Looking to go whale watching in Newfoundland and have a few questions? You’ve come to the right place. Below, Skipper Bob Bartlett, who has been guiding tours on Trinity Bay for over 30 years, answers every question we hear before, during, and after a tour. As he says, to be well informed is to be well armed, so here is the information you need to have a spectacular whale tour any time of the season!
Season & Timing
When is the best time to see whales in Newfoundland?
The best time to see whales in Newfoundland is July and August, when sighting rates are highest. The season runs from May through mid-September.
Whales migrate north from southern waters like the Dominican Republic. They start to arrive in April and continue arriving throughout the season until the middle of September. Whales do not necessarily stop to feed in one place all summer but move around so like our friend Finnegan the Humpback he arrives early and usually moves out midseason to other areas.
Whale numbers peak with the arrival of the Capelin. Capelin is a small smelt like fish that arrive here by the billions to spawn in the shallows of the Newfoundland coast. This is what attracts the whales to come to Newfoundland. The whales that arrive earlier in the year feed on Krill, small Herring, and even Plankton if it is thick enough. Outside of peak season, there are other species of whales to see like the Minke whale. We also have porpoises, dolphins and even Orcas can arrive in the latter part of the season.
For a deeper breakdown of month-by-month conditions, see our dedicated guide: Best Time to See Whales in Newfoundland
Can you see both whales and icebergs in Newfoundland?
Yes. June is the sweet spot when iceberg season and whale season overlap, and it’s possible to see both on a single tour from Trinity Bay.
Iceberg season typically peaks in May and June, while whale season is building through the same period. June tours from Trinity Bay regularly encounter both. By July most icebergs have drifted south or melted, but whale sightings are at their highest. If seeing both on one trip is a priority, plan for early to mid-June.
Can you see whales in Newfoundland in September?
Yes, whale sightings continue into mid-September, though numbers decrease as whales begin migrating south. You’re more likely to see minke whales later in the season.
Humpbacks tend to move on earlier in the season, but minke whales, fin whales, and occasional orca and dolphins are spotted right through September. If you’re visiting in September, sightings are still very likely.
Is there a best time of day to go whale watching?
No. Whale activity in Newfoundland is not significantly better at any particular time of day as it’s driven by feeding cycles, not daylight.
The cycle for whales here in Newfoundland is all about feeding so whales gorge themselves to build up their fat reserves of which they may lose up to 50% from one season to the next. During the last two seasons, we have seen whales almost every trip. Our percentages for the last two years have been better than 98%.
Species & Wildlife
What types of whales can you see in Newfoundland?
Newfoundland is home to over 22 species of whales and dolphins. During the peak season, our most popular whales are Minke Whales, Sperm Whales, Fin or Finback Whales and the majestic Humpback Whale the Showman of the Ocean as I call them.
Humpback Whale
My favourite and most popular whale are the majestic Humpbacks. The image above is a humpback whale, named Finnegan. The tail fluke print of a Humpback Whale as pictured above is as unique to that whale as a fingerprint is to a human being. Humpbacks range in the 45-50-foot range. They eat up to 2 tons of Capelin per day during the feeding season. More amazing Humpback facts are revealed on our tour as well as displays of breaching, tail lobbing and other amazing whale feats!
Sperm Whales
The Sperm Whale (same type as Moby Dick) is the only variety of toothed whale that feeds in Newfoundland. (Killer Whales or Orcas are actually toothed but technically not whales but Dolphins). In the 45-55-foot range, Sperm Whales dive deep for long periods of time to feed on the deeper dwelling creatures like Giant Squid and other denizens of the deep. You can tell the Sperm Whale at a distance by the spout from its head coming off at about a 30-degree angle. It is very distinct.
Minke Whales
The Minke Whale is the smallest of the whale family in the 22 – 25-foot range similar in body shape to the Blue and Fin Whales but much smaller. These whales are black or dark blue on their upper side with a light white colour on their belly and under their flippers. Just like Humpback whales, they feed on small fish such as herring or capelin. Blue whales and even Narwhales have been spotted in Trinity Bay though it is not a common occurrenc
Fin or Finback Whales
Fin or Finback whales ( named for the appearance of their fin so far back on their bodies) are the second largest of the whale family next to the largest whale species the Blue Whale. The Fin Whales can reach up to 80 feet in length, however, the average in the northern hemisphere tends to be in the 62-66-foot range and in the southern hemisphere 66 – 72-foot range. The Fin Whale’s spout is high and straight and distinguishable from quite some distance as opposed to the Humpback whose spout is closer to the water and mushrooms as it completes its breath. I can usually tell the type of whale long before we reach them. Here is a video of the Fin Whale taken by us last season passing the boat.
Dolphins
We get three variety of Dolphins in Newfoundland, the Atlantic White Sided Dolphin, Common Dolphin, and the White Beaked. They are very strong swimmers often frolicking in the wake or the bow wave created by our boats. Dolphins can get up to ten feet in length with large curved dorsal fins which distinguishes them from other species. They are mostly dark grey with a light white on their sides. They can weigh up to 775 pounds often traveling in large groups of 10-20 dolphins but can get as large as 100 individuals.
Are there orcas (killer whales) in Newfoundland?
Yes. Orcas do appear in Newfoundland waters, typically in the later part of the season, late July through September. Sightings are less frequent than humpbacks but not rare.
Technically, orcas are the largest member of the dolphin family rather than true whales but they’re every bit as spectacular. When they visit Trinity Bay it tends to be memorable: orcas travel in family pods and their black-and-white colouring makes them unmistakable. I have filmed orca encounters in Newfoundland many times.
Are there dolphins in Newfoundland?
Yes. Atlantic White-Sided Dolphins, Common Dolphins, and White-Beaked Dolphins are all found in Newfoundland waters and are regularly encountered on whale watching tours from Trinity Bay.
Dolphins are one of the most entertaining encounters on the water! They’re fast, playful, and will often surf the pressure wave off the bow of our Zodiacs. They travel in groups ranging from a handful to over 100 individuals. If a pod is spotted, we will position the boat to give you the best possible view.
Will we only see whales? Is there other wildlife we can see?
As Forest Gump said, “Life is a like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.” Much like the variety of species you can see on our tours. From the middle of June until the latter part of August you are almost certainly guaranteed to see Humpbacks, Fin Whales and a variety of seabirds including Puffins, Eagles, Guillemots, Razorbills, Northern Gannets and many more. It amazes me what we see and have seen from Ocean Sunfish to Leatherback Turtles.
The Tour Experience
Are whale watching tours in Newfoundland worth it?
Yes! if you’re in Newfoundland during whale season, a whale watching tour is one of the most unforgettable experiences on the island. A 98%+ sighting rate, world-class guide expertise, and a small-group Zodiac puts you closer to wildlife than almost anywhere else on earth.
We’re obviously biased, but our guests agree. Check our Tripadvisor reviews or read why one of our guests said it “beats any “whale watch” hands down as you get up front and close with a personal captain who knows the waters and the whales so well.” For a full look at what sets this experience apart, see our post Why Whale Watching Should Be On Your Newfoundland Bucket List.
Why should I book with Trinity Eco Tours?
Small groups, a guide with 30+ years of experience, and a 98%+ whale sighting rate. There is no equivalent experience in Trinity Bay.
If you want the most action-packed, fun-filled, most informative and most relaxing tour you should book with us. We provide you with an immersion suit for warmth during the colder part of the season, (something you do not get on the big tour boats during their whale watching tour). Our photos and videos have been featured worldwide for their amazing content which has all been taken on our tour. See videos from us on YouTube and Facebook.
We are an established company located in Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, a hotspot of whale activity in season!
- Skipper Bob (me), your tour guide has been a diver for over 30 years spending much time filming above and below the water. I have filmed whales here in Newfoundland as well as the Dominican Republic in the offseason.
- Our groups are small and personable with the ability to ask your skipper individual questions. You are a small contingent of fewer than 12 passengers onboard. You have more social interaction with your guide and other guests.
- Our Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (Zodiacs) are the most stable whale viewing platforms with the ability to be up close and personal to the action.
Trinity Bay Newfoundland is a very popular tourist destination and if not on your list you should add it. We have been welcoming visitors for over 400 years! Trinity has many local museums, historic sites, theater, fine dining, hiking trails, popular local microbrewery amongst many other attractions. If you miss us, you missed out! Plus, the variety of wildlife in season is unparalleled as well as the spectacular seascapes and sea caves. Experience wildlife, icebergs, and culture with the locals and you might not want to go back.
What type of boat is used on the whale watching tours?
Trinity Eco Tours uses Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), also known as Zodiacs. These are the same vessels used in offshore rescue operations and are among the most stable small boats on the water.
RHIBs sit low on the water, giving you an eye-level view of the ocean rather than looking down from a tall deck. An additional selling feature of our tours is that you are less susceptible to seasickness as the vessel does not slow roll out like a large boat. Being seasick during your tour is not conducive to a good trip. We usually have Gravol available prior to our tours if you think you may need it. Very few people have ever been seasick aboard our tours.
For a full comparison of why a Zodiac outperforms traditional whale watching boats, see: 10 Reasons a Zodiac Whale Watching Trip is Better than a Traditional Boat Tour.
How long is a whale watching tour?
Tours run approximately 2–3 hours. Duration can vary depending on whale activity. The tours depart from Trinity and head out into Trinity Bay. The exact route and duration are always weather and wildlife dependent. If we’re surrounded by feeding humpbacks, we won’t rush back to shore.
Preparation & What to Expect
What should I wear on a whale watching tour in Newfoundland?
Trinity Eco Tours provides a full one-piece immersion suit (neoprene) for all guests. This protects against the wet and the cold in the shoulder seasons. It has been commented by many passengers that it saved the trip for our patrons for their warmth and comfort.
As I so often like to say it is better to have and not need as opposed to needing and not have so good footwear is a must, adequate thermal socks in season and of course gloves and mitts. Even during the peak of the summer, temperatures can drop by 10 Degrees Celsius when we get out into the middle of the bay!
For more tips, see our post: Tips for Whale Watching with Trinity Eco-Tours.
Can I take photos on the whale watching tour?
Absolutely! Trinity Bay is one of the best places in the world to photograph humpback whales. Bring a camera with a fast shutter speed and a telephoto lens, and set it to burst mode.
Some of our most-shared whale photos have been taken by guests on our tours. A few tips: use the neck strap at all times (the zodiac moves), set burst mode to capture breaches in sequence, and leave the tripod at home.
For the full breakdown, see: Tips for Capturing the Perfect Whale Watching Photo.
Is whale watching suitable for children and families?
Yes! Whale watching in Trinity Bay is family-friendly and genuinely awe-inspiring for children. The immersion suits are available in sizes for younger guests and the small group format works well for families. Many families tell us the tour is the highlight of their entire Newfoundland trip!
What happens if the weather is bad on my tour date?
In our experience, most weather-related cancellations happen with advance notice. We track the forecast regularly and will reach out as soon as we know a tour needs to be moved. Newfoundland weather can change quickly but so can it clear. We have flexibility in our scheduling to accommodate rescheduling when conditions improve.
Booking
How do I book a whale watching tour with Trinity Eco-Tours?
There are several different ways you can book your tour with us. You can book directly through our whale watching tour page. If you don’t want to book online, you can call us directly at (709) 464-3712 or our accommodations in Trinity (709) 436-3011. We would be glad to help.
Can I stay in Trinity and do multiple tours?
Yes! Trinity Eco Tours operates the Trinity Eco Lodge, a boutique lodge steps from the harbour. Guests frequently combine whale watching, kayaking, ATV tours, and iceberg season into a multi-day visit.
