Full Tide Ocean Safaris
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions that we are often asked:
What type of whales can we expect to see on your tours?
The species of whale that might be seen can vary depending on the time of season and the weather. Typically, minke whales are the first to arrive (usually around mid-June), followed by finbacks (usually around the beginning of July) and then the humpbacks (usually around mid-August but sometimes as early as the beginning of July). The weather (wind and fog) affects where we can go searching for whales.
Do you offer private charter options for whale watching?
Yes, we are happy to work with you to provide a private charter for up to 12 guests.
Do you offer private charter options for whale watching?
Yes, we are happy to work with you to provide a private charter for up to 12 guests.
Are your tours suitable for children??
Our tours are suitable for individuals of all ages. As a safety precaution, however, we require that children be accompanied by an adult at ALL times and forbid running on deck.
What should I bring on a whale watching tour?
We advise that our tourers bring a windproof jacket and dress in layers. You can be assured of a significant temperature drop on the open bay. Consequently, a windproof jacket is a wise precaution. In addition, we advise tour-goers dress in layers, as no matter how warm it is in port, it can still be chilly on the water. We also recommend a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Moreover, it is important to stay hydrated while on the water, so pleas bring a water bottle. You may also wish to pack additional snacks and refreshments at your discretion. Finally, do not forget to bring a camera!
Do you offer private charter options for whale watching?
Yes, we are happy to work with you to provide a private charter for up to 12 guests.
Do you offer private charter options for whale watching?
Yes, we are happy to work with you to provide a private charter for up to 12 guests.
Do you offer refunds or rescheduling options if I need to cancel my booking?
Cancellations without penalty are offered with up to 24 hours notice for individual bookings and 72 hours for private charters.
Should we bring binoculars?
You are welcome to bring binoculars, however, they are not always the most useful tool for whale watching. The primary function of binoculars are to view relatively stationary objects at distance, like seals on a rock or bald eagles in trees, as opposed to whales, which are always on the move. We occasionally use binoculars when scanning for whales in the distance, however, so any interested tour-goers are not discouraged from packing a pair.
How long do the whale watching tours usually last?
Our tours usually last between 2.5-3 hours. The variation in time is due to factors such as tide, wind and distance required to travel to find whales.
Do you provide any guarantee for whale sightings?
Unfortunately, no one can guarantee whale sightings. Whales travel and feed on their own schedule. What we can guarantee is that we will do all that we can in our search for whales. Sometimes it is necessary to travel further offshore to locate them. This is why our tours vary slightly in length. Having grown up just a few minutes sail from the area where the whales spend their summers, we have many years of knowledge to draw upon to aid in our search.
How far in advance do I need to book a tour?
Walk-ins are welcome if space is permitting, but booking in advance is a sure fire way to guarantee your spot on the cruise. If for some reason you need to cancel, we offer a cancellation/refund policy.
Can you still sail in poor weather?
We are able to operate in the rain and we have a covered awning that allows for some shelter. Fog is a trickier matter, however. Sometimes the fog will clear enough to search for whales, but sometimes it is just too thick to provide a pleasant touring experience. Due to safety concerns, we are also unable to provide tours during thunderstorms. The weather can shift quickly on the Bay of Fundy, so the final decision will be made by our captain 30 minutes prior to departure. We thank you in advance for your patience, should the weather become a hinderance.
Is your boat equipped with restrooms?
Yes, our boat features a toilet on board.
Is there a maximum or minimum age limit for participants?
There are no age restrictions for travel. We only ask that all children are accompanied by an adult.
