Molly Bawn Great Island Whale & Puffin Tours operates a boat out of Mobile harbor on the coast of Newfoundland south of St. John's. We chose them because the maximum number allowed on their boats is 12 plus the captain and a biologist. Unlike much larger operations that take scores of tourist in large boats that includes singing group songs, Molly Bawn concentrates on the biologist's talks about the animals and their environment. Jeannine, the biologist on our boat who moved to Newfoundland after completing her graduate degree in Germany made our trip very special with the information she imparted. Captain Chris piloted the boat from island to island among the 5 Islands area and brought us close to shore to get a good look at the puffins, eagles (adult & male). On our trip we were only able have one whale sighting due to migration patterns. We'd definitely choose Molly Bawn again. We chose an early departure and our boat only had 8 passengers. Mike, who works for the operation at the dock was terrific in getting us set up and suggesting a good departure time.

This was exactly what I was looking for. Its not one of those big whale watching trips with 20-30 people, its a very small boat that can hold 12 people. My family of four were the only ones on it that trip. The seas were rough but this type of boat can easily handle it. We seen several whales and lots of birds. It was the puffins that were to fat from fish to fly that were everyone's favorite. Great Trip. Note - be prepared to pay cash - they do not accept credit cards.

The only way to have closer contact with the whales is if you had a wet suit! The Molly Bawn is a fishing boat, not a tourist cruise yacht. And the crew are people who love to share their love of whales with you. The ride itself is worth the (very reasonable!) price of admission. Getting right up close to humpbacks is just a whole other level of awesome. And if that's not quite enough, then throw in some puffins, murrs, and a bald eagle poised over its nest. All in all, an incredible, indelible hour and a half. You feel like an observer, not a tourist. It's an experience not to be missed.