Our Friends At Great Island Boat Tours: A Southern Shore Whale Watching Gem
The 2025 whale watching season is here, and there’s no better way to kick it off than by celebrating Great Island Boat Tours, a true Southern Shore treasure. Since launching in 2024, Kenneth Hawkins and his team have been sharing the magic of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve with small-group tours that bring visitors closer to nature than ever before.
Based at 543 Bauline South, NL, they’re the closest operator to Great Island, making them a must-visit for anyone exploring Newfoundland’s Irish Loop. We’re proud to shine a spotlight on their incredible work from our team at Whale House Guest House!
A Nature Lover’s Dream Adventure
Great Island Boat Tours offers one-hour whale watching and puffin tours that are as intimate as they are awe-inspiring, priced at just $80 per person (group rates available). Their tours take you to the heart of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony—over 260,000 pairs nest here from late spring to summer! You’ll also spot kittiwakes, common murres, and the world’s second-largest Leach’s storm-petrel colony, with 620,000+ pairs soaring above the cliffs. If you're a bird watcher, you def won't be disappointed!
From late May to early September, humpback, minke, and orca whales grace the waters with playful breaches, tail slaps, and spy-hopping—a photographer’s dream, and a big draw for anyone looking to take the perfect snap. In early summer (May to mid-June), massive icebergs from Greenland glaciers add a stunning backdrop. With their Bauline South/East location just minutes from Great Island, you’ll spend more time immersed in the wildlife and less time traveling, all in the cozy setting of a small-group tour.
Rooted in the Southern Shore Community
What makes Great Island Boat Tours truly special is their deep connection to the Southern Shore. Nestled along the scenic East Coast Trail, their base in Bauline South is a gateway to the region’s natural wonders. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll feel the warmth of the Southern Shore’s tight-knit community—a place where nature and tradition come together beautifully.
Plan Your Visit with Ease
Ready to experience Great Island Boat Tours for yourself? Their website offers all the details you need to book your adventure, from tour schedules to practical tips like dressing in layers with a waterproof jacket for Newfoundland’s unpredictable weather.
For more insights on whale watching in the Witless Bay area, check out our Whale Watching FAQ: Your 2025 Guide to Newfoundland Adventures; it offers tips on the best times to spot whales, while our Whale Watching in Newfoundland guide highlights Great Island Boat Tours and other top operators in the region.
After your tour, consider staying at Whale House Guest House in Mobile, just a 15-minute drive away, where you can unwind in Stargazing Hot Tub suites and enjoy a totally unique experience under the same starry skies the puffins soar beneath.
Book Your 2025 Tour Today
Kenneth and his team at Great Island Boat Tours are ready to make your 2025 season unforgettable. Book your tour now by calling 1 (709) 727-8294 or emailing keniwi@hotmail.com, and get ready for a Southern Shore adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Follow their journey on their Facebook page for the latest updates!