Bleik Canyon whale safari: Sperm whales and puffins

Sperm whales hunt in Bleik Canyon year-round, and summer is when you can reach them in a RIB boat built for twelve.

A 3.5-hour guided RIB-boat whale and wildlife safari in Bleik Canyon off Andøya explores the deep waters where sperm whales, orcas, pilot whales and minke whales feed, with a live English-speaking guide onboard and a maximum of 12 passengers. The small boat size lets you approach wildlife closely, and warm flotation suits and life jackets are provided. Coffee, tea and muffins are served after the excursion, and the guide takes photos during the tour for you to keep.

The experience

The 3.5-hour excursion departs to search Bleik Canyon, a deep-water feeding ground where sperm whales congregate in summer. The canyon's cold currents bring fish species that draw not only the whales but also orcas, pilot whales, minke whales, and occasionally Risso's dolphins and fin whales. A live guide narrates what you encounter and handles the camera work so you can focus on the animals as they surface.

The RIB boat's small size, capped at 12 passengers, lets you get closer to marine life than larger tour vessels allow. You'll wear a warm flotation suit and life jacket throughout, both provided before departure. The boat moves through open water, so expect motion and spray. This is a medium-difficulty excursion that requires at least moderate physical fitness. The summer season means near-constant daylight, which extends your window to spot wildlife and photograph the landscape.

After the tour ends, you return to the dock where coffee, tea and muffins are served. The guide will hand over the photos taken during the excursion so you have a record of what you saw. Bleik Canyon sits off the coast of Andøya in Vesterålen, a region known for consistent whale sightings in the summer months.

What’s included

• Guided 3.5-hour RIB-boat excursion with a live English-speaking guide.
• warm flotation suit and life jacket.
• coffee, tea and muffins served after the tour.
• photographs taken by the guide during the excursion.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (8 to 85 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Green Gold of Norway AS

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're comfortable with the motion and spray of a small open boat and have at least moderate fitness. The RIB's size is what lets you approach whales and seabirds closely, but it means you'll feel every wave and wind gust on open water.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What whales and marine mammals are we likely to see in Bleik Canyon?

Sperm whales are the main draw and frequent the canyon regularly in summer to hunt for deep-sea fish. You'll also have chances to encounter orcas, pilot whales, minke whales, and occasionally Risso's dolphins and fin whales. Harbor seals appear in the area as well, and seabirds including puffins, eagles and gannets are common sightings during the search for whales.

How many people go on each boat, and what's the boat like?

The RIB boat carries a maximum of 12 guests, which keeps the group small and lets you get closer to wildlife than larger tour vessels. The boat's small size does mean you'll feel the motion and spray of open water, so it's not a smooth ride.

What should I wear and bring for a 3.5-hour RIB-boat excursion?

Warm flotation suits and life jackets are provided before departure, so you don't need to bring your own. Wear layers underneath and bring a waterproof jacket if you have one, since spray and wind are part of the experience. Sunscreen and sunglasses are useful for the extended daylight of summer.

Is this tour suitable for someone with back problems or pregnancy?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers due to the motion of the RIB boat and the medium difficulty level of the excursion. All guests must be in OK physical shape, with at least moderate fitness, and there is a maximum weight limit of 120 kg (260 pounds) due to the small size of the boat.

What's included in the price, and do I get photos from the tour?

The excursion includes the guided boat tour, warm flotation suits and life jackets, coffee and tea, and muffins served after you return. The guide takes photos during the tour and gives them to you at the end so you have memories to take home.