Best Whale-Watching Spots In New Brunswick

New Brunswick, Canada, is one of the best places in the world to see whales, with the Bay of Fundy being the prime spot for whale watching. The bay, which has the highest tides in the world, is a protected area where whales feed and care for their young before migrating south. Each summer, around a dozen different species of whale populate the bay, including the fin whale, humpback whale, minke whale, and the rare North Atlantic right whale.

St. Andrews, a seaside town in New Brunswick, is a popular base for whale-watching tours. From here, you can embark on a boat tour to spot whales and other marine life, such as seals, porpoises, and eagles. Quoddy Link Marine and Fundy Tide Runners are two well-reviewed tour companies that operate in the area. Grand Manan Island and Campobello Island are also good spots for whale watching in the Bay of Fundy.

Whale watching tours in St. Andrews

Whale watching in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, is a wonderful experience for anyone who loves marine life. The town, founded in 1783, is one of the best-preserved examples of colonial heritage in North America and is designated as one of Canada's National Historic Districts. St. Andrews is located on the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world. This means a fresh supply of plankton is brought in twice a day, providing an abundance of food for whales.

There are several tour companies in St. Andrews that offer whale-watching experiences, each with its own unique features. Here is some information about some of the most popular ones:

Quoddy Link Marine

Quoddy Link Marine offers Bay of Fundy whale and wildlife cruises departing from St. Andrews. Their spacious, modern power catamaran can go further and faster, providing greater odds of successful whale sightings. In addition to whales, you can observe seals, porpoises, bald eagles, and various seabirds. They also have an onboard touch tank where you can get up close and personal with a variety of undersea life. Their cruises are educational and have limited passenger capacity to ensure a unique experience.

Fundy Tide Runners

Fundy Tide Runners offers a thrilling whale-watching experience on a Zodiac boat. On this tour, you will don a Canadian-approved full-length flotation suit (mandatory for passengers over 90 lbs) and speed through the water in pursuit of whale sightings. Children under 90 lbs will be provided with a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), while children under five are not permitted on the vessel. The cruise time is approximately 2 hours, and the cost ranges from $180 for a couple to $330 for a family of four.

Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures

Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures offers a unique whale-watching experience with a pirate theme, making it perfect for families with children. They operate a tall ship with a comfortable setting, and they even serve lunch on board. While this option may not be ideal for keen photographers due to the larger boat's limited manoeuvrability, it is a good choice for those seeking a relaxing cruise.

Island Quest Marine

Island Quest Marine provides a comfortable whale-watching experience on a larger boat. This family-owned company offers an informative commentary and has an onboard touch-and-feel tank, making it a great option for kids. The boat has two levels for viewing, with a maximum of 14 guests allowed on the upper deck at a time. They offer a seafood snack on the way back, and there is no water provided on board.

Other Options

In addition to the companies mentioned above, there are other tour operators in St. Andrews, such as Capt. Riddle's Whale Watch Cruises and Cruisin' With The Whales, which have received positive reviews on TripAdvisor.

When planning your whale-watching tour in St. Andrews, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season. Additionally, keep in mind that there are no guarantees when it comes to whale sightings, and factors such as weather conditions can impact your experience.

Zodiac boat tours in the Bay of Fundy

Zodiac boats are small, open vessels that can bring you up close and personal with the whales. They offer a different perspective by putting you at the same level as the water surface. This means you'll be incredibly close to the action and will feel totally immersed in the experience. However, it's important to note that Zodiac boats can be more exposed to the elements, including the wind and cool Bay breezes. So, if you're prone to seasickness, you might want to consider a larger vessel with an indoor cabin, such as a catamaran or a converted fishing boat.

When choosing a Zodiac boat tour, it's essential to prioritise safety, especially if you're travelling with children. Reputable companies will provide full-length flotation suits for adults and personal flotation devices (PFDs) for children. In addition, it's worth checking if there are any age restrictions for younger children.

The Bay of Fundy is a critical habitat for various whale species, including Humpback, Minke, and Finback whales. The best time to go on a whale-watching tour is during the summer and early fall when these majestic creatures use the Bay as a feeding ground. Keep in mind that the waters of the Bay of Fundy can be quite cold, even in the summer, so make sure to bring extra layers to stay warm.

There are several tour operators offering Zodiac boat tours in the Bay of Fundy, including Fundy Tide Runners in St. Andrews, and Ocean Explorations Zodiac Whale Watching in Tiverton. These companies have excellent reviews and are known for providing safe and exciting experiences.

Overall, a Zodiac boat tour in the Bay of Fundy is a fantastic option for those seeking an adventurous and immersive whale-watching experience. While it may be a little bumpy, the opportunity to get up close to these incredible creatures is truly memorable. Just be sure to choose a reputable company, dress appropriately, and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water!

Kayaking tours

One such kayaking tour operator is Baymount Outdoor Adventures, offering guided tours at the Hopewell Rocks Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve boasts the highest tidal paddling experiences on Earth, allowing paddlers to manoeuvre through the iconic "flowerpot" rock formations, tunnels, and narrow passageways. Tours are available for beginners and intermediates, with prices ranging from $65 to $86.96 for adults, plus tax.

For a more intimate and personalised encounter with the whales, consider booking a kayaking tour with a smaller group or even a private excursion. These tours often provide a one-on-one experience with nature, allowing you to connect with the majestic whales and their habitat up close.

When planning your kayaking tour, consider factors such as your physical ability, the duration of the tour, and the level of challenge you prefer. Kayaking tours can range from leisurely paddles to more strenuous adventures, depending on the route and conditions. Additionally, keep in mind the time of year, as summer and early fall are ideal for whale watching, when young Humpback, Finback, and Minke whales frequent the area.

Whether you're an experienced kayaker or a novice, by booking a kayaking tour in New Brunswick, you're signing up for an unforgettable adventure, combining the thrill of whale watching with the serenity of paddling in one of nature's most magnificent settings.

Best time to go whale watching

The best time to go whale watching in New Brunswick, Canada, is during the summer and early fall months. The whales use the Bay of Fundy as a feeding ground during this time, and you are likely to see young humpback, finback, and minke whales in the protected nursery-like environment. The summer is when most whales come out to play, and you have a higher chance of spotting different species.

May to October is generally a good time to see whales in Canada, depending on the coast you are visiting and the species you want to see. The Maritime provinces, including New Brunswick, are best for whale watching in the summer and fall.

If you are specifically looking to spot the Northern Atlantic right whale, a rare and endangered species, your best chance is during the summer months.

Keep in mind that whale watching tours can last up to three hours, so you may want to book an overnight stay if you are driving out to the tour's departure point.

Humpback, finback and minke whale sightings

St. Andrews is a great option for families or those looking for a day trip, as it is within a few hours' drive of Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton. The town itself also has beautiful bed and breakfasts, motels and campgrounds. Quoddy Link Marine and Fundy Tide Runners are two recommended tour companies in St. Andrews. Quoddy Link Marine's catamaran offers three spacious decks and indoor/outdoor options, making it a safe choice for families with small children and the only wheelchair-accessible vessel in St. Andrews. Fundy Tide Runners, meanwhile, offers tours on a Zodiac boat, allowing passengers to fly through the water when a whale is spotted in the distance.

Grand Manan Island is another amazing destination for whale watching between July and September. To get there, take a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Blacks Harbour, which is about a 40-minute drive from Saint John. The Surfside Motel, located in North Head just minutes from the ferry, is a great place to stay. Captain Matt Lambert of Lambert Family Adventures offers several tour options throughout the day, and a sunrise tour option later in the summer.

If you're looking for a whale-watching experience off the beaten path, consider Campobello Island. To get there, take a free 20-minute ferry ride from L'Étete to Deer Island, followed by a paid 30-minute ferry ride from Deer Island to Campobello Island. Friar's Bay Inn and Cottages or the Whale Watch Motel are good options for accommodation on the island. Whale Watching cruises leave daily from Campobello Island (North Road Wharf) and Deer Island (Leonardville Wharf).

Frequently asked questions