Frequently Asked Questions.

Gatherall’s tours depart daily from 90 Northside Road in Bay Bulls, just 30 minutes south of St. John’s. It’s a scenic drive and easy to reach by car.  Shuttle service is available for an additional fee with convenient hotel pick up and drop off.”

You can see humpbacks, minkes, fin whales, and occasionally orcas. Humpbacks are the most commonly spotted during summer tours with Gatherall’s.

The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is the top puffin viewing spots, accessible via Gatherall’s boat tours from Bay Bulls.

Icebergs are most visible from April to early June, especially along the coast of Newfoundland and the northeast coast. Please reach out to Gatherall’s for updates closer to your tour date.

Yes, Gatherall’s offers safe, comfortable tours suitable for all ages, with engaging guides and wildlife viewing.

Gatherall’s recommends that guests dress in layers and bring a windproof jacket. It’s often cooler on the water, even in summer. Hats and gloves are recommended in spring.

Yes, private tour options are available for families, corporate groups, and special events. Contact Gatherall’s office directly to customize your experience.

Gatherall’s tours are easily accessible vessels however it’s best to contact Gatherall’s office ahead of time to confirm suitability based on your specific needs and restrictions (motorized wheelchairs cannot be accommodated – manual chairs available for boarding).

Gatherall’s large tour boat offers greater comfort, stability, and better accessibility for families and seniors compared to zodiac type boats.  All boats regardless of size have to observe the same approach distance – small boats are not permitted to get any closer to whales.

Gatherall’s tours depart daily from 90 Northside Road in Bay Bulls, just 30 minutes south of St. John’s. It’s a scenic drive and easy to reach by car.  Shuttle service is available for an additional fee with convenient hotel pick up and drop off.

Wildlife can and does vary considerably from tour to tour and throughout the season. During peak season Gatherall’s often encounters whales, puffins, bald eagles, and other seabirds. Be sure to check out our seasonal guidance information.

Gatherall’s boat tours operate from May through September, with peak puffin viewing from May to September.  Whales are most often encountered mid June to mid August but cannot be guaranteed on any specific tour or travel date. Iceberg season runs April to June however, number and distribution of bergs varies greatly from year to year.

Yes, Gatherall’s is only 30 minutes from downtown St. John’s and offers the best location for encountering marine wildlife including puffins & whales. Convenient round trip shuttle service is available for an additional fee.

Gatherall’s tours are typically 90+ minutes long.  Tour length may vary depending on season, weather conditions, presence and distribution of whales and other marine wildlife. Gatherall’s catamaran means that you spend less time getting to the action so more of our tour is spent with the wildlife.

It can happen but there is no way to know in advance. Its most likely in late spring, especially in May, when iceberg season overlaps with early whale migration. Please reach out to Gatherall’s friendly staff for more info.

Yes, Gatherall’s tours are designed with safety in mind and provide PFD’s for small children for added safety. Gatherall’s tour boat and crew are Transport Canada approved for your safety.

Gatherall’s does not provide binoculars for guests. It’s best to bring your own for optimal viewing. Dress warmly and bring a camera.

For reservations of fewer than 10 persons that are booked directly on Gatherall’s website, you may cancel up to 5 hours prior to your tour without penalty.   Booking terms are provided with booking confirmation details. Cancellation policy for parties of 10 or more persons and private tours are subject to additional limitations noted at time of booking. Please contact Gatherall’s for more information.

Gatherall’s tours feature puffin encounters from May through to the third week of September with best viewing from mid May to mid September.  Gatherall’s tours feature the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve which is the home of the Atlantic Puffin and the larges puffin colony in North America.

Gatherall’s reserves the right to delayed or canceled operations in rough conditions for safety. Our staff monitor forecasts and will notify guests as soon as possible in the event of changes.

Guests are welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks along. A small canteen and bar service is offered during the tour.

Regulatory restriction prohibit pets from accompanying guests on board. Bonafide Service Animals may be permitted—please contact our staff for additional information.

Yes, Gatherall’s offers free parking on site. Arrive early to secure a spot during peak season.

Yes, Gatherall’s offers easy on line booking.  We recommend that you book directly on our web site for the best rates and most flexible cancellation policy.  Round trip shuttle service can also be added to your reservation when booking. Advance reservations are recommended as tour can and do often sell out.

Iceberg Alley refers to the stretch of ocean along Newfoundland’s northeast coast where icebergs drift from Greenland each spring. Gatherall’s tours are close to St. John’s and icebergs often pass close by in May & June.

Gatherall’s tour feature large vessels designed to provide the most comfort and safety for all guests and provide opportunities for guests to move about for better viewing angles. Zodiac style tours tend to offer a wetter ride experience and require guests to wear bulky suits and may not be suitable for young children, guests with mobility issues  and or medical conditions. Regardless of size, wildlife encounters and approaches for all tour vessels are governed by the same distance limits – small boats are not permitted to get any closer than bigger boats.

Yes, all of Gatherall’s tours feature live commentary by seasoned guides and naturalists.  Our tours incorporate a mix of education about Newfoundland’s rich natural and cultural heritage including insights about marine life, local history, and ecological features throughout the trip along with a blend of Newfoundland songs and stories. Our guides are equipped with wireless microphone system so that they are free to move about the vessel to mix with and address guests directly.

Absolutely! Gatherall’s encourages photography. Bring a camera with zoom capabilities for capturing whales, puffins, and icebergs from a distance.

Yes, solo travelers are welcome on board Gatheralls’ tours. Our published convenient tour schedule proves ample opportunities for individual travellers to book without concern for minimum numbers of participants.

Gatherall’s offers group rates for larger reservation parties. Please reach out to our friendly staff for pricing and availability.

While whales may sometimes be seen from coastal cliffs and beaches, boat tours offer closer and more reliable sightings as they are able to cover greater areas and venture further from shore. Gatherall’s is uniquely located in one of Newfoundland’s top whale watching destinations.

Gatherall’s convenient schedule features late afternoon / early evening tours in season which provide stunning sunset views and a peaceful atmosphere. Time of day does not typically impact on sightings of marine wildlife.

Yes, Gatherall’s operates daily from mid May through to the latter part of September. It’s best to book early as these dates fill up quickly.

Gatherall’s adheres to eco-tourism best practices, including low-emission engines, wildlife respect protocols, and educational programming.

Gatherall’s tours are generally accessible for most individuals and ages. Tours accommodate strollers and non-motorized wheelchairs.  Please feel free to reach out to our friendly staff for more information or if you have specific questions regarding accessibility.

Gatherall’s tour boat features two washroom facilities on board for your comfort plus multiple washroom facilities on shore for pre / post tour use.

Yes, Gatherall’s tours can be booked directly on our web site and offer optional round trip transportation add on for one stop activity booking. Prior to booking your activity please ensure that your port of call is St. John’s, Newfoundland and that your schedule allows sufficient time for the activity + travel from / to cruise.

Yes, Gatherall’s is fully equipped with all requisite life safety equipment per Transport Canada Marine Safety requirements. A safety briefing is provided to guests before vessel departure and includes demonstration of safety equipment location and procedures. Due to the size and configuration of Gatherall’s tour boat, guests are not required to wear life jackets during the tour however we strongly recommend that small children ages 4 and under wear a PFD for their safety.

No. Drone use is prohibited due to safety and wildlife concerns.

Yes, Gatherall’s offers gift certificates for tours. They make great gifts for travelers and nature lovers and can be purchased online on Gatherall’s web site.

Gatherall’s does accept last-minute bookings however they are subject to availability at time of booking.  Advance reservations are recommended as tours often sell out.

Yes, Gatherall’s tours feature the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve with a great focus on many species including puffins, murres, razorbills, gannets, and kittiwakes. A variety of other seabirds may be encountered but will vary from tour to tour depending on local conditions and seasonality.

Gatherall’s offers a small canteen & bar service on board during the tour. Light refreshments are also available for purchase  onshore before and after the tour.  Guests are also welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on board.

Yes, Gatherall’s encourages guests to bring cameras, lenses, and gear. Waterproof bags and straps are recommended for safety. Please note that use of tripods may be restricted depending on sailing conditions and numbers of persons on board.

Gatherall’s tours provide live commentary in English and have available written information in French and German. Gatherall’s team is actively working towards offering multilingual live tour presentations – please reach out to our staff for more information and updates.

Yes, Gatherall’s tour depart from Bay Bulls which is close to the trail head for several popular segments of the East Coast Trail network.

Gatherall’s tours do not presently offer fishing excursions as our tours are focused on marine wildlife viewing.

Gatherall’s does not offer swimming or snorkeling with whales.

Gatherall’s tours feature several incredible coastal vistas including sea stacks and caves and occasionally waterfalls.

Gatherall’s tours provide live commentary in English and have available written information in French and German. Gatherall’s team is actively working towards offering multilingual live tour presentations – please reach out to our staff for more information and updates.

Yes Gatherall’s tours offers convenient round trip transportation for individuals and group from select hotels in St. John’s. Transportation and hotel location can be selected at time of booking online or added to most existing bookings with 3 hour advance notification.

Gatherall’s guests are welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on board however we request that guest refrain from bringing large coolers on board.

Gatherall’s tours offer great photo opportunities for photographers with expert guides, and tips for wildlife and landscape shots.

Yes, Gatherall’s has options for custom tours, events, and private bookings. Contact or friendly and helpful staff for more information and pricing.

Yes, Gatherall’s tour is a vibrant blend of education and entertainment provided by seasoned guides and naturalists focusing on ecological education, marine biology insights, and cultural storytelling as part of the experience.”

Yes, Gatherall’s tours welcomes persons of all ages.  Our large vessel tours are ideal for seniors, offering stable seating, onboard facilities, and care and attention from our many crew members.

Gatherall’s Marine Wildlife Tours will encounter dolphins from time to time throughout our season but as with all marine wildlife cannot be guaranteed or predicted at any specific time.

Gatherall’s tour commentary interspersed with a colourful mix of local humour, stories & song capturing the essence of Newfoundland. Gatherall’s crew blends youthful exuberance balanced with decades of seagoing experience for the best experience. Multiple guides equipped with wireless microphones to ensure available to answer questions, offer assistance and chat with you one on one.

Gatherall’s tours are safe for babies. Use of a snuggly or infant carrier or backpack that allows the parent or guardian to keep their arms unencumbered and the baby secure are recommended. It is important that all guests are able to hold vessel railings for their safety and babies or small children should not be lifted into the air especially around the perimeter of the boat. Bring warm clothing and check age policies before booking.

Gatherall’s tour rates are comparable to the industry standard and provide great value. Prices may vary by season and tour.

Yes, Gatherall’s tours within the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve focus on the puffins and seabirds with great opportunities to encounter whales especially from early June through early to mid August. Of course whales cannot be guaranteed on any specific tour or travel date but when whales are encountered we almost always find puffins.

Gatherall’s tour boat features a large passenger salon with inside space for all guests in the event of inclement weather. While we do not provide ponchos or rain jackets we recommend that you dress in layers and bring your own waterproof clothing just in case.

Bonafide service animals are generally permitted. Guests should have proper documentation available for review by our staff at time of check in.  Undocumented animals are not permitted to travel on board.

Yes, Gatherall’s tours offer reduced rates for students, seniors, youth and children. Check pricing details when booking

Gatherall’s has options for private tours and group bookings. Please contact our incredible staff for more information or to discuss your event.

On occasion humpbacks are known to breach and slap their tails. While not guaranteed, whale sightings are most common with Gatherall’s from early June through to early to mid August.

Gatherall’s tours feature live interpretation of the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage, including educational commentary on ocean ecosystems.

Yes, ocean view of a lighthouse is often included in many of Gatherall’s tours depending on route and sea conditions.

Gatherall’s has written materials available for persons with hearing impairment. Please reach out to our incredible staff in advance for more information or to arrange accommodations.

Wale sightings are still possible in early September however they tend to be considerably less frequent than encounters in June through August. For more information please refer to Gatherall’s seasonal guidance to select the best time for your visit or to learn what’s in season.

Gatherall’s tour is a colourful mix of local humour, stories & song captures the essence of Newfoundland. Gatherall’s crew blends youthful exuberance balanced with decades of seagoing experience for the best experience. Multiple guides equipped with wireless microphones to ensure available to answer questions, offer assistance and chat with you one on one.

Yes, Gatherall’s offers group tour options and educational tours for schools are available and often include marine biology, ecology, and local history.  Best availability for school groups is mid May through to mid June.

Yes, Gatherall’s large tour vessel provides comfortable seating both outside on deck and inside our spacious passenger salon. Guests are welcome to stand and move about the vessel but are recommended to avail of handrailing for their safety when moving about.

Yes, action cameras are great for capturing wildlife and ocean views. Gatherall’s recommends the use waterproof housing and secure mounts and asks that guests be respectful of other guests experience and personal space.

Yes, Gatherall’s tours offers excursions for individuals and groups traveling on cruise ships. Easy booking plus return transportation add-on can be booked online at Gatheralls.com.  Please check that your port of call is St. John’s, Newfoundland and that your time on shore allows for activity duration + transportation.

Gatherall’s public tours operate through to September 20^th and there are still normally a few puffins remaining at that time given that it’s the largest puffin colony in North America however most puffins leave by mid-September. Early September offers better chances.

Yes, Gatherall’s tour boat and crew are full compliant with Transport Canada requirements including child sized life jackets amongst other life saving equipment.  Small children aged four years and under are strongly recommended to wear a PFD provided by our crew at time of boarding.

Yes, Gatherall’s permits small backpacks to be carried on board. We ask that guests store them securely and avoid blocking walkways or exits.

Yes Gatherall’s tours feature an on board canteen and bar service.

Gatherall’s 40+ years of experience leading marine wildlife tours suggests that there is no specific pattern in regards to time of day and local whale activity. Seasonality is a much more important factor with most encounters typically expected between early to mid June through to early to mid August.

Gatherall’s tours operate rain or shine and even in the fog as these are the conditions that the marine wildlife encounters throughout their lives. In the event that weather or sea conditions are such that our captains decide to cancel for reasons of safety, we are happy to reschedule you or issue a refund.

Yes, Gatherall’s encourages guests to bring your own binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing, however, most wildlife can be easily experienced without visual aides.

Yes, all of Gatherall’s tours are fully narrated. Our live presentation features a a thorough interpretation of the wildlife encountered along with a colourful mix of local humour, stories & song captures the essence of Newfoundland. Gatherall’s crew blends youthful exuberance balanced with decades of seagoing experience for the best experience. Multiple guides equipped with wireless microphones to ensure available to answer questions, offer assistance and chat with you one on one. most tours include live narration from guides who share facts, stories, and wildlife spotting tips.

Yes, Gatherall’s tours offer discounts for seniors as well as students, youth, and children. Please refer to age requirements and associated pricing when booking.

Yes, Gatherall’s encourages the use of reusable bottles. Avoid glass containers and secure them during the ride.

Yes, Gatherall’s tour a narration details the lives of the wildlife along with a colourful mix of local humour, stories & song captures the essence of Newfoundland. Gatherall’s crew blends youthful exuberance balanced with decades of seagoing experience for the best experience. Multiple guides equipped with wireless microphones to ensure available to answer questions, offer assistance and chat with you one on one.

Along with our top rated tour, Gatherall’s features one of Newfoundland’s best gift shops. Be sure to arrive early to allow time to check out Gatherall’s great selection of local crafts, apparel, and marine-themed souvenirs.