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

A 2-Hour Marine Adventure off the Coast of St. John’s

Imagine cruising through the waters off Newfoundland’s capital, St. John’s, where the air is filled with the calls of seabirds and the possibility of spotting humpback whales, bald eagles, and puffins. For just under $100 per person, you can spend about two hours on a lively boat tour offered by Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours, taking in rugged coastlines, historic landmarks, and the thrill of marine wildlife.

What we love about this tour is how it combines spectacular scenery with engaging narration from the crew, making it as educational as it is fun. The chance to see 12,000-year-old icebergs and North America’s easternmost point, Cape Spear, from the water adds a unique touch that’s hard to find elsewhere. Plus, the comfort of a heated cabin ensures you stay cozy no matter the weather.

A small caveat is that whale sightings are not guaranteed—they depend on the season and luck. If you’re visiting outside the peak whale-watching months, you might spend the ride enjoying bird colonies and coastline views rather than marine mammals. This tour is especially suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone eager to experience St. John’s from a fresh, water-based perspective.

Key Points

• Wildlife and scenery: The tour offers a chance to see whales, seabirds, icebergs, and historic landmarks from the water.
• Comfort & convenience: A heated cabin makes the trip suitable for all weather conditions.
• Educational experience: Guides provide insightful commentary on Newfoundland’s natural and historical sites.
• Flexibility on sightings: While wildlife is the highlight, sightings depend on the season.
• Great value: For the price, you get a scenic, educational, and wildlife-rich experience.
• Suitable for all: The tour’s short duration and comfortable environment make it ideal for families and solo travelers alike.

In-Depth Review of the 2-Hour Whale and Seabird Boat Tour

What’s Included and What to Expect

This two-hour tour begins at the Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours dock on Harbour Drive in St. John’s. Once aboard, you’ll be greeted by friendly crew members eager to share their knowledge of Newfoundland’s natural wonders. You’ll cruise past iconic landmarks like Signal Hill, where the first transatlantic wireless signal was sent, and the Fort Amherst Lighthouse, with its historic significance.

The boat’s heated cabin is a real plus, especially in cooler months or unpredictable weather, allowing you to stay warm and dry while enjoying the scenery. As you glide past Blackhead, you’ll see sea caves and a colony of black-legged kittiwakes. From there, the boat heads toward Cape Spear, the continent’s most easterly point, offering breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.

Detailed Itinerary and Highlights

Stop 1: St. John’s Harbour and Skyline
Starting at the bustling harbor, this is your first chance to appreciate the colorful houses that characterize the city, along with historic ships and vessels. The narration offers tidbits about the port’s history since the 1500s, giving you context for Newfoundland’s long maritime tradition. Several reviews mention how the crew’s commentary enhances the experience, making the scenery come alive with stories.

Stop 2: Signal Hill and Cabot Tower
Passing by Signal Hill, you’ll get a glimpse of the site where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless message. The view from the water offers a different perspective than walking the trails—more panoramic, more dramatic. Many reviews note how engaging the guides are, blending history with fun facts.

Stop 3: Fort Amherst Lighthouse
This historic lighthouse has guarded St. John’s harbor for centuries. The narration covers its significance and the evolution of the port. It’s a peaceful spot to watch seabirds like northern gannets and puffins, especially in late summer and early fall when bird colonies are active.

Stop 4: Blackhead and the Sea Caves
Here, you’ll see the black-legged kittiwake colonies, and some lucky visitors have spotted bald eagles and northern gannets. The caves themselves are a striking feature, carved out over thousands of years, making this a favorite among birdwatchers and geology enthusiasts.

Stop 5: Cape Spear
The tour ends at Cape Spear, where the rugged coastline and crashing waves make for some fantastic photos. This is the most easterly point of North America, offering a symbolic and scenic finale. Many reviews express how impressive the views are, even if sightings of whales or puffins are absent due to seasonal timing.

Marine Life and Bird Watching

While whale sightings are a highlight, they’re not guaranteed—something quite common with wildlife tours. If you’re visiting during late summer or early fall, the chances are higher, but some reviews note that whale season was just ending, and no whales appeared. Still, you may see bald eagles, puffins, and northern gannets—the seabird colonies are a real treat. One reviewer fondly mentions seeing a sunfish along the way, illustrating how varied marine life can be.

Crew and Guide Quality

Many travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly crew, particularly highlighting Glen for his engaging commentary. As one reviewer put it, “He was funny and engaging,” turning what could be a simple boat ride into a lively, educational experience. The crew’s focus on safety and their attentiveness earned consistent praise, making even choppy days comfortable.

Value for Money and Practical Tips

At $96.41 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the scenery, wildlife, and educational content packed into two hours. The small group size (max 100 travelers) allows for a more personal experience, which reviewers say adds to the enjoyment.

Keep in mind, iceberg and whale sightings are not guaranteed—this is wildlife viewing, after all. The tour runs rain or shine, so dressing appropriately is wise. The availability of a heated cabin makes this feasible even in less-than-perfect weather, ensuring everyone stays comfortable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, nature lovers, or anyone interested in Newfoundland’s marine environment and history. It’s particularly rewarding if you appreciate scenic views and are flexible about sightings. Those expecting to see whales should plan their visit during peak seasons, but even without them, the bird colonies, coastline, and historic landmarks make this a worthwhile outing.

The Sum Up

This 2-hour whale and seabird boat tour in St. John’s delivers a well-rounded voyage filled with beautiful scenery, informative narration, and a good chance to observe marine wildlife. The comfort of a heated cabin and the friendly crew make it accessible and enjoyable, even in cooler conditions. While whale sightings may vary with the season, the trip’s highlights—seabird colonies, icebergs, historic landmarks—mean you’ll still go home with plenty of memorable images and stories.

It’s especially suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a scenic water adventure that combines both nature and history. If you’re patient and open-minded about wildlife sightings, this tour offers genuine value and a chance to see Newfoundland from a perspective few visitors experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s two-hour length and comfortable environment make it suitable for children. Just be sure they’re dressed warmly and are okay with boat rides.

What should I bring?
Bring layers to stay warm, especially on windy days. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are helpful, and don’t forget your camera for photos. The heated cabin provides a refuge if needed.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The review mentions that Jacqueline’s husband was helped onboard, suggesting some assistance is provided. It’s best to contact the operator directly for specific accessibility questions.

What happens if I don’t see whales?
Whale sightings depend on the season and luck. Many reviews mention that even without whales, the trip is still enjoyable because of the scenery, birds, and local history.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are possible, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The tour operates rain or shine, but safety always comes first.

How many people are on each tour?
The maximum group size is 100 travelers, which balances intimacy with the opportunity to meet other like-minded travelers.

Is food or drinks provided?
The review notes Screeched-in ceremonies on some trips but does not mention food or drinks included. You might find the crew offering local stories or drinks, but bring your own if you want something specific.

How long in advance should I book?
Since the tour is booked frequently—often three times a day—it’s wise to reserve a spot early, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.

Whether you’re eager to see whales or just want a beautiful cruise with insightful guides, this tour offers a meaningful glimpse into Newfoundland’s marine life and coastal charm—worth every penny and every wave.