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 from May 15 until mid to late August. Reservations are recommended so please visit our website and book your seats at least by the night before. We offer a AAA/CAA discount, just show your card at the ticket office. 

We are the longest-running boat tour on Cape Breton Island, operated since 1972 by the same family – now with our third generation of Captains! Our goal is for you to leave with an appreciation of nature. We have had over 100,000 satisfied customers, including the Princess of Japan. We have been awarded many Certificates of Excellence from Trip Advisor. 

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”, built 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. 

Binoculars are available for rent, but not required. Looking for puffinalia? We have a puffin gift shop for your souvenirs. We also operate Mountain Vista Seaside Cottages from the same location.