Nova Scotia is very popular for its several whale watching tours, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. To help you begin your trip, we have made a list of top six whale watching tours in Nova Scotia.
1. Mariner Cruises – Brier Island, Bay of Fundy
Mariner Cruises has been in the business of organizing whale watching tours since 1994 making them experts in the industry. They provide a tour guide that narrates tours and help tourists better understand what is going on throughout the trip. Tours begin in early June and run through to mid-October and each cruise lasts anywhere from two and a half hours up to four and a half hours depending on which tour you select. They offer a tour package that covers accommodation and breakfast for two as well as other packages to choose from.
2. Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises – Brier Island, Bay of Fundy
At Brier Island Whale Watching tours begin in May and last until October. They boast of two vessels: a zodiac vessel that can take 12 passengers and another that can carry 50 passengers. Each boat has bathroom, seats, and shelter should you want to take a break in doors when it gets colder. They offer a wide range of cruise packages as well making them an ideal choice for your tour.
3. Capt. Mark’s Whale and Seal Cruise – Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton
Capt. Mark offers whale watching tours in Cape Breton and they have been in business since 1994. They boast of two zodiac vessels and a 42-foot tour boat that is used for wildlife watching. They begin whale watching tours from around June and continue till October. They offer a wide range of cruise packages.
4. Petit Passage Whale Watch – East Ferry, Nova Scotia
Petit Passage is a family whale watching tour business. Their boat leaves the port 2 times a day and each ride lasts between 3 hours to 4 hours. They boast a coast guard certified crew as well as well trained staff that are good in Marine Emergency Duties. Petit Passage also owns a café and offers a variety of tour packages.
5. Oshan Whale Watch – Bay St. Lawrence, Cape Breton Island
Oshan offers whale watching tours in Bay St. Lawrence. Initially called Oshan Whale Cruise, it is a tour run by the Fraser family. The captain with more than 35 years’ experience works with a local crew, trained coast guards and experienced tour guides. Their tour boat is a 42-foot vessel, Oshan. They offer a variety of tour packages as well as daily departure times.
6. Freeport Whale & Seabird Tours – Freeport, Long Island
It is a family run business managed by the Crockers. Tours usually last 3 hours to 4 hours with professional tour guides. Cruises usually visit a local Grey Seal colony with hundreds of seals. Tours begin in June and run through mid-September. They offer a number of packages and children under 2 years old are allowed for free.
