Planning the Best Iceberg Tour in Newfoundland
Are you interested in viewing icebergs up close and personal rather than standing on the coastline? Are you interested in feeling the cold air of these massive icebergs as they drift through our Newfoundland waters?
If you have answered yes to the questions above, Newfoundland is for you! Newfoundland is your place of choice to view these massive icebergs. Trinity Eco-Tours will give you an unforgettable holiday that includes scenery, wildlife, culture and a great sense of adventure.
I have lived here all my life and it still excites me to go on the water every trip not just every day but up to three times a day. As a matter of fact, we have been seeing whales and icebergs together for the past several years, how can you beat that?
Many individuals think that to receive an unforgettable experience with Icebergs and Whales you would have to go to Alaska. Well, that is not the case. I have taken many guests from Alaska, on our Newfoundland iceberg tours, who have sung the accolades of Newfoundland for their iceberg/whale experience. Early in the spring, they may even have the opportunity to meet our favourite whale, Finnegan.
Our iceberg tours are done out of Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. Trinity Bay is about as far away from Disneyland as you can get. On our iceberg tours and whale watching tours, you are one in a million instead of one of a million. When you view an iceberg from one of our Zodiacs, it is a breathtaking experience to be so close to the water looking up at a large pinnacled or drydock iceberg.
So, what is the formula to success to ensure that you see these massive icebergs while in Newfoundland? Here is what I recommend:
Do not depend upon one area to fulfill all of your iceberg dreams. Book at least two or three different areas where icebergs are well known. For instance on the west coast of the province, St. Anthony is a great place to view icebergs later in the season. There has a tendency to be a high amount of pack ice early in the season, which may block the icebergs in. However, you should also consult other resources like IcebergFinder.com or the Iceberg Alley App.
If you are on the Great Northern Peninsula then the North Central and Central Coast may have icebergs to follow. You may want to book in Change Islands/Twillingate area. If launching from the East Coast all along the Northeast Coast of the Avalon Peninsula can be a potential viewing area. St. John’s has several Whale Watch/Iceberg Tours. Therefore you may want to include Trinity/Bonavista as a jumpoff point for iceberg exploration.
Weather can foil your exploration plans. If you only a lot one day in a particular place then fog or weather can prevent you from having your iceberg encounter before you have to move on. Take a two-pronged approach to your visit; early in the season be flexible in your travel plans and be ready to move on to another place on short notice! Traveling on a whim is hard for some travelers but early in the season, you may be able to negotiate better rates and take advantage of the shoulder season when there is lots of space and availability. An added benefit is that you can also be on a tour that is very small and personal like Bonnie and Shelley below.
Get the information upfront. Follow the Iceberg Finder website that identifies icebergs with pictures on google maps. You can get dates of sightings, pictures of the iceberg and the route to follow to get there.
Another great resource is the Iceberg Alley App. It also gives sightings, pictures, and locations of icebergs, whales, and wildlife. Download it on your phone and have access while you travel to the latest pictures and locations to find the icebergs you are after.
We also post daily photos and videos in season showing our icebergs, whales, seabirds and wildlife to our Facebook page. Sometimes we have drone footage and other interesting events like Finnegan the Friendly Humpback whale, who we met during an iceberg tour in 2016. CBC wrote an interesting article on Finnegan!
Liking our Facebook page will provide you with up to date information about what is available in the Trinity area. We also supply information to IcebergFinder.com and Iceberg Alley App. Another great resource is a private facebook page Newfoundland Iceberg Reports. They never let a Newfoundland Iceberg slip them by!
Go on multiple tours! It may be a good idea to do more than one tour. Make sure you get the best of the season and go to visit the different areas where icebergs are. Afterall you made the effort to get here so you should maximize success, experience, and fun.
To sum up, this post, be informed!! Be like a mud flap – flexible and willing to travel! Your experiences will be ones to remember of Iceberg Season 2019! You may get to see the perfect iceberg on a perfect day.
Be sure to check out our whale watching tours and sea kayaking tours if you are in the area and are looking for an experience that you won’t soon forget.
If you would like any further information, send us an email at bobbartlett@trinityeco-tours.com or call direct (709) 464-3712. I would be happy to help.
Cheers,
Skipper Bob Bartlett
