Bird Island Tours
We are the only tour operator that offers tours departing from Sydney Harbour to the Bird Islands. Our tours last anywhere from 4-4.5 hours and are private, meaning our guests will have the entire boat for their group. The Bird Islands are located approximately 20 nautical miles from our dock in Sydney Harbour. Travel time to the islands is approximately 1-1.25 hours in good weather. On route to the islands, we occasionally encounter porpoises, dolphins, whales and sunfish.
From the end of May until the middle of August (approximate), the islands are home to a colony of atlantic puffins. Bald eagles, seals and other wildlife can be seen around the islands all summer long . We typically idle around the islands to give guests the opportunity to view and photograph wildlife.
After we finish at the Bird Islands, guests will have the opportunity to take a detour to "The Fairy Hole" or "Glooscap Cave". The sea-cave, also referred to as “The Fairy Hole”, holds roots with the local Mi’Kmaq culture. The story says that a hero named Glooscap was sent from the Great Spirit to protect his people, the Mi’Kmaqs. Residing at Cape Dauphin, one day he was faced with 2 indigenous women standing in the water, who began to taunt him. Angry, Glooscap leapt from his canoe, breaking it into two pieces. These pieces are still visible from the cove today, they are known as the Bird Islands. Glooscap is said to have turned the two women into stone– they are said to be the stone pillars, which guard Glooscap’s Cave.
If the sea temperatures and conditions allow, we can anchor off of the cave and guests can have an opportunity to swim/explore the cave. This decision will be left up to the captain on the day of your trip as they are ultimately responsible for the safety of the vessel and guests.
During the open season for groundfish, an additional two hours can be added to the tour to allow enough time to stop at the Bird Island ledges or other productive fishing grounds to try and catch Atlantic cod and other species that frequent the area.
What to bring
- Sun protection including sunglasses, suncreen and a hat
- Cool weather gear (depending on the time of year)
- Camera
- Snacks and Beverages
- Cooler bag for snacks and beverages
- Motion sickness tablets
- Water Shoes (optional for swimmers)
- Snorkel/Mask (optional for swimmers)