Southern Shore Gems: O'Brien's Whale and Bird Tours in Bay Bulls
Hey there, adventure seekers! If you’re staying with us at Whale House Guest House in Mobile, Newfoundland, I’ve got a real treat for you. As part of our Southern Shore Gems series, I’m super excited to share one of my favourite local spots: O'Brien's Whale and Bird Tours in Bay Bulls. It’s just a 10-minute drive from our cozy oceanfront suites, and let me tell you, their whale watching and puffin tours are the perfect way to add some wow to your top 2025 whale watching experience near St. John's. Pair that with a steamy night in the whale house stargazing hot tubs overlooking these waters, and you’ve got a getaway that’ll make your heart skip a beat!
A Family Legacy That’s All About Heart
I first heard about O’Brien’s from a guest who couldn’t stop raving about their tour, and I totally get why! Since 1985, brothers Joseph and Loyola O’Brien have been showing off the magic of Newfoundland’s coast. They started with just one little 25-passenger boat, and now they’ve got a fleet of four, plus a cool event centre in Bay Bulls. That’s 40 years of experience, and it shows. These guys have been voted the best boat tour by Newfoundlanders, which is no small feat around here!
Their main gig is the Award-Winning Boat Tour —a two-hour cruise to the protected waters of the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve. And it's crazy, over 500,000 Atlantic puffins waddling around, millions of seabirds like murres and kittiwakes soaring overhead, and humpback whales breaching so close you can almost feel the splash! In May and early June, you might even catch icebergs floating by—perfect timing with all the iceberg season buzz right now. I couldn’t believe how close we got to the whales last time I went—it’s the kind of moment that sticks with you forever.
What Makes O’Brien’s So Special?
Okay, let’s talk about why O’Brien’s is such a gem. Their tours aren’t like those huge, crowded boats you sometimes see. Sure, their main vessel, the Atlantic Puffin, can hold up to 100 people, but it’s got tons of rail space so everyone gets a great view—no elbowing for a spot! If you’re looking for something even cozier, their Kittiwake Adventure tour is a 90-minute ride that gets you up close to sea stacks, caves, and the Spout, a classic saltwater natural geyser that shoots water up like it’s showing off.
The crew is what really makes it, though. Guides like Conn O’Brien and Shawn Doyle are total pros—they’ll tell you all about the whales, puffins, and seabirds, plus share some fun stories and songs along the way. I’ve seen reviews on Trip Advisor where guests call it the best tour they’ve ever done, with one saying, “The two hours flew by—I could’ve stayed out there all day!” It’s no wonder O’Brien’s has been winning hearts (and awards!) for 40 years.
Your Day Trip from Whale House Guest House
Here’s how I’d plan the perfect day: wake up at Whale House Guest House and take a quick morning stroll on the East Coast Trail—it’s literally steps from your suite and hit Fork Restaurant for brunch. Then, hop in the car for a ten-minute drive to Bay Bulls for your O’Brien’s tour. Their two-hour Award-Winning Boat Tour starts at $90 for adults, $82 for seniors, $67 for students under 25, $48 for youth (10-17), and $44 for kids (1-9), with infants under 1 free. If you’re coming from St. John’s, they even offer a shuttle service for an extra fee—super handy!
Pro tip: pack a light jacket (Newfoundland weather can be sneaky, even in summer!), binoculars if you’ve got them, and your camera—you’ll want to snap those whales and puffins! The best time for whale sightings is late June to August, while icebergs are more likely in May and early June. Speaking of which, iceberg season is trending right now. For more seasonal fun, check out the 2025 cod fishing season dates and you can combine a fishing trip with your whale watching day!
After your tour, head back to Whale House for a night you’ll never forget. Soak in our oceanfront hot tubs under a zero light pollution sky—trust me, the stars here are unreal, dark-sky magic large resorts can't compete with. You’ll feel like the only two people in the world, with humpback whales feeding in the waters below. It’s the kind of romantic escape that makes 2025 unforgettable!
More Southern Shore Adventures to Love
The Southern Shore just outside St. John's has so much to offer! We’ve got you covered with our Southern Shore Gems series! If you want a closer whale watching option, try Molly Bawn Boat Tours—they’re a 5-minute walk from us—or check out Great Island Boat Tours in Bauline South/East for another gem in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Love foraging? Our guide to chanterelle mushroom foraging is perfect for a tasty adventure near Mobile. Want to explore further? Head west to Gros Morne National Park for jaw-dropping landscapes, or dive into our Whale Watching FAQ: Your 2025 Guide for more tips.
Make Whale House Your Southern Shore Home in 2025
We can’t say enough good things about O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours—their passion for Newfoundland’s wildlife and their warm hospitality make them a true Southern Shore gem. We’re so proud to recommend them to our guests, knowing they’ll create memories you’ll cherish forever. At Whale House Guest House, we’re here to make your stay extra special with our private suites and stargazing hot tubs overlooking the ocean. Whether you’re spotting whales with O’Brien’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!