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wildlife · St. Johns

Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve: Seabird Spectacle

Stand metres from 60,000 nesting gannets, murres, and kittiwakes on a dramatic sea stack — one of the most accessible seabird colonies on Earth. A raw, thunderous, utterly unforgettable natural spectacle.

What to expect

Your expert guide collects you dockside and drives the scenic Avalon Peninsula, pausing at barrens and coastal viewpoints en route. At the Reserve, a short coastal walk delivers you to Bird Rock — a towering sea stack literally white with nesting northern gannets at arm's reach. The sound, the smell, the sheer density of life is overwhelming in the best possible way. Return journey includes a stop at a local seafood shack for fresh-caught crab.

Book it with
Destination St. John's – Guided Tours
CAD 180–220 per person (private guided day tour from St. John's, seasonal)
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Good to know

Cape St. Mary's is roughly 2.5 hours each way from St. John's — allow a full day; confirm all-aboard time before booking. Best May–August. Pre-book your guide weeks in advance; slots fill fast.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at St. Johns — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Azamara · Azamara Journey
14 nights · calls at St. Johns
from $3,759
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Oceania · Oceania Sirena
16 nights · calls at St. Johns
from $4,199
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Azamara · Azamara Quest
18 nights · calls at St. Johns
from $5,439
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Seabourn · Seabourn Quest
12 nights · calls at St. Johns
from $6,884
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