Southern Shore Gems: A Romantic Day with Gatherall's Puffin and Whale Watching in Bay Bulls
Newfoundland’s Southern Shore beckons with a rugged beauty that captivates the soul. Here, the crisp ocean air carries the promise of adventure, where dramatic coastlines meet the vast Atlantic, and nature's grandeur intertwines seamlessly with moments of intimate tranquility. This is a place for escape, a destination where the thrill of discovery blends with the quiet joy of shared experiences.
Imagine a journey where every detail is designed to foster connection and wonder. This narrative follows Jack and Emily, a couple seeking a truly special way to celebrate their anniversary. Their desire for a memorable escape led them to this enchanting corner of the world, where they discovered a unique blend of thrilling wildlife encounters and serene, private moments. Their story serves as a guide, inviting others to envision the magic awaiting them – from waking up to breathtaking ocean views to encountering majestic marine life in its natural habitat.
Jack and Emily’s Anniversary Adventure Begins
Their unforgettable anniversary began at the Whale House Guest House in Mobile, Newfoundland, a true sanctuary by the sea. This haven of comfort and natural beauty offers more than just accommodation; it provides an immersive experience designed for relaxation and romance.
Jack and Emily chose the Blue Whale Stargazing Hot Tub Suite, a space crafted for luxurious comfort and expansive views. The suite's amenities are designed to elevate the stay, but it is the private outdoor hot tub that truly sets it apart. Imagine waking to the first blush of sunrise painting the ocean horizon, the gentle warmth of the hot tub enveloping you as the world awakens. This unique feature transforms a simple stay into a high-value, intimate experience, appealing to those who desire exclusivity and unique comforts during their romantic getaways.
Their morning unfolded at a leisurely pace. A refreshing stroll on the East Coast Trail coastal path offered immediate access to the raw beauty of Newfoundland's shoreline. The day's adventures began even before leaving the property, as they were thrilled to spot humpback whales right from the trail, a breathtaking prelude to the marine wonders that awaited them. Following their invigorating walk, a delightful brunch awaited them at Fork Restaurant, conveniently located adjacent to Whale House. The restaurant prides itself on fresh, local ingredients, setting a delicious tone for the day ahead.
A Family Legacy That Brings the Ocean to Life
Gatherall’s has been a Southern Shore staple since 1984, and with family roots stretching back to the 17th century, they’ve got the ocean in their DNA. Based at 90 Northside Rd in Bay Bulls—about 20 minutes south of St. John’s—they’ve earned a "Best of the Best" rating on TripAdvisor, ranking in the top 1% of things to do worldwide. Their 90-minute tour takes you to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, a wildlife wonderland where you’ll see North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony—over 250,000 pairs!—along with humpback and minke whales, and icebergs in May and June. This 2025 is already an outstanding iceberg season in the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve.
Have you ever been whale watching from a catamaran? It is a game-changer—the biggest tour boat in Newfoundland, but it’s all about comfort and connection. With elevated viewing decks, you’ll get the best views of puffins nesting on cliffs and whales breaching nearby. There’s plenty of deck space, indoor seating for everyone (perfect if it rains!), and even washrooms and a canteen on board. Plus, it’s eco-friendly—Gatherall’s catamaran uses less fuel per guest than other boats, so you can feel good about your adventure. Jack loved the upper deck view, joking, “I feel like a VIP up here!” while Emily couldn’t stop snapping photos of the puffins. Emily was worried about being on a boat since sometimes she feels unstable and really appreciated the large stable boat.
A Tour That’s Equal Parts Fun and Fascinating
The Gatherall’s crew is what makes the tour truly special—they’re like your funniest, smartest friends who just happen to be ocean experts. With wireless mics, they’re always ready to chat one-on-one, sharing stories, local humor, and even a few Newfoundland songs that had Jack and Emily clapping along. “I had no idea puffins were such good divers! I never realized they were better swimmers than pilots!” Emily said, amazed, as the guide explained how they plunge deep into the water for fish. The crew also pointed out humpback whales feeding in the distance, their spouts smashed with sunlight and sparkles. Even though it was early in the season, Jack and Emily saw a lot of whales. “Told you I’d spot one first!” said Jack. "It's hard not to spot one!" Emily laughed, "There are dozens of whales!".
The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is a wildlife paradise, with thousands of seabirds like murres and kittiwakes, and those puffins are just adorable. Emily couldn’t stop gushing over them. Whales peak from mid June to mid-August but you might spot them earlier or later, and icebergs are a bonus in May and June. Speaking of icebergs, they’re all over social media right now! 2025 is shaping up to be one of those special summers on the water that you won't want to miss. Guests on TripAdvisor, for example, are pumped about the Gatherall's Whale Watching experience, with one saying, “Fantastic experience!! The crew were informative and very entertaining!!” At Whale House, we couldn’t agree more. The is a Newfoundland boat tour that’ll leave you smiling for days.
Gatherall’s 2025 Tour Rates and Schedule
Planning your own adventure with Gatherall’s? Here’s everything you need to know about their 2025 rates and schedule.
| Category | Rate (Per Person, Excl. Tax) |
|---|---|
| Adult (25-64 Years) | $90.00 |
| Senior/CAA (65+ Years) | $82.00 |
| Student (18-24 Years) | $67.00 |
| Youth (10-17 Years) | $50.00 |
| Child (1-9 Years) | $45.00 |
| Infant (Under 1 Year) | Free |
| Shuttle Service (St. John’s Pickup, Adult) | $35.00 |
| Shuttle Service (St. John’s Pickup, Youth) | $28.00 |
Gatherall’s tours run from May 14 to September 20, 2025, with the following schedule:
- May 14–31: 10:30 AM
- June 1–30: 10:30 AM & 2:30 PM
- July 1–August 15: 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM
- August 16–September 10: 10:30 AM & 2:30 PM
- September 11–20: 10:30 AM
Gatherall's Boat Tours also offers group rates for parties of 30 or more—just contact them for details. If you’re coming from St. John’s, their shuttle service is a lifesaver at $35 for adults and $28 for youth, with pickups at most hotels. Oh, and their cancellation policy is super good, quite possibly the best cancellation policy our team has ever seen. You get free cancellation up to 3 hours before, or 50% if it’s less than 3 hours, so you can book with peace of mind!
A Peek into Conservation with Gatherall’s
If you know one thing about Whale House, it's that we love nature, and conservation. Something we particularly enjoy about Gatherall's Whale Watching is how much they care about the ocean and its creatures.
They practice responsible whale watching, keeping an uber respectful distance. “It’s all up to the whales,” their captain told Jack and Emily, explaining how they never interfere with the animals’ natural behaviour—no whistles or feeding here, just pure observation. Emily was touched by their commitment, saying, “It’s so nice to know they’re looking out for the whales. I love whales and I want to know they feel safe.” Gatherall’s also uses a fuel-efficient catamaran, reducing their carbon footprint so future generations can enjoy these incredible creatures too.
Jack and Emily’s Perfect Date Day Continues
After their tour, Jack and Emily were still buzzing from the puffins and whales. “I can’t believe how many birds and whales there were!” Jack said, while Emily chirped in “And those puffins? They’re like little freaking flying penguins!” They drove back to Mobile, stopping at a nearby spot to forage for chanterelle mushrooms and a little relax in the meadow overlooking the beach near whale house. "I love this place" said Emily a they strolled hand-in-hand to Fork Restaurant for a romantic dinner, savoring fresh, foraged ingredients that made their meal extra special. "Should I have that extra cocktail?" said Jack. "Yeah! We don't have to drive anywhere, so let's just enjoy ourselves, maybe watch the meteor shower from there stargazing hot tub tonight?". Jack looked at her smiling and said "You always know what to say".
As the sun set, they returned to Whale House Guest House and slipped into their private outdoor hot tub under a zero light pollution sky. “This is the best anniversary ever,” Emily whispered, gazing at the stars twinkling above. Jack pulled her closer, the ocean waves whispering in the background. “Stars and puffins aren’t the only reason we keep the lights down low,” I overheard him tease, making Emily laugh. That dark-sky magic is something larger resorts can’t touch—it’s pure romance, and it’s all yours at Whale House.
Tips to Make Your Gatherall’s Tour Unforgettable
Want to make the most of your Gatherall’s adventure? Here’s what I’ve learned from our guests (and my own sneaky trip out there!):
- Dress Smart: Bring a light, waterproof jacket. The Ecological Reserve can be a a trickster, even in summer. A hat and sunglasses are great for sunny days on the water.
- Photo Ops: The best spot for photos is the upper deck of course. The elevated views of puffins nesting on the cliffs are picture perfect. Keep your camera ready for whales too (they don’t send a text before they breach!)
- Timing is Everything: Puffins are around from early May to mid-September, whales peak from mid-June to mid-August, and icebergs are most likely in May and June. Right now, icebergs in witness bay are trending in iceberg finder and Gatherall’s is a prime spot to catch them!
- Add a Screech-In: Gatherall’s offers a Screech-In experience (If you don't know what this is just go for it). Think Newfoundland rum, a bit of storytelling, and a whole lot of laughs. It’s a fun way to cap off your tour!
More Southern Shore Adventures to Fall in Love With
The Southern Shore is a treasure of experiences and adventures. If you’re looking for more boat tours, check out O'Brien's Whale and Bird Tours in Bay Bulls, or go closer with Molly Bawn Boat Tours, a 5-minute walk from us. Want another gem? Try Great Island Boat Tours in Bauline South/East. Craving a bigger adventure? Head to Gros Morne National Park, or dive into our Whale Watching FAQ: Your 2025 Guide for more tips.
Make Whale House Your Southern Shore Sanctuary in 2025
We’re beyond proud to recommend Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watching to our guests—their passion for Newfoundland’s wildlife, their eco-friendly approach, and their warm, family vibe make them a true Southern Shore gem. Jack and Emily’s anniversary day was one for the books, and we can’t wait for you to create your own memories with us. At Whale House Guest House, we’re all about blending adventure with romance. The private suites and romantic stargazing hot tubs overlooking the ocean are the perfect way to end a day of exploration. Whether you’re touring with Gatherall’s, fishing for cod, or just soaking in the starry nights, your 2025 staycation with us will be pure magic. Ready to plan your escape?
Book your stay at Whale House Guest House today and let’s make some unforgettable memories on the Southern Shore!