Whale Watching in Saint Andrews (NB) with Private Car Tour

Whale Watching in Saint Andrews (NB) with Private Car Tour offers a unique blend of adventure, comfort, and authentic marine encounters. For around $550 per person, you get an approximately 8-hour experience starting from Saint John, Canada, with options to choose between a traditional Tall Ship or a high-speed Zodiac vessel—or even both if you’re feeling adventurous. The tours are designed to maximize your chances of seeing whales, including Minke, Finback, Humpback, and possibly the endangered North Atlantic Right Whales, with a reputation for success exceeding 96% in recent years.

We love how flexible the experience is—whether you prefer the steady, family-friendly charm of the tall ship or the thrill of Zodiac speed, this tour has you covered. Plus, the onboard amenities like bathrooms, hot chocolate, cookies, and a licensed bar make the day comfortable. The small group size (up to 45 passengers) and private transportation make it feel personal and hassle-free.

A possible consideration is the price—at $550 per person, it’s a premium experience, but the inclusion of whale watching admission, snacks, and personalized service adds considerable value. The tour works best for travelers who are genuinely keen on marine life, comfortable with moderate physical activity, and interested in a memorable, authentic maritime outing. If you’re looking for an immersive, well-organized whale adventure with knowledgeable guides, this could be your top pick.

Key Points

• Flexible vessel options: Choose between a classic Tall Ship or zodiac-style vessel or do both.
• High success rate: Over 96% of whale encounters in recent years.
• Inclusive experience: Snacks, hot chocolate, cookies, and whale watching admission are included.
• Authentic marine experience: Opportunity to participate in sailing and even steer the vessel.
• Comfort and convenience: Bathrooms on board, small group size, and private transportation.
• Educational aspect: Knowledgeable guides provide context and insight into whale behaviors.

A Detailed Look at the Whale Watching Tour in Saint Andrews

The Starting Point and Overall Experience

Your adventure begins at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal in Saint John, a convenient and scenic departure point. From there, a private car picks you up, whisking you off to the harbor where your maritime adventure truly begins. We found this personalized pickup to be a real plus—no waiting around or crowded buses; just a smooth start to a day of marine marvels.

The eight-hour duration offers plenty of time to enjoy the water, with a good balance between boat time and potential land excursions. The tour’s main highlight, of course, is the chance to see whales in their natural habitat, something that’s easier said than done but is remarkably successful here.

The Vessel Options: Tall Ship vs Zodiac

One of the most appealing aspects of this tour is the choice of vessels. The Tall Ship offers a laid-back, classic sailing experience, perfect for families or those who appreciate maritime tradition. It’s sturdy, stable, and offers seating for all on deck, with bathrooms onboard—not always a given on small boats. The experience includes participation in hoisting sails and steering the vessel—a rare chance to gain some hands-on sailing experience under the watchful eye of the captain, who issues a certificate of participation.

For those craving more excitement, the zodiac-style vessel is a high-speed adventure. It covers the same whale-watching ground but in about 2.5 hours, offering a moderate thrill with cushioned, bus-type seating on deck. It’s a perfect choice if you’re eager for faster-paced action and don’t mind a slightly smaller bathroom on board.

You’ll love how each vessel has its own charm—whether you prefer the classic, romantic feel of a tall ship or the adrenaline rush of a zodiac. And for the ultimate experience, you can do both, making your day a full-blown maritime adventure.

What to Expect on the Water

Once on board, you’ll quickly sense the professionalism of your guides and the friendly atmosphere. The boat is equipped with hot chocolate and cookies, which we found are perfect for warming up after spotting whales or just relaxing in the fresh sea air. Bottled water is also provided for hydration.

The guides are native English speakers with a wealth of knowledge about whale behaviors and local ecology. They’re adept at pointing out signs of whales, such as “There she blows!”, and keeping the group engaged and informed. The success rate for sightings is impressive, and many travelers appreciate the respectfulness towards marine life, traveling within regulations of 100 meters to observe without disturbance.

The Itinerary: What Makes It Special

The tour’s focus on marine life is what truly makes it stand out. The guides are skilled at positioning the boat for optimal viewing, and the possibility of encountering Minke, Finback, Humpback, and North Atlantic Right Whales makes this experience very special. The fact that whale sightings have exceeded 96% in recent years means you’re highly likely to have a memorable encounter, which is a significant bonus given how elusive whales can be.

If you’re visiting later in July or beyond, there’s a chance to see Humpbacks and, with a stroke of luck, the rare North Atlantic Right Whales. That’s a rare treat, and many travelers expressed their excitement about seeing such majestic creatures up close.

The Knowledgeable Guides and Their Role

From the reviews, it’s clear that Yasir and other guides are highly appreciated for their promptness, friendliness, and knowledge. One reviewer mentioned Yasir was “a pleasant, prompt tour guide,” who was waiting just off the dock, making the start of the day smooth. The guides clearly value personalized service—they are eager to accommodate, whether that’s taking photos, explaining whale behaviors, or offering flexibility after the tour.

Practical Details: Price, Duration, and Value

At $550 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but it reflects the all-inclusive nature—admission fees, snacks, hot chocolate, cookies, and personalized guiding are bundled. For folks keen on a high success rate of whale sightings and a well-organized experience, the price is justified. The 8-hour length gives you ample time on the water, ensuring a less hurried, more relaxed outing—ideal for nature lovers who want to savor the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who value authentic encounters with marine life, are comfortable with moderate physical activity, and enjoy a personalized, small-group atmosphere. Families, couples, and solo travelers all find something to enjoy here. If you’re interested in participating in sailing or learning about whales from passionate guides, this tour will satisfy.

The Sum Up

In essence, this whale-watching tour in Saint Andrews marries authenticity, comfort, and adventure. The ability to choose between a classic tall ship and a zodiac makes it versatile, catering to different tastes and thrill levels. The high encounter rate, combined with knowledgeable guides and inclusive amenities, makes it a value-packed option for those eager to see whales in their natural environment.

While the price might seem steep, the experience’s quality and the chance to witness majestic whales in the wild justify it. It’s especially perfect for marine life enthusiasts or anyone seeking a personalized, memorable maritime outing in New Brunswick.

If you’re prepared for a day on the water, interested in sailing or high-speed rides, and desire a high success rate of whale sightings, this tour could be one of your most treasured travel memories.

FAQs

What vessels are available for this tour?
You can choose between a traditional Tall Ship or a zodiac-style vessel, or do both. The Tall Ship offers a slower, more relaxed experience, while the zodiac provides a faster, more adventurous ride.

How long does the tour last?
The Tall Ship tour lasts about 3.5 hours, and the zodiac tour is approximately 2.5 hours. The overall experience, including transfers and preparation, spans around 8 hours.

Is whale watching guaranteed?
While no outdoor activity can guarantee sightings, this tour boasts an impressive success rate of over 96% in recent years, making whale encounters highly likely.

Are there amenities onboard?
Yes. All boats have bathrooms, and snacks like hot chocolate and cookies are included. The zodiac vessel has a small bathroom, while the Tall Ship has a larger facility.

What should I wear?
Bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, and sunscreen. Sea conditions can be breezy and changeable, so dress accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially the Tall Ship, which is a stable, family-friendly vessel. The zodiac is suitable for ages 5 and up. Always check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

How does the pricing compare to similar tours?
Given that whale watching admission, snacks, and personalized guiding are included, the $550 price reflects a premium, high-quality experience. It’s worth considering if you want a comprehensive, well-guided adventure.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings are made through Viator, with options for mobile tickets and group discounts, making the process straightforward and convenient.

In the end, this whale-watching tour in Saint Andrews offers a highly engaging, authentic, and comfortable way to experience the Atlantic’s most majestic creatures. Whether you opt for the classic sailing ship or the speedy zodiac, you’re set for a memorable adventure that captures the true spirit of New Brunswick’s maritime wilderness.