All Aboard! Discover Lunenburg’s Top Ocean Tours

Exploring Lunenburg’s vibrant coastal landscape from the water offers a unique perspective on this historic town. From guided boat tours that immerse passengers in the region’s rich maritime heritage, to scenic cruises that showcase its natural beauty, there are plenty of options for every type of adventurer. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, amateur fisherman, or just looking to enjoy a day out on the water, Lunenburg’s ocean tours promise to provide a memorable experience for all.

Lunenburg Heritage Harbour Tours

If you’re someone who likes to be in charge of your itinerary, Heritage Harbour Tours is a great choice as they allow you to fully customize your very own tour. Whether you’re looking for a short 45-minute trip or a longer adventure, you can decide the length, destination, and activities. The tours are affordable and the boat’s size ensures a fun, interesting, and rewarding experience.

For those who enjoy bird watching and sea life, the harbour is home to bald eagles, seals, ospreys, and porpoises. Fishing enthusiasts can opt for a fishing charter, with all the necessary gear provided. If a picnic on the water sounds appealing, you can either bring your own lunch or order a delicious takeaway sandwich from the local award-winning Salt Shaker Deli with just 20 minutes’ notice.

The fishing and sightseeing vessel is equipped for any outing, providing an enriching experience in Lunenburg’s famous harbour. The local captain’s extensive knowledge of the town, from its first settlers to the latest news and trivia, adds an informative touch to your journey.

Whether you’re interested in a historical tour or trying your luck fishing for mackerel, there’s something for everyone on these unique tours!

Lunenburg Ocean Adventures

Lunenburg Ocean Adventures truly has something for everyone. Founded by Captain Bill and his family, this venture combines years of maritime expertise with a passion for adventure. Whether you’re interested in fishing, diving, or private charters, Captain Bill’s well-equipped vessel, the “Islander VIII,” promises a safe and unforgettable journey. Here’s a closer look at the exciting tour options available:

Deep Sea Fishing

Embark on an exciting deep-sea fishing adventure with Lunenburg Ocean Adventures. Departing from the historic Lunenburg harbour aboard the “Islander VIII,” you’ll sail towards the pristine waters of the North Atlantic. Along the way, enjoy views of the Lunenburg lighthouse and the famous sea caves at Ovens Natural Park. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and the occasional giant ocean sunfish or bluefin tuna. The fishing gear provided includes custom-made rods with Penn 309 level wind reels. Common catches include cod, mackerel, dogfish, haddock, halibut, pollock, and wolf fish. Avid anglers can also bring their own tackle. Trips are available twice a day.

Shark Fishing

For a more thrilling experience, Lunenburg Ocean Adventures offers full-day shark fishing trips. Departing at 8 am, you’ll venture out to the fishing grounds, where you’ll have the chance to catch blue, mako, and porbeagle sharks. The journey often includes sightings of whales, dolphins, giant bluefin tuna, turtles, and ocean sunfish, so keep your camera ready. All bait and gear are provided, with fishing rods like Penn Senator rods paired with 130 Penn reels. You can also try deep-sea fishing while waiting for the big catch. Remember, hook and release is required by law unless it’s a tournament, where the catch must be donated to science.

A Blue Shark, one of the species you may have a chance to catch!

Diving

Capt. Bill, with over 35 years of diving experience, offers exciting diving adventures in Lunenburg Bay. The highlight is the HMCS Saguenay, a 366 ft. Canadian destroyer sunk in 1994, now sitting on her starboard side in 95 ft. of water. Divers often encounter playful seals during their safety stops. The wreck site is just 25 minutes from downtown Lunenburg. While the Saguenay is a major attraction, there are also great reef dives and technical dives, such as the British sub HMS L-26 near St. Margaret’s Bay. Dive charters are typically organized by local dive shops, but private group charters can also be arranged.

Private Charters

The “Islander VIII” is available for custom private charters, making it perfect for corporate events, weddings, reunions, and more. Enjoy a scenic cruise from Lunenburg harbour to the Ovens Sea Caves, around Cross Island, to the East Point Reef seal colony, and through the islands of Mahone Bay. If you have a specific itinerary in mind, Lunenburg Ocean Adventures is happy to tailor a trip to suit your needs.

Lunenburg Whale and Seabird Tours

For those looking to explore the stunning marine life and rugged coastline of Nova Scotia, Lunenburg Whale and Seabird Tours offers an unforgettable ocean adventure. Operated by Capt. Walter T. Flower Jr., these tours provide an up-close encounter with some of the most magnificent creatures of the North Atlantic.

Whale Watching

Pack your binoculars and camera for a thrilling three-hour whale watching tour. Departing four times a day from Lunenburg’s historic waterfront, the tours aboard the “Eastern Points,” a modern 45-foot fibreglass-hulled vessel, ensure maximum safety, visibility, and comfort. On these tours, you can expect to see a variety of whale species, including fin, pilot, minke, and the favored humpback whales. Additionally, dolphins, ocean sunfish, giant bluefin tuna, and leatherback turtles are often spotted. Bird enthusiasts will also delight in sightings of puffins, razorbills, terns, black guillemots, petrels, shearwaters, and gannets. The return trip often features a visit to a reef where seals like to bask in the sun.

If you’re lucky, you may get to catch a glimpse of a humpback whale!

Seabird Watching

In addition to whale watching, the tours also offer fantastic opportunities for bird watching. The diverse birdlife includes species such as Atlantic puffins, razorbills, northern gannets, shearwaters, petrels, and phalaropes, especially prevalent during the summer months. These tours provide a unique chance to observe these seabirds in their natural habitat, making it a must-do for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Historic Harbour Tours

When the seas are too rough for whale watching, Capt. Flower conducts informative tours of the historic Lunenburg Harbour and nearby Ovens Natural Park. These tours showcase the rugged coast, spectacular sea caves, and the vibrant, brightly colored buildings of Lunenburg’s old town. This area is designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations.

Tour Schedule

Lunenburg Whale and Seabird Tours operate from May through October, with four daily departures at 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. It’s essential to check for the latest sailing times as they may vary due to local weather conditions or minimum passenger requirements. For the most up-to-date information, contact the ticket booth.

Sail Lunenburg with Star Charters

Discover the magic of sailing in Nova Scotia with Star Charters, offering a captivating blend of history, adventure, and scenic beauty. A tour with Star Charters provides a unique way to explore Lunenburg’s stunning coastline!

The Eastern Star

The Eastern Star is a 48-foot, 30-person capacity wooden ketch that has called Lunenburg home since 1991. Built in 1948 for a Danish diplomat, the vessel is constructed from a combination of mahogany, teak, oak, and hackmatack. While equipped with a Perkins diesel engine, the Eastern Star primarily sails under full sail, offering a true sailing experience. The vessel is Canadian Coast Guard inspected and certified, ensuring safety and reliability.

Day Cruises

The one-and-a-half-hour day cruise begins at the bustling Lunenburg waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Departing five times daily, the classic sailboat, Eastern Star, takes passengers on a memorable journey powered by the wind. With the motor off, select passengers can help raise the sails and take the helm, experiencing the thrill of sailing firsthand. The tour includes sights such as lighthouses, porpoises, seals, and the historic Smith and Ruland shipyard, birthplace of the legendary schooner Bluenose.

Sunset Tours

For those who prefer a more tranquil experience, the two-hour Sunset Tour is perfect. Departing at 6:30 p.m. during July and August, this tour offers breathtaking views of the Ovens Natural Park sea caves and the picturesque fishing village of Blue Rocks. The changing colors of the sky and water create a stunning backdrop, making it a perfect end to the day.

Private Charters

If you’re looking for a more personalized adventure, consider booking a private charter. The Eastern Star can be reserved for family gatherings, business outings, or group excursions, accommodating up to 30 people. These charters offer a bespoke sailing experience tailored to your preferences, whether it’s a leisurely sail or an adventure-filled outing.