Top 8 water & beach things to do in Saint John

1. Guided tour of Hopewell Rocks from Saint John

Six hours by a 6-passenger van — visit the famous Hopewell Rocks and explore nature trails, suitable for cruise ship passengers only.

2. Whale watching tours in Saint Andrews with private van transport

Choose between a 3.5-hour tall ship or a 2.5-hour zodiac whale watching tour, both including hot chocolate and cookies.

“Yasir was an enjoyable and timely guide. We valued that he met us directly at the boat and was ready for us right by the dock. He also showed flexibility, offering to accommodate any stops we might have wanted after the boat tour.”— N1158DXdebk

3. Six-hour sightseeing tour of southern New Brunswick

Six-hour guided tour by van for cruise ship passengers — enjoy easy walking trails and nature highlights, with comfortable footwear recommended.

“Steve, a local to Saint John, was knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. He ensured we returned in time for our cruise ship. Overall, it was a very enjoyable tour that I highly recommend.”— lisacrin15

4. Bay of Fundy bus tour for cruise passengers

Over six hours in a passenger bus — see the Bay of Fundy with easy walking, starting within an hour of cruise arrival.

“Steve was an informative guide with a fantastic personality, adding humor to the experience. My favorite parts were the caves at The Bay of Fundy and the restaurant with a view of them.”— Relax31264484867

5. Private sightseeing tour of Saint John

Six hours in a wheelchair-accessible van — historic City Market, Martello Tower, Reversing Rapids, and easy walking trails for cruise ship passengers only.

“Seeing a river flow in reverse was unbelievable, and I'm grateful we experienced it ourselves. Our guide, Steve, utilized his local knowledge to maximize our time on this extensive tour of St John and the Bay of Fundy. He even shared a photo of himself with Prince Charles from a Canadian tour. With his white beard and festive attire, he also takes on the role of Santa Claus during Christmas. Our adventure began and ended at the Reversing Falls, where we first saw the River St John flowing normally, and then experienced the incredible tidal flow of the Bay of Fundy pushing the river upstream as the grand finale. The tour included various photo opportunities around the bay, and one highlight was enjoying a Lobster Roll and a Moosehead beer at the Caves Restaurant, topped off with ice cream from the aptly named Octopus Ice Cream shop. It was a memorable day, and we left with many cherished memories. Thank you, Steve.”— X4541JKstephenw

6. Fundy Shore tour from Saint John

Explore St. Martins and the Reversing Falls — tide-dependent sea caves, wooden shipbuilding, and the historic Old City Market culminating in a local produce visit.

“I pre-booked the Fundy Coast to Fundy Shore Tour for September 28, 2023, but on the day of the tour, I was informed that the bus was running 20 minutes late. Eventually, a representative from Freedom Tour admitted that the bus was broken down and that there would be no tour that day. I understand that things can happen, but it has now been three months and I still haven't received a refund to my credit card. We are currently trying to resolve this with the credit card company, but Freedom Tours is denying the cancellation. It’s now January, and I have yet to see a $178 USD credit. If you enjoy being cheated, this tour is perfect for you. Their last-minute cancellation ruined our only day in port and led to ongoing issues with the credit card company. I highly recommend booking your tours with another company.”— cgtorrey

7. Bay of Fundy guided tour from Saint John

Four hours by comfortable mini-bus — visit Reversing Falls, St. Martins, and Fundy Trail Parkway with a local guide.

“The tour's standout feature was witnessing the reversal of the Saint John River at different tides. Our guide thoroughly explained the phenomenon, and we visited in the morning and later to observe it directly. In the meantime, we explored the Bay of Fundy, which was incredible to see and understand the significant tidal changes. All in all, it was a fantastic day.”— Abdul Karim M

8. Fundy Shore tour from Saint John by mini-bus

Approximately seven hours, small group size — visit Reversing Falls, Bay of Fundy, St. Martins’ sea caves, with engaging storytelling and exclusive photo stops included.

“Our day in Saint John, New Brunswick, with Henry as our tour guide was nothing short of amazing. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and full of energy, making him one of the best guides we've encountered. The Reversing Falls Rapids and the Bay of Fundy were stunning. Henry's clear explanations and engaging style made the experience enjoyable for all. We also appreciated the stops at Fort Howe and the Sea Caves, where he assisted us in capturing wonderful family photos. Henry truly went the extra mile to ensure everyone was comfortable and happy. If you're in Saint John, this tour should not be missed — it flawlessly blends history, nature, and local charm. I highly recommend it!”— hameedau