5 Best Boat Tours & Cruises In St Johns (With Prices)

St Johns, on the eastern coast of Canada, offers some of the most exciting marine adventures you can find in North America. Its proximity to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve means you’re never far from thousands of seabirds and marine mammals, including whales, puffins, and dolphins.

We particularly love the Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise because it combines the chance to see icebergs (in late spring and early summer), a variety of seabirds, and whale sightings—all on a comfortable, spacious catamaran.

This tour showcases the area’s diverse wildlife and stunning scenery, often with live commentary from naturalists, making it both fun and educational. For a quick taste of Newfoundland’s marine life, this cruise hits the right note.

If you’re keen on close-up wildlife experiences, the 2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls is a superb choice. It takes you through Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to millions of migrating seabirds like puffins, auks, and petrels, with the added bonus of whale and dolphin sightings. The guides are passionate and knowledgeable, and the tour supports a family-owned local business.

For those interested in a more narrated and relaxed experience, this trip offers excellent value with around two hours of wildlife viewing, making it perfect for families or nature lovers.

For travelers who want to combine scenic views, whale sightings, and a bit of local history, the 2 Hour Award-Winning Whale and Seabird Boat Tour from St. John’s balances all three. It’s slightly more expensive but includes a full narration from a captain who shares insights about the area’s natural wonders and landmarks like Signal Hill and Fort Amherst Lighthouse.

Although some reviews mention the possibility of not seeing whales in late season, the scenery and bird sightings—like bald eagles and puffins—make this a worthwhile adventure.

If your schedule is tight but you want to maximize puffin viewing, the Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise is a good option. It focuses on the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and offers a chance to see puffins late into the season (up to mid-September).

This cruise also occasionally encounters whales, dolphins, and even ocean sunfish, making for a dynamic, if unpredictable, wildlife experience. The shorter duration and lower price make it appealing for those with limited time or budget.

Finally, for those seeking a more comprehensive, full-day tour that combines coastal sightseeing with land-based explorations, the St. John’s Small Group Tour with Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise offers a well-rounded day. It visits Cape Spear Lighthouse and Signal Hill, along with a whale and iceberg cruise—a great pick if you want to get a sense of both urban and natural highlights.

Keep in mind this is the most expensive tour on our list, but it covers a lot of ground, including historic sites and scenic coastlines.

1. Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

At number 1, the Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise is a standout for its combination of wildlife viewing and scenic beauty.

This 1.5-hour cruise sails through the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, which hosts over 2.5 million seabirds and one of the largest whale populations in the North Atlantic. The vessel is a spacious catamaran, offering plenty of viewing spots, whether you prefer sitting inside or out on deck.

What makes this tour special is its seasonal variety: in May and June, you can see icebergs drifting by, while mid-May to mid-September offers plenty of puffin sightings, and whales are typically seen from mid-June to mid-August. The crew provides live commentary about the wildlife and geology, enriching the experience.

Reviews highlight the friendly staff, beautiful weather, and the spectacle of puffins and seabirds. While whale sightings are not guaranteed, many travelers find the birding alone worth the price of admission.

This tour is ideal for those wanting a short but memorable marine adventure that combines nature, scenery, and local hospitality.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those short on time but eager to see puffins, seabirds, and possibly icebergs, all from a comfortable boat.

2. 2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

At position 2, the 2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls excels in providing a focused wildlife experience. This tour takes place in Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to millions of seabirds including puffins, Leach’s Storm-Petrels, and Razorbills.

It’s a two-hour cruise, making it a great choice for travelers looking for a short, engaging outing. The guides are passionate and experienced, sharing detailed insights into the flora and fauna of the area.

What sets this tour apart is its support of a family-owned business and the interactive narration that makes the trip both fun and educational. Many reviews mention the friendly crew, well-organized logistics, and numerous puffin sightings. Though whales are not always spotted, dolphins are common, and the large volume of birds often exceeds expectations.

Optional shuttle service for transport adds convenience. This tour is particularly good for families, bird-watchers, and anyone interested in small-group intimacy.

Bottom Line: An excellent, value-packed option for wildlife lovers wanting to see millions of seabirds and maybe a whale or two, with a personable guide leading the way.

3. 2 Hour Award-Winning Whale and Seabird Boat Tour from St. John’s

Coming in at number 3, the 2 Hour Award-Winning Whale and Seabird Boat Tour from St. John’s combines cruising past historic landmarks with spotting marine life.

This tour offers a narrated experience, so you learn about Cape Spear, Signal Hill, and the Blackhead Sea Caves while keeping an eye out for whales, puffins, and eagles. The boat features a heated cabin, making it comfortable even if the weather turns brisk.

This tour is known for its spectacular scenery and the chance to see humpback whales, especially during peak season. Many reviews stress the friendly crew and the quality of the commentary, which adds context about the area’s natural and cultural history.

While whales might be elusive late in the season, the bird sightings and coastal views make this a worthwhile trip. The slightly higher price reflects the comprehensive narration and comfortable environment.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a relaxed, informative cruise that combines wildlife watching with scenic coastal views and local history.

4. Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise

The Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise is designed for puffin enthusiasts wanting to see the birds late into September. This 90-minute trip takes you into Witless Bay, where puffins nest from May through mid-September, with some sticking around until September 20. Wildlife sightings are season-dependent, but travelers often see whales, dolphins, and even ocean sunfish—a rare treat.

This cruise emphasizes informative narration and entertaining songs, making it engaging for families and wildlife buffs alike. The price point is lower, and the relatively short duration makes it accessible for those with limited time. Reviews mention the captain’s knowledge and the opportunity to see puffins in late season.

Weather can influence sightings, but the friendly crew and scenic Atlantic coastline compensate for the unpredictability.

Bottom Line: A solid choice for puffin fans and those wanting a short, scenic wildlife cruise with a chance for unexpected sightings.

5. St. John’s Small Group Tour with Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise

Rounding out the list is the St. John’s Small Group Tour with Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise, which offers a full day of diverse experiences. This tour starts at Cape Spear, then takes you on a narrated drive through downtown St. John’s, passing landmarks like Jellybean Row and George Street.

The highlight is the Iceberg Quest, where you’ll see icebergs, whales, and marine wildlife from the water, along with scenic coastlines and historic sites.

Though this is the most expensive option, it appeals to travelers wanting a rundown of the area, combining land and sea. Reviews praise the well-organized itinerary, especially the captain’s knowledge during the iceberg cruise. Due to the longer duration, it’s best suited for those with a full day to explore and willing to spend more for an all-in-one experience.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want an immersive, full-day tour covering both cultural sights and marine adventures.

How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in St Johns

When selecting a boat tour, consider your budget, interests, and time available. If wildlife viewing—particularly puffins and seabirds—is your priority, the Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise or the Bay Bulls guided tour are excellent choices. For a more relaxed, scenic experience with some history, the award-winning whale and seabird tour provides a comfortable environment with rich narration.

If your schedule is tight but you still want a chance to see puffins late in the season, the Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise fits the bill.

Lastly, for a full-day adventure that blends landmarks with marine wildlife, the Iceberg Quest and city tour offers a comprehensive option.

Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons (May through August), to secure your preferred times and avoid disappointment. Each tour has its unique flavor, so think about whether you want a short wildlife fix, a scenic cruise with historical insights, or a full-day exploration.

St Johns’ marine tours are a fantastic way to connect with the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. Whether you’re fascinated by puffins, whales, or icebergs, there’s a tour to match your interest and schedule. With options ranging from quick 1.5-hour cruises to full-day excursions, you’ll find plenty of ways to make your Newfoundland visit memorable.

Just remember to book early, dress warmly, and keep your camera ready—you never know what you’ll see in these lively Atlantic waters.