Bird Island Boat Tours

Daily tours to see puffins, other seabirds, seals & bald eagles. Educational, uniquely narrated 2 3/4 hour tours. Rain or shine in our covered boat, with most windows removable for glass-free photography. Puffins guaranteed until mid to late August.

We are the longest-running boat tour in Cape Breton, operated since 1972 by the same family – now with our third generation of Captains! We have had over 100,000 satisfied customers, including the Princess of Japan.

Our location within the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve, between Baddeck and North Sydney, gives you the shortest ride out to the island nesting area. It is an ecologically sensitive tour that will be enjoyed by young and old alike. Our boat, the “Puffin Express”, new in 2010, is wide, roomy and very stable, while also easily maneuverable so we can get as close as possible to the Islands and the birds. You will have easy walk-on access to her with only five steps down. We have optimized our seating plan for easiest interaction with the captain and crew.

We have been awarded several Certificates of Excellence from Trip Advisor. Binoculars are available for rent, but not required. Reservations are recommended so please call a day or two ahead. Several discounts are offered, including an advanced reservation discount. We also operate Mountain Vista Seaside Cottages and Campground from the same location.

Some 5:15 p.m. tours are for Photographers – please see our website for details.