Wildlife / Marine nature reserve

Witless Bay Islands Park Reserve

St. John's, NL

Huge Atlantic puffin coloniesGuided wildlife boat excursionsChance to spot whales and dolphinsProtected marine reserve with expert guides

About Witless Bay Islands Park Reserve

Witless Bay Islands is one of the Atlantic’s most important seabird colonies, hosting hundreds of thousands of birds including large puffin populations each spring and summer. Access is strictly by guided boat tour, which allows visitors to see dense colonies on rocky stacks and learn about nesting behaviour and conservation efforts.

Tours often combine birdwatching with whale-spotting in surrounding waters, and naturalist guides provide context on the islands’ ecology. Because access is controlled, visits are both spectacular and environmentally responsible, making it a highlight for nature-minded travellers.

Things to Do

Guided boat tours to see puffins and murres

Guided boat tours to see puffins and murres

Whale and marine mammal watching

Whale and marine mammal watching

Seabird identification and photography

Seabird identification and photography

Learn about conservation from guides

Learn about conservation from guides