Gatherall’s – The Ultimate Wildlife Adventure!

No visit to Newfoundland is complete without getting out on the water!

Since 1984 the Gatherall Family, along with our valued crew & support staff, have strived to provide the highest level of service to our guests. Our tours operate exclusively in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve which means that there is always something to see. Home to over 2.5 million seabirds including over 250,000 pairs of Atlantic Puffins. The Reserve is also widely regarded as one of the best places in Atlantic Canada to encounter and experience whales in their natural environment. Our stretch of coastline – both rugged and breathtaking – is conveniently situated at the end of Iceberg Alley and is a real treat for our early visitors.

YOU’RE IN GREAT COMPANY!

Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch works with many established professional tour operators in Canada, the United States, the UK, Germany, Australia, and many other countries. Our long standing relationships with these industry leaders assures you that you are in good company when choosing Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch as an activity for your clients.

Whether you choose to contract directly with Gatherall’s or through a receptive – either way your in great hands!  Gatherall’s has partnered with many Canadian and regional receptive operators so its easy to add your incredible experience to your itinerary.  guaranteed departures provided for both escorted group tours and customized FIT adventure.  Of course we’re always looking to establish relationships with new operators as we believe that “a rising tide lifts all boats”.  

Incredible Wildlife - Experience the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve

Gatherall’s operates exclusively in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to over 2.5 million seabirds including over 250,000 pairs of Atlantic Puffins. It is widely regarded as one of the best whale-viewing locations in Eastern Canada.

The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is the best way to experience Newfoundland’s best marine wildlife in its natural environment!

Catamaran Views - Get a Bird’s Eye View with Gatherall’s

Our custom-built catamaran is designed for the best wildlife viewing experience. The spacious upper deck offers elevated sightlines for spotting whales, unobstructed rail space, and eye-level views of puffin burrows. When whales come close, the catamaran’s viewing angles let you see them with a bird’s eye view.

Riding our ultra-efficient catamaran means travelling with a smaller environmental footprint.

Top Destination - Just 25 minutes from downtown St. John’s

Located just 25 minutes from downtown St. John’s, Gatherall’s is an easy addition to any itinerary. The tour length of 90 minutes is ideal—long enough to deliver an unforgettable wildlife experience, yet short enough to keep schedules on track.

Convenient transportation options are available for both FIT guests and groups, making it simple to include us in your Newfoundland programs.

Tour Duration: Min 90 minute tours!

Maximize your visitor’s valuable time with our marine wildlife tours. Located conveniently 25 minutes from St. John’s 

Anchor Attraction: Puffin Sightings Guaranteed

Keep your guests excited knowing they will see Newfoundland’s iconic provincial bird.

Flexible Timing: 5+ Tours per Day

Choose a time that best suites your schedule! Gatherall’s offers up to 5 tours per day (peak season).

• Mid May - 31st May: 10:30am
• June: 10:30am, 2:30pm
• July 1st - Aug 15th: 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm
• Aug 16th - Sept 10th: 10:30am, 2:30pm
• Sept 11th - 20th: 10:30am

Operating Season: May 14th – Sept 20th

Gatherall’s operates during prime wildlife season! Daily tours operating to fit your itinerary.

Comfort & Capacity: 100 Persons per Boat

Sail on a spacious, modern catamaran with multi-decks, abundant rail space, and indoor seating for all.

Trusted Expertise: 40+ Years Experience

Gatherall’s has hosted national & international groups with 5 star ratings on Google & Trip Advisor

Wildlife Seasonality

Gatherall’s tours are based around the migrating wildlife. While it would be great to experience puffins, whales, and icebergs on every tour, we’re ever mindful to remind guests that nature runs on  its own schedule. Be sure to check seasonality for Gatherall’s local attractions.

*Whales and/or icebergs cannot be guaranteed*

Time of day generally doesn’t affect sightings but time of the season sure does.  

• PUFFINS: May – September, Puffins arrive early May and can be viewed in large numbers through till mid September with a few staying till the 3rd week of September. Timing for the other seabirds (murres, guillemots, gannets, kittiwakes, fulmars & more) varies by species.
• WHALES: Mid-June to Mid-August, Whale encounters typically peak mid-June through to mid-August (may vary slightly year to year). Whales may arrive mid May and stay as late as September but please remember that sightings outside of the peak season are a bonus! Whales are not guaranteed.
• ICEBERGS: May – June, Iceberg season around the St. John’s area typically runs May through to mid / late June. Although we are at the end of Iceberg Alley and see fewer bergs than northern Newfoundland, the bergs here are often very dramatic as they near the end of their journey.