Tour Highlights
Embark on an unforgettable educational tour of Cape Breton’s UNESCO Biosphere, Bras d’Or Lakes, and Baddeck, with the Winstar!
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Cape Breton from the comfort of our double-deck, enclosed seating vessel, with 360-degree views of the Bras d’Or Lakes. Learn about the rich history and culture of Baddeck with our premium audio experience from Captain John and the crew, highlighting events of historical and cultural significance, including Alexander Graham Bell’s summer mansion and Beinn Breagh property. Witness the majestic bald eagles up close as Captain John feeds them, while enjoying a licensed bar and beverage service and light snack options. Book your tour today and experience the ultimate Cape Breton adventure.
Bald Eagles
WATCH CAPTAIN JOHN FEED THE GREAT BALD EAGLES
Captain John has been feeding two pairs of bald eagles and their offspring for almost 15 years. The eagles have their nests near the shoreline and take flight when the Captain calls. This is a spectacle you need to see to believe.
Alexander Graham Bell
Amoeba Tours offers the only unobstructed view of the inventor’s mansion! Captain John and the crew will provide an overview of “The Bell Estate” and the neighboring properties of historical significance. You will be surprised at the major events that occurred here, including the first Montessori School in North America and the founding of the National Geographic The crew will educate you on the many inventions of Alexander Graham Bell and his wife Mabel Bell.
You'll also get views of:
If you’ve never been aboard a real sailboat, you might have some questions. We’ve attempted to answer them below so you’re fully prepared when you step on board!
Pre-Boarding
Please arrive ten minutes before your scheduled departure. We ask that you stand physically distant from the other parties as we will be calling your party name forward for boarding.
When it is time to board, one of our crew will gather you together and provide a short safety briefing, and review our procedures to remain physically distant. We will direct guests to their assigned seating. Payment will be collected at the end of the tour.
What do I need to bring with me?
In the event of cool weather, we advise you to dress in layers. Wear sunscreen, a hat and of course, bring a camera. We do have lots of throw blankets of board, and in the event of an unexpected sprinkle of rain, we have lots of long yellow slickers.
Licensed Bar
We have a fully licensed bar on board with ice-cold beer and wine, and specialty Nova Scotian cocktails and craft beer. For private sails, we can arrange a custom bar menu. Water and soft drinks are also available for purchase. We do not sell food on board, but we do allow guests to bring snacks aboard.
Vessel Safety
Your safety while on board with us is incredibly important. We are inspected and licensed by the Transport Canada each year before we go in the water, and we abide by their stringent safety regulations, including wearing a lifejacket. They are not bulky, foam lifejackets, but instead very wearable vests that inflate once pulled.
Before you board you will receive a short safety demo by the Captain and Crew. We also follow all COVID-19 regulations as it relates to social distancing and vessel capacity. Mask wearing is not mandatory on board.
FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions
The Experience
Do you actually sail the boat?
Heck yes. The motor is used to come on and off the dock and (sadly) if there is no wind, but our preference is to power the boat by sail as she was intended to be.
What about adverse sailing conditions?
If it is too windy to sail safely with guests on board, the Captain will cancel the tour. The Captain frequently monitors the weather via radar and will inform guests if the tour will be rained out prior to departure.
Can we go below deck to see the boat?
Yes, you may. Adults please accompany young children who wish to see the boat and supervise as it is close quarters. Adults, we encourage you to visit down below after the tour.
I need help related to a physical disability:
We have successfully accommodated people with canes, walkers, and wheelchairs in the past. To board the vessel, there is a flight of ten steps going down to a floating dock, then a step up to board the vessel and a narrow walkway to the seats. We cannot physically accommodate a wheelchair on board, but our able bodied crew will happily lift and carry our guests on board who need that help. We allow dogs and other support animals on board.
I am a bit nervous about being on the water:
Please speak to the Captain and we will do our best to accommodate. Remember that in 30 years of business we have never had anyone seasick or fall overboard.
Will I get seasick?
In almost 30 years we have never had a guest get seasick. The waters of the lake are generally calm and the motions of our vessel are quite smooth, and not rocky which is what tends to make passengers sick.
Can children and infants come aboard?
Absolutely. Children under five are free. We ask you keep a close watch on your children and go with them should they want to move around the vessel or go down below.
Do you have washrooms aboard?
Yes, we have a small washroom, but we strongly encourage you to use the public washrooms at the Bras D’or Yacht clubs before departure.
What is the capacity of the vessel?
Our vessel is licensed for 45 persons. During COVID-19 operations, we reduce our capacity as required to accommodate physical distancing amongst different parties/couples. In this context, for our 2021 season, we feel that we can safely accommodate up to 25 passengers. Please note the province of Nova Scotia allows our vessel to set our own capacity, which will adjust according to the makeup of the respective parties.
- Bookings & Inquiries: info@amoebatours.com | 902 295 0414 | Captain John Bryson: 902-295-7780
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