yogal

Does anyone have any experience or recomendations for puffin boat tours or tidal bore rafting???
Much thanks

italia

We just returned (yesterday) from our first trip to Nova Scotia. We did both the puffin trip and the tidal bore rafting trip and enjoyed both.

There are three rafting companies that ride the tidal bore. We went with Shubenacadie River Runners. They were great people, provided all the gear you need and gave us a great ride. Be aware that the tide height varies, so the wave height may be substantially different from day to day. We were there on a day the waves were considered to be low, and it was still lots of fun.

Of the two companies that take you to the Bird Islands we went with Bird Island Boat Tours, and again we had a great experience. We saw lots of puffins, along with many other birds. You don't get off the boat as this is a bird sanctuary, but the boat pulls very close to the islands. The staff gives a lot of information about the wildlife you are seeing. We also saw many seals in the water. Both companies' boats arrived at the islands at the same time, but I noticed our captain stayed out quite a while longer after the other company's boat departed.

All the companies are listed in the Nova Scotia "Doers and Dreamers Guide".

Have a great trip.

yogal

thanks, your info was VERY helpful.
Any other tips from your trip we might enjoy? Have 11 and 13 year old daughters. Planning 10 days camping from ST Martin (Near ST John NB) around Cape Breton to Halifax and then the cat to Bar harbor.

maggie_1

Just to comment on the two companies that go to the Bird Islands. While they both go to the same Islands.The tours are different. Bird Island Boat Tours spend all their time at the Islands and stick to a written script, talking the whole time . The other company, Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours also goes around the two Islands showing all the birds.They come out of a different location and come along the coast, stopping to feed bald eagles,ducks and northern gannets are common on their route as well you have a better chance of getting whales where they are going through St. Ann's Bay to get to the Islands.They don't talk the whole time,they make themselves available if anyone has questions.She talks about lobster and fishing on the way back in which is fascinating.So to get more for your money I would recommend Donelda's.

gannetmusic

A note to the OP. The Cat ferry to Bar Harbor has been discontinued.

artsbabe

Another vote for Donelda's tour -- we loved it last summer!