Skip to main content

Bird Island Boat Tours


1672 Old Route 5

902-563-6140 (texts)

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating Based on 397 Reviews

Overview

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.

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”, 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.

We have been awarded many 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. We also operate Mountain Vista Seaside Cottages from the same location.

Other Experiences You'll Love

Nearby Things To Do

St. Ann's Provincial Park

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 11 Reviews

Region: Cabot Trail

Community: St. Ann’s Bay & North Shore

St. Anns Provincial Park is a small picturesque picnic park, with tables under softwood trees, on the shore of North Gut along the Cab...


46.2066 -60.6225

Coxheath Hills Wilderness Trail

Region: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail

Community: Sydney & Area

Length: 10.3 km (6.4 mi) total Hiking Time: 2+hr Type of Trail: crushed stone, compacted earth, natural surface Uses (no snow): walking, bik...


46.076508 -60.298728

NaBella Custom Designs

Region: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail

Community: Sydney & Area

Family Operated Business in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. We offer Custom Hand Etched Glass, Handmade Invitations, party favors, greeting cards...


46.1103 -60.2231

Fitzgerald’s Restaurant

Region: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail

Community: North Sydney & Area

Fitzgerald’s is a family restaurant specializing in Cape Breton hospitality, superb seafood and char-broiled steak. Our large, bright ...


46.236769 -60.473828

Cedar House Restaurant & Bakery

Region: Bras d’Or Lake

Community: Bras d’Or & Boularderie Area

With an in-house bakery you know you’re getting the freshest products possible since everything is made on site! In business for 27 years,...


46.232149 -60.478088

Locals Know Blogs