Newfoundland and Labrador are among the most beautiful and best sites on the planet to see whales. Annually, the world's biggest number of humpback whales migrate to the shore to feast on capelin, shrimp, and calamari. These oceanic monsters fascinate, astonish, and excite visitors. Getting sight of these beautiful beasts from the board of a cruise liner, the edge of a sea kayak or a coastal walk is a thrilling and wonderful opportunity.
Whales Visitors Can See
Humpback Whales
- Newfoundland is where the world's greatest feeding humpback whale population may be located.
- These migrate from the Tropics to the oceans of Newfoundland and Labrador between April to October.
- They are frequently observed breaching the sea and slamming into the waves.
Blue Whale
- The blue whale is the world's largest vertebrate, measuring between 21 and 28 meters in length.
- This whalebone whale is most common in Newfoundland's southwestern shore, particularly during the cold months.
White Beaked Dolphin
- White-beaked dolphins possess dark grey bodies, a short white snout, white spots above and behind their dorsal fins, and light white and grey spots over their backs.
Minke Whales
- Minke is the smallest whale and can be seen in the waters of Newfoundland.
- When diving for capelin, anchovies, or salmon, the minke's fin does not appear, and it spends very little duration on the top before diving deep below water for 15 to minutes at a time.
- These whales can be seen in the summer and autumn.
White-Sided Dolphin
- The rears of White-Sided Dolphin, or natively known as jumpers, are black and dark greyish with a light grey spot going down their rear ends and pale tummies.
- Two yellow or beige ellipses appear above and under their dorsal side.
Orca Whale
- The popular toothed Orca can be observed off the coasts of Newfoundland during the summertime.
- Visitors should search for a large set of fangs and a sturdy, shiny monochrome body.
When To Visit
Whales can be seen feasting, playing, and even breaching close the coasts of Newfoundland from May to September.
The Top Whale Watching Sites
While whales can be seen practically everywhere along the Newfoundland coastline, some areas see a greater whale population than others. Luckily, travelers don't have to drive much further to discover a whale-watching location, regardless of where they are lodging.
St Anthony
- The Whale Watchers Path is a combination of walking trails and tiny stairs that leads to an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean from beneath the massive rocks of Fishing Bay.
- The fish viewpoint features a paid telescope and is a popular spot for observing whales during the season.
- The path is 0.8 kilometers long and takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Atlantic White Beaked Dolphins and Humpback Whales might be seen hunting alongside.
- White Gannets, schools of dolphins, and Atlantic Puffins soaring by at lightning pace can also be seen.
Trinity Bay
- Trinity is one of the best places in the region to take a whale gazing cruise and have a memorable encounter with Humpback Whales that frequent the region to feast on capelin during the summertime.
- By the time the Humpbacks leave in the fall, the seas are teeming with other kinds such as Sperm Whales, BlueFin Tuna, White-Sided Dolphins, and the solitary pod of Orcas.
- Birds such as gannets, puffins, and bald eagles are frequently seen on excursions.
Green Bay
- The city of Triton is located near the shore of Green Bay.
- Being surrounded by the sea provides several advantages, including wonderful whale-watching chances for visitors.
- Many magnificent lookouts with sweeping ocean views can be found throughout the region, providing endless shows of whale activities from distance.
- More daring visitors can even take a boat out in the sea for a closer encounter.
Twillingate
- Many whales sail through the abundant breeding coastal waters annually from mid-May until September.
- Watching a whale come up the air is the pinnacle of whale watching.
- The most prevalent whale species are humpbacks and minke whales. Dolphins and fin whales are also sometimes spotted.
- The tails of humpback whales are as unique as human features or fingerprints.
- Whale watching is best at the vantage point at Twillingate's Long Point Lighthouse, although a treat can be found all along the shoreline.
How To Watch
Via Boat
- The region's boat trip organizers allow guests to come face to face with one or more of them at sea as they know exactly where to find them.
- A whale or dolphin investigating a passing vessel is not unusual.
- Visitors may occasionally spot one gliding gently beneath their sailboat if they look over the bars.
Via Kayak
- A sea kayak excursion allows visitors to get up close and personal with the wildlife.
- Open sea kayaking providers in the vicinity will take visitors as near as practically possible to whales, caverns, and coves, and if the moment is good, icebergs.
Via Land
- All of the harbors along the shore are home to whales.
- Visitors can view whales while trekking or strolling through coastal treks, rocky outcrops, and pristine beaches if they haven't developed their sea legs.
- The tails of humpback whales plunging in the sea may be seen from a cliff-side top.
- Alternatively, have a meal by the sea and enjoy a clear picture of whales and dolphins playing close.
- Telescopes are not required.
Millions of tourists rush to Newfoundland every year to view these spectacular animals in play, making it one of the finest whale-watching destinations worldwide. Whale gazing in Newfoundland is a thrilling and enjoyable experience. It is one of those must-to-have experiences when exploring Newfoundland, which is host to the world's largest gathering of Humpback Whales and a maritime ecology unlike any other.