The Bay of Fundy is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. The tidal mixing and cold upwelling water supports extraordinary concentrations of plankton, which attracts right whales, humpbacks, finbacks, minke whales, and harbour porpoises. The North Atlantic right whale — one of the most endangered large whale species on earth — feeds in the bay in summer, with populations of 50 or more regularly observed.
Whale watching tours operate from Saint Andrews, Deer Island, and Grand Manan Island from June to October, with peak numbers in July and August. The three-hour tours typically encounter multiple species on a single outing. Grand Manan Island, reachable by ferry from Black's Harbour, is the best base for extended whale watching and is also excellent for seabird watching — the island lies on major Atlantic migration routes.