St. John's Whale Watching, Seabird & Iceberg Tours
Badge of Excellence
St John's, Canada
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
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
Supplied by
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 519 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Carlie_P, Jul 2026
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
Stephanie_S, Jul 2026
Wonderful adventure enjoyed our time. Crew was amazing and they screeched us in ❤️
We were fortunate to see puffins , and a bald eagle
Thomas_M, Jul 2026
Great crew. Good atmosphere. Really interacted with passengers.
Unfortunately no whales but great day out
Mark_B, Jul 2026
I just wanted to give a huge shoutout to the providers Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours. The morning of our tour our ships captain announced that due to the weather we would no longer be berthing in St John’s. I contacted the providers immediately and they were so understanding and agreed to refund us even though we were only a few hours away from the tour start. Fabulous communication and consideration from this company and I would thoroughly recommend their services!
Leann_B, Jul 2026
Don’t expect to take photos of puffins as they are very little and quite far away. We did see two whales which excited many onboard. Be prepared for a very rocky trip - it was a lovely July day but the swells were still very big (lots of movement). There isn’t much else to say - I couldn’t get a seat outside of the main cabin so I couldn’t hear the captain very well. You just slowly go out and see a big rock and hope to see some whales and puffins and then you come back. It’s very overpriced but I’m spoiled as I come from Vancouver Island. For some, I’m sure it’s worth the cost. Some toilet paper, soap and paper towel would be nice in the bathrooms.
Steve_F, Jul 2026
This is a great opportunity to see whales in the summer. You board the ship in downtown St. John's so it's convenient and you do not have to be transported 30 minutes away as you do for many of the other whale watching tours. You can walk to it from most of the downtown hotels. The captain and staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Great view of the harbor when you're leaving and coming back in. We spotted a mama whale and her baby and got really close. Got some excellent pictures.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted you enjoyed the convenience of departing right from downtown St. John's—it's something many of our guests really appreciate, especially those staying in the city. We're so glad you had the chance to see a mother whale and her calf and capture some great photos. It's also wonderful to hear our captain and crew helped make your experience even more memorable. Thank you for choosing to sail with us, and we hope to welcome you aboard again!
Cinda_E, Jul 2026
Tour location was good. Boat was nice. We didn’t see any whales however. Boat was packed with way too many people! Some people, including one in our party with a physical disability, couldn’t even find a seat.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed our location and the vessel.
Our tours operate in a natural marine environment, where every day on the water is different. While we always hope to share incredible wildlife encounters with our guests, sightings are dependent on nature and cannot be guaranteed.
Guest comfort and safety are very important to our team. We have procedures in place to support guests who may require additional assistance, and our crew works hard to create an enjoyable experience for everyone on board.
We appreciate your comments and will continue to look for ways to make each tour as welcoming and memorable as possible. Thank you for joining us on the water.
Amanda_H, Jul 2026
Too many people were packed on the boat. Swells were to big to move around. So stayed stuck in one spot. Had to watch all the people sick off the side of the boat. Everyone seems nice enough, but that was an unpleasant experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We appreciate you joining us and are glad to hear that you found our crew welcoming and friendly.
Operating on the ocean means every day can be different, and sea conditions can have a significant impact on the experience. Our crew always prioritizes the safety and comfort of our guests while navigating the conditions we encounter.
We understand that rough water can be challenging for some guests, and we appreciate your comments. We will continue to do our best to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience while sharing the beauty of St. John’s Harbour, the coastline, and the marine environment with our guests.
Thank you again for sharing your perspective.
Jerin_H, Jul 2026
Unfortunately, you can't order up wildlife. We did see one rare Minke whale, but we enjoyed a lovely tour on the water with a friendly, knowledgeable crew (they were even cheerful about cleaning up when other passengers succumbed to motion sickness). We even were able to be Screeched as honorary Newfoundlanders on the water, which seems like the most authentic way to do it (even if the code wasn't fresh. 😉) I would definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We couldn’t have said it better ourselves — you truly can’t order up wildlife, and that’s part of what makes every day on the water an adventure.
We’re thrilled that you enjoyed your time with us, from spotting a Minke whale to taking in the beauty of the coastline and sharing some authentic Newfoundland traditions along the way. Our crew will be delighted to hear your kind words. They bring their knowledge, humour, and passion to every tour and love creating memorable experiences for our guests.
Thank you for recognizing their positive attitude and dedication, even when the ocean brings a few unexpected moments! We’re so happy you joined us and that you would recommend the experience to others.
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
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic day on the water and enjoyed your whale watching experience with us.
Our crew will be delighted to hear your kind words. Their knowledge, friendliness, and passion for sharing the beauty of St. John’s Harbour and the surrounding coastline are a big part of what makes each tour special.
We’re so happy that you were able to enjoy such incredible whale sightings — those moments are always unforgettable. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the snack selection and will keep it in mind as we continue looking for ways to enhance the guest experience.
Thank you for joining us and for sharing your “whale of a time” with us!
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.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable experience with us on the water.
Seeing a mother whale and her calf spending time near the boat is truly a special encounter, and we’re delighted that you were able to witness such an incredible moment. Scenic St. John’s Harbour, the marine life and the surrounding coastline make every tour unique.
Glen, Zack, and the entire crew will be so pleased to hear your kind words. Their knowledge, enthusiasm, and sense of humour are a big part of what makes our tours such a memorable experience for our guests.
Thank you for choosing to explore this beautiful part of Canada with us. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you aboard again in the future!
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.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable experience on the water with us.
Seeing humpback whales is always an incredible highlight, and we’re so glad you were able to enjoy those special moments. Our crew takes great pride in helping guests make the most of every encounter, and we’re happy to hear they worked hard to ensure everyone had the best possible views.
While some wildlife, like puffins, are seasonal visitors and depend on the timing of nature, every tour offers the opportunity to experience the beauty and surprises of the ocean.
Thank you for joining us and for recognizing the dedication of our team. We hope to welcome you aboard again for another adventure!
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.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We appreciate you joining us and sharing your perspective.
Every day on the water is different, and conditions such as wind, waves, and wildlife activity are all part of the experience. While we always hope to share incredible encounters with whales and icebergs, these moments are naturally unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
Our crew takes great pride in sharing the beauty of St. John’s Harbour and the surrounding coastline, while providing an informative and enjoyable experience for our guests. We appreciate your comments regarding the onboard commentary and will continue to look for ways to enhance the experience we provide.
Thank you again for joining us on the water.
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.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We appreciate you joining us and are glad to hear that you enjoyed the knowledge and professionalism of our captain and crew, as well as the condition of the vessel.
Creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for our guests is very important to our team. We appreciate your comments regarding the onboard experience and will continue to look for ways to make every guest feel welcome and able to enjoy the beauty of St. John’s Harbour and the surrounding coastline.
Thank you again for recognizing the efforts of our crew and for sharing your perspective.
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.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time on the water with us.
You said it perfectly — nature doesn’t always cooperate, but that is also what makes every trip unique. We’re delighted that you were able to enjoy a Minke whale encounter and appreciate the beauty of exploring the waters around St. John’s.
Our captain and crew will be so pleased to hear your kind words. Their knowledge, passion, and commitment to making guests comfortable are a huge part of what makes our tours special.
Thank you for recognizing the effort our team puts into every trip. We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you aboard again for another adventure!
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.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the scenic coastline and found our crew friendly during your time on the water.
Exploring the waters around Newfoundland is always a unique experience, and each tour is shaped by the conditions and what nature provides that day. Icebergs, whales, puffins, and other marine life are incredible highlights when they appear, but their timing and location can vary throughout the season.
Our crew takes great pride in sharing the beauty, stories, and character of the coastline while helping guests experience the best of their time on the water.
Thank you for joining us and for sharing your perspective.
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.
From $116.71
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
St. John's Whale Watching, Seabird & Iceberg Tours
519
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$116.71
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do