Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Home to North America's largest puffin colony and millions of seabirds, this protected reserve offers breathtaking boat tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak puffin breeding season
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Best Time
Peak puffin breeding season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to North America's largest puffin colony and millions of seabirds, this protected reserve offers breathtaking boat tours.
"An amazing place with 2 million+ seabirds and zero people, accessible only by boat tours."
🎯 Book Boat Tours in Advance
Tours fill up, especially during peak season. Book with operators like O'Brien's or Gatheralls to secure your spot .
🥾 Waterproof Boots are a Must
Trails can be muddy and rugged. Waterproof footwear is essential for navigating the islands and keeping your feet dry .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Atlantic Puffin Colonies
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve Islands
Witness North America's largest Atlantic puffin colony, with hundreds of thousands of these charming birds nesting and flying.
Seabird Spectacle
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve Islands
Marvel at over 2.5 million seabirds, including murres, kittiwakes, razorbills, and guillemots, creating a vibrant natural spectacle.
Whale Watching Opportunities
Offshore near Witless Bay
Keep an eye out for whales, as they are often spotted in the waters surrounding the reserve during boat tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Tour is Essential
Dress for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Boat Tours in Advance
Tours fill up, especially during peak season. Book with operators like O'Brien's or Gatheralls to secure your spot.
🥾 Waterproof Boots are a Must
Trails can be muddy and rugged. Waterproof footwear is essential for navigating the islands and keeping your feet dry.
🧥 Dress Warmly & Layer Up
It gets cold on the water due to wind. Pack warm, waterproof layers, even in summer.
🤢 Prepare for Motion Sickness
Atlantic waves can cause rough seas. Take precautions if you are prone to motion sickness.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Boat Tours in Advance
Tours fill up, especially during peak season. Book with operators like O'Brien's or Gatheralls to secure your spot.
🥾 Waterproof Boots are a Must
Trails can be muddy and rugged. Waterproof footwear is essential for navigating the islands and keeping your feet dry.
🧥 Dress Warmly & Layer Up
It gets cold on the water due to wind. Pack warm, waterproof layers, even in summer.
🤢 Prepare for Motion Sickness
Atlantic waves can cause rough seas. Take precautions if you are prone to motion sickness.
📸 Photography Challenges
Puffins are small and tours keep a distance. Be prepared for challenging photography conditions from a moving boat.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Tours are typically a few hours. Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve for its incredible abundance of seabirds, especially the large puffin colonies. The boat tours offer a unique and immersive wildlife experience, though some note the challenges of photography from a distance and the potential for rough seas and cold weather. It's a highly recommended natural wonder for those visiting Newfoundland.
"An amazing place with 2 million + seabirds, 500,000+ puffins and zero people. Only accessible by boat tours, as they are highly protected. We visited by boat tour with O’Briens, and so glad we did. It was incredible."
Alyssa Becker
"Beautiful scenery and views of the ocean. You must wear waterproof hiking boots as it was quite muddy in spots. The trail could have been better marked in spots as we had to back track a couple times. Also the trail was marked as “easy” and it was not! Quite rugged and challenging. Bring water and snacks."
Ali K
"Absolutely worth visiting and seeing in person. It was insane seeing so many birds in one place back in May, 2019 - which was peak breeding season. You can't get super close to the islands via tours because the waters are too rocky surrounding the islands. So the downside is if you're trying to take pictures it's a huge challenge to be far away on a shaky boat (due to Atlantic waves). If you get motion sickness you need to take serious precautions I guarantee you will get sick. It also gets seriously cold out on the water - especially considering winds and in spring. Make sure you dress warmly. If you've never seen a puffin before be aware they are tiny birds. It's fun to see them haphazardly fly and dive - they are surprisingly terrible fliers!"
Saleena
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is only accessible by boat. You'll need to book a tour from a local operator, typically departing from Bay Bulls, which is about a 30-minute drive south of St. John's, Newfoundland.
Popular and highly-rated operators include O'Brien's Tours and Gatheralls Tours, known for their knowledgeable guides and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
No, the islands within the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve are protected and not open for public landing. Access is strictly limited to guided boat tours for conservation purposes.
While some coastal trails in the region might offer distant views, the most reliable and immersive way to see the puffin colonies is by taking a dedicated boat tour into the reserve.
Departure points like Bay Bulls are approximately a 30-minute drive from St. John's, Newfoundland, making it a convenient day trip destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your boat tour tickets in advance, especially during the peak puffin season (May-August), as tours can sell out.
Tour prices vary by operator and duration, but generally range from $60-$100 CAD per person for a standard tour. Zodiac tours might be slightly more.
The reserve itself does not have an entrance fee, but the cost of the boat tour is what covers access and the guided experience.
Tour prices typically include the boat trip, a knowledgeable guide providing information about the wildlife and reserve, and the opportunity to see puffins, other seabirds, and potentially whales.
Boat tours usually operate multiple times a day, starting in the morning and running into the afternoon. It's best to check the specific schedule with your chosen tour operator.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see North America's largest Atlantic puffin colony, along with hundreds of thousands of other seabirds like murres, kittiwakes, and razorbills. Whales are also frequently spotted.+2
Boat tours maintain a respectful distance from the islands to protect the wildlife and nesting sites. You won't be able to land on the islands themselves.
The peak season for seeing puffins is typically from May to August, when they are actively breeding and nesting.
Most boat tours are suitable for families, but it's always a good idea to check with the tour operator regarding age recommendations and any specific safety guidelines.
Wear warm, waterproof clothing in layers, including a windbreaker, hat, and gloves. Waterproof hiking boots are also highly recommended due to potentially muddy conditions.
📸 📸 Photography
It can be challenging. Puffins are small, and tours keep a distance. The boat's movement and distance can make sharp, close-up shots difficult.
A telephoto lens or zoom lens is highly recommended to capture details of the birds from a distance. A tripod is generally not feasible on a moving boat.
Morning tours often offer softer light and calmer seas, which can be beneficial for photography. Overcast days can also provide diffused light, reducing harsh shadows.
Drones are generally not permitted within ecological reserves to avoid disturbing wildlife. Always check specific regulations with your tour operator.
While the primary viewing is by boat, some coastal areas near the departure points might offer distant views, but the best and closest views are from the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Opt for a larger, more stable boat for a smoother ride, which can be more comfortable for younger travelers. Ensure everyone is dressed warmly, as kids can get cold quickly on the water. While the trails on the islands aren't accessible, the boat tour itself provides ample excitement and educational opportunities about wildlife and conservation.🐦 Birdwatching Enthusiasts
+1📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Atlantic Puffin
+1 These charismatic seabirds, often called 'sea parrots' due to their colorful beaks, are a major draw for visitors. During the summer months, hundreds of thousands of puffins return to the islands to nest and raise their young. Watching them awkwardly fly, dive for fish, and interact with each other is a truly unique experience.While they are surprisingly poor fliers, puffins are excellent swimmers and divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater in search of small fish. Seeing them in their natural habitat, often just a few feet away from the boat (though tours maintain a safe distance), is a highlight for many visitors. It's important to remember that these birds are wild and protected, and observing them respectfully is key to their conservation.
A Symphony of Seabirds
Visitors can expect to see large numbers of murres, black-legged kittiwakes, razorbills, and guillemots, among many other species.The sheer density of birdlife creates a mesmerizing spectacle. The air is filled with their calls, and the skies are alive with constant movement. Boat tours provide an excellent vantage point to observe these birds both on the water and in their cliffside nesting sites. The knowledgeable guides on these tours are adept at identifying the various species and sharing fascinating facts about their behavior and life cycles.
+1Navigating the Waters: Boat Tour Experience
Expect a lively ride, as the Atlantic waters can be choppy. This is why dressing warmly and preparing for potential motion sickness is crucial.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit