Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours

A visit to the Bird Islands' puffin colony with Donelda's, departing from the Englishtown side near the ferry. Puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes, and grey seals all packed onto a couple of small islands a short cruise off the shore.

What to expect

• A roughly 2.5-hour cruise out and around the islands
• Hundreds of nesting puffins in season — closer than most people expect
• A naturalist captain narrating the seabird colonies
• Grey seals on rocks and in the water

Don't miss

• Puffins on the water close to the boat
• The bald eagle nests on the cliffs
• The seal haul-outs in the lee of the islands

Good to know

• Puffin season is roughly mid-May through mid-August
• Weather-dependent; mornings are calmer
• Bring layers, binoculars, and a camera with zoom
• Reservations essential

Pair it with

• A short detour on the Englishtown ferry
• The St. Anns Bay artisan trail in the afternoon
• The Cape Smokey Gondola further up