How to Enjoy Whale Watching in Newfoundland and Labrador
There are many ways to enjoy nature. If you are fascinated by the marine world and creatures that live in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, whale-watching in Newfoundland and Labrador is something you shouldn’t miss. These large animals look fierce, but they are actually gentle giants and are a real pleasure to see up close.
There are many hot spots in Newfoundland and Labrador for whale watching. You can go to any place in St. Lawrence Gulf, or if you prefer wide open seas, opt for the Atlantic coast and places like St. John, Cape Bonavista, Twillingate, or many others. That’s where you can see more than twenty whale species, as seen here. And we give you some tips to get the most out of that experience.
Pick the Right Season
Whales can be found around Labrador and Newfoundland waters all year round. However, whale-watching happens during spring, summer, and early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and there is less rainfall in this area. Agencies usually plan tours from April to September, although they can have them in mid-October.
If you decide on a spring or early summer tour, you can enjoy another sight typical of eastern Canada, the iceberg migration. It’s a unique experience as you see icebergs of all sizes, shapes, and colours floating around. And if there are sea giants swimming, emerging, or jumping around them, you hit a jackpot!
Still, you should know there’s always a chance you won’t see whales on every tour. Quite simply, these gentle giants are quite unpredictable, although their migrations are regularly monitored. But that shouldn’t disappoint you.
The solution is that, as much as your free time and finances allow, take multiple trips in Newfoundland and Labrador during whale watching seasons. And don’t forget to bring your camera, because this is a truly unique experience.
Check the Weather
The weather in Newfoundland and Labrador can be unpredictable, especially rainfall during the whale-watching season. And while the temperature differences are not too drastic, rain clouds can form above the open sea in no time. So always bring waterproof clothes, shoes, and hats.
During spring and autumn, it can be quite windy, so always opt for windproof jackets and appropriate footwear to avoid getting all wet while on the open sea. During the summer, it’s best to dress in layers, as the temperature on the open seas in the Newfoundland and Labrador region rarely exceeds 70 F (20 C), even in summer.
Warm and cold currents in the Atlantic Ocean meet near Newfoundland Island, so fog is a frequent phenomenon, even during the warmer seasons. It can spoil your whale-watching tour or even postpone it. That’s just one more reason to follow the weather forecast and be on the line with the tour operator in case of any changes.
Take Care of Yourself
If you have booked a whale-watching tour in Newfoundland and Labrador, you want to make the most of this experience. For that to be possible, you must prepare for this journey. Depending on the time of year, you’ll need appropriate clothing, but it’s also a good idea to take anti-nausea pills with you.
The waters around Labrador and Newfoundland can be rough, especially in the coastal belt, where there is a lot of rock and ice. When the wind is strong, travelling by boat can be quite challenging if you have a history of seasickness. Even if you don’t, you should take anti-nausea medicine just in case. Do that at least one hour before leaving for the tour so that motion sickness doesn’t spoil your trip.
On the following page, learn more about methods to treat motion sickness:
https://www.healthline.com/health/motion-sickness-remedies
Choose a Reputable Tour Operator
Depending on how adventurous and experienced you are, you can opt for group tours by tourist boats or a kayak tour. The first option is fun because you’re in the company of others who share your enthusiasm and love for whale watching. But if you want more personal experience, guided kayak tours are the right thing.
In both cases, you should find a reliable and reputable agency that follows local and state regulations related to whale watching. If you’re not familiar with these laws, it’s a good idea to research them first. No trustworthy agency would risk its business by omitting these laws, but there are still those who want a quick profit regardless of everything.
Next, it’s a good idea to look for online reviews of whale-watching tour agencies. These are the experiences of people who have already used their services, which can be very helpful. You can find out whether the tour operators adhere to safety standards, whether the boats are registered, whether there’s a tour guide or any whale-watching expert, etc.
Ethical Whale Watching
Whale watching is an experience you can enjoy without any skills, preparation, or equipment. But that’s only possible if you don’t disturb or hurt the gentle giants in any way. Also, the tour organizers must follow ethical principles and practice behaviors that don’t disrupt the aquatic ecosystem of Labrador and Newfoundland.
Before embarking on this adventure, you should read Atlantic Whales guide to whale watching in Newfoundland and explore all options. Choose an agency that supports sustainable practices and shows genuine interest in preserving the ocean wildlife, not just for profit. These tour operators adhere to the rules such as safe stopping distances and not overcrowding the area when there are already other boats.
Avoid agencies that are dishonest about their business practices. They usually act recklessly, like getting too close to a pod of whales or chasing them, even when these animals show elusive behavior. Dishonest tour operators do everything for profit, not caring about the well-being of these gentle giants.
If you travel to the far east of Canada, whale watching is something you shouldn’t miss. Before booking your boat tour in Newfoundland and Labrador, research your options well and prepare for the trip so you can enjoy it to the fullest.