Nestled in the heart of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, Whale House Guest House offers more than a luxury retreat—it’s your gateway to the enchanting annual puffin rescue. As dusk falls, our haven becomes a hub for the Puffin & Petrel Patrol, a beloved initiative saving baby puffins, or pufflings, in Newfoundland’s puffin capital.
From August to October, the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to over 260,000 pairs of Atlantic puffins, hosts a unique conservation effort. Pufflings take their first flights from cliffside burrows, guided by the moon to the ocean. But artificial lights in Mobile and Witless Bay can lead them astray, landing them on roads or beaches. Join us to help these “clowns of the sea” find their way! Book your 2025 adventure at WhaleHouse.ca.
Another happy guest enjoying the view from the Humpback Hot Tub Deck
Thinking about joining the puffin patrols, rescuing pufflings alongside global volunteers. Whale house offers free VIP upgrades and free late check-out for all puffin patrol members.
Puffin Patrol 2025: A Voluntourism Adventure
In 2025, the Puffin Patrol is set to be bigger than ever, with over 850 volunteers already registered. This voluntourism experience draws travelers from the U.S., Canada, and beyond to Mobile, just steps from Whale House. After exploring the reserve or joining a Newfoundland whale-watching tour near whale house, spend your evening saving pufflings—a bucket-list moment for eco-conscious travelers.
Our minimal lighting preserves the night sky for stargazing and helps pufflings navigate safely, reflecting our commitment to conservation. It also sets the stage for stargazing from a hot tub overlooking humpback whale feeding grounds in the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve - about as romantic as it gets.
How to Join the Puffin Patrol
Nightly from August to October, volunteers patrol Mobile, Witless Bay, and Bay Bulls, rescuing stranded pufflings. If you find one, place it in a cool, dark spot and contact the patrol. Rescued pufflings are released during morning boat tours with operators like Molly Bawn, O’Brien’s, and Gatheralls and Great Island Boat Tours
Communities near Whale House take extra precautions to help baby puffins. Keeping light pollution low helps baby puffins navigate using the moon without getting confused. It's one of the reasons Whale House maintains a zero-light pollution policy. It also makes the Stargazing Hot Tubs that much more amazing.
Since 2011, over 4,000 birds have been saved, and you can be part of this legacy. Community and Conservation
Local boat operators like Molly Bawn are vital, with crews patrolling nightly and releasing pufflings safely at sea. Their efforts, combined with community support, make the Puffin Patrol a heartwarming tradition.
The Whale House Experience
At Whale House, luxury meets nature. Our suites, with private hot tubs overlooking humpback whale feeding grounds, offer the perfect base for your Puffin Patrol adventure. Join patrols, explore the East Coast Trail, or see puffins up close on a boat tour. It’s a National Geographic moment you’ll never forget.
Book your 2025 stay at Whale House Guest House and join the Puffin Patrol.