The 5 Tours in St Johns That Earn Their Price

1.Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 837 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $94Our pick

From Bay Bulls, about 25 minutes south of St. John’s, you’ll cruise aboard a catamaran into the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Expect live commentary, Newfoundland music, seabird colonies, and seasonal chances to see puffins, icebergs, whales, dolphins, and more. Hotel pickup is available for an added fee.

“Great tour! We saw a couple of whales up close and many from afar. The staff was amazing! The puffin island was also very cool. A great trip for anyone. Definitely recommend!!”

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2.2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 557 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

From Bay Bulls, you’ll cruise past the four islands of Witless Bay Ecological Reserve with a naturalist guide. Expect millions of nesting seabirds, puffins, auks, and petrels, plus a chance of whales or dolphins. The family-run crew adds local stories, songs, and optional screech-in fun. A shuttle from St. John’s is available for CAD 35.

“Family owned and run tour. Great commentary about the various birds and sea creatures we saw. Crew sang some local songs and a few passengers opted to get “Screeched”. Highly recommend (thousands of puffins).”

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3.2 Hour Award-Winning Whale and Seabird Boat Tour from St. John’s

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 455 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $112

Join Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours at St. John’s Harbour for a two-hour coastal cruise toward Cape Spear. Your captain and crew explain local history, seabirds, whales, sea caves, and ocean life while you watch for bald eagles, puffins, gannets, sunfish, and whales. Glen, Tyler, Barry, and other crew members are praised for their humour and clear commentary. A heated cabin helps on chilly days.

“Beautiful scenery! Although we were too late in the year to see whales or puffins , it was still a very pleasant experience with great service.”

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4.Historic St. John’s Newfoundland and Cape Spear Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 248 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $66

See St. John’s highlights with a local driver-guide such as Larry, Cliff, Steve, Bill, or John. This small-group tour visits Cape Spear, Petty Harbour, Jellybean Row, Signal Hill, and Quidi Vidi in about 3.5 hours, with hotel pickup and short walks at each stop.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area and because of that, came away with things I did not know about St John’s.”

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5.St. John’s Downtown Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $44Best value

Walk downtown St. John’s with guides such as David, Sam, Pierre, Bob, or Tyra. Expect local stories, colorful architecture, George Street, Water Street, Jellybean houses, Colonial Building, and the War Memorial. Morning and afternoon departures are available, with groups capped at 18.

“Historical and truthful walk about in St. John’s. The journey to becoming the 10th Province of Canada is both insightful and funny albeit a little crazy too.”

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