Coastal Connections is an award-winning marine eco-tour and learning vacation company operating from the Visitor Centre premises at Salton's Brook, Terra Nova National Park. Much more than just a boat tour, guests learn about this magnificent place, participate in hands-on activities, and view the wonders of our natural environment...in the sky, on the land, and particularly, in the sea. On board the fully equipped, 42ft Coast Guard-certified and astonishingly comfortable "MV Coastal Explorer", you will share in captivating scientific data collection; enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the area, and realize that learning (at any age) can truly be fun!

The Discovery Tour

Join Captain Jan Negrijn aboard the MV Coastal Explore for our 2.5 hour "Discovery Tour", and observe first hand the beauty and diversity of our coastal marine ecosystem and the mysteries of Newman Sound. From plankton, fish and seabirds to the great whales, we will explore all that makes up this rich, complex, web of life. You will pull crab and lobster pots (in season), use a variety of sampling equipment, examine specimens under the microscope, perhaps even catch a glimpse of bald eagles, dolphins and whales in their natural setting.

We also offer multi-station school/group programs, group charters & evening cruises. In addition, we are now providing ferry service for back-county hikers/campers in Terra Nova National Park.

Coastal Connections will be operating from its kiosk at the beautiful Visitor Centre in Terra Nova National Park. This location is just a 45 minute drive west of Clarenville and approximately 45 minutes east of Gander. Sailing from the Visitor Centre, Coastal Connections will be your escort and teacher, while you explore the exciting nooks and crannies of beautiful Newman Sound.

In the off-season, we also offer programs based out of Petley, Random Island where we explore the waters of Smith Sound.