Frequently Asked Questions2021-04-01T11:40:18-02:30
What kind of whales can we see?2021-02-16T13:44:54-03:30

Humpback Whales are the most frequently viewed, but we also see Minke, Fin, Blue, and Orca.

How big is your vessel? How many people can you take on a tour?2021-02-16T13:44:33-03:30

Our new vessel the Atlantic Puffin was custom built for leisure touring and is 50 feet long and 22 feet wide, providing a stable and enjoyable ride for all ages. The Atlantic Puffin features a fully enclosed heated cabin with panoramic viewing and ample rail space on the upper and lower deck for picture perfect views. This vessel has capacity for 100 people.

We also have a second large passenger vessel that can take 75 people.

Why should we choose O’Brien’s?2021-02-16T13:44:09-03:30

We are one of the most experienced operators in Newfoundland as we have been offering boat tours for over 30 years. We were one of the very first businesses to offer boat tours here on the east coast of Newfoundland. The famous O’Brien’s hospitality is sure to impress. An experience with us will create memories that will last a lifetime!

How do we get to you?2021-02-16T13:43:44-03:30

You can drive (we have ample parking on site) or book on our return shuttle service from major hotels and B&B’s in St. John’s (additional charge).

How far are you from St. John’s?2021-02-16T13:43:07-03:30

From downtown St. John’s we are an approximate 30-minute drive.

Will we see icebergs, whales, and puffins?2021-02-16T13:42:42-03:30

It is a possibility, however, icebergs do not frequent our waters every summer but when they do it is usually from mid-May until early June.

  • Whale sightings are highest during the month of July.
  • Puffins can be seen from May until early September.
  • We cannot guarantee sightings as we are dealing with Mother Nature.
Can you guarantee that we will see puffins?2021-02-16T13:41:59-03:30

Yes. The largest Atlantic Puffin colony in North America (260,000 pairs) nest at the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve each spring and summer. Taking a tour anytime between May and the beginning of September you will see puffins.

When is the best time for bird watching?2021-02-16T13:41:18-03:30

Seabirds nest on the islands at the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve from mid-April until the beginning of September each year. Taking a tour anytime during May until the first week of September, you will be sure to see hundreds of thousands of seabirds.

When is the best time to see whales?2021-02-16T13:40:47-03:30

Sightings are highest during the month of July, however we can never guarantee as we are dealing with remarkable wonders of Mother Nature. They have been known to arrive a little early or leave a little late, extending sightings from June until August.

When do your tours start?2021-02-16T13:40:22-03:30

Tours run from the beginning of May until the end of September each year.

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