Oshan Whale Watch

Come aboard the Oshan and explore the ocean for adventures.

Oshan is the Gaelic word for 'standing above' or 'giant' and is the traditional nickname of Captain Fraser's clan in Bay St. Lawrence. The Oshan is also the name of the 42-foot vessel we use for whale watching. The Oshan is truly seaworthy. In the off season the Oshan works as a fishing vessel, plus each year it goes through vigorous tests and is certified by the Canadian Coast Guard to ensure your safety. The Oshan is equipped with a VHF radio, sounder, Global Positioning System (GPS), a hydrophone and numerous safety devices

The Oshan is Captained by Cyril Fraser who has well over thirty years of seafaring experience in the local and surrounding waters of Northern Cape Breton. The Fraser family is rich in experience and tradition as both the Captain's Father and Grandfather fished the waters of Northern Cape Breton. Captain Fraser is proud to have his family continue this seafaring tradition through active involvement with Oshan Whale Watch.

Bay St. Lawrence located at the tip of Cape Breton is ideally situated for whale watching. The Gulf Stream from the South brings a warm current for various whales to travel in, while various whales migrate across the Cape of St Lawrence to reach the St. Lawrence River. There are common sightings of:

• Dolphins
• Fin Whales
• Humpback Whales
• Minke Whales
• Pilot Whales
• Seals
• Sei Whales

Not only is Northern Cape Breton one of the most prominent areas for sighting whales, it is also a habitat to various coastal and pelagic birds. The following birds are often sighted:

• Bald Eagles
• Guillemots
• Jaegers
• Northern Fulmars
• Northern Gannets
• Shearwaters
• Storm Petrels
• Sea Ducks

While on a short trip to 10-15km off shore the following birds are commonly sighted:

• Sandy Shearwaters
• Greater Shearwaters
• Parasitic Jaegers
• Black leg Kittiwakes

Deep Sea Fishing
The waters of Northern Cape Breton are homes to some of the most abundant fish stocks in the world. One of the greatest joys of being on the water is casting a line overboard and trying to catch a wily mackerel or a fighting cod. At Oshan Whale Watch we are happy to accommodate anyone who wishes to go deep sea fishing with early morning fishing tours.

St. Paul's Island Tours
Located 14 miles just above the tip of Northern Cape Breton is St. Paul's Island, This majestic island is merely a 2 hour cruise away and the trip to St. Paul's is often accompanied with various sightings of whales as the massive migrating mammals swim past money point towards the cold waters to the north. The tiny island is a sanctuary to various birds but most of all it is a sanctuary to beauty. The shore line is a dark majesty of highland rock, while the island itself is littered with beauteous evergreens. Call ahead of time to plan your trip to St. Paul's and request a date and departure time most suited to your needs.

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