Puffin Extravaganza Cruise and Puffling Patrol
A 3.5-hour Bay Bulls experience combining a sunset Atlantic Puffin cruise with guided participation in a land-based puffling patrol.
About this tour
Begin in Bay Bulls with a 1.5-hour evening Zodiac cruise to watch Atlantic Puffins around their offshore colony. The small boat allows a close view of the marine setting while the guide explains puffin behavior, breeding ecology and the conditions these seabirds face along Newfoundland’s coast.
After returning to land, continue with a two-hour guided patrol connected with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s local Puffin Patrol. The group searches suitable areas for young puffins that have become disoriented after leaving the colony. Any bird found is handled only within the patrol’s established conservation procedure, and rescue activity depends entirely on natural conditions that evening.
The complete program lasts about 3.5 hours and is limited to seven participants. Taylor Brown leads the interpretation, drawing on more than a decade of field experience and doctoral research on puffins and storm-petrels in Bay Bulls. The minimum participant age is eight.
The current published price is CAD 250 per adult plus HST and CAD 200 per child aged 8 to 15 plus HST. A portion of the proceeds supports the Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. Exact dates, departure time, meeting instructions and current patrol conditions are confirmed after a BirdWatch inquiry. Puffin sightings and the discovery or release of a puffling cannot be guaranteed.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Canada.
Birds you can spot
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Sunset puffin cruise and puffling patrol
Start with a 1.5-hour evening Zodiac cruise to observe Atlantic Puffins and learn about their breeding ecology. Return to land for a guided two-hour patrol that searches appropriate areas for disoriented young puffins under the local conservation program. Rescue activity depends on what occurs naturally that evening.
Locations & map
- Bay Bulls puffin colony and patrol area - Newfoundland and Labrador Canada (Bay Bulls coordinates identify the community. Exact cruise and patrol locations are confirmed for the departure.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Dates follow the puffin season and local patrol program, confirmed after inquiry.
Included
- Sunset Atlantic Puffin Zodiac cruise - Approximately 1.5 hours on the water.
- Guided puffling patrol - Approximately two hours on land under the local conservation procedure.
- Ornithological and conservation interpretation - Led by Wild Avalon Expeditions guide Taylor Brown.
Not included
- HST - The official published prices are shown before HST.
Transport & stays
- Zodiac and guided land patrol Participants return to land after the cruise and continue on foot or as directed for the patrol. | Meet: Bay Bulls, exact instructions confirmed after inquiry
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
How is the 3.5-hour program divided?
The experience begins with about 1.5 hours on the Zodiac and continues with a guided land patrol lasting about two hours.
What is the minimum age?
Participants must be at least eight years old. The current child rate applies from age 8 through 15.
Can someone join only the cruise or only the patrol?
Standby places for an individual portion may sometimes be offered, subject to availability. Ask through BirdWatch for the current option and price.
Will the group definitely find a puffling?
No. The patrol responds to natural events, so the discovery, rescue or release of a puffling cannot be guaranteed.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.