Whale Watching Newfoundland
Newfoundland Whale Watching
Pictures & Info
“7:00 am – Saw whales close to our shore. What a treat.”
Ottawa, Ontario
“We watched whales from the window and had dinner by the sunset!
Thank You.”
New York City, NY USA
“Beautiful! We were greeted by whales and the smell of the salt water –
Thank you!”
Iqaluit, Nunavut”
A very relaxing holiday. Enjoyed seeing the whales from the lovely deck.”
Gloucester, United Kingdom
Newfoundland whales are migratory mammals that travel to warmer southern waters in winter in order to breed and calve before returning to our cooler northern waters for feeding in spring, summer and fall (usually between April and October).
We are all very fortunate that many of these great migratory whales consider Bonavista Bay their summer home, returning each year to feed and play just off the shoreline. Our authentic replica Newfoundland Cottages offer a private oceanfront setting where the playful whales can be viewed from every window inside or from the private large wooden balcony outside.
Each year, nearly 5,000 humpback whales return to our Newfoundland waters but there are numerous other species of whales and dolphins that visit and are visible from our Newfoundland cottages. It is not uncommon for Elizabeth J. Cottages’ guests to enjoy watching Newfoundland whales, icebergs and Atlantic Puffins from the comfort of the Luxury Newfoundland Cottages.
Some of the whale and dolphin species that visit our shoreline include;
Baleen Whales – including the Blue Whale, Humpback, Minke and Fin Whale
Toothed Whales – including the Orca (or Killer) Whale, Pilot Whale, Sperm Whale and Beluga
Dolphins & Porpoises – including the Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin and the Harbour Porpoise
Best Times for Viewings
Everything depends on Mother Nature of course, but the optimal times to visit in order to catch the whales (as well as icebergs and puffins) are as follows;
Whales & Dolphins
Arrive in Bonavista Newfoundland area usually around the 16th of May
Leave around the 16th of October
Atlantic Puffins
Arrive around the 2nd week of May
Leave around the 1st week of September
Icebergs
Arrive around the 1st week of May
You can sometimes still see icebergs as late as the 2nd week of July
Newfoundland Whale Watching Photos
There simply is no better place to enjoy whale watching in Newfoundland than right here in Bonavista.
It is truly an amazing sight to see majestic humpback whales that are 50+ feet long and 400 tons “flipper slapping” the water with their barnacled flippers or standing nose down with their tails straight up in the air just before a dive. We’ve even seen humpback whales breach (jump or fly) their massive bodies right up out of the water; what a spectacular unforgettable sight and sound! Here are a few photos from our Newfoundland whale watching tour.
Click on Images to Enlarge
 Nose down…tail straight up.The enormous tail is the last part of the whale that usually shows just before a dive. |
 The recognizable bump of the Humpback Whale just as he’s going back under. |
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The same humpback whale just swimming beside us, demonstrating the relaxing poses of Mother Nature’s beloved children. |
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 From the Zodiac, Glenn and I watched as the whales came right up to the boat and went under us – unbelievable how they did not make a sound or a ripple under our boat. |
 Look to the mist on the left of the whale and see the whale blowing from its blow hole. |
 Grasp the strength and magnificence of this whale tail – so very powerful. |
 If you look through the water spray you will see a whale floating (look straight at the horizon) – they play and show off – it is wonderful to be that close to them on their level. |
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The “white spot” just behind the eye of the Killer Whale is one of Orca’s most distinguishing features. |
Picture perfect, this gigantic tail glistens in the setting sun before disappearing below the water. |
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Whale Off to Feed |
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Newfoundland Whale Watching Tours
Along with Newfoundland Icebergs and Newfoundland’s bird, the Atlantic Puffin, many of our Newfoundland whales are common to our inshore waters between April and October and can be viewed from the comfort of the cottage, private deck or beach.
To truly feel the majestic presence of these mystical, magical creatures we highly recommend that our cottage guests book a whale watching tour with one of the excellent local Newfoundland whale watching tour companies. You will treasure spending even a few precious moments with these very intelligent “gentle giants”.
Glenn and I personally took the zodiac boat tour, which was a remarkable and unforgettable experience. We felt as if the whales knew all of us on the boat, especially when they glide effortlessly (all 400 tons) under the boat without a bump or movement in our boat! We truly felt that the whales enjoyed our company and understood that we respect and would not harm them.
Whale Watching Tour Companies
We highly recommend our local Newfoundland whale watching tour companies, which offer similar, yet very different and excellent whale watching tours including:
Sea of Whales Adventures – Newfoundland Whale Watching Tours
- Kris and Shawna Prince own “Sea of Whales Adventures” and specialize in taking people out in their Zodiac to “watch these gentle giants feed, and migrate through the Bonavista Peninsula.” As well, Kris and Shawna love to point out all the additional wildlife that is in the area. Visit Kris and Shawna’s website at http://www.seaofwhales.com/
Book Your Self-Catered Newfoundland Cottage Now!
I invite you to visit eastern Newfoundland and stay in my luxury self-catered cottages; a place to “rest your mind and renew your soul“, as one of our clients so eloquently stated.
Come listen to the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean, smell the salty air and enjoy passing icebergs, puffins and whale watching in Newfoundland; either from the comfort of the cottage or as part of a Newfoundland whale watching tour.
Call Toll Free 1-866-468-5035 anytime or Email Newfoundland Cottages to book one of our two authentic replica Newfoundland cottages in Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
“We really enjoyed every aspect of our stay.
The view and the whales that were frolicking in the bay were awesome.
We will recommend this to all of our friends. Thanks Elizabeth J.”
(Ardrossan, Alberta)
Read More Client Testimonials
Other Newfoundland Attractions
View Newfoundland Cottage Pictures
Elizabeth J. Cottages have received excellent reviews from visiting anonymous travel writers from the following famous travel books and magazines;
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- Frommer’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th Editions
- The Globe & Mail (rates our cottages as 1 of the Top 11 Destinations in the World!)
- Rough Guide
- Canada Select (rates our self-catered cottages 4 ½ stars!)
- Moon Handbooks Atlantic Canada
