Unique Boat Tours to Explore Nova Scotia’s Coast

J. Farwell Sailing Co.
J. Farwell Sailing Tours offers a unique, luxury sailing experience along Halifax’s beautiful waterfront. Get hands-on by steering the helm or raising the sails, or just relax and enjoy the stunning views. They also offer local wine tastings, casual nightlife, and private charters for a memorable Nova Scotia adventure.

Atlantic Shark Expeditions
Join Atlantic Shark Expeditions for an unforgettable adventure. Search for sharks off the coast of Nova Scotia, learn from top shark experts, and help with research as a citizen scientist. You can view sharks from the boat or get up close in a safe shark cage—no scuba certification needed! Tours depart from Halifax and Yarmouth.

Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruises
Hop aboard the Tall Ship Silva. Take in city views, coastal sights, and landmarks like Georges Island National Historic Site and the Halifax Waterfront. Kick back with a drink from the onboard bar, or help the crew raise the sails if you’re feeling adventurous—it’s a fun experience for all ages!

Harbour Hopper Tours
Hop aboard Halifax’s most popular tour—the Harbour Hopper—for an unforgettable land-and-sea adventure! From a retrofitted military vehicle, you’ll cruise past Halifax’s top sights then make a big splash right into the harbour, all while your guide shares fun facts and entertaining stories. With awesome views, great photo ops, and laughs along the way, it’s a must-do experience.

Sail and See, a sailing experience
Enjoy a half-day, full-day, or overnight trip to soak in ocean views, spot local wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of life under sail. On full-day tours, you’ll drop anchor at a scenic island for a swim and locally-sourced picnic—plus, you can pitch in with the sails or just kick back and relax as the waves carry you along.

Bluenose II
Don’t miss your chance to hop aboard the legendary Bluenose II—a replica of the original schooner that became a Canadian icon. Sail on a 2-hour harbour cruise or stop by during open deck hours to explore the ship and meet the crew. It’s a hands-on way to experience Nova Scotia’s rich maritime history and experience classic coastal vibes.

Salty Dog Sea Tours
Hop aboard a Salty Dog Sea Tour for a fun and fascinating boat ride around Oak Island and the beautiful Mahone Bay area. You’ll cruise past key spots featured on the popular TV show The Curse of Oak Island, with hear a narrated tour that brings the island’s mysteries to life.

Tusket Island Tours
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind island adventure as you explore the historic and wild Tusket Islands by boat. You’ll learn how real lobster traps are hauled, hear stories of shipwrecks, buried treasure, and WWII spies. Plus, you’ll stop at Big Tusket Island to visit a private fishing shanty. Top it all off with a bowl of fresh seafood chowder and enjoy live music on your relaxing sail back to Wedgeport.

Mariner Cruises Whale & Seabird Tours
Join Mariner Cruises for an unforgettable whale watching and birding experience off Brier Island. Enjoy a 3-hour adventure in the Bay of Fundy, where you might spot humpbacks, porpoises, dolphins, and rare seabirds—all while learning from friendly local naturalists. Tours run daily from late June to early October.

Local Guy Adventures
Located in the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark, explore the Bay of Fundy on four exciting boat tours with a local guide–the Best of the Bay, Cape Split, Hall’s Harbour or Isle Haute. Discover impressive tides, breathtaking coastline, and geological formations along the Bay of Fundy.

Tidal Bore Rafting
Get ready for an adrenaline-packed ride on the Bay of Fundy’s Shubenacadie River, where waves can reach up to 13 feet! Hop into a Zodiac boat with expert guides as you race down rapids and experience the incredible power of the world’s highest tides reversing the river’s flow. After, enjoy some mud sliding fun along the riverbanks.

Nova Scotia Family Fun Boat Tours
Bring the family aboard a luxury pontoon to spot seals at a hidden seal cove on the family-friendly Meet the Seals Cruise. You can embark on a local history cruise around Pictou Harbour, or enjoy a laid back sunset cruise, complete with a three-course meal.

Discover The Strait Boat Tours
Set out on an authentic Nova Scotia lobster fishing boat with a local fisherman and explore the warm waters of the Northumberland Strait. Whether you’re cruising along the coastline on a SightSEAing tour, fishing for mackerel, enjoying a sunset cruise with fish and chips, learning to catch lobster, lunching on a lobster roll, or exploring Pictou Island, there’s an adventure for everyone.

Bird Islands

Donelda’s Bird Island Puffin Tours / Bird Island Boat Tours
Head out to the Bird Islands off Cape Breton with Donelda’s Puffin Boat Tours or Bird Island Boat Tours. Both offer fun, educational trips with puffin sightings from mid-May to late August. Plus you can spot razorbills, bald eagles, and seals. Tours run daily on covered boats with great photo opportunities.

Bras d’Or Lake

Sailing CBI
Set sail in style from Baddeck aboard a spacious, luxury catamaran—complete with comfy private cabins, full bathrooms, a full kitchen, and indoor or outdoor dining. Whether you’re up for a quick sail, a full-day trip, or a multi-day adventure, you can customize your charter to fit your vibe. It’s a laid-back, unforgettable way to experience Cape Breton Island.

Cape Breton Sailing Charters
Board NO RUSH II, a comfy Niagara 35 cruising yacht, with half-day, full-day, or multi-day tours for up to six people. You can relax and enjoy the ride—or jump in for a hands-on sailing lesson or skill refresher. Departing near North America’s oldest tidal lock, you’ll cruise through the scenic St. Peter’s Inlet, spotting eagles, hawks, and cormorants along the way.

Richmond Adventure Planning
Sail on the stunning Bras d’Or Lake with Captain Kerr aboard Cu Na Mara (“Hound of the Sea”) for a personalized sailing adventure in Cape Breton. Choose from short canal tours, half- or full-day trips, and even add on lunch or accommodations through the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn. Whether you’re looking to learn the basics, take the helm, swim, snorkel, or just relax with some snacks and scenery, this hands-on experience in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a must-do.

Amoeba Tours on the WinStar
Cruise the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake aboard the WinStar, a 50-passenger, double-decker boat offering 360-degree views and comfortable seating. Tours depart daily from Baddeck Waterfront, rain or shine, with both open-air and enclosed decks to enjoy the scenery. From July to September, catch live local music on the sunset cruise (Friday to Sunday), adding a special touch to your sightseeing experience. Plus, a licensed bar and washrooms are on board for your comfort.

Whale Watching
Set off on an unforgettable whale watching adventure around Northern Cape Breton! From Cheticamp to Ingonish, there are plenty of boat tours to choose from, and for a truly thrilling experience, hop on a Zodiac tour to see these incredible creatures up close. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for seabirds and other marine life as you enjoy stunning coastal views.

Murphy’s Scenic Boat Tours
Hop aboard Murphy’s Legacy, a Cape Island–style boat, for a fun and informative 1.5-hour coastal tour of the stunning 100 Wild Islands. Explore the islands’ beautiful coastline, white sand beaches, and rich history. Fishing tours, charters, an island drop-off service, and single or tandem kayak rentals are also available.

Nova Nature Adventures
Join Skipper Damien for an evening tour of the Sugar Islands. Explore local wildlife and fascinating history, including where Champlain met Basque fishers and learned about the Mi’kmaq. Along the way, you’ll see seabirds, bald eagles, and ospreys, and even get a peek underwater with our camera. This tour runs in the evenings from July to September, weather permitting.