St Johns Premium Tour with Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to Newfoundland’s vibrant capital, St. Johns, you’ll want an experience that combines history, scenic beauty, and a touch of adventure. The St. Johns Premium Tour with Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise offers just that—a well-rounded day packed with iconic sights and the chance to see whales, icebergs, and coastal landscapes from the water. Although the overall rating floats around 3.9 out of 5 based on 37 reviews, many travelers highlight its value, friendly guides, and stunning scenery as major pluses.

What really stands out are three aspects: first, the guided small-group approach—limiting the tour to just six participants—and second, the inclusion of key historic sites like Signal Hill and Cape Spear. Lastly, the iceberg and whale boat cruise offers an extraordinary perspective of Newfoundland’s rugged coast. A potential consideration is the discrepancy some mention between the advertised duration and the actual time spent, especially regarding the boat ride and transfer logistics. This tour suits travelers eager for a mix of sightseeing and marine adventure, especially those who appreciate a more intimate group experience.

Good To Know

• Small-group size enhances personalized attention and comfort.
• Comprehensive itinerary covers historic sites, scenic drives, and a boat adventure.
• Expert local guides share engaging stories and insights about Newfoundland.
• Inclusion of major landmarks like Signal Hill and Cape Spear adds cultural depth.
• Boat cruise offers spectacular views of icebergs, whales, and coastal wildlife.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation and pay later make planning easier.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Discovering Newfoundland’s Capital

The tour kicks off with hotel pick-up in downtown St. Johns, making it convenient for travelers staying locally or arriving via cruise ship. Once onboard, your guide—someone like Kevin, who gets high praise for going above and beyond—starts the narrative with stories and interesting facts that keep the atmosphere lively and engaging.

The first stop is Cape Spear, the easternmost point of North America. Here, you’ll get a chance to walk around the historic lighthouse—Canada’s oldest—and take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. This spot is especially photogenic in the early morning or late afternoon, with rugged cliffs and crashing waves. Reviewers mention how much they enjoyed exploring the grounds and capturing photos, noting it’s one of the most scenic parts of the trip.

Next, the tour shifts city-wise as your guide takes you back into downtown St. Johns. Passing through colorful Jellybean Row, you’ll see houses painted in bright hues, and George Street, known for its lively nightlife. The narrated drive also includes a stop at Quidi Vidi Village, a charming fishing community famous for its microbrewery and traditional harbor views. One visitor shared that their guide Keith was “absolutely amazing,” sharing stories about the city’s culture and heritage, which added a personal touch to the sightseeing.

Exploring Signal Hill and Cabot Tower

Signal Hill is a highlight for its historical significance and spectacular vistas. It’s where Marconi sent the first transatlantic wireless signal, a milestone in communication history. Climbing up to Cabot Tower, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the harbor, coastline, and surrounding islands. Many reviews highlight how informative and friendly the guides are, with Keith being especially praised for his knowledge and personable approach.

Standing at Signal Hill, you’ll notice the contrast of history and nature—an area that played a role in the Seven Years War, but now offers serene scenery and photo opportunities. Expect that your guide will share stories about traditional and modern Newfoundland life, making it more than just a sightseeing stop.

The Boat Cruise: Iceberg and Whale Watching

The most anticipated part of the tour is the Iceberg Quest boat adventure, included as part of the package. The vessel, often awarded for its quality, takes you out into the North Atlantic for about two to two and a quarter hours, according to reviews. The boat’s design allows for excellent viewing and comfort, even on choppier days. From the water, you’ll see Cape Spear, Cabot Tower, and Fort Amherst, with the chance to spot icebergs that can be up to 12,000 years old—season permitting.

While some reviews mention that they didn’t see whales or icebergs due to seasonal or weather conditions, others report sightings of fin whales, dolphins, puffins, and seabirds. Several travelers appreciated the boat crew’s friendliness and helpfulness, especially when assisting those with mobility concerns. One noted that even if the whales or icebergs are not visible, the boat ride itself provides stunning coastal scenery and a sense of adventure.

The boat cruise offers an active, up-close perspective of Newfoundland’s coastline that simply can’t be matched from land. Many reviews emphasize how the scenery on the water—cliffs, seals, seabirds—is unforgettable, making it a highlight even when wildlife sightings are limited.

The Overall Experience

The 6-hour duration includes the city tour, historic site visits, and the boat cruise. However, some reviews mention that the actual time spent on the boat is closer to 2 hours, with the rest of the time spent traveling or at stops. The tour’s value depends on your expectations: if you’re looking for an in-depth exploration of St. Johns and a marine adventure, it’s well worth it. If you’re expecting a longer boat ride or a more extensive time at each site, keep in mind the schedule might be tighter.

Transportation is comfortable, and the small-group format ensures you don’t feel rushed or lost in a crowd. The tour is also wheelchair accessible, which is a considerate touch for travelers with mobility needs. The price of $169 per person is competitive given the inclusions, especially when you consider the convenience of hotel pickup, guided commentary, and the boat cruise.

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Authentic Insights From Travelers

Based on reviews, the guides stand out as a major positive—participants like Sharon and Pasquale praised Keith’s friendliness, storytelling, and helpful attitude. One reviewer even commented on how Keith handled their tickets smoothly after initial booking hiccups, which shows the level of care taken.

Many travelers appreciated the itinerary’s variety—covering historic sites, colorful neighborhoods, and coastal scenery—delivering a well-rounded experience. Even those who didn’t see whales or icebergs still enjoyed the boat ride and the chance to see Newfoundland’s coastline from a different perspective.

A common concern, however, was the slight mismatch between the advertised duration and the actual time spent. One traveler expressed that the trip, advertised as 6 hours, actually felt a bit shorter, especially if expecting a full six hours of water-based exploration.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenic driving, and marine adventure, making it a solid choice for those visiting St. Johns who want an authentic and intimate experience. The inclusion of top landmarks like Signal Hill and Cape Spear ensures you get a taste of Newfoundland’s history and rugged coast, while the boat cruise adds exciting wildlife and iceberg viewing opportunities, depending on the season.

The small-group setup, friendly guides, and well-organized itinerary create a relaxed yet engaging day. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy sightseeing with a personal touch and are eager to experience Newfoundland’s natural beauty from both land and sea.

While some might find the actual boat time shorter than expected, the overall value, comfort, and authenticity make this tour a memorable highlight for many visitors. It’s a fantastic way to see a snapshot of St. Johns’ culture, history, and coastal splendor in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off in downtown St. Johns, making it convenient for guests staying nearby or arriving via cruise ships.

How long is the boat cruise?
The boat ride itself lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes, with the full tour (including stops and driving) approximately 6 hours.

Can I see whales or icebergs?
Visibility depends on the season and weather. Some travelers report seeing fin whales, dolphins, and puffins, but sightings aren’t guaranteed. Icebergs are seasonal and weather-dependent.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for guests with mobility concerns.

What should I wear?
Dressing for the weather is recommended, along with comfortable footwear. The boat can be cooler and windier than land, so layers are advised.

What is the group size?
The tour operates in small groups, limited to 6-10 people, promoting a more personal and engaging experience.

For those eager to explore Newfoundland’s natural beauty, historic landmarks, and marine life, this tour provides a comprehensive, enjoyable, and well-reviewed way to experience the best of St. Johns in a single day.

You can check if your dates are available here: