Can we bring snacks on board.
A canteen service is available during the tour and you are welcome to bring your own snacks & beverages (non-alcoholic).
Gatherall’s
Can we bring our dog onboard?
Dogs are not permitted on board in accordance with the Ecological Reserves Act under which we operate (excepting bonafide service dogs – copies of official papers required at check in). We appreciate that your dogs are a part of your family, however, many dogs are not comfortable with vessel motions and often find it somewhat distressful. For your dog’s safety and comfort we recommend scheduling a sitter for your pet during your visit.
About
Our Story!
The Gatherall Family
The Gatherall Story is a continuation of the history of an iconic Newfoundland family from the outports Bay Bulls & Bauline whose ancestors emigrated to Newfoundland in the early 1700’s. These hardy seafarers departed their lovely hometown of Bouley Bay in the Chanel Islands to participate in the lucrative in-shore cod fishery of the “new founde land“. Our Gatherall forefathers gathered the bounty of the seas for three centuries until the cod fishery collapse in the 1980’s. It was in the dying days of this fishery that our family – Mike, Rosemary, Al & Michael – began to really appreciate the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve as an economic generator. A need for safe and reliable transportation to and from that magical place began to emerge.
Our family decided to embrace our collective skills; seized the opportunity; launched our enterprise; and went fishing – not for cod this time – but for a new and under utilized species. We knew we could and would succeed. Geographically, we were well positioned.
We had LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!
We were embodied with a strong attachment to the sea along with a profound sense of place. The family, individually and collectively, had so many attributes necessary for success including a strong work ethic. We are ambitious and industrious, creative and innovative, strategic and efficient. We had our grandparents’ reputation – a tv reporter referred to the Gatherall’s as “a family to whom hospitality comes naturally“.
We believe that the overriding factor leading to our success is the fact that we are well-grounded, realistic optimists.
For almost forty years, we have drawn upon our many capabilities.
We relied on Mike’s knowledge & respect for the sea as well as his great carpentry skills. Rosemary drew upon her knowledge and experience gleaned from her Masters Degree in Administration. Apart from his nautical skills and knowledge, Captain Al’s creativity is our inspiration. For a company which has always built its own vessels, Michael’s education as a Naval Architect has been invaluable.
To use a genuine Newfoundland colloquialism, Al & Michael can “put an arse in a cat“. The ultimate cat being the Gaffer VI – a modern, custom designed and constructed catamaran passenger vessel.
The family realized very quickly that it was cruicial to be known in the international travel trade market to create an awareness of Newfoundland as a destination of note. We then charted our course to successfully navigate the currents and tides to land our catch. Almost forty years further on, it is generally agreed that Gatherall’s has – and continues to – playa significant role in the development and growth of the Newfoundland Tourism Industry.
Truely, we sometimes get a little overwhelmed on occassion when we stop and think that a small company perched on the rocky cliffs of the northside of Bay Bulls has and continues to be so incredibly well received by so many explorers be reside locally, nationally or internationally.
Over the years we have had many wonderful experiences and have so very thoroughly enjoyed sharing our hospitality, our family’s seafaring heritage, our love of nature along with our humour, stories and songs with so many wonderful guests & friends.
Yes, at times we have had to navigate stormy seas and rocky shoals – the collapse of the fishery, several recessions, fall out from tragic, world shaking disruptions such as 9-11, SARS, and of course COVID are but a few.
On occasion our resilience has been tested but never has it been broken.
We’ve also enjoyed many incredible and joyous events – most especially the opportunity to raise our families in the same safe, secure and rich heritage – as well as the opportunity to work and share our passion with so many incredible, spirited individuals with whom we’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout the years.
Our family believes it is a fitting tribute to our forefathers that we continue to operate our business on the exact same site as earlier generations of our family fished from. And we, like them, “as sure as the seas ….” will rise again through our children Jack, Luke, Claire, Bridget & Jane Gatherall.
A few snaps of the crew throughout the years.
The Gatherall Story would not be complete without a chapter (or several) about the many incredible, knowledgable, hospitable, entertaining, engaging, professional, caring folks who have been a part of our team for almost forty years! We owe ever so much of our success to their efforts.
From construction of our vessels and facilities, to selecting and arranging our special mix of crafts and souviners, to ensuring guests are checked in and attended to, ensuring the safety of our vessels’s passengers, and of course, providing the high standard of interpretation and entertainment to guests on each and every tour, we cannot thank these fabulous people enough.
Contact Gatherall’s
CONTACT GATHERALL’S
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Click any Book Now button to select your date & cruise time or to check availability.
For questions please feel free to contact us by phone during business hours, email, or through our social media channels.
CONTACT INFO
TEL. 709-334-2887
Email info@gatheralls.com
Address 90 Northside Rd., Bay Bulls, NL Canada, A0A 1C0
SHUTTLE SERVICE
No car! No worry. You can add return transportation to your booking (additional fees apply – limited availability) on select tours. Additional times may be available to bookings of 4 or more persons. Please feel free to reach out to our staff if you have questions or need any other info.
Contact
Whales in Newfoundland
Whales in Newfoundland
Best place to see whales in Newfoundland
For the best place to see whales in Newfoundland, look no further than Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch! Our guided boat tours take you to the heart of the action in Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, a hotspot for magnificent whale sightings. From humpbacks to minke whales, witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Our experienced guides ensure a safe and informative journey, making it an unforgettable adventure. Book your whale watching excursion with Gatherall’s today and create memories to cherish forever!”
Whales in the wild have a vast ocean in which to roam, feed, play and hide in. If you see a whale jump while on a tour with Gatherall’s, it’s doing exactly what it wants to do. We’re not going to blow whistles or try to feed it. You’re welcome to wave though! We recommend that you always watch the ocean and not your smart phone …. the whales are not going to buzz, text, tweet, snapchat before they surface. Relax and put your device away for a bit. Watch, listen and smell – that’s how we find them!
START YOUR ADVENTURE!
Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed. Please note seasonal guidance regarding wildlife – be sure to check the “Best Times”
Cruise with Gatherall’s and learn about whales.
The waters of Newfoundland are home to and or visited by upwards of 22 different species of whales. The most common whales in our area include humpbacks, fin, minke, orca and white sided dolphins.
Each summer upwards of 10,000+ Humpback Whales make their way to the coast of Newfoundland to feed. One of their best feeding grounds are located in the waters surrounding the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. The abundance of food (capelin) draws hundreds of whales close to our shores to feed. This is what makes the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve among the best places in the world to watch and experience whales in their natural environment.
A tour with Gatherall’s is more than simply “seeing” a whale.
A big part of our tour is providing context and interpretation. Our aim is to educate and provide insight into the nuances of the whales’ activities as they carry on with their natural life processes. Getting a great picture is important but we want you to leave with a better understanding of these incredible creatures.
Seasonal guidance regarding suggested best times for wildlife represents historical norms but can vary.
The peak of the feeding season runs from mid-June through to mid-August each year which ensures that Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch has such a consistent record of sightings. Please remember though that whales are wild creatures in an enormous ocean. They have lots of room to feed, play and occasionally hide. As with most everything else in nature, whales in Newfoundland are more numerous during certain times of the year and in select locations.
The Humpback Whale is the most frequently encountered species of whale observed in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and the waters around Bay Bulls. While several other species are commonly seen, the Humpback is regarded as the star of the show. Widely regarded as the most social and acrobatic of all of the whales, Humpbacks are also among the most curious and inquisitive.
Are Whales Guaranteed?
Each and every encounter is different and our crew are just as excited as you to see them – it never gets old! It’s a big ocean and we must remind ourselves just how lucky we are to be located in such a great place to see them. Some trips they come close to the boat and sometimes they don’t – it’s up to the whales to determine the extent of the encounter – something our crew is always mindful of. Watching whales is generally 90% patience and 10% luck. If you’re in the right place at the right time it greatly increases your chances of seeing them.
Whales in the wild have a vast ocean in which to roam, feed, play and hide in. If you see a whale jump while on a tour with Gatherall’s, it’s doing exactly what it wants to do. We’re not going to blow whistles or try to feed it. You’re welcome to wave though! We recommend that you always watch the ocean and not your smart phone …. the whales are not going to buzz, text, tweet, snapchat before they surface. Relax and put your device away for a bit. Watch, listen and smell – that’s how we find them!
START YOUR ADVENTURE!
For those of you who want to be “guaranteed” to see a whale – go to a Marine Theme Park where they’re caged in – you’ll be guaranteed to see a whale but it’s really not the same.
Tour Boat
Gatherall’s Tour Boat
SAFETY
By design, a catamaran is inherently safer. It has much greater reserve stability (resistance to rolling) than single hull vessels. Since there are two hulls the cat has more watertight compartments in the unlikely event of damage. Likewise, the greater size of the catamaran means that it is less influenced by waves and sea conditions during normal operating conditions. The cat is equipped with two engines instead of one for greater maneuverability and safety.
RANGE
Gatherall’s catamaran has a greater range than other tour vessels so we can explore further. Time is valuable. We like to spend “more time being there” and “less time getting there”. Most other boat tours are longer only because the boats used are not as efficient and simply take longer to get to the nesting seabirds and / or whales. Gatherall’s tours offer loads of time observing the Atlantic Puffins with time to find the whales.
COMFORT
Your comfort & enjoyment is important. Our catamaran provides the most stable and most comfortable ride. It is much wider than conventional boats which means less rolling which helps to greatly reduce motion sickness. The added width of the cat means there is more room for each and every guest plus we have rail space for all plus inside accommodations for all guests in the event of inclement weather.
Gatherall’s catamaran offers the best views.
People sometimes think that you can see “more” or get closer to whales in a small boat – that’s simply not the case. We’ve used small boats in the past and have found that our guests have a much better experience on the larger boat. While searching for whales, our high decks and raised wheelhouse allow our crew and guests to spot whales from further away – you just cannot see as far from a small boat. Think about a ship’s lookout positioned high up the mast to get the best view. Often, while heading towards distant whales, our high decks enable you to keep an eye on the action for a better experience. Our larger boat ensures that everyone has space alongside the rail.
Gatherall’s cat has the greatest range of the local tour boats. It’s unique design allows it to travel much further than most other boats in an equivalent period of time. While this cannot guarantee whales during every cruise, it does make a difference especially when whales are at the outer extents of our range. Our captains are also in contact with other boats and local people onshore to keep track of whale sightings so that we can attempt to minimize travel time to maximize whale time whenever possible.
Purpose Designed.
Gatherall’s catamaran was custom designed for our tour operation and location. Its size and configuration was developed to provide our guests with both the most space and comfort to provide the best overall experience.
Gatherall’s cat is big enough to be safe and comfortable yet small enough to allow you to interact personally with our crew. It’s important to us that you have every opportunity to interact with our crew. While presenting their wealth of information, our guides are free to move about the boat to answer questions and to chat. The cat is still nimble enough to get safely alongside of the shores of the islands where the puffins nest or close to shore when the whales are feeding in the shallow waters. Yet when the waters are less than calm, the larger size of the cat makes for a much more pleasant ride.
Atlantic Puffins
Puffins & Seabirds Newfoundland
Cruise with Gatherall’s and learn about the Atlantic Puffins
Are you eager to witness the enchanting puffins of Newfoundland? Look no further than Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch! Set sail to the picturesque Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, where puffins thrive in their natural habitat. Gatherall’s expert guides will ensure an unforgettable encounter with these adorable seabirds. With a commitment to eco-friendly practices, this wildlife adventure promises an ethical and magical experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness the best place to see puffins in Newfoundland. Book your tour now!”
Learn about the life of Atlantic Puffins with Gatherall’s
Atlantic Puffins in Newfoundland live at sea and spend most of their lives in open ocean. Early in May each year, they return by the hundreds of thousands to the islands of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve – the largest breeding colony of Atlantic Puffins in North America!
This is their home for the next four months or so. Nesting in the shelter burrows dug into the side of the islands, they are extremely devoted parents spend their days caring for their single chick. A tour with Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch (only minutes from St. John’s) offers a great opportunity to observe and learn about these incredible creatures. Our cruise passes by their nesting sites and the upper decks of the catamaran provide a “bird’s eye view” of their activities.
Discover the Best Place to See Puffins in Newfoundland with Gatherall’s!
If you’re searching for the ultimate puffin encounter in Newfoundland, Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch has got you covered! Venture to the renowned Witless Bay Ecological Reserve aboard our expertly guided boat tours. Witness the spectacular sight of thousands of puffins nesting on the rugged cliffs. Capture stunning photos and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to get up close and personal with these adorable seabirds. Book your puffin adventure with Gatherall’s today!”
Our neighbourhood really has colourful characters!
Puffins are excellent swimmers, using their wings to ‘fly’ underwater while using their feet to control direction. They hunt a variety of small fish including capelin and sand lance. Puffins spend unto 8 months at sea and do not come to land outside of the breeding season. Theirs days and nights are spent flying, preening, swimming or riding the ocean surface throughout the year regardless of weather.
During the cruise, our guides provide loads of information and insight into the lives and habits of these incredible creatures. If you are travelling with us throughout mid-August and early September, you may also have an opportunity to participate in Puffin Patrol (the release of wayward pufflings) .
The Puffins’ Neighbourhood.
Other seabirds in addition to puffins are typically encountered during the cruise. Nesting seabird include Common Murres, Black Guillemots, Razorbilled Auks, Black Legged Kittiwakes, Leache’s Storm Petrels, Northern Fulmars, and several species of gulls. Northern Gannets are routinely sighted and on foggy days, both Greater and Sooty Shearwaters may be observed playing among the swells.
Our guides will do their best to point out the different seabirds encountered throughout the cruise as well as their nesting sites for your reference. It helps of course, if you take a moment before the cruise to consult your guide book so that you have an image of the different birds.