St. John's Whale Watching, Seabird & Iceberg Tours
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St John's, Canada
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Embark on an unforgettable boat tour off the coast of St. John’s and maximize your chances of spotting the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales. Cruise past 12,000-year-old icebergs, and keep your eyes for seabirds such as black-legged kittiwakes, northern gannets, bald eagles, and Atlantic puffins. This narrated tour combines spectacular scenery with fascinating marine life, and the dramatic beauty of Cape Spear—the easternmost point in North America—all in a fun and educational experience, perfect for the whole family.
- Spot wildlife and marine life you won't find elsewhere
- Stay warm and comfortable in the boat's heated cabin
- Learn all about Newfoundland's natural wonders from your captain
- See North America's most easterly land point from the water
What's Included
- Restroom on board
- Licensed Bar on board
- Heated Cabin
- Experienced Guides
- Pre-Departure Safety Briefing
- Safety Equipment Provided, as per Transport Canada Requirements
- Snacks(available for purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours135 Harbour Dr Pier 6, St. John's, NL A1C 6N6, Canada
Located in downtown St. John's, departing from the oldest seaport in North America. Please arrive at our Kiosk 30 minutes prior to departure for check in and safety briefing. Walk from downtown hotels, B&B's, the Convention Centre, dining, George Street & shopping. No shuttle required.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Ticket Redemption Point
Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours, 135 Harbour Dr Pier 6, St. John's, NL A1C 6N6, Canada
Itinerary
St. John's (Pass By)
Signal Hill (Pass By)
Fort Amherst Lighthouse (Pass By)
Blackhead (Pass By)
Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Iceberg and Whale Sightings are not guaranteed.
- The Tour Operates Rain or Shine, Please Dress Appropriately. A Heated Cabin is Available.
- Please Follow All Instructions Provided by the Crew.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Tim_S
We were too late in the summer to see an iceberg, but the crew member showed us a video of a huge one from earlier in July.
We saw many humpbacks and puffins. Cedric hung around our boat for 20 minutes giving us a good show. It was really fun.
We went to the eastern most point in North America. A cool lighthouse and many great views of the Rock. Good close views of various birds (not puffins) nesting in and around sea caves.
I would recommend this tour.
We also had lovely weather.
Reviews
4.5
based on 503 reviews
Joel_p, Jun 2026
Friendly knowledgeable staff. Good boat. Captain was nice and helpful. Snacks could have been better choices. But all in all a beautiful day and lots of whale sightings
Vasko_K, Jun 2026
The experience was great! We had a mother whale and her calf hang around and swim very close to our boat for good periods of time. It was also very scenic and saw other native wildlife. The staff were very friendly
(Glen and Zack) and entertaining. Highly recommend this great way to see a nice part of Canada.
Marilyn_S, Jun 2026
Got to see humpback whales. Staff was great to make sure we could all see as long as possible. Unfortunately wrong time for Puffins.
Chantal_D, Jun 2026
Good experience but unfortunately not worth the price as the waves were high, no whales, no iceberg and limited information shared by the crew. They are not responsible for the weather.
Jon_C, Jun 2026
I was really hoping that since this was an independent excursion not associated with the cruise ship we came in on, it wouldn't be like all the other cruise-sponsored events--packed beyond capacity and more about the number of people they can fit on the boat versus the experience those people have. I was wrong. This tour company scheduled far too many people for one 2 hour trip. I don't blame them, it's economics, but I was hopeful. Aside from that, the crew was great, the captain was informative and the vessel was in very good condition.
Cindy_B, Jun 2026
The ad said Whale & Puffin tour but when on the boat they told us puffins don't nest on the rocky ledges so we wouldn't see any
Jim_H, Jun 2026
Great crew and nice trip. We saw one Minke whale on the trip. Would have been nice to see more, but nature doesn’t always cooperate. The crew and captain were awesome. They made sure we were comfortable and gave us great information.
John_B, Jun 2026
Scenic boat ride along coast of Newfoundland and crew was very friendly. No icebergs [in June] and only one brief whale sighting. Some sea birds, but no Puffins.
Christine_F, Jun 2026
We were able to see multiple whales and had a great time with the crew, Glen, Caleb, Mike, Jay and others
Jonathan_A, Jun 2026
Breathtaking and educational. Try to resist your urge to capture everything on your phone - The boat is relatively small, the waves can be choppy, and because of that, my group got a little seasick. We still saw some great sights and the crew so welcoming, helpful, and entertaining. Don't miss out!
Devan, Jun 2026
This was a great experience. Weather was great. Crew followed two humpback whales for about an hour and they did backflips! No icebergs tho as it was early June. No puffins either.
Cindy_D, Jun 2026
We saw whales and puffins it was a great day on the water. Glen was great and the crew was great. Loved the music on the boat.
Linda_A, Jun 2026
This tour should have been cancelled due to weather conditions. Once outside of the port, the swells were strong enough that you could not stand outside in the rain and wind. We sat inside and saw nothing while many people were sick. We were actually thankful that we came back to port half an hour early. The support crew were helpful trying to keep us comfortable. 24 hour cancellation policy is too long if weather changes.
Marc_H, Jun 2026
No whales. Perhaps one puffin, but couldn’t be certain. Very rough seas. Several people physically ill. Unpleasant. Perhaps unsafe. Perhaps boat should have stayed tied up at the wharf.
Michael_L, Jun 2026
Weather was not great.
Not the operators fault.
Wife got sick and Crew was very responsive to her needs.
Excellent Crew. Just not a good day.
Andrea_C, Jun 2026
We had an amazing experience seeing lots of whales. The sea was a bit rough but we felt safe with the captain and crew.
anh_p, Jun 2026
Didn’t see any whales, icebergs or birds. Apparently they were flying close to the water. Just not worth the money.
Wendy_M, Jun 2026
Didn't see anything Staff great but it was an expensive boat ride to see not even a Puffin - Cous though a seigal lol
Delinda_O, Jun 2026
Great staff, very knowledgeable. Was lucky enough to see a mamma whale and her calf. (June 2 , 2026).
Lisa_V, May 2026
Paid $160.00 per person and unfortunately it was cut extremely short. Due to high winds. People were puking and super uncomfortable.
Deborah_F, May 2026
Icequest should have cancelled today with rough seas! They did NOT and were not prepared for most passengers vomiting!! I have requested a refund and due to having to require to have our warm coats washed, we will be without them until Friday late afternoon.
Beth_D, May 2026
The staff were professional, friendly, caring, and attentive. The entire experience was amazing! The iceberg we saw was incredible and the harbour tour provided afterwards was a treat!
Noel_R, May 2026
Fantastic sighting! Bird colony was incredible and we also saw Humpback Whales!!! A mother and calf!!! Crew was super! Highly recommend this excursion!
Charles_B, May 2026
Great crew, great boat and great iceberg.
BUT.
I feel a bit cheated, we paid $600 for this under the impression there would be a possibility to see whales and puffins, we were here in peak puffins season after all and the page heavily leans on that (the first 3 images are whales and puffins). We went straight to an ice bergs which was really cool circled it for 15-20 minutes and then came back dipping into 2 stops on the way. There was no explanation or even mention of whales of puffins (yes is says seabirds and that could be a gull but it’s heavily insinuated that it’s puffins) there is no guarantee of seeing wildlife, I get that, it’s not a zoo but to have the trip and never even mention either of those things once feels a bit off.
Anyway if you’re going to do it and you aren’t expecting to see anything I absolutely recommend but if you’re looking for something specific then maybe check with them before you book and avoid the same mistake as us. Like I said, lovely people, lovely boat but I feel a little bit disappointed
Afroza_S, May 2026
+ We were fortunate to see an iceberg (not guaranteed).
- 4 stars for being expensive. We did not see any whale (not guaranteed). I experienced many boat tours; this boat swung the most. Be careful if you have motion sickness. Nevertheless, larger boats need to keep more distance from icebergs. This boat tour offers closer looks.
John_F, May 2026
Very nice, hospitable, and knowledge hosts that strive to give guests the best experience possible. They worked hard to give those on board the best viewing of a local ice berg. When a whale was sited off shore they went quickly in that direction so that everyone would have the opportunity to see it.
Alain_B, May 2026
Could be cold………….good, breathtaking . Friendly people . Wish this diras k for a 100 characters. Howdie
AnitaL_C, May 2026
Where to start… we were originally scheduled to head out on a Monday morning tour at 11. We received a phone call from the tour operators on Sunday stating that due to weather conditions they would be cancelling our scheduled time slot. But immediately said they would be heading out at 4:30 that same Sunday as there was an Iceberg in the area and there may be a chance with heavy winds scheduled for the following day may cause berg to drift away. We thought this was very nice of them to suggest that to us to allow us to be able to see the Iceberg, which was pretty amazing to see up close. Also spotted a Minky whale and some Puffins off in the distance.
Would highly recommend .
Sandra_S, May 2026
Iceberg Quest out of St John’s was a wonderful tour, close to home. It was lucky to see such a beautiful berg in town. The captain and crew did an amazing job of making it such an enjoyable experience. Thank you.
Brenda_B, May 2026
The crew was lovely, just make sure to dress warmly. Took us out along the coast and brought us around the iceberg so everyone got the chance to see it
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