuttle drivers, was praised for setting a friendly tone from the hotel onward. That personal welcome can make the day feel organized from the beginning.

There is one practical weakness. Commentary from the shuttle driver may be hard to hear from the back because the vehicle does not have a microphone. If you care about hearing every word on the drive, try to sit near the front.

The published public transportation option is listed at CA$40.25 per person. Compare that figure with the private shuttle fee, your own transport costs, and the time involved. For a couple or family, driving may be less expensive if a car is already available. For someone staying in St. John’s without a vehicle, the shuttle may still be the simplest choice.

Price and overall value at $71.18

At $71.18 per person, the cruise offers reasonable value for a guided 90-minute wildlife outing, especially when the boat, crew, safety equipment, narration, music, and washroom are included.

The price makes more sense if you treat the experience as a coastal nature trip, not just a puffin hunt. A quiet day may still give you the reserve, seabirds, scenic water, local commentary, and a pleasant ride. A lucky day could add a whale, sunfish, eagles, and jellyfish to the mix.

The cost rises once you add the hotel shuttle, tax, drinks, and gratuity. Alcoholic drinks are available to buy, but they are not included. Gratuities are also optional and left to your discretion.

I would consider the cruise good value for a first visit to the St. John’s area, particularly if you want a guided introduction to the reserve. It is less compelling if you already have a boat, have visited the reserve several times, or are looking only for whales at peak season.

The operator carries up to 100 people, so this is not an intimate small-boat outing. The larger catamaran helps with stability and space, but you should expect a shared experience with other passengers moving toward the viewing sides when wildlife appears.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, solo visitors, photographers, bird watchers, and anyone who wants an easy introduction to Newfoundland’s offshore wildlife.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed. You should be comfortable following crew instructions and managing some movement on a boat, even though the vessel is designed for a broad range of passengers.

This is also a good choice for people who like local character. The songs, humor, natural information, and cultural references make the cruise feel connected to Newfoundland rather than purely focused on checking off an animal sighting.

I would be more cautious about booking it for someone with a strict schedule, a strong fear of boat movement, or a narrow goal such as seeing a whale. Weather and wildlife can change the day. The crew works hard to make the outing worthwhile, but nature keeps the final say.

The cruise operates in all weather conditions, with cancellations possible when conditions are poor. If the company cancels before or during the activity, you can reschedule without an extra charge or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Late cancellations and changes are not accepted.

Should you book the Gatherall’s late-season cruise?

Book it if you want a well-run coastal outing with a real chance to see puffins after the main summer rush. The strongest reasons are the stable catamaran, helpful crew, mix of wildlife, local music, and access to the Witless Bay islands.

Go with realistic expectations. Puffins may have less colorful beaks in late season, whales are possible but not promised, and the shuttle adds to the cost. Bring binoculars, dress in layers, protect yourself from rain and wind, and be ready to move carefully toward the viewing sides.

For me, the value comes from the whole hour and a half, not from one guaranteed animal. If you want nature, scenery, music, and a good chance at late-season puffins, this is a sensible choice from St. John’s.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise meets at Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch, 90 Northside Road, Bay Bulls, Newfoundland and Labrador. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the boat cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes. If you use the hotel shuttle from St. John’s, allow about two additional hours for pickup and drop-off.

Can I see puffins in late season?

Puffins usually remain in the area until around September 20, so late-season sightings are possible. The number and distance of birds can vary, and their bright breeding beaks may have faded after the nesting season.

Are whales and icebergs guaranteed?

No. Whales and icebergs cannot be guaranteed. Any whales or other marine life seen during the cruise will be included in the experience.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from selected St. John’s hotels for an additional $35 plus tax per person. You must arrange it directly with the company at least three business hours before the tour.

What happens if the cruise is canceled because of weather?

If Gatherall’s cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date at no extra charge or receive a full refund. You can also cancel your booking up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.