RIB Boat Seal and Bird Safari from Nyksund

Thousands of seabirds nesting on Anda's vertical rock face, and Norway's largest harbor seal population resting on offshore reefs.

A 90-minute RIB boat tour departing from Nyksund along the Vesterålen coastline, with an experienced skipper guiding you to Anda Lighthouse and the seal colonies of Øksnes. From June through August, you'll observe puffins, white-tailed eagles, razorbills and other seabirds breeding on dramatic cliff faces, then cruise the shoreline to watch harbor seals rest and socialize on coastal rocks. Insulated flotation suits, protective goggles and life jackets are provided. The tour is led in English or Norwegian and welcomes children from age 8.

Step-by-step itinerary

RIB boat wildlife safari from Nyksund

• Depart from Nyksund by RIB boat
• Observe seabirds at Anda bird cliff
• Spot various seabird species
• Look for whales along the way
• Cruise shoreline to find resting seals
• Return to Nyksund

The experience

If you've just arrived in Nyksund or have a free afternoon, this RIB safari fits into a morning or afternoon slot without eating your whole day. The boat departs from Nyksund harbor and returns there roughly 90 minutes later, so you can plan the rest of your time around it. The route takes you north along the coast to Anda, where the bird cliff rises straight out of the water: thousands of seabirds nest on the vertical rock face from June through August, and the skipper positions the boat to give you a clear view of puffins, white-tailed eagles, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, cormorants, northern gannets and Arctic skuas in their breeding season.

After Anda, the tour follows the shoreline toward Stø and then out to the offshore reefs where harbor seals gather. Øksnes holds Norway's largest population of these seals, so the chances of spotting them resting, socializing and caring for their pups are strong. The skipper knows where to look and will slow down to let you watch without disturbing them. Bring a camera if you want to capture the moment, or just sit back and take it in. The RIB's open design means you're close to the water and the wildlife, and on rare days, whales pass through these waters too.

You'll wear an insulated flotation suit, protective goggles and a life jacket for the entire trip. The suit keeps you warm in the sea spray and the gear is fitted before departure. The skipper is experienced with these waters and manages the boat's speed and course so the ride is safe and steady, even though you're on a rigid inflatable. Children from age 8 can join, and the tour runs in English or Norwegian depending on the group.

What’s included

• Insulated flotation suit.
• protective goggles.
• life jacket.
• experienced skipper guiding the tour in English or Norwegian.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 18 Jun 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (8 to 15 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Norwegian

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 22 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Seasafari Øksnes

Is this one for you?Small groups share the RIB, so you're never alone but you're not on a crowded tour boat either. The 90-minute length and fixed departure time from Nyksund make it easy to slot into a half-day itinerary without committing your whole afternoon.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Norwegian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 15 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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 bird species will I see on the Anda Lighthouse cliff?

Anda's vertical rock face hosts puffins, white-tailed eagles, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, cormorants, northern gannets and Arctic skuas during the breeding season from June through August. The RIB positions you close enough to watch them nesting and raising their young without disturbing the colony.

How long is the RIB safari and what's included in the price?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and departs from and returns to Nyksund. Insulated flotation suits, protective goggles, life jackets and an experienced skipper are all included. You just need to bring a camera if you want photos and dress warmly under the suit.

Will I see seals on this tour?

Yes. The tour visits the offshore reefs where harbor seals rest and socialize, and Øksnes is home to Norway's largest population of harbor seals, so spotting them caring for their pups is very likely during the breeding season.

What should I wear and bring on the RIB?

Wear warm layers underneath the insulated flotation suit you'll be given. The sea spray and wind can be cold even in summer. Bring a waterproof camera or phone case if you want to photograph the birds and seals, and sunscreen for the exposed time on the water. The boat provides all safety gear.