Tour Companies That Offer Whale Watching on PEI, Canada
Have you been wondering which tour companies offer whale watching on Prince Edward Island (PEI)? I’ve got you covered!
Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, so whales tours look a bit different than what you might expect. Most tours that offer whale sightseeing also include optional fishing as part of the experience.
Check out these tours that will take you out on the water, let you enjoy the scenic coastal views, put a fishing pole in the water for your potential dinner that night, and help you spot some whales.
Whale Watching PEI Tours
1. Wicked Sea Adventures
Wicked Sea Adventures offers a lot for a 2.5hr boat tour for whale watchers and fishermen alike! Soak in the sun, smell the salty sea air, and learn all about the marine life that inhabit these waters.
Whale sightings aren’t guaranteed but are often seen along North Lake or East Point Lighthouse (a great photo op with or without whales!).
But don’t worry, if whales are absent you’ll very likely see harbor porpoises and seals, common mammals that live in these waters. Your captain will do all he can to give you the best wildlife experience.
Besides marine life sightings you’ll also be given a lobster fishing demonstration, a staple and way of life on the the island. Experience the life of a lobster harvester through a short demonstration featuring crucial demands such as buoy catching, trap variations, bait choices, and escape mechanisms.
Fishing rods are also provided on board for you to catch your own Atlantic mackerel or cod. Ask the crew for great tips on how best to cook your fresh fish!
To book with Wicked Sea Adventures you’ll need to fill out their request form with your information and desired date and time.
Tour Times: 9:30am & 1:00pm Mon-Sat
Location: 20 Red Bank Road, North Lake, PE C0A 2B0, Canada
2. Macneill’s PEI Tuna and Deep Sea Fishing Charters
PEI Tuna Charters offers a no frills approach for whale watching but their knowledgeable guides are passionate about the environment and the local area, making it easy to learn more about the wildlife and appreciate beautiful Prince Edward Island.
The boat is comfortable but not overly crowded, with a maximum of 25 people.
To fill in some time you’ll get a mackerel fishing demonstration and even get to try your hand at fishing with some of the crew members. At the end of the trip, you can take home some of the catch to cook up for dinner.
Call or email Captain Jeff to arrange whale watching tour time.
Tours operate July-September.
Tour Times: determined upon booking
Location: 11 N Lake Harbour Rd, Souris, PE C0A 2B0, Canada
3. Atlantic Sailing PEI
Embarking with Atlantic Sailing PEI is an unforgettable experience for the nature enthusiast. Their 26′ sailboat offers a scenic 2-3hr tour of the eastern shoreline, providing magnificent views of the ocean and abundant wildlife. You’ll get to explore pristine shorelines, see seabirds among crashing waves, and keep an eye out for whales in the open waters.
Their eco-friendly sailboat is electric solar powered and gives an almost silent ride whether using the motor or the sails, giving you the chance to soak in more sounds of the ocean.
The boat holds 8 people, so it’s a very intimate sailing.
Dogs are even welcome onboard, which is hard to find in these parts. Be sure to let them know ahead of time if Fido is joining.
Non-alcoholic drinks are provided for your refreshment, or bring your own.
Tours operate June-Labor Day.
Tour Times: 10:00am, 2:30pm, & 6:30pm everyday
Location: Harbourview Dr, North Rustico, PE C0A 1X0, Canada
4. North Lake Charters
Experience the thrill of Eastern PEI’s North Lake Charters and try your hand at mackerel fishing or jigging (using a type of weighted fishing lure) while keeping an eye out for majestic whales, seabirds, seals, sunfish, and even leather back turtles which are seen more often in the area.
North Lake Charters is one of the oldest charter companies on Prince Edward Island, being run for over 50 years by a Captain Cor Keus and his two sons, and has been featured on National Geographic’s Monster Fish. Cor holds a tuna world record with 80 lbs test line, and 1116 lbs. Suffice to say, you’ll have an experienced guide on your hands!
Tours run only in August.
Call or email to book your tour.
Tour Times: 9:00am & 1:00pm everyday in August
Location: 3894 E Point Rd, Elmira, PE C0A 1K0, Canada
When is Whale Watching Season on PEI?
Whale season in the Maritime Provinces is during the summer and fall. And as whales don’t carry watches, there isn’t really a good time of day to see them.
If they’re there, they’re there. If they’re not, they’re not.
Many species of whales reside in the Gulf of St Lawrence, so while you are whale watching on Prince Edward Island you’ll have a variety to keep an eye out. The most common whales to spot are: minke, pilot, sperm, humpback, and finback. Other whales that you have chances of seeing are: North Atlantic right, orca, and blue.
However, with so many types of whales swimming the waters around the island, actually seeing some is pretty slim. That’s why most boat tours are fishing charters with a side of whale watching.
You can still have a good time by enjoying the scenic views along the way and keeping an eye out for other marine animals like seals, harbor porpoises, and white-sided dolphins, which are more commonly seen.
Expect to pay about $40-75 per adult for a PEI whale watching tour.
FAQs About Whale Watching in PEI
When can you see whales in PEI?
Because of the migratory nature of the whales that inhabit the Maritime Provinces, the best time to see whales in PEI is June to September.
While your best bet to see them is if you take a boat to the open waters, they have been known to be seen from shore.
Can you see orcas in Prince Edward Island?
Orcas can be seen in PEI but are an extremely rare sighting.
Final Thoughts About Whale Watching on Prince Edward Island
Whale watching can be a fun thing to do on PEI especially if you are privileged to spot them on your boat tour. As these creatures tend to be shy in these waters, sightings cannot be guaranteed. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have a good time.
Most charters will include fishing from the boat and scenic views that are sure to leave a memorable impression! The whale watching is almost just a bonus! Almost…
🐳 Want an island that DOES guarantee whale sightings?
Check out Whale Watching Tours on the Big Island, Hawaii!
