Stand Up Paddleboarding in the Marine Ecological Reserve near Whale House
Why Paddle Tors Cove & Witless Bay?
Biodiversity Boost: Thanks to the Gulf Stream and Grand Banks, this area draws humpbacks, orcas, seals, and rare seabirds—some migrating halfway across the globe.
Whale Central: With hundreds of humpbacks in peak season (June–August), these waters host the planet’s densest concentration—right near Mobile Bay!
Protected Waters: The reserve’s four islands—Fox, Ship, Great, and Pee Pee—offer calm nooks, shielding paddlers from swells and winds.
Best Paddling Spots Near Mobile
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Fox Island – Quick Coastal Gem
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Where: Closest to Tors Cove Wharf, a short paddle from Cribbies Meadow.
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Why Go: Ideal for a mellow trip—circumnavigate it on calm days or picnic at its beach. Spot whales from your board!
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Ship Island – Beach Break Bonus
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Where: Mid-reserve, reachable from Fox Island.
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Why Go: Adventurous paddlers can cross over for lunch on its sandy shore—sometimes with sheep as company.
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Great Island – Wildlife Haven
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Where: Furthest out, packed with seabirds.
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Why Go: Experienced paddlers score whale and bird overload here—hundreds in view on a good day.
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Cribbies Meadow – Launch & Snack Stop
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Where: Near Tors Cove Wharf, en route to Fox Island.
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Why Go: A picnic hotspot with a tidal tickle to cross—easy for most paddlers, thrilling for all.
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When to Paddle
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Peak Season: From June to August, immerse yourself in whale watching and delightful weather. July is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)—enjoy calm waters and abundant wildlife.
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Foggy Days: The typical Newfoundland RDF (rain, drizzle, fog) results in tranquil waters, making it an excellent time for paddling around Fox or Ship Island.
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Check Conditions: Always review the Tors Cove Marine Weather before setting out.
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Paddling Tips: from Whale House
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Gear Up: Pack a paddleboard or kayak, life jacket, and waterproof bag—borrow binoculars from Whale House for whale spotting!
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Ride Smart: SUPs let you peek underwater or stretch out for yoga; kayaks handle choppier days. Tickle currents are manageable—just time it right.
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Post-Paddle: Warm up in Whale House’s hot tubs—nothing beats soaking after a sea day.
Fox Island is the first island you'll encounter when paddling from Tors Cove Wharf and the first destination for most paddleboarders and kayakers exploring the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve's main islands.
Sometimes the best sea conditions are found on cloudy days
Launching your paddleboard or sea kayak from the community wharf and beach in Tors Cove, the first destination for most paddlers is the beach at Cribbie's Meadows followed by a quick crossing over to Fox Island.
The tickle between Cribbie's Beach and Fox Island has a noticeable tidal current during max ebb and flood, but can easily be managed by most paddlers. From the water, it's easy to see why Cribbie's Meadow is such a popular picnic destination.
Stand Up Paddleboarding and Sea Kayaking from Tors Cove in the Ecological Reserve on a sunny day is great, but oftentimes foggy, cloudy, and classic RDF (rain, drizzle, and fog) days reward SUP riders and kayakers with the calmest winds and sea conditions.
Check the Environment Canada Tors Cove Marine Weather for more information on sea conditions.
Spending time on the water exploring the Marine Ecological Reserve off the coast of Tors Cove, Newfoundland is a real treat. On a paddleboard, you really feel like you're one with the ocean. On a Stand-Up Paddleboard, the rider can look straight down into the water, making it easy to check out the underwater world while exploring rugged coastlines.
Paddleboards are also great for stretching out, sitting down, doing yoga, and catching tiny waves at the beach.
Have you been paddleboarding or sea kayaking near Tors Cove and Mobile Bay in the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve? What was the highlight of your ocean kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding SUP adventure? Let us know in the comments below.