Puffin Tours
Experience the rugged beauty of Cape Breton scenery on a bird tour
Capacity, Comfort & Accessibility
Our 37-foot-long Cape Islander tour boat, the Puffin Express, was launched in May 2010. It has passed all the new Transport Canada Regulations for passenger boats. Due to her 15 ft width, she is very stable while being easy to manoeuvre so that we can get as close as possible to the Islands — and the birds. It's easy to get on the boat – just 5 steps down with hand rails.
Schedule & Prices
- Adult — $67
- Student — $63
- Child (1–6) — $45
- Infant (0–1) — Free
- Photographer's Tour — $80
All prices plus HST (14%)
Tours run daily at the following times:
May 17 – June 14
10:00am | 1:45pm
June 15 – July 31
10:00am | 1:45pm | 5:30pm*
*Photographer's Tour
The 5:30pm tour on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (June 15 – July 31). $80 per person.
Find out more.
August 1 – August 25
10:00am | 1:30pm | 5:15pm
Schedule subject to change.
A Unique Layout
We have Cape Breton's first tour boat with removable windows for glass-free picture taking in rain or shine. Whatever the weather, we are still under cover. The unique interior layout with the helm station in the center makes it easier to interact with the Captain and the crew. You are always free to move around on our boat.
The "Puffin Express" also has open deck space in the back. The boat comfortably seats 30 with a maximum capacity of 35. If you prefer less close quarters, we have the boat for you. And yes, there are washrooms on board!
Birds You Can See on Our Tour
Our Cape Breton Wildlife Guide: below are the birds and wildlife you will see on your boat tour to Bird Islands. Each species has its own nesting schedule — and it is easy to determine the best time to see Puffins in Nova Scotia. Just come to Cape Breton! Looking for the best place to see puffins in Nova Scotia? Just minutes from the Cabot Trail, our tours take you directly to the Bird Islands.
We guarantee puffins on all of our tours until mid to late August.
What To Bring
- Warmer clothing, as it is about 10 degrees cooler on the water — layers are a good idea
- Sunscreen, as you're more liable to burn due to reflection from the water
- Any food or drink you wish to bring is acceptable, as we do not sell anything on board
- Binoculars (recommended, but not required) — we do have several pairs to rent in the office, available on a first come, first served basis
- Digital Camera. Don't expect amazing puffin photos from a smartphone or tablet camera.
- Photographers: 300–400mm is the prime focal length. Tripods do not work well on a moving boat.
Choose Your Tour
Bird Island Boat Tour
Tour by boat to two nearby islands to see puffins, seabirds, seals and eagles. The tour is narrated so you can learn about what you are seeing. 2 hours 45 minutes is spent out on the boat, first to steam out, then to circle the islands, then to steam back. Over 1 hour and 20 minutes viewing birds at the islands. Seating and a washroom are on board. Tours run from May 17 to Aug 25.
Bird Island Photographer's Tour
Tour by boat to 2 nearby islands to see puffins, seabirds, seals and eagles. Photographer's Tours start June 15 and the last one is July 31. This tour is less narrated and more oriented towards getting your best picture, with tips for photographing on a moving boat etc. Tours may be 3 hours or longer in length depending on what sidetracks us for a picture…. Captain Ian is also a photographer and can share discussions about lens, etc.
See our What to Bring section for some hints on lens and tripods. The maximum amount of people is limited to 18 instead of 35, for more elbow room. Price is slightly higher, no child rate.
Need A Place to Stay?
Unwind after your tour with a night or two in our cottages. Located less than an hour from many Cape Breton highlights, our Mountain Vista Seaside Cottages are the perfect home for your East Coast trip.
See our cottagesFrequently Asked Questions
Explore Cape Breton
Don't stop after the tour! Our location is close to some of Cape Breton's best offerings.
See What's Nearby