Planning the Best Iceberg Tour in Newfoundland!

Planning the Best Iceberg Tour in Newfoundland

So your fascination with the phenomenon that sank the largest ship in the world on her maiden voyage or the world view that icebergs numbers are dwindling down to zero over the next 50 years with global climate change, is driving you to seek them out? Well Newfoundland is your place of choice for access to them with a holiday that includes scenery, wildlife, culture and a great sense of adventure. I have lived here all my life and it still excites me to go on the water every trip not just every day but up to three times a day. As a matter of fact we have been seeing whales and icebergs together for the past several years, how can you beat that?

In order to get that type of adventure you would have to go to Alaska. Well I have had many ex-Alaska guests onboard who have sung the accolades of Newfoundland for their iceberg/whale  experience. Early in the spring they may even have the opportunity to meet Finnegan. Most of them were aboard large cruise ships and they did not have that up close and personal experience. Well Newfoundland is the place for that up close and personal experience!!! About as far away from Disneyland as you can get and that you are one in a million instead of one of a million , that is quite the difference. When you view an iceberg from our Zodiacs it is awe inspiring to be so close to the water looking up at a large pinnacled or drydock iceberg. 

 So what is the formula to success to ensure just not that you see icebergs but maximize the numbers and variety. Well here is what I recommend:

1. Do not depend upon one area to fulfill all of your iceberg dreams. Book at least in two to three different areas where icebergs are well known. For instance on the west coast of the province St. Anthony is a great place to view icebergs later in the season. There has a tendency to be a  lot of pack ice early in the season but consult other resources like IcebergFinder.com or the Iceberg Alley App.
If you are on the Great Northern Peninsula then the North Central and Central Coast may have icebergs to follow. You may want to book in Change Islands/Twillingate area. 

If launching from the East Coast all along the Northeast Coast of the Avalon Peninsula can be  a potential viewing area. St. John's has several Whale Watch/Iceberg Tours. Therefore you may want to include Trinity/Bonavista as a jumpoff point for iceberg exploration.

2. Weather can foil your exploration plans. If you only alot one day in a particular place then fog or weather can prevent you from having your iceberg encounter before you have to move on. Take a two pronged approach to your visit; early in the season be flexible in your travel plans and be ready to move on to another place on short notice! Travelling on a whim is hard for some travellers but early in the season you may be able to negotiate better rates and take advantage of the shoulder season when there is lots of space and availability. An added benefit is that you can also be on a tour that is very small and personal like Bonnie and Shelley below.

 3.Get the information upfront. Follow https://icebergfinder.com/ that identifies icebergs with pictures on google maps. You can get dates of sightings, pictures of the iceberg and the route to follow to get there. This video was taken last year on our tour when icebergs were at a premium.

 Another great resource is the Iceberg Alley App. It also gives sightings , pictures and locations of icebergs, whales and wildlife. Download it on your phone and have access while you travel to the latest pictures and locations to find the icebergs you are after. 

http://icebergalleyapp.com/

We also post daily in season showing our icebergs, whales, seabirds and wildlife. Sometimes we have drone footage and other interesting events like Finnegan the Friendly Humpback. Sign up to our Facebook page to receive up to date information about what is available in this area. We also supply information to IcebergFinder.com and Iceberg Alley App

https://www.facebook.com/TrinityEcoTours/

We met Finnegan for the first time in Iceberg Season of 2016 so you never know what a tour will encompass. 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/finnagan-humpback-whale-says-goobye-with-a-kiss-1.3686863

Another great resource is a private facebook page Newfoundland Iceberg Reports.They never let a Newfoundland Iceberg slip them by!!!!!!!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/NewfoundlandIcebergReports/

4. Do multiple tours! It may be a good idea to do more than one tour. Make sure you get the best of the season and go to visit the different areas where icebergs are. Afterall you made the effort to get here. Maximize the success, the experience and the fun.

 So to sum up be informed!! Be like  a mud flap - flexible and willing to travel!!! And your experiences will be ones to remember of Iceberg Season 2019!!!!!!!!! Maybe you will get to see the perfect iceberg on the perfect day.

Got any doubts give us a shout bobbartlett@trinityeco-tours.com or call direct (709) 464-3712. I would be happy to help.
Cheers,
Skipper Bob Bartlett

Skipper Bob Bartlett