Newfoundland Bird Watching
The Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve is a must-visit when you’re exploring in and around St. John’s, the Irish Loop, and the Southern Avalon Penninsula. Millions of migratory sea birds make their way through the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve every year, so many in fact that this is one of the densest and most biodiverse populations of migratory sea birds on the planet. Many come here to nest on the five bird islands in the Witless Bay marine protected zone during the summer breeding season since these islands offer an ideal location to nest in relative safety from predators. The Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve islands are an ideal spot for migratory sea birds like puffins to lay their eggs and to raise their chicks. It’s difficult to describe the true volume of seabirds here, but if you get a chance to visit Great Island on one of the local boat tours, you’ll probably feel like the sun is about to get blotted out by the sheer volume of birds in the sky. The sounds too are something to behold, as is the diversity of birds concentrated on Great Island. All this and we haven’t even discussed the Humpback Whales, Orca Whales, and more. You can also see seabirds and whales from land too, with the East Coast Trail Tinkers Point Path hike offering some great viewpoints of the island, but to really experience the birds in the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve, you have to get out on the water.
Stargazing Hot Tub Suites
Are you looking for the ultimate laid-back bird watching and whale watching experience? Be sure to check out the warm waters and bubbling bliss of the Stargazing Hot Tubs at Whale House. These Newfoundland Hot Tub Suites are located right on the East Coast Trail, overlooking humpback whale feeding grounds, the marine protected zone, and the islands of the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve. Here you can relax in your own private outdoor Newfoundland hot tub suites where you can experience whales and birds during the day, and stars and strips of constellations at night.
Newfoundland Birding and Whale Watching Boat Tours
Witless Bay is about 50 km south of St. John’s off Route 10 in eastern Newfoundland. Multiple Newfoundland Boat Tour options are available in this area, with the largest and busiest departing multiple times a day from the largest port located in Bay Bulls. Although tours will vary from company to company, the highlight of most boat tours is a visit to Great Island.
Many seabirds nest on cliffs in the marine protected zone and coastal waters of the ecological reserve. They include puffins, common murres, razorbills, black-legged Kittiwakes, and northern fulmars. Bird enthusiasts love this area for the sheer excitement and range of wildlife. Are you a big birder or bird enthusiast? Check out this Newfoundland Bird Watching post from the 10,000 Birds Blog.
“I had a hard time leaving the Witless Bay area but managed to add eight seabirds to my life list. Apart from reinforcing my obsession and love for anything auk-like, who knew that I’d return home reinvigorated to learn more about gulls?”
The Best Restaurants in the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve
If you’re staying at Whale House or just exploring the area in and around Witless Bay, Bay Bulls, and Mobile, you’ll be pleased to know there are ample restaurant and food options in the area for you to chose from. If you’re just looking for provisions, the Foodland Grocery Store in Bay Bulls is a good place to pick up groceries, BBQ supplies, and wine. For a quick coffee and snack to go, the Tim Horton’s in Witless Bay offers a quick and efficient drive-through service. For a world-class meal in a five-star restaurant, The Fork Restaurant down the street from Whale House is in a league of its own. A little further down the road is The Captain’s Table Restaurant, winner of the World’s Best Fish and Chips award and a great place to get hamburgers and dessert. Check out the Top 10 Restaurants in Witless Bay Newfoundland for a complete list of the best restaurants in Witless Bay.
Summer Road Trip to Newfoundland
Are you planning a Summer 2022 Road Trip to Newfoundland? Be sure to check out some of our how-to plan a trip to Newfoundland Blog Posts and the Best Ferry to take to Newfoundland articles for the ultimate in Newfoundland Vacation tips, tricks, and hacks.
