Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise
Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise
Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise
5
Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Speed Boats Tours
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Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
322 reviews
Excellent
274
Very good
30
Average
9
Poor
4
Terrible
5
ChasingSnow365
Ottawa, Canada32 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
What a great experience. We saw some Minke whales, a leatherhead turtle, seals, eagles and a huge blue fin tuna! Captain Mark was very knowledgeable and we really enjoyed our boat ride. Hope to visit again!
Written 4 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jamparkd24
Jersey Shore, NJ7 contributions
Aug 2022
Many tours will show a whale and off you go. Not Captain Mark. His small boats and his own commitment to help us to fully experience the whales means that we spend a long time near them, watching them. The same with the seals. This experience is priceless, even if you're afraid of the ocean and don't swim. And, he's tops on safety.
Written 16 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dana B
Chicago33 contributions
Aug 2022
We took a morning seal and whale watching cruise based on the great reviews we read, and Captains Mark and Tina didn't let us down. They and their staff were great. So friendly and patient in answering questions. We were lucky enough to see two pilot whales. Such a beautiful, peaceful experience. Highly recommend it!
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BLR
London, Canada7 contributions
Sep 2021
We booked after reading previous reviews and had an amazing experience.
After going whale watching in Boston and not seeing anything, we decided at the very least a zodiac boat ride would be fun. When we headed out, Capt Mark said it would be more difficult to spot the whales because it was so rough. While looking for whales, he also took us close to shore where we saw lots of seals popping up and down. We also saw eagles flying overhead. After about 20 minutes a whale was spotted and off we went. Within minutes our boat was surrounded. We saw mothers and babies diving together and one large whale did a flip in right in front of the boat.
We are in our sixties and loved the bumpy ride but we always felt safe.
After going whale watching in Boston and not seeing anything, we decided at the very least a zodiac boat ride would be fun. When we headed out, Capt Mark said it would be more difficult to spot the whales because it was so rough. While looking for whales, he also took us close to shore where we saw lots of seals popping up and down. We also saw eagles flying overhead. After about 20 minutes a whale was spotted and off we went. Within minutes our boat was surrounded. We saw mothers and babies diving together and one large whale did a flip in right in front of the boat.
We are in our sixties and loved the bumpy ride but we always felt safe.
Written 10 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Meredith G.
Fair Oaks, CA20 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Saw lots of whales, seals and bald eagles on a couple trips out with Capt. Mark. Even though the water was a bit choppy, his "smooth" driving skills made it a "fun ride" where we soared over waves and got a little spray. The beauty of the coastline is unreal, especially on those cloudy/misty/a bit rainy days where the sun peeks out a bit. Capt. Mark was knowledgeable and very professional. As a local fisherman he knows these waters very well and is knowledgeable about all things nature.
This boat trip was absolutely the highlight on my trip to Cape Breton Island to see and hear (Capt Mark puts a microphone in the water) the whales up close. I would highly recommend it!
This boat trip was absolutely the highlight on my trip to Cape Breton Island to see and hear (Capt Mark puts a microphone in the water) the whales up close. I would highly recommend it!
Written 31 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hermy1
Georgetown, Canada37 contributions
Aug 2021
We had a great time on this whale cruise. My husband suffers from seasickness and on a previous whale-watching tour on a larger boat he had an awful time but on the Zodiac he was totally fine. We saw minke and fin whales, as well as lots of seals. You can tell they really cared that everyone had a good time and they worked hard to find whales for us and we were not disappointed! Highly recommend!
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dan
1 contribution
Aug 2020
What a fantastic experience! Out on the Zodiac with Captain Tom at the wheel taking us out to the area where the whales had been spotted. When we got there, we did see multiple 'blows' and tail flips. Near the very end of our time, we had been following two humpbacks travelling together. As we were getting ready to return to port, the incredible happened!
The first humpack dived and then BREACHED! That was shortly followed by the other humpback who did the same breaching.
It was an unforgettable sight... 30+ feet of mammal weighing in around 30 tons, launching itself clear out of the water!
If you ever have a bucket list...this experience should be on it!!
The first humpack dived and then BREACHED! That was shortly followed by the other humpback who did the same breaching.
It was an unforgettable sight... 30+ feet of mammal weighing in around 30 tons, launching itself clear out of the water!
If you ever have a bucket list...this experience should be on it!!
Written 29 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laurie W
Toronto, Canada18 contributions
Aug 2019
What a wonderful experience. We went out in an 8 person zodiac, led by Captain Ben - Captain Mark's son. He was very knowledgeable and clearly knew the surrounding waters. We saw two pods of Pilot Whales who swam around and came to check us out and numerous Grey Seals. Captain Ben was able to give us information about the animals and took us to a couple of very interesting spots along the coast. In the 8-person zodiac be prepared to get wet, you will. It's also a very bumpy ride - I found it a lot of fun but some might find it hard on the back. I would highly recommend Captain Mark's. It was a highlight of our trip.
Written 30 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChitraSaligram
Toronto, Canada31 contributions
Aug 2019
A shoutout to Tina from Anika! Thank you so much for making this possible for my husband and daughter. This was the highlight of their trip. They saw 3 pods of pilot whales swimming so close, even a mommy and baby whale. My daughter (9 years old) was thrilled!
The previous day I had called Tina and she had availability only for 2 and we were a family of 4. I asked if she could hold the 2 seats and let me know in case she had cancellations. Tina called me back later that night and left a voicemail saying she will hold 4 seats for me even without a credit card! She was so kind to give me lots of good advice as well. Since we were based out of Cheticamp, I decided for logistical reasons (and later regretted) to go with Zodiac Whale Watching. And they cancelled on us due to winds. I was distraught! This was supposed to be the highlight of our trip and the main attraction on the Cabot Trail. I immediately called Tina but she only had 1 spot. She promised to hold any seats in the event of a cancellation. Due to winds that day, all trips were borderline cancellation (and the guys next door to them Guaranteed Whale Watching had already cancelled all trips). We were on the Skyline Trail and rushed to Pleasant Bay right after. It was 3:45 when we got there just in time for the 4 pm (last) trip and Tina immediately recognized me and offered that she was waiting on a party that hadn't arrived yet. In the end, she had a no show and was able to accommodate my husband and daughter on the bigger Zodiac with Capt. Mark. My son (6 years) and I stayed back which worked out fine because he was nervous about going on the zodiac and I was worried he might throw a fit out at sea. I took him to the Whale Interpretative Center and to the beach (on Tina's recommendation) - both a stone's throw away.
My husband later said it was the highlight of our trip to Nova Scotia and he was so glad we could make it happen. A huge thanks to Tina! I would highly recommend Capt. Mark's to one and all.
For those planning whale watching trips, I would suggest booking a trip later in the day because winds usually subside by then and chances of cancellation are lowest - Zodiac Whale Watching Cheticamp went ahead with their late afternoon trips that day. Secondly, book a trip from a location that's closest to the whales - that minimizes the chances of cancellation since the operators don't have to go out too far to sight them. Also, my husband said going on a fishing boat (we explored going with Pleasant Bay Whale Watching that had a fishing boat going out at 5 pm) would not have been a good idea - takes longer to get to the whales and they are not at eye level, so not the same kind of experience.
The previous day I had called Tina and she had availability only for 2 and we were a family of 4. I asked if she could hold the 2 seats and let me know in case she had cancellations. Tina called me back later that night and left a voicemail saying she will hold 4 seats for me even without a credit card! She was so kind to give me lots of good advice as well. Since we were based out of Cheticamp, I decided for logistical reasons (and later regretted) to go with Zodiac Whale Watching. And they cancelled on us due to winds. I was distraught! This was supposed to be the highlight of our trip and the main attraction on the Cabot Trail. I immediately called Tina but she only had 1 spot. She promised to hold any seats in the event of a cancellation. Due to winds that day, all trips were borderline cancellation (and the guys next door to them Guaranteed Whale Watching had already cancelled all trips). We were on the Skyline Trail and rushed to Pleasant Bay right after. It was 3:45 when we got there just in time for the 4 pm (last) trip and Tina immediately recognized me and offered that she was waiting on a party that hadn't arrived yet. In the end, she had a no show and was able to accommodate my husband and daughter on the bigger Zodiac with Capt. Mark. My son (6 years) and I stayed back which worked out fine because he was nervous about going on the zodiac and I was worried he might throw a fit out at sea. I took him to the Whale Interpretative Center and to the beach (on Tina's recommendation) - both a stone's throw away.
My husband later said it was the highlight of our trip to Nova Scotia and he was so glad we could make it happen. A huge thanks to Tina! I would highly recommend Capt. Mark's to one and all.
For those planning whale watching trips, I would suggest booking a trip later in the day because winds usually subside by then and chances of cancellation are lowest - Zodiac Whale Watching Cheticamp went ahead with their late afternoon trips that day. Secondly, book a trip from a location that's closest to the whales - that minimizes the chances of cancellation since the operators don't have to go out too far to sight them. Also, my husband said going on a fishing boat (we explored going with Pleasant Bay Whale Watching that had a fishing boat going out at 5 pm) would not have been a good idea - takes longer to get to the whales and they are not at eye level, so not the same kind of experience.
Written 20 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SixTarHeels
9 contributions
Sep 2019
This was without a doubt one of the highlights of our time in Cape Breton. Mark took us out in the Zodiac (seats 12) and gave us a fabulous experience. We had pilot whales so close we could have touched them! We saw seals as well, along with the gorgeous coastline just north of Pleasant Bay. He has a microphone that he drops in the water so you can hear the whales talking. He has lived there in whole life and knows so much about the area. Very personable guy and a well-run tour company. Great communication from start to finish. Take the time to do this tour!
Written 19 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emily R
1 contribution
Are the pilot whales in the area in June? How is the weather in June? Thanks?
Tina R
Pleasant Bay, Canada1 contribution
Hi, the pilot whales generally arrive in July. Minke whales are the most common whales in May and June and the weather is usually still windy and cold. Our season starts July 1st.
Boober
Winnipeg, Canada
We are planning to book a zodiac tour and there are currently two options available (Tourmaster and the North Star). Can anyone who has ridden both describe the difference in the ride/experience between the two? The descriptions on the website are only slightly different and a little vague. Thanks!
Lil fish
8 contributions
The north star seats 7 and is sideways seating the other is a 12 seater forward facing and a faster boat...if we were to do it again I think we would do the 12 seater
Ihavetravelistis
Toronto, Canada5 contributions
Travelling end of July. Is that’s a good time to see whales and seal etc?
Tina R
Pleasant Bay, Canada1 contribution
Thank you for your interest in Capt Mark's. Yes, July and August are the best months to see whales and seals in our area! I would recommend booking now since we tend to fill up our zodiacs quickly the end of July.
Melynda C
7 contributions
We are planning to take a tour mid August and would love to know what time of day is best to do a tour with Capt Mark's?
Tina R
Pleasant Bay, Canada1 contribution
Thank you both for your interest in Capt Mark's. There are no best times to see whales, but if you want a less bumpy ride, usually the calmest time of the day would be 4 pm. I hope this helps!
ziaMariaZucchina
Rome, Italy8 contributions
We are going to visit capebretin in October, will we see whales that time of year? What times are the excursions?
Tina R
Pleasant Bay, Canada1 contribution
Thank you for your interest in Capt Mark's. Unfortunately, we are closed September 15th. The fall is a windy time of year when most tours are canceled due to wind and the whales are heading back in October. I hooe this helps.
amille695
Ontario, Canada228 contributions
Is it best to take the early morning cruise (930am) or the evening (5pm) cruise?
thewinnies
44 contributions
Do you need to pre-book?
Kyle W
Hamilton, Canada14 contributions
I would suggest to. We did and our boat ended up being full. Some people were turned back and had to go at a later time. They are very good at re booking if needed due to weather or water conditions. Good luck!!!
Beth N
Coopersburg, PA54 contributions
We are coming to Nova Scotia the last week of Sept. Will there still be whale watching tours available? Are there still whales at that time of the year?
Tina R
Pleasant Bay, Canada
Hi, thank you for your interest in Capt Mark's. We will be operating our Research Boat "Double Hookup" until the 30th of September and there are still whales. The only drawback is the windy weather that time of year which tends to prevent us from going out sometimes.
rebeccachaput
Pleasant Bay, Canada3 contributions
Hello
I get seasick and would like the bigger boat. Is there a tour available on September 20 in Pleasure Bay?
Thank you
Rebecca
True_North_SaF
Ottawa, Canada151 contributions
Capt. Mark's boat is pretty big and stable. Everything depends on weather conditions on the day of your trip.