Discover Nova Scotia while cruising the Atlantic, the Bay of Fundy or the salt-water Bras d'Or Lakes.
Tour operators across the province offer moonlight cruises, private charters and schooner excursions. They'll take you deep-sea sport fishing or, if you'd rather, along the coast to spot whales, seals and dolphins.
Many islands are accessible by boat. Visit the puffins on Bird Island, the vast marine ecosystem surrounding Brier Island, or Halifax's scenic and historic backdrop – McNabs Island. It's time to pick your adventure and come aboard.
Amoeba Sailing Tours
Sail the Bras d'Or Lake aboard the schooner Amoeba. Deck seating for 43 persons; 1 1/2-hr. sail. Daily sailing; licensed bar. VS.
Open Jun 1–Sep 30
902-295-7780
ns.sympatico.ca
website
Bay to Bay Adventures Ltd
3- to 4-hour trips on the Katabatic Winds, 11-m (36-ft). 2 cruises daily. Guaranteed sightings of whales and seabirds. Reservations requested. VS, DD.
Open Jul 1–Sep 30.
902-834-2618
Fax: 902-834-2740
tartannet.ns.ca
Bird Island Tours Ltd
Hwy 105, Exit 14, follow signs. Tour to Bird Islands to see puffins, other seabirds, eagles and seals. Educational, uniquely narrated 2 1/2 hr tours daily. Rain or shine in covered Cape Islander boat; removable windows. 35th year. Reservations recommended. Also giftshop, cottages, campground. Member: NSATA. VS, MC, AE, DD.
Open May 15–Sep 30.
902-674-2384 or 800-661-6680
birdisland.net
website
Blue Shark Fishing Charters
Day-long shark fishing adventures and hourly deep-sea fishing charters. Fully equipped 10-m (34-ft) sport fishing boat; experienced captain; groups up to 10 passengers. Flyfishing for shark; private charters & custom adventures available. VS.
Open May 1–Oct 30.
902-830-4115
bluesharkcharters.com
website
Bluenose II
Province-wide
43.5-m (143-ft) schooner, Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador. Sails out of Lunenburg, Halifax, and other ports. Call for schedule. Two-hour harbour sailings at 9:30am and 1pm. VS, MC, AE.
Open Apr 1–Sep 30.
902-634-4794 or 866-579-4909
Fax: 902-634-8052
gov.ns.ca
website
Brier Island Whale & Seabird Cruises
Cruises 2 to 5 times daily, 3-5 hours in duration. Learn about the vast marine ecosystem that surrounds Brier Island. Charter group rates. Member: NSATA. VS, MC, AE, DD.
902-839-2995 or 800-656-3660
Fax: 902-839-2075
brierislandwhalewatch.com
website
Cabot Trail Whale Watching
Close-up whalewatching in Zodiac; 24 ft, 12 passenger Whale Watcher; experienced captain and guide; whale sightings guaranteed; incredible coastline views. VS, MC.
Open May 1–Oct 15.
902-224-1976 or 877-224-1976
cabottrail.com
website
Cape Breton Lobster Adventure Tours
Sightseeing, birdwatching and sport fishing charters; catch lobsters and learn about their habitat. While on the Bras d'Or Lakes, see Alexander Graham Bell's estate, the sunken ship Yankee, bald eagles, seals; deep-sea fishing. Group rates.
Open Jul 18–Oct 1, 10am–6pm; early morning and evening tours by arrangement.
902-295-2564
Capt. Cox's Whale and Bird Watch
Bay St. Lawrence wharf. Daily tours (2.5-hr) on 11-m (35-ft) Cape Islander The Northern Gannet; partly enclosed; washroom. Hydrophone to hear whales. Experienced marine biology guide. Photo identification of returning pods. Seal rookery, seabirds, dolphins, moose, bear; shipwrecks, seacaves, waterfalls, spectacular geological formations. Reservations recommended. Member: NSATA. VS.
Open Jun 15–Oct.
902-383-2981 or 888-346-5556
hotmail.com
website
Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise
13-m (42-ft) Double Hookup, partly covered, washroom; motion bracelets, rain suits. Hydrophone to hear the whales. Guaranteed sightings of whales; frequent sightings of dolphins, seals, seabirds, raptors, moose and bears. Spectacular rock and cliff formations, sea caves, waterfalls and pioneer settlements. Experienced guide / researcher. Member: NSATA. DD, AMCC.
Open May 1–Oct 15: 5 trips daily July 1–Oct 15; 3 trips daily May 1–Jun 30.
902-224-1316 or 888-754-5112
Fax: 902-224-1638
whaleandsealcruise.com
website
Captain Ed's Charters
Sea Tiger, 13 m (42 ft). Two heads on board, flying bridge. Crew supplied; rods, reels, lines provided. Moonlight cruises and trips to McNab’s Island on request. Harbour & islands taxi service. Coastal cruising, small boat rentals (power & sail). RV parking. Tiger Too, 6-m (20-ft) open boat, inboard power. VS.
Open May 1–Nov 30.
902-477-9630
Fax: 902-477-9630
eastlink.ca
Captain Wagner's Marine Excursions
10 minutes from Lunenburg. Captain has 30 years of marine experience. 2 1/2-hr or 4 1/2-hr trips. Deep-sea fishing (all fishing gear provided) or sightseeing.
Open Jun 12–Oct 31.
902-527-7334
Digby Neck Whale Watch
Whalewatching and private charters aboard Clarissa & Jen, a new 13-m (42-ft) passenger vessel. Experienced captain & guide. Frequent sightings of whales, seals, sharks, seabirds & dolphins. Group rates. Member: NSATA. VS, MC, DD.
Open Jun 20–Sep 30.
902-834-2959 or 877-2WHALES
Discovery Sailing Charters
Sailing adventures on the South Shore aboard Michaela, 11-m (35-ft) sailboat. Customized trips for up to 6 people, 1–5 days; reservations required. Member: NSATA. VS, MC, AE.
Open Early Jun-End Sept.
902-275-8377 or 1-877-275-8377
discoverysailing.com
website
Divers World
Full-service dive shop. Sales, service, rentals of sport & commercial diving equipment. Dive charters. Member: NSATA. MC, VS, AE.
Open year-round.
902-876-0555
Fax: 902-876-7079
diversworld.ns.ca
website
Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours
Hwy 312, Exit 12. Narrated daily 2 1/2-hr tours to Bird Islands (in Jul & Aug at 10am, 1:30 & 5:15pm; O/S call for sailing times). Covered boat; bar, canteen, and washroom on board. Reservations recommended. Gift shop. VS, MC, AE, DD.
Open May 15–Sep 24.
902-929-2563 or 877-2-PUFFIN
website
Elsie Yacht Charters
Captained charters aboard 18-m (59-ft) yacht built for Alexander Graham Bell in 1917. Scheduled daily sails on the Bras d’Or Lakes; tours, soft adventure and resort/yacht packages; customized itineraries for individuals, families and groups (up to 10 people). AMCC, DD.
Open Jun 1–Oct 1.
902-295-3500 or 800-565-5660
website
Fiddlin' Whale Tours
Fully equipped, 25-passenger whale-watching vessel and 12-passenger Zodiac; hourly tours with commentary; live fiddle music. Reservations recommended. Whale sightings guaranteed. Member: NSATA. DD, AMCC.
Open Jun 1–Oct 1.
902-224-2424 or 866-688-2424
fiddlinwhaletours.com
website
Four Winds Charters
From Halifax Cable Wharf and St. Margaret’s Bay. Pleasure and fishing charters. Whale watching, Halifax Harbour tours. Ferry to George’s and McNab’s Islands. Member: NSATA.
Open May 1–Oct 31
In St. Margaret’s Bay until Dec 1.
902-492-0022 or 877-274-8421
website
Freeport Whale & Seabird Tours
3–4 hr tours, professionally narrated by experienced naturalists. 12-m (40-ft) Cape Island Georgie Porgie. Fully enclosed, washroom. VS, MC, AE, DD.
Open Jun 15–Sep 30.
902-839-2177 or 866-866-8797
Fax: 902-839-2213
Haligonian III Nature & Whalewatching Tours
2 1/2–hr cruise with informative commentary on North Atlantic marine life. Member: NSATA. AMCC.
Open May 15–Oct 15.
902-420-1015
Fax: 902-423-7942
murphysonthewater.com
website
Harbour Hopper
Amphibious tour of downtown Halifax and the harbour, with commentary. Group rates available. Member: NSATA. AMCC.
Open May 1–Oct 30.
902-490-8687
Fax: 902-423-7942
harbourhopper.com
website
Harbour Queen I Historical Harbour Tours & Dinner Cruises
2-hr harbour tour with informative historical commentary. Member: NSATA. AMCC.
Open May 15–Oct 15.
902-420-1015
Fax: 902-423-7942
murphysonthewater.com
website
Hummer Ocean Tours
Clem R. Hiltz (13-m/42-ft; max 28 passengers) and Maggie McB (11-m/35-ft; max 17 passengers). Sightseeing tours and lobster dinner cruises departing from gov’t wharf; tours include seals, sea caves, lighthouses, birds, marine life; licensed bars, washrooms. Fishing and diving charters. Private charters available; group rates. AMCC.
Open May 1–Sep 30.
902-521-0857 or 866-468-3073
Lobstermen Tours
Lobster fishing and an on-going scientific lobster study, seal watching, birdwatching, scenic tours. 13-m (42-ft) vessel, max. 30 passengers, washroom on board. Very educational; suitable for all ages. Reservations recommended. Satisfaction guaranteed. Member: NSATA.
Open Jun 25–Sep 2.
902-634-3434 or 866-708-3434
lobstermentours.com
website
Louisbourg Historic & Scenic Boat Tours
Narrated daily tours of Louisbourg's rugged coastline: history of the Fortress and the village, shipwrecks, lighthouse; mackerel fishing; sightings of marine wildlife. Also cruises on calm 51-km (32-mi) Mira River. Reservations recommended.
Open May 15–Oct 31.
902-371-3303
Fax: 902-564-1476
ns.sympatico.ca
Lunenburg Ocean Adventures
Boarding at Railway Wharf, near Fisheries Museum. Islander VI, 13-m (42-ft) boat; capacity 36 passengers (6-person minimum). Fishing charters (gear provided), max 15P; shark fishing, cage diving with sharks, diving charters to Saguenay; wall dives; lobster suppers on island (10-person minimum). Group charters welcome. VS.
Open Jun 10–Oct 31: fishing 8am & 1pm; shark fishing Jul–Oct.
902-634-4833
Fax: 902-634-3195
bwr.eastlink.ca
website
Lunenburg Whale Watching Tours
14-m (45-ft) boat; washroom on board. Whales, dolphins, puffins & other seabirds, seals, turtles, sunfish; Ovens sea caves, Lunenburg Harbour & lighthouses.
Open May 1–Oct 31, (puffins until late Aug). 4 trips daily.
902-527-7175
Fax: 902-634-3779
website
Mar II Tall Ship Sailing Tours
Afternoon, pirate, happy hour, party, and moonlight cruises aboard two-masted 23-m (75-ft) wooden ketch. Member: NSATA. AMCC.
Open May 15–Oct 15.
902-420-1015
Fax: 902-423-7942
murphysonthewater.com
website
Mariner Cruises Whale & Seabird Tours
Rte 217 to Brier Island, the gateway to the Bay of Fundy. Chad & Sisters Two; washroom. Daily tours (2 1/2 to 5 hr) narrated by naturalist; whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, pelagic sea birds. Snack served during the cruise. Half- or full-day ecotour (groups of 20+): hike, flowers, history cruise, slide show. Group rates. A Nova Scotia Ecotourism destination and a Bay of Fundy Recommended Experience. Member: NSATA. VS, MC, AE, DD.
Open Jun 10–Oct 15.
902-839-2346 or 800-239-2189
Fax: 902-839-2070
novascotiawhalewatching.ca
website
McNab's Island Ferry & Nature Tours
At Government Wharf. VS, MC.
Open year-round
902-465-4563 or 800-326-4563
website
Murphy's Scenic Boat Tours
Narrated tours aboard the Ryan, a Cape Island–style wooden boat offering coastal island tours (beaches, coves, sea shanties, marine life), fishing tours, mussel tours (free), 2-hr daily sunset cruises, island drop-off service, charters. MC, VS, DD.
Open May 15–Oct 15.
902-772-2700
ns.sympatico.ca
website
Norwood Boat Tours
14-m (45-ft) boat for whalewatching & deep-sea fishing; also viewing seals & seabirds. Heated cabin; complimentary hot drinks. VS.
Open May 15–Oct 15.
902-839-2274 or 800-397-7206
Fax: 902-839-2287
Nova Lee Excursions
Tours of spectacular inner Fundy landscapes and tidal adventure aboard Tidechaser. Cape Split to Five Islands; by the hour or by the tide.
Open May 1–Oct 31.
902-254-3440
Ocean Explorations Whale Cruises
Daily tours by Zodiac to view seabirds, whales and fishing activities with live commentary on marine life. Diving charters. A Bay of Fundy Recommended Experience. Member: NSATA.
Open Jun 10–Oct 15 (O/S by reservation).
902-839-2417 or 877-654-2341
website
Oshan Whale Cruise
Oshan, 13-m (42-ft) hydrophone-equipped Northumberland Strait–style boat. Guaranteed whale sightings. Deep-sea fishing available. Family-run business. Member: NSATA.
Open Jul 1–Oct 31 (STC).
877-383-2883
ns.sympatico.ca
website
Peers' Fancy Sailing Charters
Day or overnight excursions between Halifax and Lunenburg aboard 14-m
(46-ft) schooner Peers Fancy. Customized packages for up to 6 people available. VS, MC, AE.
Open Jun 6Oct 30.
902-476-4437
peersfancy.com
website
Peggy's Cove Express
Round-trip marine adventure from Halifax to Peggy's Cove by boat or luxury coach; nature and nautical history tours; whale watching; tours fully narrated; seafood chowder included. Member: NSATA. MC, VS, DD.
Open Jun 15–Sep 30.
902-422-4200
peggyscove.com
website
Peggy's Cove Water Tours
Sightseeing, whalewatching & birding tours; deep-sea fishing charters (cod, pollock, mackerel); day-long shark fishing adventures. Private charters. Bus tours welcome. Lobster pound at Peggy’s Cove. MC, VS, DD.
Open Jun 1–Oct 15.
902-823-1818
Fax: 902-275-5338
Petit Passage Whale Watch
Rte 217, at the end of Digby Neck. 14-m (45-ft) Cape Islander Passage Provider ’04 (new in 2004). Whale watching. 3 cruises daily, reservations requested. Bus tours welcome. A Bay of Fundy Recommended Experience. Member: NSATA. MC, VS, AE.
Open Jun 20–Sep 30.
902-834-2226
Fax: 902-245-4162
ppww.ca
website
Pirate's Cove Whale and Seabird Cruises
MV Fundy Cruiser, equipped for 40 passengers; MV Fundy Voyager, equipped for 27 passengers. 3 cruises daily. Bus tours welcome. Member: NSATA. MC, VS, AE, DD.
Open Jun 7–Oct 15.
902-839-2242 or 888-480-0004
Fax: 902-839-2271
piratescove.ca
website
Port Hood Island View Tours
3-hr boat tours around Henry and Port Hood islands; hiking on islands. Whales, bald eagles, cormorants. Deep-sea fishing; Zodiac tours to lighthouse. MC, VS.
Open May 1–Oct 1.
902-787-3490
Fax: 902-787-2388
ns.sympatico.ca
Sail Mahone Bay
Learn-to-sail & Improver sessions; half- & full-day cruises; sailing expeditions. CYA member school.
Open seasonally.
902-624-8864
Fax: 902-624-8864
Sail to the Whales Inc.
Classic sailing schooner Tom Saylor, 16 m (52’), 14 passengers. 2 1/2-hr sailing adventures to see whales, dolphins, seals, birds off northern Cape Breton; also 8-hr cruises between Ingonish & Pleasant Bay. Member: NSATA. AMCC.
Open Jun 1–Sep 30.
902-383-2319 or 877-488-2319
ns.sympatico.ca
Sea Visions, Whale Watch
Whale watch by sail on 22-m (73-ft) square topsail schooner. MC, VS, DD.
Open Jun 10–Sep 30 (STC).
902-285-2628
ns.sympatico.ca
website
Seaquarium Whale Watching Tours
13-m (40-ft) Cape Islander (up to 40 passengers). Guide, snack/refreshment bar, washroom, rain suits. Three 2 1/2-hr tours daily. Group & family rates, bus tours welcome. MC, VS.
Open Jun 1–Sep 30.
902-285-2103
Seaside Whale & Nature Cruises
Operators of two vessels (Love Boat & Love Boat I): 30 & 40 passengers. Along beautiful coastline of Cape Breton Highlands. Three 3-hour sailings daily. Group rates & accommodation packages. Member: NSATA. MC, VS.
Open Jun 15–Oct 15; call for O/S sailing times.
902-224-2400 or 800-959-4253
website
Ship Harbour Boat Tours & Charter Services
Whale watching, nature tours, sport fishing, diving tours, private charters and excursions. Scientific lobster study (catch and release). Washroom on board.
Open May 3–Oct 25; reservations recommended.
902-227-5456
Fax: 902-625-1819
ns.sympatico.ca
website
Skipper Dave's Charters
11-m (35-ft) Cape Island boat: deep-sea fishing; shipwreck diving; trips to historic Sambro Lighthouse.
Open Apr 1–Nov 30.
902-868-2748
hfx.eastlink.ca
website
Some Sites 2 Sea Eco Tours & Charters
Custom-built 11-m (36-ft) covered charter boat Madison Sea; padded seats, CD player, washroom, fully equipped; certified crew. Shark fishing (rod & reel) and deep-sea fishing charters; private charters; harbour tours; whalewatching. Satisfaction guaranteed. Reservations required.
Open May 1–Oct 31.
902-830-3759
South Shore Boat Tours
River tours, deep sea fishing, whalewatching, sightseeing, shark tournaments, special events. Requests welcome. Max 12 passengers.
Open Jun 15–Nov 1.
902-543-5107
auracom.com
website
Sunshine Sailing
Afternoon and sunset cruises on 8-m (27-ft) sailboat, 2 hr or longer; up to 6 passengers. Sailing lessons. MC, VS.
Open Jun 1–Nov 30.
902-759-3339
ns.sympatico.ca
Tall Ship Silva
Daily narrated sailing tours around historic Halifax Harbour. Full bar, enclosed lounge, banquet room, large washrooms, open deck with bench seating. Available for weddings & private charter; some services in French. MC, VS, AE.
Open May 1–Oct 30.
902-429-9463
Fax: 902-429-0334
tallshipsilva.com
website
TaxSea on the Harbour
Water taxi. Hourly rate, max 8 people. Food & drink welcome. VS.
Open Apr 15–Oct 15.
902-830-3181
ns.sympatico.ca
website
Theodore Too Tours
Fun and educational 1-hr Big Harbour tours aboard a full-sized replica tugboat from the TV series; designed with children in mind, bringing to life the sights and sounds of a working harbour. AMCC.
Open May 15–Oct 15.
902-492-TUGS
Fax: 902-423-7942
theodoretugboat.ca
website
Thrumcap Sailing Charters
Sailing charters on Bras d’Or Lakes; full- and half-day sails; up to 5 passengers.
Open Jun 15–Oct 15.
902-456-5223
Fax: 902-479-1488.
Torpedo Rays Scuba Adventures
Diving equipment.
Open year-round.
902-481-0444 or 877-222-DIVE (3483)
Fax: 902-481-0333
torpedorays.com
website
Wesley's Whale Watch
Hydrophone equipped; sightings guaranteed. Comfortable seating; rain gear and motion bracelets supplied. MC, VS, DD.
Open May 1–Oct 15.
866-999-4253
Whale Cruisers
Two 13-m (42-ft) vessels, Whale Cruiser and Bonnie Maureen III. Geology, rock formations and sea caves along the coastline of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. 3-hr cruises. Group rates and charters available. Member: NSATA. MC, VS.
902-224-3376 or 800-813-3376
Fax: 902-224-1166
auracom.com
Zipping Zodiac Whale & Seabird Tours
Narrated tours in 6-m (20-ft) rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac: whale & seabird tours in the Bay of Fundy, and sightseeing tours around Long & Brier islands. Member: NSATA. MC, VS, DD.
Open Jun 7–Sep 30.
902-839-2064 or 888-855-6062
zippingzodiac.com