Questions & Answers
Welcome Aboard! Cruises
What do I need to bring along on my cruise?
Check out our What To Bring page for more information.
Are there refreshments available on the boat?
While we don't have refreshments on the boat we do have boxed lunches, drinks and snacks available for purchase at Brier Island Lodge to take along on your cruise. Of course you are also welcome to bring your own.
Will I get seasick?
The Island Link is a very stable vessel and designed for passenger comfort. Your cruise guide will provide tips at the start of your cruise to reduce seasickness. Generally, if you don't have motion sickness travelling in a car or airplane you will won't have seasickness unless seas are particularly rough.
Does the boat have a washroom?
Yes! The Island Link has a nice, clean washroom.
Where do I check-in and pick up my tickets?
Please check-in and pick up your tickets at the front desk of Brier Island Lodge. We ask that you check-in at least 1 hour before your cruise departure.
Where is the boat located? Is there parking available?
The boat is berthed at a wharf right here on the island, only a 3 minute drive from the Lodge. Plenty of free parking is available at the Lodge and we provide free shuttle transportation to and from the boat.
Whale Watching
What types of whales and other marine life will I see?
Please check out the Flora & Fauna page for information on the whales and other marine life that makes their home in the waters surrounding Brier Island.
How long is a whale watching cruise?
Your whale watching cruise should be about 3 to 3.5 hours long depending on weather and sea conditions as well as the location of the whales that day. It is important to allow extra time in your travel plans to enjoy all Brier Island has to offer.
How close will we be to the whales?
Welcome Aboard Whale Watching follows a very strict code of ethics regarding approaching and viewing whales, dolphins and other marine life. When Island Link is in the vicinity of the whales the engine is turned off and then it is up to the whales to choose to approach the the boat or not. Very close sightings, while common, are an honour and respect for the whales is our top priority.
Do you have a tour guide? Will they talk about whales? 
Yes! Our whale watching tours have a local guide who will share their expertise about the Bay of Fundy and all the natural wonders you will experience including whales, sea birds, geology, tides, etc. We encourage you to ask the crew any questions you may have.
Which cruise time is better? How do I choose?
We encourage our guests to choose the earliest cruise possible that will work with their travel plans to allow for a back-up time in case of inclement weather or cancellation. It is best to have at least two days to enjoy all Brier Island has to offer.
Evening Island Tour
How long is the Evening Island Tour Cruise?
The Evening Island Tour is about an hour to an hour and a half long.
Where does the tour go?
This special cruise goes completely around Brier Island, giving you a water view of our spectacular coastline including Westport Harbour, Northern Light, Seal Cove, Peajack Cove, Western Light, Whipple Point, Pond Cove, Gull Rock, Green Head and Peter's Island.
Is the tour narrated?
Yes, the tour is fully narrated. We provide an in-depth account of Brier Island; it's people, history, natural wonders and everyone's favourite- Seal Cove.
M.V. Island Link
How big is the boat?
Island Link is 42' long and 15.8' wide. It is certified to carry 48 passengers.
What kind of vessel is Island Link? How old is it?
Island Link is a passenger vessel designed and build in 1999 in Wood's Harbour, Nova Scotia specifically for whale watching on the Bay of Fundy with a solid fibreglass Dixon 42 hull design.
Is it safe? What kind of safety precautions do you take?
Island Link is a very safe and stable vessel as it was purpose-built for carrying passengers in the unique waters of the Bay of Fundy. It is Transport Canada certified and meets or exceeds all marine safety standards. Island Link carries the latest in marine safety equipment such as two life-rafts, life jackets for adults and children, fire suppression system, radar, VHF radio, etc.
What are the specifications of Island Link?
Builder: Dixons Boat Builders, Lower Woods Harbour, Nova Scotia
Year Built: 1999
Length: 42’ (does not include stern loading platform or bow platform)
Breadth: 15.8’
Draught: 4.5”
Engine: 1999 Cummins 8.3, 430 HP
The Bay of Fundy
What exactly is the Bay of Fundy? Where is it?
The Bay of Fundy (French: Baie de Fundy) is a bay that starts at Western Light, Brier Island and covers the waters West to Maine and the Atlantic ocean North between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It is world famous due to have the highest tides in the world and biodiversity comparable to the Amazon Rainforest.
What makes the Bay of Fundy special?
The Bay of Fundy not only has the highest tides in the world but is a top destination for whale watching due to the number and variety of species of whales (including the endangered Atlantic Right Whale) that feed in it's waters. Every tide cycle (about 4 per day) 100 billion tonnes of seawater flows through the Bay of Fundy carrying with an abundance of krill and other marine prey which the whales, dolphins and porpoises, fish and seabirds feed on creating a truly unique and fascinating ecosystem.
How high are the tides on Brier Island?
The tides on Brier Island reach up 28' depending on the season and phase of the moon. The dramatic difference is most noticeable on the cliffs below Brier Island Lodge and at the Westport Ferry wharf.
Meet Our Crew!
Coming Soon!
