O'Brien's Whale Watching and Bird Tours in Bay Bulls
O'Brien's Whale & Bird Tours
Puffins, Humpbacks, and Irish hospitality. Discover why this family-run tour is the staple of the Southern Shore experience.
If you’re staying with us at Whale House Guest House, you are in the "Goldilocks Zone" for adventure. Just a 10-minute drive north puts you at the dock of one of our favourite local operators.
A Legacy of the Sea
Since 1985, the O’Brien family has been showing off the magic of Newfoundland’s coast. They started with one small boat; now, they run an award-winning fleet. But despite the growth, it still feels personal.
Their main tour is a two-hour cruise into the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve. This isn't just a boat ride; it's a front-row seat to nature's chaos. We're talking 500,000 Atlantic Puffins (the "clowns of the sea") and Humpback whales breaching so close you can feel the spray.
What Will You See in 2026?
Timing is everything in Newfoundland. Here is the cheat sheet for O'Brien's sightings:
- 🧊 May - June: Peak Iceberg season. Massive 10,000-year-old giants drifting from Greenland.
- 🐧 Mid-May - August: The Puffins are nesting. This is the best time for bird photography.
- 🐋 Late June - August: The Whale show. Humpbacks return to feed on Capelin.
Culture Check: The "Screech-In"
O'Brien's is famous for their onboard entertainment. It’s not just nature; it’s a party.
If you are lucky, you might get "Screeched In"—a traditional ceremony involving Newfoundland Rum, a short prayer, and kissing a codfish. It sounds crazy, but it’s the only way to become an honorary Newfoundlander.
Plan Your Perfect Day
Here is how to combine an O'Brien's tour with a luxury stay at Whale House for the ultimate day trip:
Wake up at Whale House. Take a coffee onto your private deck and watch the ocean. Walk the East Coast Trail right from your door.
Drive 10 minutes to Bay Bulls. Board the O'Brien's Tour. Spend 2 hours surrounded by puffins, sea stacks, and whales.
Back to your suite. This is the best part. Soak in your private hot tub under a sky with zero light pollution. You might see more whales from the tub, or maybe just shooting stars.
What to Pack
The Atlantic doesn't care if it's July. It can be chilly on the water. We recommend:
- ✅ A windbreaker or waterproof shell.
- ✅ A warm sweater/hoodie (layers are key).
- ✅ Sunglasses (the glare on the water is strong).
- ✅ Binoculars (for spotting puffins on the cliffs).
The view from your private hot tub at Whale House.
More Than Just Sightseeing
While the tours are incredible, the magic happens when you don't have to drive back to the city afterward. Staying in Mobile keeps you immersed in the environment.
Want to catch your own dinner? O'Brien's also offers cod fishing charters. Check out our guide to the 2026 Recreational Cod Fishing Season for dates and rules.