Coastal Safari by RIB from Ålesund: Islands and Cliffs

Race past sea cliffs and tiny islands, stopping to spot wildlife and photograph the coast from the water.

A one-hour RIB coastal safari from Ålesund takes you speeding between small islands, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs along the Norwegian coast, with several stops for wildlife watching and photos. You're equipped with a thermal flotation suit, life jacket, and goggles before departure. The boat is led by a local guide who shares knowledge of the area's nature and coastal culture, and the tour runs in any weather: calm or rough seas both show the coastline a different way.

Step-by-step itinerary

RIB Coastal Safari along Ålesund

• Equip flotation suit and life jacket
• Board high-performance RIB boat
• Speed across open waters
• Weave between islands and coves
• View steep cliffs and ocean scenery
• Make scenic stops for wildlife watching
• Take photos of nature and coastline
• Learn about local nature and culture

The experience

You arrive at the departure point and get fitted with a thermal flotation suit, life jacket, and goggles: gear that keeps you warm and safe as the RIB accelerates into open water. The boat weaves between small islands and steep cliffs, moving fast enough that the perspective shifts constantly. What looks like a solid headland from shore breaks into a maze of hidden coves and rock formations when you're on the water. The guide points out features of the landscape and the local marine environment, so you're learning the area's geography and ecology as you move through it.

The tour makes several scenic stops where the boat slows and you can take photos, watch for seabirds and marine life, and simply sit with the view. The pace and the stops shift depending on conditions: rough weather and calm seas both offer something different, and the guide adjusts what the day shows you. Families and groups of friends book this tour because the speed and the stops keep it engaging without becoming monotonous, and because you see the coastline from a vantage point that land-based sightseeing cannot reach.

What’s included

• Thermal flotation suit.
• life jacket.
• goggles.
• one-hour RIB boat ride with a local guide speaking English.
• several scenic stops for wildlife watching and photography.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: 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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want speed and scenery combined. The RIB's pace lets you cover the dramatic stretches of coast in an hour, stopping long enough to photograph and absorb what you see, rather than lingering at a single viewpoint. It's not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns, so check those conditions before booking.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

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 should I wear under the thermal flotation suit?

Comfortable clothes work fine under the suit. The suit itself provides warmth, so you don't need heavy layers, though many travelers bring a hat and gloves even on warmer days since you're on open water and the wind cools quickly.

What is the Atlantic Sea Park and does the tour stop there?

The Atlantic Sea Park is an aquarium in Ålesund. The RIB tour itself travels along the open coastline, past islands and cliffs. The aquarium is listed as a related attraction in the area but is not a stop on the boat.

Is this tour suitable for someone who gets seasick easily?

The tour runs in open water for the full hour, so if you're prone to seasickness, this is a high-risk activity. The speed and the stops don't eliminate motion. Consider taking seasickness medication beforehand if you decide to book, and let the guide know when you arrive.

Can I bring my own waterproof shoes, or do I need to rent them?

Waterproof shoes are not provided as part of the tour, so you'll need to bring your own if you want them. Many travelers wear them to stay dry when boarding and exiting the boat.

How do I get to the departure point using public transportation?

Public transportation options are available near the departure point. Contact the operator or your hotel for the specific bus routes and stops closest to where the RIB departs.