Whale Seasons

Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises vs Jolly Breeze

Two whale watching operators in Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises starts at C$65 and Jolly Breeze at C$89. Here is how their options line up on length, group size, age rules and cancellation.

Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises

  • Mega Nova cruises are fully narrated by naturalists and researchers; zodiac cruises are partly narrated by the captains
  • 2026 season June 13 to September 30, with sunset cruises July 11 to September 7
  • Zodiac not suitable for children under 8, expectant mothers or people with spinal ailments
  • Five 2026 Anniversary Day cruises on the Mega Nova at $40 per adult plus HST

Mega Nova whale and seabird cruise

From
C$65 per adult
Length
2.5 to 5 hours
Cancellation
Cancellations under 24 hours before departure are billed; cruises depend on weather and a 15-passenger minimum.

Zodiac cruise (Cetacean Defender)

From
C$80 per adult
Length
1.5 to 2.5 hours
Min age
8+ (at least 58 inches / 142 cm tall)
Weight
90 to 350 lb (41 to 159 kg)
Cancellation
Cancellations under 24 hours before departure are billed; cruises depend on weather and an 8-passenger minimum.

Private charter (Zodiac)

From
C$800 per group
Min age
8+ (zodiac)
Weight
90 to 350 lb (41 to 159 kg)
Cancellation
Cancellations under 24 hours before departure are billed; cruises depend on weather.

Check dates with Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises

Jolly Breeze

  • Its classic tall ship, built in New Zealand, has sailed since 1995
  • Reports successful whale encounters on over 96% of trips in past years
  • Licensed cash bar on the tall ship; guests may bring food
  • Groups booking together online get 10% off (8+ on the tall ship, 6+ on the VIP boat)

Tall Ship Whale Watching

From
C$89 per adult
Length
Over 3.5 hours
Min age
All ages; under 1 free
Cancellation
Full refund if cancelled 24 hours ahead (1 to 8 people, longer for groups) or if the captain cancels for weather.

VIP Nautica

From
C$100 per adult
Length
2 to 2.5 hours
Group
Maximum 12 people per tour
Min age
Ages 5 to 75
Weight
325 lb
Cancellation
Full refund if cancelled 24 hours ahead (1 to 4 people, longer for groups) or if the captain cancels for weather.

Private charter (VIP Nautica)

From
C$1,000 per group
Group
up to 12 passengers
Min age
Ages 5 to 75
Weight
325 lb
Cancellation
Refund needs 24 hours' notice for 1 to 4 people, 48 for 5 to 8, one week for 9 to 12; weather cancellations refunded.

Check dates with Jolly Breeze

Both checked against the operators' own pages on 2026-10-21. See every operator in Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.