sea watch tours grand manan

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• Puffin Tour
• Whale & Seabird Tour

New Brunswick Puffin & Whale Tours

Seawatch Tours offers unforgettable experiences of whale watching, puffin sightings, and coastal adventures in the beautiful Bay of Fundy.

• June 25 – July 31
• 5.5 hrs approx
• July 3 – September 30
• 4 to 5.5 hrs approx

Join us for a thrilling adventure: Whales, Puffins & Seal Island Tours!

Are you looking for a fun way to spend the day? Come join us for an unforgettable experience with our whales and sea birds excursions and our Puffins & Machias Seal Island tours!

Experience the refreshing salt air, soak up the sun, and catch sight of countless whales. With “more whales, more often” in New Brunswick, we don’t want you to miss out on any sightings.

Our vessel is all about casual vibes, with tons of one-on-one contact between you and Captain Alec and first mate and crew. They will be there to provide exciting info, courteous service, and answer all your questions. Get ready for the smell of salt air and sunshine, too many whale sightings than you can count and the many different types of sea birds, including Puffins. Don’t miss out on this amazing adventure!

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Sea Watch Tours

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2476 Route 776

Grand Manan, NB E5G 4H4

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Fabulous day out on the water... Although we took the whale watching tour a little bit early in the season, there was plenty to see. I imagine this ride would have been amazing for a birder - but I just found it really cool to see puffins floating on the water, and different birds soaring above - with the first mate naming each as they passed. For the whales... well, it took a little bit of time to find them, but once the captain and mate did - the experience was breathtaking. I've been on whale watches before - out of Boston, Gloucester, and P-town - but I don't remember feeling this close to the majestic creatures. A humpback calf entertained us (it really seemed to want to show off!!) with breaches and jumps and swimming under the boat. I'm no marine biologist, but this outfit really seemed to respect the whales' space too. Engines off when we were close... instructions to softly cross the boat when needed as stomping will scare them... and if there were other boats coming in to the space (rare) - this boat kept a distance, and/or departed for another spot. First mate Durlan (? sorry, bad with names) was very knowledgeable about the whales and the birds and took great pics. Had nothing but respect for the captain - he seemed perfect for the job. I happened to be able to spend some time with another employee of the outfit - just along for the ride and to take some camera shots. Jenn works part time in the office, but was a great ambassador for the tours. I learned tons about the birds and whales... and Grand Manan. Whether in awe (and yes, crying) at the actions of these noble creatures, or listening intently to the birding banter between other passengers.... to say that it was an enjoyable outing would certainly be an understatement.

calf breaching

Peter and Durlan are super professional and awesome tour guides. You won't be disappointed. I highly recommend their services when visiting Grand Manan Island

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Sea Watch Tours

Join us aboard for an unforgettable tour to see the whales of the bay with the province’s longest-operating boat tour, and the only one to guarantee whales sightings or your tour is free! Enjoy comfortable bench seating and room to get up and move around. Feel free to visit the wheelhouse and talk to the captain, and ask all your whale and bird questions to our knowledgeable guide. We also offer tours to Machias Seal Island to view puffins from the boat or from enclosed blinds on the island.

Listing Information

THIS IS NEW BRUNSWICK

Grand Manan Whale Watching

newbrunswick

May 19, 2023

Grand Manan, located in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

One of the most captivating experiences the island offers is whale watching. With its diverse marine ecosystem and prime location, Grand Manan provides a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close. Let’s dive into the thrill of Grand Manan whale watching, highlighting the best spots, recommended tour operators, and the mesmerizing marine life that awaits.

If you’re visiting New Brunswick, check out our post on whale watching in New Brunswick .

The Rich Marine Environment of Grand Manan

Grand Manan sits in the heart of the Bay of Fundy, renowned for its rich biodiversity and vibrant marine life. The bay’s powerful tides create a feeding ground for various species, including whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Its unique underwater topography supports an abundance of marine organisms, making it an ideal habitat for these magnificent creatures.

Best Time for Grand ManaWhale Watching

The best time for whale watching in Grand Manan is during the summer months, from June to September. This is when several whale species migrate to the bay in search of food. Humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, and even the endangered North Atlantic right whales can often be spotted during this period. The weather is generally favorable, enhancing the overall experience.

Recommended Grand Manan Whale Watching Tour Operators

Sea watch tours.

Sea Watch Tours is a reputable and experienced whale watching tour operator on Grand Manan. Their knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary throughout the tour, enriching your understanding of the marine ecosystem and the whales you encounter. They offer various tour options, including half-day and full-day excursions, ensuring flexibility to suit different preferences. Sea Watch Tours prioritizes responsible whale watching practices and conservation efforts. Their vessels are equipped with hydrophones, allowing you to listen to the enchanting songs of the whales.

Island Cruises

Island Cruises is another highly regarded whale watching tour operator in Grand Manan. Their experienced captains and crew members are passionate about the local marine environment and its inhabitants. Island Cruises offers a range of tour options, from shorter trips to extended excursions, providing opportunities to witness the diverse marine life in the Bay of Fundy. Their tours are informative and engaging, with knowledgeable guides sharing fascinating insights about the whales and other wildlife you may encounter. The company focuses on providing a memorable and educational experience while prioritizing the well-being of the marine creatures.

Fundy Tide Runners

Fundy Tide Runners is a well-established whale watching company with a strong commitment to responsible wildlife viewing. Their experienced naturalist guides offer informative commentary, ensuring an educational and immersive tour experience. Fundy Tide Runners operates small-group tours, allowing for a more intimate and personalized encounter with the marine life. They offer half-day and full-day tours, providing ample time to explore the waters and search for various whale species. With a focus on conservation and ethical practices, Fundy Tide Runners strives to foster a deep appreciation for the marine ecosystem.

Other Marine Life Encounters

While whales steal the show, Grand Manan’s waters are also home to other fascinating marine creatures. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins leaping through the waves or curious seals popping their heads out of the water. Seabirds like puffins, gannets, and shearwaters grace the skies, adding to the vibrant tapestry of the marine environment.

Responsible Whale Watching

Responsible whale watching is crucial to preserving the fragile marine ecosystem. It is important to choose tour operators who prioritize the well-being and conservation of these magnificent creatures. Follow guidelines provided by the operators, maintain a respectful distance, and avoid any actions that may disturb the animals or their habitat.

Can you see puffins on Grand Manan?

Yes, you can see puffins on Grand Manan . The island is home to several puffin colonies, including Machias Seal Island, which is known for its large puffin population. Visitors can take boat tours or join guided excursions to observe these adorable seabirds up close. Puffin sightings are most common during the summer months when they breed and raise their chicks.

Is it OK to go whale watching?

Yes, whale watching is a popular and enjoyable activity that allows you to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. However, it is important to choose responsible and reputable tour operators who prioritize the well-being and conservation of the whales. Follow the guidelines provided by the operators, maintain a respectful distance from the animals, and avoid any actions that may disturb them or their environment. By practicing responsible whale watching, you can have a memorable experience while ensuring the welfare of the whales.

When can you see whales in Bay of Fundy?

Whales can be seen in the Bay of Fundy from June to October. This period coincides with the prime feeding and migration season for many whale species. Humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, and the endangered North Atlantic right whales are among the species commonly observed in the bay. The exact timing of their presence may vary each year, so it is recommended to check with local tour operators or visit during the peak summer months for the best chances of whale sightings.

How much is whale watching in Nova Scotia?

Whale watching prices in Nova Scotia can vary depending on the specific tour operator, tour duration, and additional services provided. On average, expect to pay around $50 to $100 CAD per person for a standard whale watching tour. Some operators may offer longer or more specialized tours at higher price points. It is advisable to check with individual tour companies or visit their websites for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

Making the Most of Whale Watching on Grand Manan Island

Grand Manan’s whale watching experience is a captivating journey into the mesmerizing world of marine giants. The island’s pristine waters, diverse marine life, and responsible tour operators create a perfect environment for an unforgettable adventure. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of these majestic creatures and leave with a deeper understanding of the importance of marine conservation. Plan your trip to Grand Manan and embark on a whale watching excursion that will create memories to last a lifetime. If you’re visiting, check out our post on where to stay on Grand Manan Island .

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Sea Watch Tours

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SEA WATCH TOURS (Grand Manan) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

GRAND MANAN, NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA

Whale & seabird watching, scenic boat tours & kayaking.

The mouth of the Bay of Fundy, including the Fundy Isles, is a haven to a variety of whales, seals and seabirds. Attracted by schools of fish and zooplankton moving into the Bay, they find a natural habitat for nursing their young, courtship, mating and nesting. Finback, humpback, minke, and the rare North Atlantic right whales, harbour porpoises, white-sided and white beaked dolphins, harbour and grey seals abound around Grand Manan, as well as many species of coastal and pelagic (those that live on the ocean except to nest) seabirds. Even some large sharks and fish are sometimes seen such as basking sharks, bluefin tuna, and ocean sunfish. Marine wildlife watching starts when you board the ferry in Blacks Harbour. The ferry route crosses one of the feeding areas for marine mammals and seabirds in the Bay of Fundy. Harbour porpoises, and occasionally Atlantic white-sided dolphins, can be seen from the ferry as well as large whales. It is also possible to watch from lookouts on shore since Grand Manan Island creates complex oceanography which concentrates prey in certain areas (the lighthouses are situated overlooking many of these locations).

The Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station

A great, little marine natural history museum will inform and delight curious minds. Our displays include whales, seals, seabirds, fish, sharks and invertebrates with additional information on how whales survive in the oceans and some hands-on displays for busy hands. We also highlight the endangered right whale and conservation efforts to protect them while in the Bay of Fundy, and our unique Harbour Porpoise Release Program, helping herring weir operators safely release entrapped porpoises and other large marine animals.

Adventure High Inc.

We offer guided kayak tours, ranging from 2 hours to 5 days. Explore the coastline by sea kayak! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Adventure High’s qualified guides will teach you the basic strokes and make sure you enjoy a safe and comfortable trip. Whether you have only a couple hours or a week, whether you're planning an island getaway, pursuing a new paddling skill, or seeking a relaxing trip with the family, we have a tour for you! Adventure High guarantees you a memorable experience that will keep you coming back for more. Dates of Operation: May – October

Lambert Family Adventures

Welcome to the fabulous surroundings of Grand Manan! Together we’ll explore what Mother Nature has to share. Our unique tours happen several times each day from the beginning of July to the end of October. Our safe and friendly boat is great for individuals, couples and families! There’s a vast array of experiences here waiting for you!

Island Bound Charters

Captain Russell Ingalls has been carrying passengers for over 20 years. We offer guided tours to Kent Island, which is an exclusive chance to see the Leach’s Storm-Petrel in its burrow. On chumming trips you’ll see pelagic birds and marine life, including whales. We also offer boat tours around Grand Manan Island, where you’ll see the island from a unique perspective. Our private charters let you see all there is to see in a more relaxed and personal setting.

Little Beaver Marine Tours

• Whale watching; • Island tours; • Bird watching; • Fishing. Call or email to book an adventure.

Sea Watch Tours

Captain Peter Wilcox, along with his wife, Kenda, own and operate “Sea Watch Tours”. He is a native Grand Mananer whose ancestors arrived from New England during the American Revolution. He’s a proud islander who has served in local politics for the past eight years. After travelling to the mainland where he secured two college degrees, he returned to his island to pursue his love of the sea. Aside from lobster fishing for over 30 years, he has invested 40 years with the tourism industry on Grand Manan. His knowledge of the sea and the island lifestyle helps to make your excursion with Sea Watch Tours a memorable one.

The Whale Camp at The Fundy Marine Science Institute was established in 1984. The Whale Camp’s marine science program has had an exceptional experiential impact on hundreds of students ages ten to seventeen. The Whale Camp’s hands-on programming and vibrantly personal experiences brings students face-to-face to study whales, porpoises, seals, puffins and numerous other marine and avian species in their own natural habitat. These experiences have proven to be both life-affirming and life-changing, igniting and inspiring a passionate curiosity to learn more about our oceans’ and planet’s life processes.

Top of the Island Boat Tours

Providing daily tours from North Head, Grand Manan. Experience weir fishing, breathtaking cliffs, natural wonders, and whale watching. Also, sunset tours, weather permitting. Charter tours available upon request.

Captain Stephen Robinson

Whales-n-Sails Adventures

See Finback whales, Humpback whales, Minke whales and endangered Northern right whales. But it’s more than whales – feel the clean, quiet power of the wind as it fills the sails. You’re sailing with the whales, just like you’re part of the pod! Our 18-m (64-ft.) long sailing yacht is Canadian Coast Guard certified for your safety and comfort. It’s great for all ages! Our Marine Biologist Laurie Murison, a leading authority on the Bay of Fundy since 1982, leads discussions and demonstrations about the whales and sea life you will see. Birdwatchers will be thrilled with all of the seabirds. Grand Manan Island… The whales call it “Home”! You’ll call it the “Best Vacation Ever”!

RESOURCES: Sealife

Seals and Whales– Download PDF

Weirs and Herring– Download PDF

Sharks and Allies– Download PDF

Fishing– Download PDF

Seaweeds– Download PDF

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Sea Watch Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Sea Watch Tours

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Sea Watch Tours is the longest running eco-tour in the Province of New Brunswick, since 1969. Whales are guaranteed or the tour is free. Located on Grand Manan Island, in the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world. The Bay of Fundy was a f

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SEA WATCH TOURS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Sea Watch Tours - All You MUST Know BEFORE You Go (2024)