murphys sailing tours halifax

Murphy's Camping | Nova Scotia

Wild Islands Scenic Boat Tours

Along our coastline lies a little known, yet incredible, natural treasure. It’s a vast and beautiful archipelago of over 100 Wild Islands .  Considered to be “The most valuable islands you’ve never heard of”, the archipelago is one of the last remaining intact and ecologically rich island groups of its size in North America, the rugged beauty simply can’t be put into words. Join captain Brian Murphy for an interactive scenic boat tour to experience the tranquility and breathtaking views for yourself.

The Tour Boat

Our tour boat, “Murphy’s Legacy”, is the last traditional Cape Island style boat built by the late Norm Hutt, a famous local boat builder from Owl’s Head, which lies just 4 kilometres west of the campground. You can learn more about Norm Hutt and his traditional boat building skills by visiting his boat shop, which has been relocated from Owl’s Head to Memory Lane Heritage Village .

Scenic Boat Tours

During a 1.5 hour tour, you will travel approximately 5 km around the coastal islands enjoying breathtaking views of cliffs, beaches, coves, and sea shanties. You will experience marine life such as osprey, eagles, seals, porpoise, and sometimes even whales!

Brian will often stop the boat for a few minutes and passengers can try their hand at fishing. Young passengers will be offered the chance to ‘captain’ the boat.

Guests must sign up and provide payment in advance to reserve a spot on the boat. Each tour requires a minimum of 6 persons to sign up.

Boat Charter

You may consider chartering the boat if you are looking for an: extended tour, private tour, adventure tour, and/or fishing tour.

Charters must be booked in advance, and will depend on availability and weather.

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We're accepting bookings for 2024. Book online today!

You can also call us at (902) 772-2700 or use our Contact Form for information.

Murphy’s Scenic Boat Tours

Outdoor Activities in the The Eastern Shore

Along our coastline lies a little known, yet incredible, natural treasure. It’s a vast and beautiful archipelago of over 100 Wild Islands. Considered to be “The most valuable islands you’ve never heard of”, the archipelago is one of the last remaining intact and ecologically rich island groups of its size in North America. Join captain Brian Murphy for an interactive scenic boat tour to experience the tranquility and breathtaking views for yourself. Our tour boat, “Murphy’s Legacy”, is the last traditional Cape Island style boat built by the late Norm Hutt, a famous local boat builder from Owl’s Head, which lies just 4 kilometres west of the campground.

During a 1.5 hour tour, you will travel approximately 5 km around the coastal islands enjoying breathtaking views of cliffs, beaches, coves, and sea shanties. You will experience marine life such as osprey, eagles, seals, porpoise, and sometimes even whales!

Typical tours will depart at 10:00am and 1:30pm but may vary based on availability, demand, and weather. Check in with the office to obtain accurate departure times. Each tour requires a minimum of 4 persons to sign up. Guests must sign up and provide payment in advance to reserve a spot on the boat. You may consider chartering the boat if you are looking for an: extended tour, private tour, adventure tour, and/or fishing tour.

ADVENTURES AWAIT

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Nova Scotia's Northumberland Shore

Destination Eastern Shore

Murphy's The Cable Wharf

Review Highlights

“ If you wish to take a tour around the harbour on the Harbour Queen, or go Deep Sea fishing , Murphys has you covered. ” in 4 reviews

“ I've been going to Murphy's for more than a decade - it's a never fail family restaurant with a million dollar view of the Halifax Harbor . ” in 2 reviews

“ Harbour Queen has a dinner cruise oh and do not forget Theodore Too. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

1751 Lower Water Street

Halifax, NS B3J 1S5

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About the Business

Murphy's Cable Wharf is situated at the foot of George Street on the Halifax waterfront. Halifax's largest Tour Boat and Restaurant Operator is a visitor's delight combining nightlife, nature tours, sightseeing, fine dining, tours of historic properties and much more, all in the company of the friendliest people you'll meet! Join us at Murphy's Cable Wharf for a tour of Halifax from the water, a visit to our newly renovated Gift Shop, or dine while enjoying an unparalleled harbour view in the new Murphy's Restaurant. …

Recommended Reviews

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• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
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• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

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Overall rating

123 reviews

Sat on the patio because the weather was good. Can't if it's raining as there isn't a real roof. Staff were great Fish was 10/10. Fries were wedges which was fun. Salad was good but all the dressing was at the bottom and I didn't like how soupy it made the last few bites. Strawberry basil smash was pretty bland and something I wouldn't get again. Overall great place for a view and good food.

See all photos from Carla C. for Murphy's The Cable Wharf

So good. I give the Cable Wharf my best rating to date in 2023. Some of the previous pictures appear to be from before a major change and remodeling. The restaurant is bright, clean and beautiful. It has a high dining feel with a local friendliness. Our server/bartender Michelle was amazing. She was knowledgeable and helpful in making our dining experience the best. Our compliments to the chef and his staff. With the lobster salad it was taken to a whole new level when Michelle added brown butter on the side. Such a treat. The chowder was world class, it had amazing taste and wide variety of flavors. I would come here every week if I lived in Halifax. The views of the harbor are an added bonus. Please put this location on your must try if you are in Halifax.

See all photos from Jim G. for Murphy's The Cable Wharf

Had a lobster salad. Wasn't much lobster but could have overlooked that if the lobster was fresh. But it wasn't fresh. Wasted my money. There are plenty of other good places to go. Don't go for the food. Ripoff.

An absolute gem in Halifax! The harbor view set a spectacular backdrop for the culinary delights on offer. The lobster roll was the star - succulent, fresh, and perfectly seasoned, it was a real treat. The surprise came in the form of a beautifully presented dessert plate, courtesy of the friendly manager. Service was impeccable - attentive, quick and personable. Can't recommend this place enough for its delectable seafood and the enchanting views.

We enjoyed the food here. The fish and chips were delicious. The fish was crispy, fresh and well seasoned. Although I did not try it but we ordered the lobster roll which was a good sized portion. The lobster was fresh and tasty. Our server was wonderful and very personable. Great view of the water. We did get a nice discount through the hop on hop off tour. Enjoy!!

Great location. Sat on the deck, on the harbour. Service friendly and helpful. Food amazing. Live music in the evening. Would return for sure.

Lobster dinner

By all means stop and enjoy the best lobster roll and the view is fantastic. Ask for Andrew he is the best server ever. Come down to the wharf and have a great meal.

Great Location over the water. Unfortunately the mediocrity of the service and food was not worthy of the price. More so the food amount was small. If you want to sit and enjoy the view drink an over priced drink and eat elsewhere.

We went here tonight based on hearing it had new owners and had been greatly improved. The four of us enjoyed a lovely evening The restaurant has great ambiance and the meals were yummy! Service was great. We shared an appetizer platter which was tasty. I had the steak which came with a delicious Demi glaze and veggies. My dinner mates all had fish and chips The said the fish was very fresh and the batter crisp and cooked perfectly. All in all a great evening

A tourist trap, and not exactly a good one. We were seated and then asked to move. We got half our party's drinks (there were 5 of us) and waited 15 minutes for the rest. Another party, seated after us got their food first. Dinner was the same problem as drinks, with a longer wait, got two meals + half an hour, two more meals + 15 minutes, last meal. I wanted another drink but was afraid how long we might have to wait. The lobster Mac and cheese was saltier than anything else. The fish and chips were decent, but not worth a special trip.

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10 Best Boat Tours in Halifax (Ultimate Guide)

Table of Contents

Are you looking into boat tours in Halifax, Nova Scotia, but need help finding the best one?

I can help!

Back when I lived in Halifax as a university student, one of my favorite things was watching the boats go by in the harbor. Then, when family or friends visited, I would often take them on one of the many boat cruises in Halifax. 

Most of these are only 1-2 hours and are a surprisingly affordable way to spend an afternoon! You can learn more about the history of Halifax and see the harbor from a unique perspective. 

So, I’ll share my ‘insider’s list’ of the top boat tours Halifax offers. By the end, you’ll be able to know precisely which one is right for you! 

My Top 3 Picks for Tours

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour ✔️ Water and land tour ✔️ Inexpensive

Adventure Yacht Sailing ✔️ Sailing tour ✔️ Chill vibe, information optional

Sunset Wine and Cheese Yacht Sailing ✔️ Nibbles included ✔️ Sunset views

1. Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour

⭐5/5 (680+ Reviews)

The Harbour Hopper Tour is one of the most unique boat tours in Halifax because it uses an amphibious Vietnam War vehicle that can travel both on land and in water! 

I actually lived along the route so I always heard it. When my mom came to visit it was our first stop so I could learn what else they said on the route.

You’ll visit several important sites, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and Citadel Hill.

The guide narrates the entire journey, telling you what to look for and interesting facts about each landmark! 

Once the land portion of the tour is complete, you’ll head down to the harbor, where the captain will launch the vehicle directly into the water. Then, you’ll enjoy a short boat tour of Halifax Harbour before returning to land, where the tour concludes. 

This tour is great for families with children. (Even grown adults who are big kids at heart will find this amphibious tour a lot of fun.

As one of the most popular tours in Halifax, there are multiple departure timeslots each day.

“Our Captain Kirk and First Mate Matt were absolutely amazing! The trip was very informative and told a lot of history we did not know. We highly recommend this tour.” – Jennifer C.

Important Info: 

• Group Size – 40 people max
• Tour Length – 55 minutes 
• Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
• Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Tour Operator – Murphys Sailing Tours Ltd

Check Prices and Availability Here!

2. Adventure Yacht Sailing in the Halifax Harbour

⭐5/5 (65+ Reviews)

Prefer sailing on a yacht? This Halifax luxury yacht tour is the only wind-powered sailing tour in Halifax. 

The coolest part is that you can even participate in the sailing process. The crew will guide you on how to lend a hand on board the ship with the sails and other tasks.

But there’s no obligation. If you just want to chill, you can hang out at the bow of the ship and simply take in the sights as they pass. 

You can also grab a glass of complimentary wine or beer from the bar on board and enjoy a luxurious skyline view of the Halifax Harbor! 

“Our sailing trip was thoroughly enjoyable. We got to enjoy the Halifax harbour while also learning about how a sailboat works/operates. The staff were very friendly and helpful and answered any questions that we had. It was a wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon.” – Erin G. 

Important Info:

• Group Size – 12 people max
• Tour Length – 1 hour 30 minutes 
• Tour Operator – J Farwell Sailing Tours

3. Sunset Wine and Cheese Yacht Sailing

⭐5/5 (75+ Reviews)

Imagine sipping fancy wine and sailing through the harbor during golden hour. Not only is it a unique way to spend the evening, but it is also one of the best date night ideas in Halifax! 

Once you board the yacht, your captain will sail down the narrows of the Northwest Arm during sunset and share some interesting insights about the harbor along the way. You’ll also get to sample four different types of local wine, cheese, and other charcuterie items. 

The best part is that, because it’s a small group boat tour, you won’t have to share the moment with crowds of other tourists. The maximum number of people on each yacht tour is 12. 

If you’re a wine enthusiast or a couple traveling to Halifax, this is a great way to spend an evening on the water! 

Note: Guests must be 19 years of age to take this tour.

“If I could rate this tour 6 stars, I will. We had an amazing experience. The wine selection was extraordinary, the navigation in the ocean made me want to be a sailor, the crew was gentle and knowledgeable. The hours spent flew by and the scenery with wine and cheese couldn’t be better. Thank you for making our Halifax visit so joyful.” – Olga S. 

• Tour Length – 2 hours 30 minutes 

4. Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise

⭐5/5 (150+ Reviews)

The tall ship Silva is an imposing 130-foot (40m) schooner, but it looks even more impressive when you’re a passenger on board.

On this boat tour, you’ll enjoy sailing on one of the most beautiful boats in the harbor and learn all about the rice maritime history of Halifax. The tour sails near many local points of interest, including Harbour Bridge, Fort George, McNab’s Island, and Point Pleasant Park. 

Towards the end of the tour, there is an optional part where you can join the crew manning the sails, tying knots, or even taking a turn at the helm. This is particularly fun for families with young children! 

The tour does have a lot of people, but since the ship is so large, it rarely feels overcrowded. There’s plenty of room to find a spot and enjoy the boat tour!  

“The young tour guide was great. The weather was beautiful. The wind and seas were calm. An exciting way to spend a couple of hours viewing the Halifax Harbour.” – Alvin B.

• Group Size – 72 people max

5. Private Luxury Catamaran Sail from Downtown Halifax

⭐4.5/5 (15+ Reviews)

Do you have a large group of friends or family looking for a private sailing tour? You can book as a couple and join the tour, or reserve the entire luxury catamaran for your group! 

This catamaran is the newest boat in J Farwell Sailing Tour’s huge fleet.

It’s a luxurious, comfortable boat with catamaran nets suspended over the water, comfortable indoor seating, and lots of space to lounge. Guests can even sit at the stern and watch the captain navigate the boat!

This boat comes complete with Bluetooth speakers (so you can play your own music), an open-concept living room, a full bar, a kitchen, and a washroom.

Then, if you want to customize your private boat tour in Halifax even more, you can request to extend the sailing time or add to the number of guests on board (they can accommodate up to 26 people).

“We had a wonderful experience from the time of booking to docking! The crew were kind, helpful, funny, entertaining, engaging and made our group of ladies feel like queens! The boat is absolutely beautiful, and the views of Halifax at night were lovely. We enjoyed every minute!” – Autumn S. 

Important Info:  

• Group Size – private charter, 12 people 

6. Moonlight Yacht Cruise from Halifax Waterfront

⭐5/5 (15+ Reviews)

If you want a relaxing cruise showing you the Halifax skyline in a brand new light, this boat tour is for you! 

This Moonlight Yacht Tour set sail late in the evening to take full advantage of the dark sky to view the glowing moon and stars, plus Halifax’s dazzling skyline. 

It’s one of the few moonlight boat cruises in Halifax, creating a unique experience you can share with your friends or family. 

The boat tour includes a calm atmosphere, soft music, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase on board. There’s also plenty of room on board because it’s a small group tour (12 people max.)

Note: This tour is for ages 19+.

“A very enjoyable evening! Would highly recommend! Halifax at moonlight is delightful! We met some very interesting people. And our tour guides were very informative.” – Elizabeth B. 

7. Private Sunset Luxury Catamaran Sail in Halifax

⭐5/5 (5+ Reviews)

If you’re looking for a luxury private boat tour, this catamaran could be the perfect option for you and your friends. 

After booking the tour, the luxurious catamaran is yours for the duration of the cruise. Allow your captain to sail you through the golden light as you make your way through the northwest arm of Halifax to view the sunset.

Go ahead and relax with a view of the Halifax skyline. There’s plenty of space to sit, but the crowd favorite is the classic catamaran nets at the rear! 

This private sailing departs at 7 PM and can accommodate up to 12 people. IT typically lasts 2 hours, but you can add more time for an extra fee!

“Captain Tim and the crew Karina and Hannah were amazing. Delightfully evening with plenty to see. Highly recommend this tour.” – Tripadvisor

• Tour Length – 2 hours

8. Morning Family Sailing Experience in Halifax

⭐5/5 (25+ Reviews)

This boat tour in Halifax caters to families traveling to Halifax and want to go sailing together. It starts first thing in the morning (around 10 AM) and uses a 45’ wind-powered vessel!

The kids will learn so much from the crew on board, including gybing, tacking, setting the course, and turning the winches. The team works hard to make it a quality educational opportunity for everyone on board! 

The captain will even provide each child with an Official Crew Member Certificate!

But don’t worry, this is an excellent tour for big kids, too (ahem, adults)!

There’s plenty of space to spread out and feel like you have your own space, even when a couple of families are on board, and reviews praise the team for giving personal care to each passenger.

If your kids love spending time on a boat, another memorable experience for families in Halifax is going whale watching!

“Kind, knowledgeable and fun staff. Clean, well maintained boat. Children friendly! All ages fun! I would recommend to anyone.” – Laurie S. 

9. Tidal Bay Wine & Cheese Yacht Sail

This wine & cheese yacht sailing tour is excellent for people who want to sample locally-made wine and learn about each local wine’s history and cultural significance.

You will learn about how the sea has shaped the region and how that influences the climate in which the grapes are grown and their taste.

Then, the guides will bring you a sample of wines from the Tidal Bay Area, along with some cheese and meat pairings. 

This Halifax boat tour takes place late in the afternoon and, like most sunset cruises in Halifax, sails around the along the Northwest Arm. 

Note: You must be 19 years of age to consume wine.

“Wonderful experience. Wonderful 2 hours. Got to see loads of houses. Great night. Wonderful cheese and wine. Beautiful sail.” – Robert W. 

• Tour Length – 2 hours 

10. Halifax Harbour Tour

⭐5/5 (50+ Reviews)

Wondering if there are any good tours for budget-conscious travelers? 

This Halifax Harbour Tour is not only affordable, but it’s also eco-friendly.

This unique tour takes place on a small, electric-powered boat. That means there’s no noise, fumes, or exhaust from the boat, which makes it super peaceful and helps the environment! 

Once you climb on board, you’ll get a lovely 60-minute cruise around Halifax Harbor and a passionate guide to show you around the waters.

“We had a beautiful experience with Halifax Harbour Tours. The tour guides are very lovely people and were very informative. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Halifax.” – TripAdvisor.

• Group Size – small group
• Tour Length – 1 hour
• Cancellation Policy – Nonrefundable
• Tour Operator – Halifax Harbour Tours

Conclusion: Should You Book a Halifax Boat Tour?

Halifax’s Harbor is one of the most iconic parts of the Canadian city, and getting the chance to learn more about it and explore the coastline by boat is one of the best things to add to your itinerary in Halifax.

While there isn’t a bad tour on the list, here are my top picks!

Best Boat Tour for Solo Travelers – Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise Best Boat Tour for Couples – Sunset Wine & Cheese Yacht Tour Best Boat Tour for Families – Morning Family Sailing Experience Best Boat Tour for Friends – Adventure Yacht Sailing Boat Tour

I hope this helps you decide on the best tour for your travel preferences and budget. I absolutely loved getting out on the water in Halifax, and I hope you do too! 

Don’t forget to do your research for the best areas to stay in Halifax (you might even find a few hotels with waterslides !). 

Read More About Nova Scotia:

• 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax: Should You Move to Nova Scotia
• 51 Fun Things to do in Halifax: The Best Activities You Won’t Want to Miss!
• 7 Best Whale Watching Halifax Tours: Where to See Whales in Nova Scotia
• 3 Best Halifax Hotels with Waterslides
• 10 Best Peggy’s Cove Tours
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• Where to Stay in Halifax: 17 Best Hotels

Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑  Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES!  — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧 Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes  — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨  Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes  — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. ( Read more )

📲  Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe  — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩  What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com . For hostels, I use Hostel World . If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️  What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend  Skyscanner .

🎫  Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not  — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do ( check here! ). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.

Want to move abroad, but don’t know how to start?

Get an expert’s tips & tricks, pick which country to move to – and do it.

The #1 Boat Tour in Halifax, Nova Scotia!

All aboard halifax's most popular boat tour – the harbour hopper tour - a fun, fast-paced adventure by land and sea.

Your journey begins on land where the Harbour Hopper makes its way along the hilly, winding roads of Halifax.

You'll make the trek way up to see the city from its highest traversable point - the top of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Head down to the water's edge and SPLASH into the Halifax Harbour! Your driver is now your Captain and there’s more to explore and much to see!

Are you ready to experience the Harbour Hopper Tour?

It was a great fun time. I totally loved it. Thanks to the captain & host of the harbour hopper. I will surely recommend this activity to everyone who wants to know Halifax and wants to enjoy land & ocean at same time.

Both the driver and the tour guide were amazing ... it was great experience to find out lots of information about this amazing city in such a fun way!

I took my 5 year old grandson and he thoroughly enjoyed the day. Our tour guide Alex was lovely and had a great way of telling the story of Halifax. I’d recommend it to anyone.

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murphys on the water - Ambassatours Gray Line

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murphys on the water

we have been on all the tours and enjoyed every one of them we even enjoyed the restaurant and the gift shop

Hi Natalie, Thank you for your review and choosing Murphy's to eat, shop and play! We're so glad you had a nice time and appreciate your positive comments. We hope you have a wonderful time in Halifax :) Thank you, Jessica [email protected]

When I booked my boat tour online there was some confusion that caused me to end up with a tour that was different than what I thought. I contacted a supervisor at Murphy's who went above and beyond the call of duty to resolve the issue and to make sure I was satisfied. Thanks! The tour I ended up with was to view the Tall Ships on the Summer Bay. The tour was excellent with a great view of all the ships knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended!

Hi Chris, Thank you for your review. We're so glad you had a nice time aboard the Summer Bay for the beautiful Tall Ships! We appreciate you taking the time to write your review. It is very important to us that you're satisfied with your cruise and overall experience :) Have a wonderful summer and hope to see you again sometime! Jessica [email protected]

Staff were very friendly and polite, boat was clean with ample room for all the price was reasonable for a one hour tour. Our biggest complaint was the very minimal narration. Halifax has a long naval history which was never mentioned. The harbour is very active. This also got a pass in the commentary. Several of the tall ships were explained as expected but there were long lapses without any commentary that could have been filled with interesting facts about this very famous harbour.

Hi lgmadams0n, Thank you for your review. We're glad you had a nice time aboard the Harbour Queen for the Tall Ships! We're sorry you felt the commentary wasn't enough. We ensured to provide information on the Tall Ships while we passed them, but perhaps it was a good opportunity to include more - thank you for your suggestion :) We feel sometimes it's nice to break so people are able to talk amongst themselves while cruising the harbour. We hope you have a nice summer, Jessica [email protected]

Overall it was reasonable value and a good intro to Halifax for the two teens I had with me. There were mechanical problems which meant we stayed on board for almost an extra hour but they took us out to the harbour a second time. I wasn't really impressed with the guide. While he was friendly enough, he needs to learn the difference between "Confederation" and the "Confederacy". Definitely not the same thing!. Also, given the harbour portion of the trip, please learn the difference between a boat, ship and battleship. Sorry, but as a former naval officer, the little things bother me. There were a few other cringe-worthy comments but those ones stood out.

Hi Bill C, Thank you for your review. We're very sorry about the mechanical problems on the Harbour Hopper, as well as the inconvenience of the wait - we understand that would have been both unexpected and frustrating. Once up and moving again, we're glad you ended up had a good time on the vessel. Thank you for your patience. We appreciate your comments and are sorry if there was a mix-up communicating information to guests. I will ensure to pass the word along. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your stay in Halifax. Have a lovely summer, Jessica [email protected]

We booked a tour on the Silva in June and were informed then the cruise would be around Halifax Harbor when the Tall Ships were in and there would be Narrative about each vessel as we passed them, Paid good money for a trip up Northwest Arm with no commentary and no sails. This turned out to be a booze cruise that the distillers of the cheap booze should have paid for. Really Unhappy. Took our money with poor results.

Hi wilschrl, Thank you for your review. We are sorry your Tall Ship Silva experience was not what you'd expected. Due to the size of the Silva, we are unable to hoist the sails in the Northwest Arm. We understand your disappointment. If you'd like to discuss further, please contact me directly at [email protected]. Thank you and have a nice day, Jessica

My husband and I went on the fireworks cruise during tall ships festival, and it was amazing. This was not our first Murphy's cruise, we've done the harbour hopper and whale watching tours also. We've never been disappointed. Would recommend giving yourself lots of time to find parking as some of the lot is under construction.

Hi Shanna, Thank you very much for your review. We're so glad you were able to join us for the Tall Ships Fireworks Cruise - they were truly beautiful! We appreciate you kind words and you're welcome back anytime :) Have a lovely summer, Jessica [email protected]

Murphy's on the Water

Nova scotia.

• Things To Do Guide
• Description
• Address and Contact

1751 Lower Water St Halifax NS -

Phone Number: 19024201015 Website: www.mtcw.ca/tour-schedule

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Our Calling

That is our success., when someone comes back to dock with an uncontrollable smile,.

Jeff Farwell, former co-owner of Ambassatours Gray Line & Murphy's on the Water, made a lifestyle change in 2017. His knowledge of the tourism industry and shifting needs of the customer led him to invest in an authentic sailing product for the Halifax waterfront. He chose a 45' Beneteau Oceanis sailing yacht, the J Farwell, that is modern, luxurious and so much fun to sail. With the help of a talented deck crew, Jeff ran the company solo for four years.

To facilitate the company’s continued growth, Jeff welcomed Sarah Godin as equity partner and President in 2021. Together, they have over 30 years' experience in tourism management in Nova Scotia.

“I admired Sarah’s deep dedication to, and passion for, creating premium guest experiences back in 2013 when, as Owner and CEO of Murphy’s, I hired her for marketing,” said Farwell, “Nine years later, Sarah has become one of the country’s top tour innovators – we’re delighted to be working together again during this exciting time in our company’s evolution.”

In their first year, Jeff and Sarah were proud to earn the spot as Trip Advisor's #1 boat tour in Halifax.  "We are so proud that our brand has become synonymous with adventure, quality and luxury. We were no longer able to meet the demands for those sailing experiences with our flagship yacht, so we knew it was the right time to bring the another sailing experience to Halifax," said Farwell.

The team  expanded  the fleet by welcoming a 50' Catamaran, the Reverie, to the Halifax waterfront. They also constructed  a new solar powered sea container for the waterfront as the new base for reservations, began a  partnership to sell Gill Marine clothing, and  Sarah ended the year by also becoming a Transport Canada Certified <60T Captain - making each owner a true operator!

They added a second monohull, Beneteau Oceanis 45', the JFarwell II. They were awarded two National  awards  by TripAdvisor, Top 10 Experiences for Outdoors and Top 10 Experiences for Food & Wine Experiences.

They are now rated the #1 experience in six TripAdvisor categories for Halifax, and continue to focus on their  sole purpose - to share their love of being on the water with others. They 

J Farwell Sailing values social, environmental and economic sustainability, and strive for our business operations to balance the three.

We commit to...

investing in our crew's personal and professional development through mentorship.

creating a culture where employees and customers know they are safe, valued, and able to be themselves.

supporting the growth and wellbeing of our community by removing barriers to access sailing.

reducing use of fossil fuels by leveraging wind and solar power at every opportunity.

• Shore Excursions

Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise

Your visit to Halifax will simply not be complete without experiencing a scenic sailing cruise on the world's second-largest natural harbour – the Halifax Harbour. Join us aboard Halifax’s signature ship, the Tall Ship Silva, for local, live music and to see the sights, city, and coastline, from a unique perspective. While on board our historic, three-masted schooner, you’ll see some of Halifax’s most well-known landmarks including Georges Island National Historic Site, the Historic Properties, the vibrant waterfront, and the scenic Northwest Arm. If conditions are favourable, you’ll be invited to join the crew in raising the sails – this is especially fun for the little ones. So come, relax, refresh with a beverage or two from the onboard bar, and enjoy your leisurely sailing cruise on the water.

2-hour cruise Live Entertainment Halifax Highlights Honorary Crew Activity & Certificate

Bucket of 5 Cans of Beer- Coldstream Nova Scotia Light: $37+HST Easy Drinking, Brilliantly Clear, Crisp & Smooth, Always Refreshing Five 355ml cans served in a bucket with ice ‍ Bucket of 5 Cans of Beer- Coldstream Nova Scotia Lager: $37+HST ‍ Easy Drinking, Brilliantly Clear, Crisp & Smooth, Always Refreshing Five 355ml cans served in a bucket with ice

Daily, 4pm-6pm, June 3 - September 30, 2024. Saturday & Sunday, 4-6pm, October 5 - October 6, 2024.

Booking the Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise? Consider the Halifax Experience Pass! The pass includes the Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise plus 12 other experiences and deals on meals! Click here to learn more.

Adult: $45 Youth (10-15): $29.50 Child (5-9): $21 Child (0-4): FREE Family Rate*: $111.40 Additional Child for Family Rate (with purchase of family ticket): $18.50 *Family Rate is for 2 adults & 2 children under the age of 15​

Unless otherwise noted on your ticket, this tour departs from the Cable Wharf , 1751 Lower Water Street, Halifax

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Harbour Hopper Tours

All aboard Halifax's most popular boat tour – the Harbour HopperTour - a fun, fast-paced adventure by land and sea!

Halifax Sunset Cruise

Experience golden hour, that magical time of night when the sun makes its way below the horizon, on the Halifax Sunset Cruise aboard our signature ship, the Tall Ship Silva.

Peggy's Cove Tour

Of the over 160 historic lighthouses located across the province of Nova Scotia, none is more well-known, most visited, and likely most photographed than Peggy's Point Lighthouse.