Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve (Province Of Newfoundland And Labrador) · Bay Bulls, Newfoundland and Labrador
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is a protected group of four small islands - Gull, Great, Green and Pee Pee - off the Irish Loop coast of the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland, about 30 to 40 minutes south of St. John's. It holds one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in North America, plus huge numbers of murres, kittiwakes and razorbills, so in season the cliffs and the air above are crowded with birds. You cannot land: the islands are a reserve, and you see them from licensed boats that leave from Bay Bulls and Witless Bay and run close to the cliffs. Humpback whales often feed nearby in summer, and icebergs can pass in spring. It is easy physically, but the sea can be rough and cold, fog cancels trips, and seasickness is common. It suits families, bird lovers and photographers who can sit on a boat for two hours. Do not expect a walk or a beach: the visit is the boat ride. Confirm operators, sailing times and bird and whale timing.
Bay Bulls harbour, Route 10, Bay Bulls, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0A 1C0, Canada
There is no gate or visitor centre, because the islands cannot be entered. You see the reserve from licensed boat tours that run roughly from May to early September, with sailings several times a day in July and August and fewer in spring and autumn. Each operator sets its own times and prices, and tours are cancelled for fog, high swell or too few passengers, so confirm and book ahead. Puffins are present from about mid-May to August and whales are most common from June to August. Out of season the wharves are quiet and no tours run.
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