Bauline South, NL

Great Island Boat Tours

Small-boat whale and puffin tours from Bauline South -- Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, about an hour, 8 seats.

whale watchingpuffinsNewfoundlandIrish Loopsmall boat

01 - Arrive

The place itself

Great Island Boat Tours runs small-boat trips from Bauline South on Newfoundland's Irish Loop, about 40 minutes from St. John's, into the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve -- North America's largest Atlantic puffin colony. A local crew with generations of seafaring knowledge. Humpbacks, minkes, seabirds, sea caves, and seasonal icebergs. Tours on greatislandboattours.com: about 1 hour, four departures a day. Seat capacity is listed as 8 people per trip (book online in advance). The FAQ also describes an intimate group of 10 passengers. Private charter: book all 8 seats. Bridge Bonus: extra 30 minutes south to La Manche Suspension Bridge for a small additional fee. Prime whale season late May through early September. Address: 543 Main Road, Bauline South, NL A0A 4A0. Phone 709-727-8294. Email hello@greatislandboattours.com (directions page also lists keniwi@hotmail.com). Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism lists the operator at $80-$100; confirm current fares when you book. Gallery photos are the operator's authentic tour photography.

02 - Feel

Why it is different

Small boat, 8 seats

Four daily 1-hour trips from Bauline South. Book all 8 seats for a private charter.

Puffins and whales

North America's largest Atlantic puffin colony, plus humpbacks, minkes, and sea caves.

Bridge Bonus

Add 30 minutes south to La Manche Suspension Bridge.

04 - Stay

Ways to stay

Whale and puffin tour

Confirm when booking

About 1 hour, four daily departures, 8 seats.

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Private charter

8-seat buyout

Book all 8 seats for the boat.

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Bridge Bonus

Small additional fee

+30 minutes to La Manche Suspension Bridge.

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More of the place

05 - Know

Before you go

543 Main Road, Bauline South, NL A0A 4A0. Hwy 10 south through Bay Bulls, Witless Bay, Tors Cove; 1.6 km south of Tors Cove turn left to Bauline.

Stay for

About 1 hour per tour.

Children

Families welcome; dress children in warm layers.

If plans change

Weather cancel: reschedule or full refund. Guest cancel >48h: refund. Within 48h or no-show: no refund.

Where do tours leave from?

543 Main Road, Bauline South, NL A0A 4A0 -- about 40-45 minutes south of St. John's on the Irish Loop. From Hwy 10, about 1.6 km south of Tors Cove turn left toward Bauline (Melvin's ATV shop on the corner).

How long is the tour and how many people?

Tours typically last about 1 hour, four times a day. The site says book 8 seats per trip in advance. The FAQ also describes a 10-passenger intimate group. Private charter: take all 8 seats.

When is whale and puffin season?

Prime whale watching late May to early September -- humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and more, plus the puffin colony. Icebergs in spring. NL Tourism lists the operator May 1-Sep 30.

What should we bring?

Layers, windproof jacket, comfortable shoes, camera, binoculars, sunglasses, hat. Hair tie for long hair. Life jackets provided. Brief marine safety talk at the dock.

What is the cancellation policy?

Captain may cancel for weather -- reschedule or 100% refund. Guest cancellations more than 48 hours: full refund. Within 48 hours or no-show: non-refundable.

How do I book?

greatislandboattours.com, hello@greatislandboattours.com, or 709-727-8294.

Ask Serena