Molly Bawn Boat Tours: Puffin and Whale Watching Near Whale House Guest House that provides a true small group experience. And did we mention they have a marine biologist onboard?
Looking for an unforgettable luxury whale watching near St. John's experience just steps from your stay? At Whale House Guest House in Mobile, Newfoundland, we’re excited to share one of the Southern Shore’s hidden gems: Molly Bawn Boat Tours. Just a 5-minute walk from our oceanfront hot tub suites, this small-group tour company offers puffin and whale watching adventures in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve that’ll leave you with memories to last a lifetime. These guys are the only operator that departs straight form Mobile Bay where some of the most interesting Orca vs. Humpback Whale events have taken place over the years. Just ask the Captain, they will have stories to tell you that'll make your jaw hit the floor. Here’s why Molly Bawn is a must-do for your 2025 Newfoundland getaway!
Why Choose Molly Bawn Boat Tours?
Testing the waters at the Molly Bawn Wharf in Mobile, Newfoundland. Who said the water is cold? pic.twitter.com/syQEAi85Dc
— Humber Valley (@humber_valley) May 29, 2025
Molly Bawn Boat Tours has been a beloved part of Mobile for over a decade, offering 1-hour and 15-minute tours that take you straight into the heart of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. This marine sanctuary is home to North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony—over 260,000 pairs nest here from late spring to summer—alongside thousands of seabirds like murres, razorbills, gannets, and kittiwakes. From May to September, the waters teem with humpback, minke, and even orca whales, often visible right from the wharf at Gus O’Reilly’s Road in Mobile.
What makes Molly Bawn special is their small-group approach to whale and puffin tours in the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve. Molly Bawn tours are limited to 20 passengers, ensuring a personal, relaxed experience. The enthusiastic crew (they're pumped actually), including marine biologist Jeannine, brings the wildlife to life with expert insights. Guests can’t stop raving about their experiences: “Boating towards the puffin island felt like something out of National Geographic. And we were in a pod of humpback whales!” shares one reviewer on TripAdvisor. Another notes, “We saw plenty of humpback whales, puffins, bald eagles, and even dolphins!”
What to Expect on a Molly Bawn Tour
Here’s a glimpse of what your 2025 Molly Bawn adventure might look like:
- Puffin Paradise: Cruise to the puffin islands in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, where you’ll see thousands of Atlantic puffins nesting, diving, and flying overhead. You might even spot a rare white puffin, like Waldo, a local celebrity!
- Whale Watching Wonders: Watch for humpback whales breaching, minke whales gliding by, or even orcas passing through. Molly Bawn is known for frequent orca sightings, more than any other operator in the area.
- Seabirds and More: Beyond puffins, expect to see bald eagles, gannets, murres, and razorbills. One guest described it as “thousands of seabirds, including a cute little puffin chick!”
- Educational Insights: Learn from Jeannine, a marine biologist who shares fascinating facts about the wildlife and ecosystem. Her passion for Newfoundland’s nature shines through in every tour.
Tours run daily at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4 PM, with tickets priced at $77 for adults, $70 for seniors, $67 for youth under 16, and free for kids under 5. For a private experience, rentals are available for $790.
Join the Puffin Patrol – A Conservation Experience
Molly Bawn isn’t just about sightseeing—they’re deeply committed to conservation. As proud members of the Puffin Patrol, a volunteer group dedicated to rescuing puffin chicks, they often involve guests in this heartwarming activity. During fledgling season (late summer), puffin chicks can get confused by city lights and end up on shore. The Molly Bawn crew rescues these chicks at night, and the next morning, passengers can help release them back into the Atlantic Ocean, far from predatory gulls. Imagine holding a puffin in your hands and setting it free—it’s a moment you’ll never forget! Learn more about puffin conservation efforts through Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism.
Tips for Your 2025 Molly Bawn Boat Tour
To make the most of your tour, here are some practical tips:
- Book Early: Summer 2025 is expected to be busy, so reserve your spot in advance on Molly Bawn’s website.
- Dress in Layers: Newfoundland weather can be unpredictable, even in summer. Bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and comfortable shoes, as recommended in our Whale Watching FAQ: Your 2025 Guide.
- Best Times for Wildlife: Puffins are most active from May to mid-September, while whales peak from late June to August. Icebergs are typically seen in early summer (May to June).
- Bring a Camera: You’ll want to capture the puffins, whales, and stunning coastal scenery. Binoculars are also a great idea for spotting distant wildlife.
- Arrive Early: The wharf is a 5-minute walk from Whale House Guest House, so give yourself a few extra minutes to enjoy the scenic cove in Mobile before boarding.
Combine Your Tour with Southern Shore Adventures
Make the most of your stay in Mobile by pairing your Molly Bawn tour with other Southern Shore experiences:
- Hike the East Coast Trail: Explore nearby trails like the La Manche Village Path, featured in our Top 10 East Coast Trail Summer Hikes. It’s just a short drive from Mobile and offers stunning views of the coastline.
- Forage for Chanterelle Mushrooms: May to September is also chanterelle season! Check out our Chanterelle Foraging Guide for tips on foraging near Mobile.
- Dine at The Fork Restaurant: After your tour, walk to The Fork Restaurant in Mobile for a meal featuring fresh, foraged ingredients—perfect for foodies!
- Explore Gros Morne National Park: If you’re extending your trip, head west to Gros Morne for more adventures. Our Top 11 Things to Do in Gros Morne National Park in 2025 has you covered.
Why Stay at Whale House Guest House?
At Whale House Guest House, we’re all about making your Newfoundland adventure seamless and memorable. Our location in Mobile puts you right in the heart of the Southern Shore, just a 5-minute walk from Molly Bawn’s wharf—no driving required! After a thrilling day on the water, return to our luxury boutique suites, relax in our stargazing hot tubs, and soak in the ocean views where humpback whales often feed. We’re also perfectly positioned for exploring the East Coast Trail, foraging for chanterelles, and enjoying the best of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.
Book Your 2025 Adventure Today
Ready to experience the magic of puffin and whale watching with Molly Bawn Boat Tours? Secure your spot for summer 2025 and make Whale House Guest House your home base in Mobile. Whether you’re watching puffins dive into the Atlantic or spotting a humpback whale breaching nearby, this is an adventure you’ll cherish forever. Book your tour with Molly Bawn Boat Tours and reserve your stay at Whale House Guest House today. Let’s make your 2025 Newfoundland trip one for the books!