( Established 1991 - Canadian Coast Guard Approved - CAA &
AAA Approved )
General Information
Location?
Island Coast Boat Tours Inc. operates from the fishermen's pier located
in North Head,
Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Canada. All interested whale watchers
must travel to
Grand Manan by means of a ferry service from Black's Harbour, New
Brunswick to participate
in an excursion.
When are whale watching tours conducted?
Tours are conducted annually during the months of July, August and
September which have proven to be the prime months due to whale
migration patterns.
Does weather play a factor?
The tour vessel is equipped with canopy protection allowing excursions
to be conducted rain
or shine but cancellations will occur if dense fog or strong winds are
experienced in the area.
Is there a "better" time to see the whales?
Since 1991 Island Coast has had a sightings success of 99.8%. In our
experience there is no difference in sightings whether excursions are
conducted in the morning, afternoon or evening. The morning tours as a
rule offer calmer sea conditions unless a disturbance from the previous
day exists. In respect to a better month for viewing the whales, there
is no difference from one month to another. Successful sightings are
experienced all three months, (July, August & September).
Are children allowed?
Yes by all means! We accommodate all ages from infants to senior
citizens. Young and old alike are welcome to come and experience a whale
watch excursion.
Type of clothing required?
This question is very easy to answer, "WINTER CLOTHES". You need to
bring a very warm winter coat, mittens or gloves, a stocking cap plus a
warm sweater and turtleneck! We understand that you may be laughing
right about now but seriously, you will require these articles of
clothing to be comfortable during the excursions. The Bay of Fundy water
temperature is very cold even in
the summer and once you travel out into the bay away from the warmth of
Grand Manan Island
you will experience a drop in temperature. Out in the bay where the
whales are the most abundant, temperatures average in the upper 50's or
low 60's on the "F" scale or in the low 10's on the "C" scale.
Are life jackets provided?
Life jackets are available for all adults and children on board the tour
vessel but passengers are
not required by the Canadian Coast Guard to wear the jackets during
excursions. If parents wish
to bring their own personal floatation device designed for their children then
by all means they are welcome to do so.
How safe are these excursions?
Safety and customer service are the #1 priorities of Island Coast Boat
Tours. Island Coast is inspected annually and must meet all Canadian Coast
Guard regulations to have the privilege of offering whale watch
excursions. A "Whale Watching Code of Ethics" is followed on every
excursion to ensure the protection and safety of the whales, other
marine wildlife and passengers as well.
Food available during excursion?
Passengers receive a free hot beverage with the cost of the excursion.
Additional hot drinks plus soda pop and juices, homemade muffins and
light snacks are available for a small fee. Passengers are encouraged
to bring picnic lunches if they wish but no alcohol is allowed on board
the vessel.
Are pets allowed?
Island Coast owners and operators are animal lovers but we must consider
the other passengers who will be on board the vessel, therefore we
cannot allow pets on board. Sorry.
How close will we get to the whales?
Once again Island Coast Boat Tours follows a "Whale Watching Code of
Ethics" during all excursions. Captain Russell will approach a pod &
once the vessel is approx. 100 metres from
the whales, he will cut the engine, allowing the vessel to drift amongst
the whales. If the whales choose to come closer, it is their choice. As
you can see by the photos displayed in this website, they sometimes do
come very close!!
Interesting Links:
Fundy Whales
New-Brunswick Net
Do you have any questions?
Island Coast Boat Tours Inc.
199 Cedar St.
Grand Manan, N.B., Canada
E5G-2C5
Tel: (506) 662-8181
Fax: (506) 662-9904
Toll-free: 1-877-662-9393
E-Mail: icbt@nbnet.nb.ca
- Miramichi NB Canada - 506-773-7963