On the water · RIB AND ZODIAC BOAT TOURS IN NORWAY
Good rib and zodiac boat tours in Norway fill their seats weeks ahead and the small boats go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what the fare covers and how they differ.
From Stavanger harbor, join a small-group RIB tour into Lysefjorden with an English or Norwegian-speaking captain. You will see 604-meter Pulpit Rock, Vagabond Cave, Whisky Falls, Hengjanefossen, and possibly seals or sea eagles. Protective suits, gloves, goggles, and life jackets are provided.
“The whole experience was great , from the guide to boat ride out - we had so much fun”
You’ll leave Svolvær’s main square with an English or Norwegian speaking guide, suit up in warm flotation gear, and speed toward Trollfjord in a nimble RIB. Expect close views of white-tailed sea eagles, steep coastal mountains, quiet bays, and stories about Lofoten’s fishing past. Guides such as Hilda, Rafael, Alessandro, and Joel have led recent trips.
“Amazing good. We get to see the spectacular view with snow cap and autumn leaves one Mountain View. The Sun come in at right time was so blessed. So many eagles we get to see. Highly recommended.”
Join a small-group RIB ride from Geiranger Brygge and race through UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord for about an hour. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Mario or Uri, shares local stories while the boat pauses near Seven Sisters, Friaren, Skagefla, and other waterfalls. Warm flotation suits, life jackets, goggles, and a photo stop are included.
“We had a great experience thanks to RIB Staff. We had planned to hike after the boat tour. The staff offered to drop us off at the foot of the cliff leading to Skagefla farm, which wasn't planned. This gave us the opportunity to do the beautiful hike from Skagefla to Geiranger. The experience would already have been very good thanks to our friendly driver and his « royal » anecdotes. It turned out to be magical! Merci !”
From Svolvær, take a two-hour RIB ride through Raftsundet to Trollfjord. Guides such as Jonas share local stories while you watch white-tailed sea eagles fly within meters of the boat for fish. Warm suits, gloves, hats, goggles, helmets, and life jackets are supplied. Expect speed, spray, steep mountains, waterfalls, and excellent photo chances.
“The tour was exactly what was advertised. The RIB was surprisingly comfortable, we saw a lot of wildlife and the scenery was stunning! Our guide even showed us his favorite swimming area.”
Set out from Stavanger in a 12-person RIB with a captain such as Alex, Aksel, Ola, or Eirik. You’ll pass islands and fish farms, pause beneath Pulpit Rock, visit Fantahålå, and get close to Whiskey Falls. Thermal dry suits, goggles, and dry bags help keep you comfortable on this brisk, bumpy two-hour ride.
“The ride out to the fjord was longer than expected and rough waves but we had a great time and saw some beautiful sights in the fyord once we got there. Axel was exceptional and a great driver. He answered all our questions and gave us lots of info. Great fun for the most part except for the length of time to get to and from the smooth fyord waters.”
Join FjordGuiding for a one-hour RIB ride from Geiranger, limited to 12 people. Your driver-guide takes you close to the Seven Sisters and Friaren waterfalls, points out old mountain farms, and shares local stories. Life jackets, goggles, guiding, and a photo stop are included. Bring warm, windproof clothing.
“This is a MUST DO activity! Seeing the fjord from the water is spectacular and this high-speed water taxi is the way to see the Seven Sisters and The Suitor waterfalls in this UNESCO-protected area. The guide narration is excellent with opportunity for pictures. The life jacket onesie suits are part of the experience!”
From Stavanger’s central harbor, you’ll suit up for a two-hour RIB ride into Lysefjord. Your captain guides a group of no more than 12 past Pulpit Rock, Fantahålå, and Hengjanefossen waterfall. Float suits, life jackets, goggles, and gloves are supplied. Guides may include Daniel, Christien, or Sean, depending on the departure.
“It was a great ride. We felt safe the entire time. The only thing to make it better would have been sunshine. Beautiful scenery .”
Leave central Svolvaer with a Norwegian or English-speaking guide and race by RIB through Øyhellsundet toward steep-sided Trollfjorden. You may see white-tailed eagles, seals, seabirds, and, on rare lucky outings, orcas. Warm flotation suits, gloves, goggles, and wellies are supplied, but bring extra layers for wet weather.
“It was truly an adventure of intimate contact with nature! The provided clothing, gloves, and goggles were very windproof and kept us warm. The captain stopped at many spots and threw out dried fish, allowing us to see the eagles soaring up close and clearly! Thank you to him. It was not just a bird-watching trip, but also an opportunity to converse with nature. The fjords and snow-capped mountains were all in view! If you come to the Lofoten Islands, you must try this activity, as it will help you appreciate the charm of this beautiful land—wild, free, and full of life.”
Join Nature Norway for a 55-minute RIB ride from Nodeviga, near Kristiansand’s cruise port. Your English or Norwegian-speaking guide mixes fast open-water runs with slower passes by rocky islands, pine woods, historic places, and traditional homes. Life jackets and warm flotation suits are supplied when needed. Small groups are limited to 12 people.
“Great fun going fast in the RIB, interesting to learn about the islands and the history and saw how pretty the scenery was too. Well looked after by the guides. Thanks for a great trip!”
Meet Explore Salten by the white floating building near Bodø Library and Pust Sauna. After a safety briefing, your Norwegian-speaking skipper takes you by RIB to Saltstraumen, where you watch white-tailed eagles and the world’s strongest tidal current. Thermal suits, life jackets, and goggles are provided. Bring warm clothes and waterproof shoes.
“Opplevelsen var helt fantastisk! Guiden vår var veldig imøtekommende og ga veldig god info og ekstra fart på båten :D”
Join a Norwegian or English-speaking captain at Eidfjord Harbor for a fast, open-water RIB ride toward Simadal Fjord or Hardangerbrua. Expect several stops for waterfalls, wildlife, goats, and the Sima power plant, plus warm flotation gear, goggles, and gloves. Guides such as Helge and Lars are known for adding local stories and a well-timed burst of speed.
“We loved the speed and efforts the captain took to make the ride adventurous. Nothing to complain worth every penny.”
Leave central Bergen by private car or train, suit up in thermal flotation gear, and explore quiet fjords near Vikanes and Bolstad by Zodiac or stable pontoon boat. Guides including Bjørn, Andrea, and Erik share local stories, Viking lore, geology, and salmon culture. The route returns by train or private vehicle.
“We had a wonderful time on this zodiac tour and highly recommend it! It is much more private than the other fjord tours and you truly feel away in nature rather than surrounded by the crowds.”
Travel from Tromsø to Skjervøy, or meet the crew there, for a small-group RIB safari lasting about three hours. Guides such as Ina and Iver help you search for orcas, humpbacks, and fin whales while the captain keeps a respectful distance. Flotation suits, boots, mittens, goggles, and hot drinks help take the edge off the Arctic cold.
“This was mine and my boyfriend’s best experience of our lives. Both guides were absolutely fantastic! The tour was incredible and it was run so well. We saw so many orcas and got to take loads of pictures etc. if you are wanting to book a whale watching safari I would definitely recommend you book this one! 10/10”
From Hellesylt, you ride an open RIB into Geirangerfjord with up to 12 people. Your English-speaking guide points out the Seven Sisters, Friaren, Skagefla, waterfalls, farms, and local legends. Expect fast turns, spray, warm outer clothing, several photo stops, and about one hour on the water.
“We were extremely lucky with the weather. RIB ride was fun and interesting as we had an excellent guide 😀”
Set out from Bodø’s Hurtigruten quay in a fast RIB boat for a two-hour trip to Saltstraumen and Sundstraumen. Your English- or Norwegian-speaking guide explains Bodø’s past, Arctic life, and the Caledonian Mountains while you watch for sea eagles, puffins, porpoises, fish, and swirling tidal water. Warm flotation gear is provided, but bring clothing that can get wet.
“Alan was a superb guide who was very friendly and took care of us as we we went on this exceptional trip to see something very special. Would highly recommend, which we did to several friends”
