Whale Watching
Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the most spectacular whale watching places in the world. 22 species of whales, including the minke, sperm, pothead, blue, orca, and the world's largest population of humpbacks, feed on capelin, krill and squid along the coast. Between May and September, these whales can be seen breaching the surface of the water and playing along our shores. Catching a single glimpse of these huge and majestic mammals is an exciting and awesome experience whether it's from the rail of a boat tour, the side of your sea kayak or hiking a seaside trail on land.
Along the way, you'll see caves, waterfalls, and the majesty of the Newfoundland and Labrador coastline including icebergs, seabirds, and other wildlife.
Icebergs, Whales and Birds – the Triple Play!
For tourists keen on viewing whales and seabirds, it should be noted that they migrate north in the late spring and early summer – and can often be plentiful through to early fall. The opposing southerly iceberg migration allows for brief intervals where all three may happily coexist. This spectacle is not entirely uncommon but should not necessarily be expected by sightseers even when travelling at the optimal time of year. Many factors affecting timing, location, and populations naturally vary from year to year, so it's hard to be accurate.
How to Watch
By Boat
What better way to see a whale than to sail to meet one – or more – at sea? Our boat tour operators allow you to do just that, and they know exactly where to find the closest pod. It's not uncommon for a whale or porpoise to investigate a visiting boat; sometimes, you can look over the railing and see a whale – many metres in length – swimming gracefully under your vessel.
By Sea Kayak
This is as close as you'll get to swimming with a whale, porpoise or dolphin. A sea kayak tour offers the information, safety, and entertainment of a boat tour, with the closeness and intimacy of a kayak. Our ocean kayaking operators will take you as far as safely possible to caves, inlets, icebergs, and whales.
By Land
If your sea legs are out of practice, you can see pods of whales while hiking or walking along seaside trails, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches. Look out from a cliffside peak and see the tails of humpbacks splashing in the sea. Or picnic alongside the ocean to get a fine view of whales and porpoises swimming nearby – no binoculars needed.
Whales can be seen in all bays along the coastline. Some spectacular viewing sites by land are Signal Hill, Cape Spear, Cape St. Francis, Trinity, Cape Bonavista, Twillingate, White Bay, Strait of Belle Isle, St. Vincent's, Cape St. Mary's, Cape Race, Witless Bay, and Groswater Bay.
Hot Spots
Location data provided by the operator. Please confirm location before departure.
Also see offshore area disclaimer.
Whale Species
Humpback
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The world's largest population of feeding humpback whales is found here. Migrating from the Caribbean, they spend from April to October in the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador. They are often seen "breaching" or jumping out of the water and crashing into the waves.
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Minke
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Common in the bays of Newfoundland and Labrador, this is the smallest baleen whale. Unlike other whales, the minke's tail does not show when it dives to feed on capelin, mackerel or herring, and it will spend very little time on the surface before swimming deep under water for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. You'll see these whales in summer and early fall.
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Pothead (Pilot)
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Named for its thick pot-shaped head, these small toothed whales often travel in large groups of up to 100. They love to feed on squid and fish during summer and early fall.
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Fin
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This large baleen is the second largest of the whales. They travel further offshore than the humpbacks and minkes. And they can travel in packs of up to eight.
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Sperm
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The largest of the toothed whales, the sperm, has a wrinkled body that is dark brown or grey in colour. A blowhole in the shape of the letter "S" sits on the left side of its head, producing a bushy spout that extends beyond its front.
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Blue
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The blue whale is the largest mammal that has ever lived on earth – a whopping 21 to 28 metres long. This baleen whale is most abundant on the southwest coast of Newfoundland, especially during the winter months.
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Orca (Killer Whale)
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This well-known toothed whale can be seen off of Newfoundland and Labrador in the summer months. Look out for a stout, glossy, black and white body – and a big set of teeth.
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White-beaked Dolphin
| These dolphins have a dark grey body, a short white nose, white patches in front of and behind its dorsal fin, and light grey and white patches across its back. |
White-sided Dolphin
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These "squid jumpers" or "jumpers", as they are locally known, have black or dark grey backs, a light grey patch running their backs, and white bellies. Behind and below their dorsal fins are two yellow- or beige-coloured ovals.
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Harbour Porpoise
| This small porpoise is dark grey in colour with a white speckled underside. They travel in groups up to five and are known locally as "puffin pigs" for the grunting sound they make when they blow. |
- St. John's
- +1 (709) 722 3123
- +1 (888) 615 8279
- wildtour@nfld.com
- www.wildlands.com
- L'Anse au Clair
- (709) 931-2332
- northernlight@nf.sympatico.ca
- www.northernlightinn.com
- St. John's
- +1 (709) 722 3123
- +1 (888) 615 8279
- wildtour@nfld.com
- www.wildlands.com
Great host and the best whale spotting record.
Join Gatherall's for an unforgettable voyage to one of nature's most unique ocean playgrounds and leave the driving to us - package includes transportation from/to St. John's hotels. Gatherall's catamaran is the largest and most comfortable tour boat in NL. Transport Canada Certified.
- Bay Bulls
- +1 (709) 334 2887
- +1 (800) 419 4253
- mgwhales@nf.aibn.com
- www.gatheralls.com
Package includes round-trip airfare to St. John’s, 7 nights’ accommodation, 7-day mid-size car rental with unlimited kilometres, two whale watching boat tours, St. John’s city tour, a Lighthouse Picnic, and admission to select museums and attractions.
- St. John's
- +1 (709) 754 6666
- +1 (800) 567 6666
- request@maxximvacations.com
- www.maxximvacations.com
1 night accommodation, 2 tour and shuttle tickets.
- St. John's & Bay Bulls
- (709) 722-6636
- info@courtyard-stjohns.com
- www.obriensboattours.com/
- St. Anthony
- (888) 450-8398
- (709) 454-8395
- reservations@grenfellheritagehotel.ca
- www.grenfellheritagehotel.ca
Package includes round trip airfare to St. John’s, 5-nights’ accommodation, 5-day mid-size car rental with unlimited km, a whale-watching boat tour, St. John’s city tour including Cape Spear (the most easterly point in North America), and admission to select museums and attractions.
- St. John's
- +1 (709) 754 6666
- +1 (800) 567 6666
- request@maxximvacations.com
- www.maxximvacations.com
- Happy Valley-Goose Bay
- (709) 896 2953
- whitebearadventures@gmail.com
- www.whitebearadventures.com
* Offers are subject to availability. Taxes are extra. You may have to pre-book and/or mention
the promotion at the time of booking. Please check with the operator for more details.
| Showing: 20 Random Results | View All 48 Results |
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ChamberlainsGroup or personalized sightseeing tours including The City of St. John's, Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi, Cape Spear, Land and Sea, Killick Coast, Cape St Mary's, Irish Loop.
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Long PondMulti-day, multi-activity all inclusive vacation packages and day tours. Cultural and history tours. Charter bus and boat tours. Scuba Diving, snorkeling with whales and day adventure tours.
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Cox's CoveTraditional Newfoundland dory tours. Enjoy ocean fishing, whale watching, sightseeing, mussel and crab boil ups. Catch your own supper! Guided snowmobile tours to North Arm Hills and Lomond Sinkhole.
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St. AnthonyA thrilling educational experience developed by an award winning team. View icebergs, whales, dolphins and puffins while entertained by local naturalist.
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St. John's
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St. John'sNewfoundland's award winning boat tour. North America's largest humpback population. Iconic puffins. Breathtaking icebergs. Cabot Tower. Signal Hill. Cape Spear. Walking distance from hotels & B&B's.
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Rocky HarbourNewfoundland Ocean Fishing adventure. Fish for mackerek and cod, as well as bycatch halibut and sharks. Wildlife viewing and sighseeing opportunitite are pleniful.
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Bay BullsThe sightseeing highlight of Newfoundland and Labrador. Expert guide / 30 years experience. Custom designed for wildlife photography and experiiental tours. Whale ID catalogue contributors.
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TwillingateNewfoundland's award winning boat tour. Iceberg Capital of the World. Majestic humpback whales. Elegant seabirds. Mammoth Greenland icebergs. Breathtaking coastline. Canvas Cove Bistro local cuisine.
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TrinityExperienced staff make your play time with 'Our Whales' an adventure that you will remember.
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Twillingate IslandLet Captain Dave, a coast guard certified skipper and commercial fisherman, give you a fishing experience to remember.
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RameaPaddle pristine waters, fjord-like bays, white sand beaches and see puffins, bald eagles and more!
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Bay BullsCome Sea Kayaking with us and experience the magic of Bay Bulls. See magnificent icebergs, soaring seabirds, diving puffins and majestic whales as they journey through this remarkable area.
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CarbonearScenic Boat Tours of Conception Bay with visits to Carbonear and Harbour Grace Islands.
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Red BayWe offer boat charters and tours, iceberg viewing, seal, whale and seabird watching in its natural habitat, or come & enjoy the ride and the beauty.
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ClarenvilleFly-in wilderness tours consisting of hiking, canoeing, with ample opportunity for wildlife photography, tent under the stars. Sightseeing flights available to view icebergs, whales, porpoises, etc.+1 (709) 466 7823
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DildoView icebergs, see playfull whales and dolphins, bald eagles and numerous seabirds. Cultural and historic interpertations of Dildo and area.+1 (709) 582 2988
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Steady BrookNewfoundland and Labrador’s largest adventure tourism company. Offering activities and adventures for all ages; over land, on water, underground, and in the air! No experience necessary.
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Mary's HarbourIceberg, Whale and Cultural tours in beautiful St. Lewis Sound Harbour.
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TwillingateSail with Skipper Jim! Personalized tours with family and friends - From the Ocean to the Moon!
Newfoundland & Labrador is known for its unique culture and quiet ingenuity, so its no wonder that even our trash bins can be an source of creativity.
