Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins

Orcas gliding beside a little RIB under the midnight sun is the kind of Arctic scene that can stay with you for years. This trip heads from Bleik into the deep-water Bleik Canyon, where sperm whales and other marine life gather to feed. The small boat, limited to 12 people, gives you a lively ride and a close view of the water.

I like the wildlife variety, since the search may bring sperm whales, orcas, pilot whales, minke whales, dolphins, puffins, seals, and sea eagles. I also like the practical setup: warm flotation suits, gloves, boots, photographs, and hot drinks with muffins are provided. The trade-off is that the sea can be rough, and whale sightings are never certain. You may spend a long stretch waiting on open water, sometimes without seeing the species you hoped for.

Key points to know before you book

• Orcas and sperm whales are possible: The Bleik Canyon attracts several whale species, but no sighting can be promised.
• A small RIB keeps the group personal: The boat carries no more than 12 people, with a skipper and an English-speaking guide.
• Puffins are part of the plan: The trip usually includes time near puffin colonies, with eagles and other seabirds also possible.
• The 9 PM departure uses the midnight sun: In summer, late evening light can make the trip especially memorable.
• Warm equipment is included: Flotation suits, life jackets, gloves, boots, and other protective gear help with the cold.
• It suits active adults best: You need to be in reasonable physical shape and at least 135 centimeters tall.

Why Bleik Canyon is such a strong whale-watching location

Bleik is a small coastal community in Andøy, in Norway’s Vesterålen region. It is about a 10-minute drive from Andenes, so it works well as an outing from Andenes or as part of a drive around the island.

The attraction is the underwater canyon just offshore. Deep water close to land gives fish and marine mammals a good feeding area, which in turn brings seabirds. You are not simply sailing around in hope of spotting one whale. The route follows a known feeding zone with several kinds of wildlife in the same area.

Sperm whales are one of the main targets. You might also see pilot whales, orcas, minke whales, and, more occasionally, Risso’s dolphins and fin whales. Harbor seals may appear near the surface, while puffins, gannets, and sea eagles add movement above the water.

That variety matters. If the main whale species stays out of sight, the trip can still offer birds, seals, or a different type of whale. It is still important to set your expectations correctly: this is a search for wild animals, not a guaranteed orca encounter.

Leaving Bleik Marina in a small RIB

The meeting point is at Bleik Marina, reached by following the beach road near Midnattsol camping toward Smia Pub, then turning down toward the marina and following the Puffin Safari sign. Look for the Green Gold of Norway sign, also associated with the Green Dragon.

Before setting off, you change into warm flotation suits and life jackets. Some provided equipment has also been described as including gloves, boots, and goggles. Bring warm outdoor clothes anyway, along with a change of clothing. The supplied gear protects you from cold air and spray, but it does not make a summer trip feel warm in every condition.

The RIB is a good fit for this kind of water search. It can cover ground faster than a larger sightseeing boat and gives the skipper room to adjust the route when wildlife appears. The small capacity also means you are not looking over a packed deck.

There is a cost to that design. A RIB is open to the weather, and the ride can be bumpy. One trip encountered large waves, while another had a long period of still waiting in open sea that caused some people to feel sick. If you are prone to seasickness, prepare carefully and consider the conditions before booking.

Searching the open water for whales

Once the boat reaches the canyon area, the pace changes. The skipper may travel quickly while searching, then slow down or stop when a whale or group of whales appears. You may spend time watching the surface for a blow, a fin, or a change in the water.

The guides explain the species and behavior you encounter. Christina and Norbert have led trips, while Becca and Katie have also worked as guide and skipper. The crew’s job is not only to find wildlife, but also to approach it carefully and explain what you are seeing.

The most memorable sightings can last far longer than a quick pass. Some trips have spent about an hour with orcas, while others encountered pilot whales with young animals close to the boat. Orcas may travel in a pod beside the RIB, and pilot whales can appear in groups.

Sperm whales are a different sort of sighting. They may surface at a distance and then remain still before submerging again, so you need patience. A close encounter is possible, but it is not the norm. One outing located four sperm whales after a long period in deep water, with the animals remaining well away from the boat.

That difference between species is worth knowing. Orcas and pilot whales may create an active, social scene near the RIB. Sperm whales can offer a quieter and more distant sighting. Both are special, but they reward different expectations.

The boat may also stay out longer than the stated time when wildlife conditions are good, though you should treat the advertised duration as the proper planning figure. The total experience lasts 210 minutes, or 3.5 hours, including getting dressed before departure and warm drinks after returning.

Puffins, eagles, and the bird-watching stop

The puffin part is not a token add-on. The boat visits areas where large numbers of puffins gather, and several trips have reported thousands of birds. You may see them flying low, resting on the water, or heading toward the cliffs.

The bird stop gives the outing a useful second focus. You are not spending every minute looking for a whale that may never surface. Puffins can be easier to locate, and the colony offers a lively contrast to the patient whale search.

Sea eagles are another possible sighting. They may appear near the coast or higher in the sky, sometimes at a distance. Gannets and other seabirds can also show up around the feeding grounds.

The exact balance depends on the day. One trip may spend most of its time with orcas before visiting puffins near the end. Another may find dolphins and a busy puffin colony but no whales. If seeing puffins is your main goal, this trip gives you a better backup than a whale-only outing.

The midnight sun and the 9 PM departure

Summer in Bleik brings the midnight sun, and the 9 PM departure takes full advantage of it. The light can remain bright over the water late into the evening, giving the cliffs, sea, and animals a different look from a daytime trip.

A late departure also makes sense if you want to fit the excursion around other activities. The available departures are 10 AM and 9 PM. The evening run may feel more atmospheric, but conditions matter more than the clock. Calm water can make either time excellent, while rough water can make either one demanding.

The midnight sun is not just a pretty backdrop. It lets the crew operate late without darkness limiting visibility. Still, do not assume a golden sky is guaranteed every night. Weather and cloud cover can change the mood quickly in northern Norway.

What the $199 price includes

At $199 per person, this is a significant activity cost. The value depends on what you want from a wildlife trip.

You are paying for a 3.5-hour small-boat outing rather than a short harbor ride. The price includes the RIB trip to Bleik Canyon, a skipper, an English-speaking guide, warm flotation gear, life jackets, photographs, and tea, coffee, and muffins after the trip.

The photographs are useful because it is difficult to keep a camera steady while riding in an open RIB. You can focus on watching the animals instead of trying to document every moment. The guide takes pictures as memories to take home, though the quality and selection can naturally depend on the conditions and the sighting.

The small group also affects the value. With a maximum of 12 people, you have a better chance of seeing the water and hearing the guide than you would on a large boat. One practical weakness is sound. A person seated toward the back may have trouble hearing commentary while the boat is moving, so ask the crew to repeat important information if needed.

For a rare orca encounter, the price may feel easy to justify. If you see only distant sperm whales, or no whales at all, it will feel more expensive. The included puffin and bird watching, warm gear, photos, and refreshments help soften that risk, but they do not remove it.

Who should choose this RIB trip

I would choose this outing if wildlife is your priority and you like being outside in changing conditions. It is especially well suited to people who want a smaller group, a faster boat, and the chance to see several species in one morning or evening.

It can also suit photographers, though you should not expect a stable platform. Bring a camera only if you can protect it from spray and hold it securely. The supplied photos are a helpful extra.

The trip is less suitable if you need a smooth, quiet boat ride. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back, heart, respiratory, or mobility problems, people with vertigo or claustrophobia, wheelchair users, people with recent surgery, or anyone with other pre-existing medical conditions. Children and adults under 135 centimeters cannot take part.

You need to be in okay physical shape. Getting into a RIB, sitting through a three-hour outing, and handling rough water require more effort than a standard sightseeing cruise.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear warm outdoor clothing even though protective suits are provided. A base layer, warm socks, and clothing that can handle spray are sensible choices. Bring a complete change of clothes in case you get wet.

The supplied suit and life jacket can feel bulky. Allow time to get dressed, and do not arrive expecting to step straight onto the boat. Boots, gloves, and goggles may be supplied, but it is still wise to ask what is included when you check in.

Plan your day around the full 210 minutes, not only the time on the water. The stated duration includes changing before departure and tea, coffee, and muffins afterward. Departures are at 10 AM and 9 PM from Bleik Marina.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those options help if your plans around Andenes are still moving, but they do not change the need to check weather and sea conditions.

Should you book the Bleik whale safari?

Book it if you want a serious wildlife outing rather than a guaranteed photo opportunity. Bleik Canyon offers a strong mix of whales, puffins, seals, and sea eagles, and the small RIB creates a more direct experience than a large vessel.

I would be especially tempted by the 9 PM trip in good summer weather, when the midnight sun adds another layer to the outing. I would also keep one practical rule in mind: go hoping for orcas or sperm whales, but be ready to value pilot whales, puffins, dolphins, and birds just as much.

Skip it if rough water, cold, or long periods of waiting would ruin your day. For an active visitor staying near Andenes, though, this is one of the strongest ways to reach the wildlife of Vesterålen without joining a large boat.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching trip leave from?

The trip leaves from Bleik Marina in Bleik, Nordland County. Follow the beach road near Midnattsol camping toward Smia Pub, turn down toward Bleik Marina, and follow the Puffin Safari sign.

How far is Bleik from Andenes?

Bleik is about a 10-minute drive from Andenes.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts 210 minutes, or 3.5 hours. This includes getting ready in warm flotation suits before the boat trip and having tea, coffee, and muffins after returning.

What wildlife might I see?

You might see sperm whales, pilot whales, orcas, minke whales, Risso’s dolphins, fin whales, harbor seals, puffins, sea eagles, gannets, and other birds. Sightings depend on the animals and sea conditions on the day.

Is the whale sighting guaranteed?

No. The trip searches an area with abundant marine wildlife, but wild animals move freely. You may see whales, or you may see puffins, dolphins, seals, eagles, and other birds instead.

What equipment is included?

The experience includes warm flotation suits and life jackets. Trip details and on-site information also describe gloves, boots, and goggles as provided. Tea, coffee, muffins, and photographs are included as well.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, outdoor clothing, and a change of clothes. The RIB is open to the weather, so you should prepare for cold air, spray, and rough conditions.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back, heart, respiratory, or mobility problems, people with vertigo or claustrophobia, wheelchair users, people with recent surgery or other pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone under 135 centimeters tall. All participants should be in okay physical shape.