Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours
Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours
Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours
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Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours is one of the 100 Must-See Destinations in Unforgettable Atlantic Canada! On the 2 1/2 - 3 hour boat tour you'll be amazed at the beautiful rock formations on the way to the Islands , a stop to look at an old sea cave as well as a stop or two to feed some Bald Eagles. The Bird Islands are home to Grey Seals, Bald Eagles ,Atlantic Puffins and other sea birds. Our vessel, Highland Lass has all removable windows down both sides (refit 2012) for easy viewing and taking pictures from the comfort of your seat.Our tour spends over an hour at the Islands viewing birds (more if necessary) this does not include the time spent feeding Bald Eagles on the way to and from the Islands or stopping for anything else of interest, whales dolphins, gannets etc. The tour is offered in English , however there are written transcripts ( limited numbers of each ) of the whole tour available on the boat in English, French and German to make your experience more enjoyable. Please note that tours can be cancelled due to unsafe sailing conditions.
Englishtown, Nova Scotia, Canada
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
316 reviews
Excellent
276
Very good
28
Average
3
Poor
5
Terrible
4
Marie-Josee D
Quebec City, Canada63 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
We LOVED our puffin cruise with Donelda. we went to bird islands on her converted fishing boat. We saw a lot more animals than expected: we saw A LOT of bald eagles, cormorants, great blue herons, puffins (they are small and scared easily so bring binoculars!), and seals. We didn’t see any razorbills as they have already left the region. The entire family loved the cruise! Donelda’s commentaries were also super informative. She is very knowledgeable. It shows that she has been doing this for 25+ years!
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leh72
Boston, MA40 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Fantastic 2.5 trip out to Bird Islands led by Donelda, who is great at pointing out birds and marine life. Lots of bald eagles, puffins, great blue herons, seals and more!
Written July 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George B
1 contribution
Jul. 2023 • Solo
I called prior to my arrival to make sure the boat would sail. This was when I found that I would need to bring cash or e-pay (July 7). No issues at all. A very well-guided tour. I’ve been on Puffin tours before and have never seen this many! Not to mention the Bald Eagles, Cormorants, and the Grey Seals!! Every face on the boat wore a big smile! The tour was very professional and well lead, one of the highlights of my trip. When I return to the area I will definitely take this tour again!
Written July 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon H
2 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Couples
Much better than the Peggy's Cove puffin boat! We got close to the islands and Donelda pointed out all the different kinds of birds and seals, including many puffins. On the way she threw a fish so we could watch an eagle scoop it up. It was rainy the day we went but it was still awesome! The boat is covered so you are protected from the weather but you can take the windows out for better viewing if you want to. Also the little shack where you check in is a dense wonderland of puffin wares for purchase.
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis H
Port Coquitlam, Canada15 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
My wife and I booked Donelda's Puffin Tour and it was an incredible experience. Booking was easy online. Although it says cash or credit, they haven't recieved their credit machine yet. We got a email the night before saying to pay in cash so not a problem.
Donelda was extremely knowledgable about the wildlife we would see and offered interesting commentary. Her husband, John, did a great job captaining the boat and added to pointing out some of the birds and seals.
On our way out to the "bird islands" some resident bald eagles trailed the boat. Donelda grabbed a fish and threw it out about 15 feet off the side if the boat. The eagles woukd swoop down and grab tge fish. Spectacular sight to see these magestic birds up so close. We saw this 6 or 7 times on the trip.
We saw so many puffins, rasorbills, cormarants, gulls, herons and even a few Canada geese (it was Canada Day so they were appreciated). Also lots of grey seals lounging in and out of the water.
We had a lovely 3 hrs on this tour. Donelda made us feel like family and clearly she and John enjoy sharing this beautiful area.
A must do if you are in the area...
Donelda was extremely knowledgable about the wildlife we would see and offered interesting commentary. Her husband, John, did a great job captaining the boat and added to pointing out some of the birds and seals.
On our way out to the "bird islands" some resident bald eagles trailed the boat. Donelda grabbed a fish and threw it out about 15 feet off the side if the boat. The eagles woukd swoop down and grab tge fish. Spectacular sight to see these magestic birds up so close. We saw this 6 or 7 times on the trip.
We saw so many puffins, rasorbills, cormarants, gulls, herons and even a few Canada geese (it was Canada Day so they were appreciated). Also lots of grey seals lounging in and out of the water.
We had a lovely 3 hrs on this tour. Donelda made us feel like family and clearly she and John enjoy sharing this beautiful area.
A must do if you are in the area...
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us and that you enjoyed the time spent with us . I hope your review and pictures remain on my listing as the last four 5 star reviews disappeared including the photos posted by a photographer .
Written July 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melba M
Dighton, MA1 contribution
Jun. 2023 • Family
I wish I could give zero stars. We drove 3 hours round trip from our hotel to take the tour today. We called first and then secured our reservation online that included our email and phone number. We got to the location and there was a sign on the window that said the 1:30 PM boat for today is cancelled. My husband knocked on the shed door and a woman answered and said, “Oh, are you the person who called earlier? Sorry I didn’t realize the tour was cancelled.”
We are only in Cape Breton for two nights and one of our days has been reunited.
We are only in Cape Breton for two nights and one of our days has been reunited.
Written June 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The tours are cancelled for one of three reasons , mechanical issues with the boat , not enough people to sail ( 10 ) or sea conditions that are over what Transport Canada will allow me to sail in for my passengers safety ! It is also posted on my website that tours can be cancelled without prior notice . There have been days that we have left the wharf and have had to return 20 minutes later because the sea conditions changed.
We cancelled because of the sea conditions . I did try to call your number and I got a message saying the customer you are calling is out of cell phone service. Cell phone service in Cape Breton is spotty so I assumed you were already on the road . The girl in the office has just started and I looked after getting in touch with those booked . You were the only ones that I couldn't get through to .
Written June 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natalie H
Toronto, Canada181 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Family
You either reserve a spot online or you go to the small building and buy the tickets on the spot.
You park on the side of the highway. It's really windy. It's a cloudy day with some sun, with 60% chance of rain.
There are public washrooms back where the ferry is at (where you cross over to go to Englishtown), in a white building.
You can take off the windows to get a better view of the world beyond the windows.
It's hard to hear what Donelda, the tour guide is saying. Very loud boat sounds. Need to strain to hear what she is saying.
She talks about how to use the lifejackets, history of the boat, history of a harbour (?), history of something (wasn't able to make it out). The body of water we're traveling in.
The boat rocks back and forth, side to side.
Talking about the different birds that live or can be found out in the ocean and area. Birds the prey on the Puffins. Aggressive birds. Mini penguin. Facts and description of what a Puffin is.
She tells us a story of 2 bald eagles that hover over her head as she got the fish out to throw it into the water. She named the birds Mr. and Mrs. Charlie.
She threw out 2 fishes and we watched the bald eagles fish up the fish. Seeing bald eagles fly around. There are a lot of bald eagles on the shoreline. Seeing the bald eagle catch the fish up close. Some seagulls are flying around and above us as well.
Saw seals. Saw all sorts of birds and the Puffins. Great Blue Herons. Gulls. The predator of the Puffins.
Donelda is informative and knowledgeable. Her husband is the captain of the boat and drives it. The boat ride to the rocky islands where we saw lots of different birds was great.
$60 adult admission. Total admission cost is $189.75. We had 3 people. They only accept cash because they don't have the credit/debit machine. They said that they'll get one soon. Total time spent was 2 hrs and 30 mins.
We enjoyed our boat ride to see the different birds. We recommend that you do the boat tour.
Too bad Trip Advisor doesn't allowed for videos to be uploaded. Wasn't able to nab a photo, just took lots of videos.
You park on the side of the highway. It's really windy. It's a cloudy day with some sun, with 60% chance of rain.
There are public washrooms back where the ferry is at (where you cross over to go to Englishtown), in a white building.
You can take off the windows to get a better view of the world beyond the windows.
It's hard to hear what Donelda, the tour guide is saying. Very loud boat sounds. Need to strain to hear what she is saying.
She talks about how to use the lifejackets, history of the boat, history of a harbour (?), history of something (wasn't able to make it out). The body of water we're traveling in.
The boat rocks back and forth, side to side.
Talking about the different birds that live or can be found out in the ocean and area. Birds the prey on the Puffins. Aggressive birds. Mini penguin. Facts and description of what a Puffin is.
She tells us a story of 2 bald eagles that hover over her head as she got the fish out to throw it into the water. She named the birds Mr. and Mrs. Charlie.
She threw out 2 fishes and we watched the bald eagles fish up the fish. Seeing bald eagles fly around. There are a lot of bald eagles on the shoreline. Seeing the bald eagle catch the fish up close. Some seagulls are flying around and above us as well.
Saw seals. Saw all sorts of birds and the Puffins. Great Blue Herons. Gulls. The predator of the Puffins.
Donelda is informative and knowledgeable. Her husband is the captain of the boat and drives it. The boat ride to the rocky islands where we saw lots of different birds was great.
$60 adult admission. Total admission cost is $189.75. We had 3 people. They only accept cash because they don't have the credit/debit machine. They said that they'll get one soon. Total time spent was 2 hrs and 30 mins.
We enjoyed our boat ride to see the different birds. We recommend that you do the boat tour.
Too bad Trip Advisor doesn't allowed for videos to be uploaded. Wasn't able to nab a photo, just took lots of videos.
Written June 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen M
2 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Friends
Sadly we were unable to take the tour. Their website says they take credit cards but they do not. A simple update to the website or a notice on the door of place at the wharf would be extremely helpful.
Written June 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry that Chase has not gotten the issue fixed with the charge machine . There was and is a notice in the window that states at present I can only do cash CDN or US , an etransfer or Zelle . It is also on the answering machine .
One in your party was trying to do Zelle and another one kept saying never mind we don't have to go ! Given the issues with internet and power outages it is advisable to carry cash .
Written June 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
usuck69
London, Canada66 contributions
Jun. 2023
Denalda never answers the phone & never returns phone calls.
Probably a good tour if questions could be answered before booking & arrival.
Probably a good tour if questions could be answered before booking & arrival.
Written June 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Since Covid workers are hard to come by and I am no different than any other small business owner just getting opened up for the season .
I'm sorry that you feel that I NEVER answer the phone or NEVER return phone calls . There are a huge number of my customers that will disagree with you , especially those that get a 10:00 pm or a 7:15 am return call .
When people leave their phone numbers for a return call they talk so fast and sometimes bad connects that it is hard to hear and it's impossible to get the phone number to return the call . Then you have the ones that leave their office phone number and you can't get them only on their office hours . Given time changes I usually ask for emails as they can be sent or read at any time .
I have been able to hire two people to answer the phone . I have an answering machine that the current sailing info is on . If it says we are not sailing on a afternoon tour , driving here is not going to change that !
Written June 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grumpyogre
Guelph, Canada174 contributions
May 2022
So disappointed that they were not able to get the license yet for the 2022 season, so they had to cancel our booked trip.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Because Covid I did not operate the past two years. This year Transport Canada required more to finish the passenger vessel inspections and I had no prior notice. When I tried to buy the required items, they had to be ordered and then wait for them to come in, then to be installed, call for another inspection and wait for that day to come. In order to finish the inspection, I need passenger liability. The Insurance company that I dealt with the past 26 years had changed carriers and instead of a renewal it was a whole new application, again with no prior notice. These companies are in England and who knew they would be closed for a week for the Queen's birthday! These were all things that were out of my control. The same as when we have to cancel a sailing because the winds are higher than I am allowed to sail in. I have disappointed people then, but they are very understanding and don't give me a 2 star rating for a situation that was totally out of my control.
Written October 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jessica
2 contributions
We're coming in from the port in Sydney and have reserved a rental car. If we are off the ship as soon as able, will we have any trouble making it to the tour in time?
friendofmitzi
New Orleans, LA303 contributions
How do you see the boat tour schedule? Can you purchase a ticket ahead of time? We are planning a trip in June.
Snail M
Halifax, Canada107 contributions
Here’s a link to their website showing tour times for 2019. You can reserve a spot in advance using a credit card during her open season. Keep in mind donelda is trying to answer the phone during her boat tour so it may take a couple try’s. She’s a very nice lady, you will enjoy the tour.
FellowTraveler512388
San Diego, CA1 contribution
Will you be operating on Sunday Sept 23, 2018?
Donelda M
1 contribution
I'm sorry but we closed for the season on September 16. The Puffins went out to sea the latter part of August .
Valerie P
Bradenton, FL30 contributions
I have heard the ferry to get to you is not running. Does that mean from Baddeck we should drive up the eastern side of the lake? Thanks.
Donelda M
1 contribution
Hi,
Coming from Baddeck you'll be coming east on the TCH 105 to exit 12 and I'm located just before the ferry , a 20 minute drive from Baddeck
photobugger2015
North Sydney, Canada62 contributions
Just wondering the price and how long is the tour?
Donelda M
1 contribution
I have 2 prices, cash is $ 47.00 plus tax Credit cards are $50.00 plus tax .Seniors are $45.00 plus tax cash and $48.00 credit cards plus tax. US cash is $41.00 for adults .
Holly S
Stirling, Canada186 contributions
How long are we actually on the boat. Just wondering about sea sickness. My husband doesn’t do well on long boat rides on the ocean. Would live to do this tour !!
Manbyk
Minnesota627 contributions
All told we were on the boat for roughly 2 hours, possibly 2 hours, 30 minutes. It takes 40 minutes to reach Bird Island. There is a small bathroom on board and although our day was a bit windy we were not thrown around, not at all.
