St. John's Exclusive 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)
- Screechins' (for a fee)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours135 Harbour Dr Pier 6, St. John's, NL A1C 6J5, 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 6J5, 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 season is typically May to June. Iceberg sightings are not guaranteed. Sightings vary each year.
- Whales peak sightings typically mid June to mid August. Whale sightings are not guaranteed. Sightings before/after peak season are a bonus.
- The Tour Operates Rain or Shine, Please Dress Appropriately. A Heated Cabin is Available.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- Please Follow All Instructions Provided by the Crew.
- Most travellers can participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- 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
I had an incredible time on the Iceberg Quest Ocean Tour out of St. John’s. The views alone were worth it, with rugged coastline, seabirds, and even a sunfish showing up along the way. Sadly, we weren’t lucky enough to see a whale, but what really stood out, though, was the crew. They were welcoming, knowledgeable, and kept the trip fun from start to finish. A special shoutout to Glen—his hospitality, humour, and charm made the whole experience feel personal and memorable. He’s the kind of guy who makes you want to come back and do it all over again.
Reviews
4.5
based on 587 reviews
Review summary
Last 12 months
61 reviews
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Travelers praise the natural landscape views and guides’ efforts to provide close iceberg sightings during the scenic boat tour, while the captain and crew receive consistent commendation for safety, comfort, and friendliness. Tour guides are noted for their knowledgeable, engaging commentary on local history and marine life. However, many find the tour overpriced with limited wildlife sightings, leading to dissatisfaction regarding value for money.
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We had a great time! Even though we didn’t see any sea life, we did see amazing views! The crew is very knowledgeable and funny! Highly recommend!
Incredible coastal views in some terrifying swell, but worth it all. Advised on arrival it is too late in season to see whales and puffins and no icebergs out there but would look for sunfish and others. We found the sunfish and was worth it for the views alone, tour guides gave lots of info on the harbour and life in St John’s in general.
Absolutely incredible tour. We knew booking that it was the tail end of the season so it was a bit of a gamble but regardless we were mesmerized. The crew was incredible and made us feel so welcome, standing with the guests and explaining the history of the region. We especially want to shout out Glenn, who was incredibly attentive. He took the time to talk to each and every group and answered all of our questions. A perfect example of the Newfoundland hospitality (which is more than you could ever expect). He was aware we were on our honeymoon and went above and beyond to make us feel extra special. We even got screeched in on board! We’ll definitely be coming back during peak season and we cannot recommend this tour enough!
This was actually a birthday gift to my partner and as new “birders”, we were able to knock off a lot of seabirds while on deck! We travelled on September 18th 2026 so we knew we wouldn’t see any Puffins or glaciers. But, we still wanted to get out on the water to experience the North Atlantic waters. From check-in and to when we stepped off of the boat, Glenn was an amazing tour guide/deckhand. He was very knowledgeable and we learned so much history about Newfoundland. Also, we both got screeched on the water! Highly recommend this experience. Even without puffins or glaciers, it was worth every penny to learn all about St. John’s, Newfoundland. Thanks for a great tour Glenn, Roy, and Captain Barry!
I'm a little disappointed, although the staff was very nice, but I think they shouldn't be doing this tour in mid-September. There are no icebergs or whales at this time, and that's what it was all about. They charged a lot of money for us to see nothing. Regardless it was nice, they just should have charged less money.
Loved the personal touch.
Lots of history staff were very knowledgeable.
Even though out of season for whales and puffin got to see a « sunfish »
The crew were fantastic - so welcoming and knowledgable. Out of season for whale spotting but that didn’t matter as learnt so much about the area from the captain.
Crew were friendly and helpful but there is no way this should be promoted as whale watching. We were told on board that there are very few whales after August so this was totally misleading and I would not i have paid that much money to look at a few seabirds and some cliffs
The tour was delightful because of the commentary and the beautiful scenery. We all loved Carl the happy friendly dog onboard. At the very beginning of the tour, we were told we most likely wouldn’t see whales because they were gone for the season—kind of false advertising calling it a whale watching tour. But that said, we did enjoy the trip and we enjoyed watching the gannet birds diving for food. The whole crew were knowledgeable and helpful, always available for questions.
Nice trip, knowledgeable guide, great scenery, lucky to have excellent weather, plenty of jelly fish, sunfish, a little late in the season for whales and puffins
We had a blast even though it was Whaleless & Puffinless. Glen was so fun and informative. Made it a wonderful experience.
The staff were wonderful, and although we saw no whales (due to time of year being late august) it was still a very enjoyable boat cruise with beautiful coastline scenery and the staff made it very fun.
We had a beautiful calm day with glorious sunshine. (August end 2026) Don’t forget to take a jacket or sweatshirt, a hat, and sunscreen!!! As it can get cool on the water. We were late in the season for whales and icebergs but got spectacular views of St Johns and all along the coast and lots of seabirds and the cutest wee Puffins ( they are only about the size of a Muffin!!!) who knew they were so small.
The crew in both land and sea a simply amazing. I can’t praise them or this trip enough!!! Take it and see for yourself.
Fantastic boat tour with Captain Glen and his crew! Captain Glen was a wonderful guide who spotted puffins, an ocean sunfish, and even a bald eagle for us. Plus, the views of Quidi Vidi and Cape Spear from the water were outstanding.
Glen, Glen and Roy were excellent hosts. They were gracious and welcoming. Glen’s commentary was entertaining with interesting facts and tidbits woven in. Our time in St John’s was at the tail end of the whale watching season so we didn’t see any but the stunning scenery and harbor views made up for it.
Glenn and Roy took excellent care of us onboard and provided great information about the area as well as the marine and seabird life.
Captain Kevin kept us as steady as possible in those rough North Atlantic waters and we found a large group of dolphins that wanted to play with the boat. The whales did not want to engage with us but we did get to see the elusive puffins and also spotted the local eagle couple (Charles & Camilla). The harbor tour is very useful to give you a nice overview of the town. It was a great resource for us when we went out to walk the town.
Lovely time on the ship! Captain and crew were so nice and Glen gave a lot of cool fun facts about the area
I did not see any whales, only a few puffins, and cape race lighthouse. I was dispointed that I did not see any whales or close up puffins but I understand it is nature. I do not think I will do this tour again.
Well...it was kind of disappointing.Dayof tour,I was called three minutes before they left to tell me the time had changed. I reschuled.Then the next day it was cancelled and rescheduled IF the high winds died down..I received no call if it was on or not. I rescheduled my day to.go at a later time. I understand the weather issue but communication was very sparse. I just hope I am reimbursed $.
I cant comment on the tour but be aware things may change and you may not be informed of what decisions are being made.
Great friendly staff. Took the time to get to know the passengers and tailor fit the experience to their desires. I was looking for birds, and they made sure I saw them. Knowledgeable and experienced. Really had a good time. Not too long it short. Really enjoyed the experience.
The staff made the tour. They were so welcoming. They treated us like family and involved us Newfoundland traditions. They related to my 17-year-old son who is off to college in the fall, giving him tips on internship opportunities. The made us an honorary Newfoundlander. I highly recommend this tour. The history stories were interesting and on point.
Have a light breakfast in case you get sea sick. Captain and crew were very helpful, and welcoming. Very nice experience.
Excellent informational tour of St John's harbour and the coast out to Cape Spear and back, with talks along the way about the geology and maritime history. Wildlife sightings are dependent on Mother Nature, as is the weather. Luckily it was a light cloud cover and no fog so we had good visuals and was neither too cold nor hot (2nd weekend of August).
The crew were excellent , the guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. All in all a good experience.
Loved the trip. Excellent narration and spectacular, breathtaking views, especially cliffs and nature. Highly recommended.
We had fun, saw puffins and gannets and a nesting pair of eagles. The captain and crew were friendly and gave a lot of interesting information. No whales, but you have to take what nature gives you!
Not to expect to see Whales, Icebergs or Puffins. But rather just a very expensive boat ride. The worst of it was there was no sign that anyone involved in putting on the excursion really cared that nothing that was advertised for this very expensive boat ride was accomplished. My suggestion is to go about half an hour from St John's and pay half the price.
Lovely sail in/out! The water was very calm and the boat was smooth. The weather was very foggy making whale sightings difficult. We did see some puffins and other sea birds all through the trip. The crew kept us entertained with stories and local information. Was a stress free voyage, fun for families or even a solo traveler. Would recommend!
No whales today but absolutely worth it regardless. We had such a wonderful experience. Staff were knowledgeable and friendly and helped make the experience worth it. I would recommend to anyone. Thank you for a great experience!
Amazing! Crew was so wonderful and fun, especially Glenn.
Get screeched in on the boat by him if you can. Saw tons of whale activity and many sea birds. 10/10
Wonderful adventure enjoyed our time. Crew was amazing and they screeched us in ❤️
We were fortunate to see puffins , and a bald eagle
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$110.16
per personWas $115.95(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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