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
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Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
326 reviews
Excellent
285
Very good
28
Average
3
Poor
5
Terrible
5
Knutsfordians
Knutsford, BC16 contributions
Jul 2022
This was an interesting tour, and we saw lots of birds and seals. Donelda did a good job pointing out where the puffins were (as another reviewer stated, they are small). She drew our attention to the other birds as well.
A couple of brief observations:
1. The boat doesn’t have a bathroom, and it seemed that some of the little people on the trip certainly could have used one. So make sure that you and your family all relieve yourself before boarding g for this 3 hour tour (insert Gilligan’s Island theme song here)
2. Based on our trip, try to sit on the port side (the left side, it the one with the steering wheel). Captain John tends to bring the boat into the islands with that side toward the islands first, so the people of the port side tend to see more things ,and see them first. He does swing around so the starboard side people are closer, but after the port side have already had their turn.
A couple of brief observations:
1. The boat doesn’t have a bathroom, and it seemed that some of the little people on the trip certainly could have used one. So make sure that you and your family all relieve yourself before boarding g for this 3 hour tour (insert Gilligan’s Island theme song here)
2. Based on our trip, try to sit on the port side (the left side, it the one with the steering wheel). Captain John tends to bring the boat into the islands with that side toward the islands first, so the people of the port side tend to see more things ,and see them first. He does swing around so the starboard side people are closer, but after the port side have already had their turn.
Written July 21, 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.
Thank you for the review of your time on my boat . I'll make a couple of comments or clarifications . In order to have a bathroom onboard I need a holding tank and in order to have a holding tank it needs to be pumped out . There is no where's that I can go to get the tank pumped out so while I would love to have a toilet to help all the little people out it is not possible . I am covering the expense for the port a potty as opposed to sending people to the public toilets at the ferry .
We do turn the boat so all gets to see as much as possible .Lets face it not matter what side he brought the boat in on somebody is going to see first and someone second .
Written July 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canadian_hikerGuelph
Guelph57 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Donald and Captain John are really dedicated to giving their customers an unforgettable experience. The tour is 90 + minute boat ride out to Bird Islands and back. At Bird Islands we saw Atlantic puffins, gray seals, double breasted and great cormorants, black backed gulls and I kid you not, at least 20 bald eagles.
Captain John takes the boat back and forth so people on both sides of the boat can see the birds and seals. This is done with the motor turned down so Donalda can point out all the wildlife. She wants to make sure everyone sees everything that there is to see out there. Donalda also gives information on the life cycle of the puffins, where they breed, when they migrate back to the ocean, etc. This is all done with honest enthusiasm and a touch of humour. Incredible value for the money and I highly recommend this tour.
Captain John takes the boat back and forth so people on both sides of the boat can see the birds and seals. This is done with the motor turned down so Donalda can point out all the wildlife. She wants to make sure everyone sees everything that there is to see out there. Donalda also gives information on the life cycle of the puffins, where they breed, when they migrate back to the ocean, etc. This is all done with honest enthusiasm and a touch of humour. Incredible value for the money and I highly recommend this tour.
Written August 10, 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.
craigzurhorst
Rumford, ME10 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Five stars! Donelda MacAskill has been providing these puffin tours for over 25 years, and her experience and knowledge during the three-hour cruise made this a fun and informative trip. The Highland Lass is an impeccably-clean, decent-sized boat, with open-side, under-cover, seating, and riding on the open stern, with its netted railings, is allowed, and provides a great view. On our cruise, we saw bald eagles (including a few Donelda rewarded with mackerel), different varieties of cormorants and gulls, gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots, gray seals and, of course, puffins. Donelda’s narration included facts about the birds and seals, and the nesting areas on Hertford and Ciboux (Bird) Islands. Communication after the booking is excellent, but pay attention to confirmation emails in case weather or under-booking force a cancellation.
Thank you, Donelda!
Thank you, Donelda!
Written August 4, 2024
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, Canada29 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.
Joseph V
Washington, DC28 contributions
Jun 2022
Really great experience. Donelda and Capt. McAskill were friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Donelda's narration on the trip was great; she didn't talk the whole time, just shared the important details and let us enjoy the view and the birds.
Written June 21, 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.
Thank you for including our tour as one of your activities . We are happy that you enjoyed being with us .
Written July 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alyunya422
Los Angeles, CA40 contributions
Jul 2022
Owned and operated by a very lovely couple for decades, this was an extremely relaxing yet educational experience. We saw a plethora of puffins, eagles, bergamots, and other birds, and had plenty of time of time to photograph and observe them. The added bonuses of our trip were presence of the couple's grandkids providing plenty of information and entertainments of their own, as well as watching Donelda feed an eagle near the mainland (to dissuade them from going to the islands) and seeing the eagle retrieve the treat in flight.
I would definitely recommend people to support this wonderful couple and check out their tour.
I would definitely recommend people to support this wonderful couple and check out their tour.
Written August 10, 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.
The Rick S
Florida20 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This tour was great!!! We got to see all of the birds that Donelda mentioned as well as lots of seals. Recommend bringing a pair or binoculars and a nice camera with a great zoom lens for photos. Highly recommend this experience!
Written July 13, 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.
Thank you for your recommendation of our tour . We try very hard to provide a great experience for everyone .
Written July 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Betsy
2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
What a wonderful experience!! We saw so many puffins! Donelda was amazing, so friendly and knowledgeable. We also saw several bald eagles (up close!!), gray seals, a variety of gulls, and other sea birds. The captain made sure we had the best views and knew when and where we needed to be to get the most out of our experience. I highly recommend this excursion to everyone - young and old alike!!!
Written July 23, 2024
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.
wendy033
Hamilton, Canada11 contributions
Jul 2022
This boat tour was fantastic. The commentary was excellent; she did a great job explaining the different birds etc and where they could be found so everyone could see them. The boat moves very slowly around the lslands so you can see seals, puffins, cranes, eagles , razorbills and more. Thank you for a wonderful experience
Written July 17, 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.
Thank you so much for your kind words . It really does make it all worth while . Thank you for sharing your vacation with us.
Written July 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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?
Written June 14, 2019
How do you see the boat tour schedule? Can you purchase a ticket ahead of time? We are planning a trip in June.
Written January 31, 2019
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.
Written February 1, 2019
Will you be operating on Sunday Sept 23, 2018?
Written September 21, 2018
I'm sorry but we closed for the season on September 16. The Puffins went out to sea the latter part of August .
Written October 15, 2018
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.
Written August 14, 2018
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
Written August 15, 2018
Just wondering the price and how long is the tour?
Written July 22, 2018
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 .
Written July 26, 2018
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 !!
Written June 30, 2018
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.
Written June 30, 2018
Will we likely see puffins the second week of September?
Written August 24, 2017
Hi, No unfortunately the puffins will be gone out to sea by then . We're still seeing the last " stragglers ", and today we also rescued a baby puffin .
Written August 24, 2017
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