Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise
Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise
Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise
5
Boat ToursEco ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife ToursSpeed Boats Tours
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Capt. Mark's has been introducing whales to visitors since 1994. Established in Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia along the world famous Cabot Trail, you get a chance to not only watch whales, but enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, sea caves, and abandoned settlements that are unique to our area.
Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
348 reviews
Excellent
299
Very good
31
Average
9
Poor
4
Terrible
5
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 August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenit Bilakhia
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
My recent whale watching excursion with Captain Mark and his daughter was absolutely wonderful. Despite my last-minute request, they graciously squeezed me in and made sure I had everything I needed, even providing a bag for my camera.
During the two-hour trip, we were treated to sightings of minke whales, seals, and beautiful sea birds. Captain Mark's personal stories and knowledge of the area added an extra layer of enjoyment to the journey.
Overall, I had a fantastic time and highly recommend this family-run gem for a warm, friendly, and unforgettable whale watching experience.
During the two-hour trip, we were treated to sightings of minke whales, seals, and beautiful sea birds. Captain Mark's personal stories and knowledge of the area added an extra layer of enjoyment to the journey.
Overall, I had a fantastic time and highly recommend this family-run gem for a warm, friendly, and unforgettable whale watching experience.
Written June 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We are very happy to hear you enjoyed our whale excursion!
Written July 3, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hermy1
Georgetown, Canada34 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 August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meredith G.
Fair Oaks, CA26 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 August 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your nice comment. I'm so glad you enjoyed your tour with us!
Written August 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John N
Severna Park, MD1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
Fantastic. Sat near the helm and heard chatter with other Whale Watch boats… not a lot happening. But Mark soon found a Leatherback Turtle in a daily ritual: coming up for air and eating jelly fish below us. Up, down, up down. A nearby research vessel was happy to hear and came round to tag the turtle. We’d watched the turtle feed a good, long while — at close proximity. Learned something about ongoing research on a turtle rarely seen. Mark then took us toward shore, where we saw several bald eagles and a whole lot of grey seals, exploring the locals’ favorite beaches and caves . And on the way in, we saw a Minke whale. The day was complete.
Written August 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jud246
Windsor, Canada32 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We went out today with Captain Mark on the 12 passenger Zodiac. It was a bumpy ride on the way out. Finally, we began to see whale after whale. We were so close to a family of pilot whales we could hear them and were sprayed by their breathing. We saw minke whales, pilot whales, fin whales, seals, dolphins, and a bald eagle to top it off. It was amazing. We even saw a black bear on the way back through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It was an amazing day. The seals were so funny bobbing up and down in the ocean. They were playing and doing flips. I recommend Capt Mark's tour if you are in Cape Breton. Don't miss your chance.
Written August 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your review! So glad you had fun on our tour!
Written August 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BLR
London, Canada8 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 September 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. We really appreciate it and glad you enjoyed your experience with us!
Written August 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
83Band
mapleton36 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Local third generation fisherman turned tour guide took us out on the St Lawrence to see whales. It was a choppy day on the water but in the Zodiac you felt very safe. Stopping several times headed south to view seals, shore birds, and interesting rock and land formations. Turning back north in just few minutes we came across our first minke whale, then all the way back to Pleasant Harbor there where more. Added bonus that day, a huge tuna. Whales or no whales an adventure for sure.
Written July 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mathieu D
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The views, animals and Cape Breton history shared by Captain Mark was fantastic. We were very fortunate of seeing several different wildlife on our adventure. Saw a bald eagle, seals and we saw a very large number of whales! We must have seen 20+ Pilot Whales, eating, swimming, mating as well as sleeping! The Zodiac ride might be a little rough if you don't have the stomach for it but this is 100% the way to go. We didn't go whale watching, we went whale finding. There was also a stranded tour boat on the day in question and Captain Mark was kind enough to make sure they were safe and that help was on the way. Mark's wife Tina was also a joy and yiu can tell that this family ran business is all about the wildlife and customer service. Top notch service and 5 star experience. The whales were approximately 4 feet away from the Zodiac. Just incredible.
Written October 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! It warms my heart to hear this :) I hope you get a chance to come with us again.
Written March 5, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jamparkd24
Jersey Shore, NJ11 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 August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your review! So glad you enjoyed your trip with Capt Mark!
Written August 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are the pilot whales in the area in June? How is the weather in June? Thanks?
Written January 30, 2020
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.
Written January 31, 2020
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!
Written July 30, 2019
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
Written July 31, 2019
Travelling end of July. Is that’s a good time to see whales and seal etc?
Written July 10, 2019
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.
Written July 11, 2019
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?
Written June 21, 2019
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!
Written June 30, 2019
We are going to visit capebretin in October, will we see whales that time of year? What times are the excursions?
Written September 8, 2018
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.
Written September 8, 2018
Is it best to take the early morning cruise (930am) or the evening (5pm) cruise?
Written February 11, 2018
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!!!
Written February 9, 2018
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?
Written April 6, 2017
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.
Written April 9, 2017
Hello
I get seasick and would like the bigger boat. Is there a tour available on September 20 in Pleasure Bay?
Thank you
Rebecca
Written September 19, 2016
Capt. Mark's boat is pretty big and stable. Everything depends on weather conditions on the day of your trip.
Written September 28, 2016
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