Best Time For Whale Watching In New Brunswick

Whale watching in New Brunswick, Canada, is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. The Bay of Fundy, a body of water spanning from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia, is a prime location for observing these incredible creatures. With its high tides carrying an abundance of food, it provides an ideal environment for whales to feed and raise their young. The best time for whale watching in New Brunswick is during the summer and early fall, particularly in August, when the whales use the Bay as a feeding ground. Visitors can observe various species, including Humpback, Finback, and Minke whales, with tours departing from St. Andrews, Grand Manan, and Campobello Island.

Whale-watching tours in New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy

Whale-watching in New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy is a world-renowned activity, with the bay being home to over eight whale species and a whale population that can exceed 300 at any one time. The whale-watching season runs from June to October, with August being the best month to see whales and other wildlife.

St. Andrews

St. Andrews is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Moncton, 1 hour from Saint John, and 1 hour 40 minutes from Fredericton. It offers multiple whale-watching tours, including:

• Quoddy Link Marine: Operating a catamaran with three spacious decks and indoor/outdoor options, this tour is a great option for families with small children or those prone to seasickness due to its stability. The average cruise time is 2.5 to 3 hours, with prices ranging from $180 for a couple to $300 for a family of four during peak season.
• Fundy Tide Runners Whale Watching: This tour uses a Zodiac boat, allowing it to move quickly when a whale is spotted. All passengers over 90 lbs must wear a full-length flotation suit, while children under 90 lbs are provided with a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Children under five are not permitted on the vessel. Cruise times are 2 hours, with prices ranging from $180 for a couple to $330 for a family of four.
• Jolly Breeze Tall Ship and Zodiac Whale Adventures: The only vessel to provide a heated cabin, blankets, and rain jackets for all passengers. It also has a licensed bar for adults and offers pirate costumes and face painting for children.

Grand Manan Island

Grand Manan Island is only accessible by a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Blacks Harbour, which is about a 40-minute drive from Saint John. The island offers longer cruises and is a great place to spot humpback whales. Tour options include:

Sea Watch Tours: Owned and operated by Captain Peter Wilcox, Sea Watch Tours is the only Canadian-approved tour operator allowed to visit Machias Island to see puffins during June and July. The vessel used is the M.V. "Day's Catch," a lobster fishing boat with ample seating and some canopy protection from the sun. Tours last 4 to 5.5 hours, with prices ranging from $160 for a couple to $260 for a family of four.

Campobello Island

To get to Campobello Island, you'll need to take a free 20-minute ferry from L'Étete to Deer Island, followed by a paid 30-minute ferry ride from Deer Island to Campobello Island. The island offers a unique whale-watching experience with ferry rides included. Tour options include:

Island Cruises Whale Watching: Owned and operated by Captain Mackie Greene, a natural whale whisperer and founding member of the Campobello Whale Rescue Team. The tour uses a fishing boat with ample seating and great views of the whales. You'll also get to see the Head Harbour Lighthouse, only accessible by land at low tide. Cruises are approximately 2.5 hours, with prices ranging from $135 for a couple to $220 for a family of four.

Best time to go whale-watching in New Brunswick

The Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada, is a prime location for observing whales. The bay is a critical habitat for several whale and dolphin species, and its tides—the highest in the world—carry an abundance of plankton, krill, and fish, making it an ideal feeding ground for these majestic creatures.

If you're planning a trip to New Brunswick for whale-watching, here's everything you need to know about the best time to go:

Whale-Watching Season in New Brunswick

The whale-watching season in New Brunswick typically runs from June to October. During this period, the Bay of Fundy becomes a bustling ecosystem, teeming with marine life. The whales take advantage of the bay's rich food sources to feed and nurture their young before they migrate south to warmer waters.

Best Month for Whale-Watching

While the whale-watching season spans five months, August stands out as the prime time to witness these magnificent creatures. The warm summer months, from June to August, attract a variety of whale species, including young Humpback, Finback, and Minke whales. The whales feel safe in the protected waters of the bay, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.

Tour Availability and Duration

Whale-watching tours in New Brunswick typically operate during the summer and early fall months. Tours can last up to three hours, and it's advisable to book an overnight stay if you're travelling a long distance to locations like Grand Manan Island.

Tour Options

New Brunswick offers a variety of whale-watching tour options to cater to different preferences. You can choose from group tours on large ships, intimate encounters in smaller vessels, or even kayaking tours for a more active adventure. Tours depart from several locations, including St. Andrews, Wilson's Beach, and the tip of Grand Manan Island.

A Memorable Experience

Whale-watching in New Brunswick is a truly memorable experience. The Bay of Fundy is home to a diverse range of whale species, and the thrill of witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is unparalleled. With its breathtaking scenery and abundant marine life, a trip to the Bay of Fundy during the whale-watching season will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Types of vessels used for whale-watching tours

Whale-watching in New Brunswick, Canada, is a popular activity, with the Bay of Fundy being a prime location for observing these creatures. The Bay of Fundy is home to a dozen whale species, including the Fin Whale, the Humpback Whale, the Minke Whale, and the famous North Atlantic Right Whale.

There are various types of vessels used for whale-watching tours in New Brunswick, catering to different needs and preferences. Here is an overview of the types of vessels commonly used:

• Boat: Whale-watching boats can vary in size and style, offering different levels of comfort and stability. Some boats may be more suitable for those prone to seasickness, providing a smoother ride. These vessels typically have indoor and outdoor areas, allowing passengers to choose their preferred viewing experience.
• Catamaran: Catamarans are a popular choice for whale-watching as they offer excellent stability and spacious viewing decks. The Quoddy Link Marine tour company in St. Andrews operates a catamaran with three spacious decks, providing ample space for passengers to move around and enjoy the experience.
• Sailboat: Sailboats offer a more traditional and eco-friendly way to navigate the waters while whale-watching. They harness the power of the wind, providing a quiet and sustainable approach to observing whales.
• Zodiac: Zodiac boats are smaller, inflatable vessels that offer a thrilling and fast-paced whale-watching experience. They can quickly respond to whale sightings, allowing passengers to get up close to the action. Zodiac tours are commonly offered by companies such as Fundy Tide Runners Whale Watching.
• Tall Ship: For a unique whale-watching experience, tall ships offer a combination of tradition and adventure. These large sailing vessels, with their impressive masts and sails, provide a different perspective for observing whales. An example of a tall ship whale-watching tour is the Jolly Breeze Tall Ship and Zodiac Whale Adventures.

Each type of vessel offers a distinct whale-watching experience, catering to different preferences and levels of adventure. It is important to consider factors such as stability, speed, and viewing options when choosing a vessel for a whale-watching tour. Additionally, factors like the presence of children or individuals with special needs may influence the choice of vessel to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Popular whale-watching tour operators in New Brunswick

Whale-watching in New Brunswick is a popular activity, with the Bay of Fundy being a prime location for observing these creatures. The Bay of Fundy is home to a dozen whale species and is a world-renowned whale-watching destination. The best time to go on a whale-watching tour is during the summer and early fall months.

Quoddy Link Marine Inc.

St. Andrews-based Quoddy Link Marine Inc. offers a catamaran with three spacious decks and indoor/outdoor options for whale watching. The boat is incredibly stable, making it a safer option for those prone to seasickness, and it's St. Andrews' only wheelchair-accessible vessel. In addition to whale watching, they offer seals, porpoise, eagles, seabirds, a marine biology lesson, hot chocolate, and cookies.

Fundy Tide Runners Whale Watching and Nature Tours

Fundy Tide Runners, also based in St. Andrews, offers tours on a Zodiac boat. This means that when a whale is spotted, the boat can quickly get you up close and personal. All passengers over 90 lbs must wear a Canadian-approved full-length flotation suit, and children under five are not permitted on the vessel.

Jolly Breeze Tall Ship and Zodiac Whale Adventures

Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures offers an adrenaline-filled experience on their tall ship and Zodiac whale adventures. They provide an up-close and personal experience with the whales and other marine life, such as seals and porpoises. They also offer informative and entertaining stories about the local area and the whales.

Island Quest Marine Whale & Wildlife Cruises

Island Quest Marine, owned and operated by Captain Mackie Greene, is a must-do experience when visiting Campobello Island. Captain Mackie is a natural whale whisperer and a founding member of the Campobello Whale Rescue Team. Their fishing boat has ample seating and offers great views of the whales and other marine life.

Capt. Riddle’s Sea Going Adventures

Capt. Riddle's Whale Watch Cruises offers an unforgettable experience with whales and other marine life. They have knowledgeable and patient guides who will ensure you have a great time. They also offer a unique perspective on the local area and its wildlife.

Cruisin’ With The Whales

Cruisin' With The Whales provides an outstanding whale-watching experience with an experienced captain and friendly staff. They have a marine biologist on board who is very knowledgeable about the whales and other marine life. You will get to see multiple whale sightings and enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Fundy.

What to expect from a whale-watching tour

Whale-watching season in New Brunswick, Canada, runs from June to October, with August being the best month to spot whales. The Bay of Fundy is a prime location for observing these creatures, as its tides carry large quantities of plankton, krill and fish, providing an ideal environment for whales to feed and raise their young.

Here's what you can expect from a whale-watching tour:

Types of Vessels

Whale-watching tour experiences can differ depending on the type of vessel used. Converted fishing boats, catamarans, motor/sailing vessels and zodiacs are commonly used. A zodiac will give you a unique perspective by putting you at the same level as the water surface, but the other vessels provide a smoother ride and shelter from the elements.

What to Bring

Even in summer, the waters of the Bay of Fundy can be very cold, so bring extra clothing. It is also recommended to bring a camera and binoculars.

Tour Operators

Tour operators include Quoddy Link Marine Inc., Fundy Tide Runners Whale Watching, Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures, Island Quest Marine, Capt. Riddle's Whale Watch Cruises, Cruisin' With The Whales, and Island Cruises Whale-watching.

Tour Details

Whale-watching companies communicate with each other while on the water, and most of the time, all boats are in the same area and see a similar number of whales. Some companies offer added extras such as a touch aquarium, complimentary snacks, heated cabins, blankets, and rain jackets.

Wildlife

The Bay of Fundy is home to over a dozen whale species, including the Fin Whale, the Humpback Whale, the Minke Whale, and the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. You may also spot porpoises, seals, and pelagic birds.

Tour Duration and Cost

The average cruise time is around 2 to 3 hours, and the cost can range from $180 for a couple to $300 for a family of four during the peak season. Reservations are often required, as tours fill up quickly.

Tour Locations

Whale-watching tours depart from St. Andrews, Deer Island, Campobello Island, and Grand Manan in New Brunswick, and Digby Neck, Long and Brier Island in Nova Scotia.

Tour Ethics

The Bay of Fundy Marine Tour Operators follow a Code of Ethics that includes no chasing, harassing, or herding the whales. This ensures that the whales are not disturbed from their natural routine or injured.

Accommodation

If you're looking for a place to stay, St. Andrews offers beautiful bed and breakfasts, motels, and campgrounds, including the iconic Algonquin Resort & Hotel. Grand Manan Island and Campobello Island also have accommodation options, but they are only accessible by ferry.

Frequently asked questions