Stavanger fishing and sightseeing tour: RS56 Olav Ringdal jr

Fish the sheltered waters around Stavanger's islands aboard a historic rescue boat

A four-hour fishing and sightseeing tour from Stavanger harbor aboard the RS56 Olav Ringdal jr, a vessel launched in 1952 with a dramatic Search and Rescue history. You fish in sheltered waters between the islands surrounding Stavanger with gear provided and instruction from the boatswain on deck. The captain uses a fish-finder to locate catches. Coffee, tea, water and cookies are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Fishing and sightseeing tour in Stavanger

• Start at Stavanger harbor Vågen
• Boat tour around islands near Stavanger
• Boatswain explains sights and assists fishing
• Use fishing gear to fish up to 70 meters
• Captain locates fish with fish-finder
• Fish, relax, and enjoy scenery

The experience

The boat leaves Stavanger harbor at Vågen in the city center and heads into sheltered waters between the islands just outside the main tourist routes. At 8 knots, the pace is relaxed enough to take in the wider Stavanger from the sea side: the streets and harbor views look different from the water. The RS56 Olav Ringdal jr itself carries the history: launched in 1952 and used for 30 years in Search and Rescue operations, it bears the signature of King Haakon VII, who inspected the vessel before it entered service. The boat is solidly built for any weather condition.

Fishing happens in waters up to 70 meters deep. The captain watches the fish-finder screen and signals when to start. The boatswain on deck gives you the instructions and provides all the gear you need. There's no experience required. You follow the boatswain's lead and cast when he tells you to. Between casts, you relax and watch the scenery. Coffee, tea, water and cookies come with the tour.

What’s included

• Fishing gear and tackle.
• instruction and assistance from the boatswain on deck.
• coffee, tea, water and cookies.
• use of a historic 1952 vessel built for all weather conditions.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by North Sea and Fjord Safari

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Norwegian, so you can follow the commentary and the boatswain's fishing instructions in whichever language suits you. The relaxed 8-knot pace and sheltered island waters make it suitable for all fitness levels, including families with infants and small children.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Norwegian.

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 kind of fish will I catch in Stavanger's waters?

The captain uses the fish-finder to locate fish in the sheltered waters around the islands, and you fish down to 70 meters. The specific species depend on the season and what the fish-finder shows on the day you go.

Do I need fishing experience to join this tour?

No experience is necessary. The boatswain on deck provides all the fishing gear and tells you exactly what to do. The captain finds the fish on the screen and signals when to cast.

What is included in the tour price?

Fishing gear, instruction from the boatswain, use of the vessel, and coffee, tea, water and cookies are included. Food beyond the cookies can be arranged at extra cost.

Where does the boat depart from?

The tour starts at Stavanger harbor Vågen, which is in the center of Stavanger. Public transportation options are available nearby.

Is the RS56 Olav Ringdal jr really a former Search and Rescue boat?

Yes. The vessel was launched in 1952 and served in Search and Rescue operations for 30 years. King Haakon VII inspected it before it entered service, and his signature is still aboard.