FAQ

Please take a few minutes to read our Disclaimer about our local weather and the potential for tour cancellations.

Can my tour be cancelled?

The weather changes dramatically on Grand Manan from day to day. 

Each morning captain Matthew will check marine weather and make the call for the safety and comfort of guests. High winds, heavy rain and dense fog will most often cancel a trip, but light fog, light rain and light wind are usually ok to sail in. The Meghan Lorraine is equipped with a radar.

Heather will email or text you the day before your tour to confirm the status, location and time of departure.

Please read our Disclaimer for more information about weather and possible cancellations.

When should I arrive?

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure.

The ferry ride from the mainland takes 1.5 hours to reach Grand Manan. Once docked on the island, unloading the ferry and traveling to us could take 15 to 20 minutes. Please factor this extra time so you won’t be late for your departure with us.

Please consult the Coastal Transport ferry schedule to plan your arrival. Our tours start promptly. We don’t want to leave without you!

Are there washrooms?

At the moment, there are no washrooms on board our boat and none at the wharf.

How many people fit on the boat?

Our tours require a minimum of 6 seats to run. Our boat is legally allowed to hold 12 guests, however, we limit the boat to 10 persons for most trips. We offer tours for individual guests or a full boat charter for up to 12 guests at a reduced rate.

Can I bring my family?

We are completely family friendly, on every tour! Our daughters join many of our trips.

How long are the tours?

Cruises average 2 hours long. We attempt to ensure our departure times are as advertised however, weather conditions may result in delays or cancellations. Please give us a call the day of your trip to get the latest marine information.

How should I dress?

Please wear layers. The weather on shore can be hot but you can be assured of a significant temperature drop on the Bay of Fundy. Our weather can be unpredictable so it’s better to over dress than under dress.

What else should I bring on the boat?

Please bring enough sunscreen. The sun reflects off the water and increases the likelihood of sunburn.

Please feel free to bring your camera and binoculars! Both items are great but remember that somethings are better experienced with your full attention instead of from behind a viewfinder. There’s always the chance your equipment may get wet (we are going on the ocean!) so please take that into account when making your decision. We are not responsible for any loss of damage to your equipment.

PLEASE NOTE: Our vessel is entirely nonsmoking.

Can I bring food on the tours?

We welcome snacks aboard our vessel, especially with children! Glass containers are NOT permitted.

Is safety equipment provided?

Life jackets are mandatory aboard our vessel. We have Mustang inflatable PFDs for adults and life jackets for infants and children.

What about motion sickness?

The Meghan Lorraine is 24’ long and 7’ wide and a very stable vessel. If you are prone to motion sickness, please eat a light breakfast before the trip. Consider bringing salt crackers or anti-nausea medication.

Can you accommodate accessibility needs?

Matt says no one stays back on the wharf! We may be able to accommodate wheelchairs and other accessibility requirements. If you have a specific need please contact us ahead of your tour.

While we try to make our tours available to everyone, the nature of our high-speed vessel and the Bay of Fundy isn't always recommended for everyone. Please contact Heather directly for more information for those with special accommodation needs and she will do her best to work with you.

What kind of whales will we see?

You'll never know what to expect on the Bay of Fundy, but we can assure you that your trip will be safe and exciting! Most likely you will see seals, porpoises, white sided dolphins, bald eagles and numerous sea birds such as shearwaters, phalarope and occasionally the Atlantic puffin along the coast of Grand Manan Island. Several species of whales are typically spotted in our waters include Minke whales, Finback, Humpbacks and North Atlantic Right WhalesThresher Sharks, Porbeagle Sharks, Basking Sharks and Makos are common in the summer as well.

Do you guarantee whale sightings?

Unfourtunately we can’t guarantee whale sightings. While we will do our absolute best to find whales including speaking with other vessels in the area and checking different locations around the area, we cannot guarantee whale sightings. We can guarantee, however, that you’ll have a great trip.