Wildlife Sea Safari in Alesund: Puffins & Remote Islands

Chase seabirds through the Nordic Sea in a thermal suit built for the cold

A 2-hour guided wildlife sea safari from Alesund that takes you by boat among the remote outer islands to spot puffins, seabirds and marine life in their natural habitat. The tour runs year-round but puffins are present from April through early August. A local guide, thermal suit, life jacket and goggles are included, and the boat is equipped to handle the unpredictable Nordic weather. Not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or serious cardiovascular conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wildlife sea safari near Alesund

• Join wildlife sea safari tour
• Explore remote Norwegian outer islands
• Observe ocean wildlife and landscapes
• Visit Storhornet mountain island

The experience

What makes this tour work is the thermal suit. You're not just watching from the cabin. The boat heads out into the string of islands that spreads toward open ocean, where the wildlife changes with the season. Puffins nest in the area from April through early August. Outside those months, you'll see other seabirds and marine species that live year-round in these waters. The guide knows the Nordic Sea and its moods, and because weather here shifts fast, the route can change for your safety.

Storhornet, the 497-metre mountain that dominates the islands, rises above the landscape as you move through the outer reaches. The suit keeps you warm in conditions that would otherwise drive you inside. Goggles protect your eyes from spray and wind. Two hours is enough to reach the remote islands and return without the day becoming a test of endurance.

The boat departs from near Alesund, where public transportation options are available. You'll need to be taller than 140cm to wear the thermal suit safely. Bring comfortable clothes to layer underneath the suit, and consider a hat and gloves even on warmer days. The wind on the water is another thing entirely. Sunscreen matters if the sun breaks through.

What’s included

• Thermal suit.
• life jacket.
• goggles.
• a guide with local knowledge who leads in English.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 10 May 2027

Book up to10h before

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 6 days ago

Good to know

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

Is this one for you?The thermal suit is what lets you stay on deck in the Nordic wind instead of retreating to the cabin. Book this if you want to be in the moment with the wildlife, not watching through glass.

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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.

When can I see puffins on the Alesund wildlife safari?

Puffins are in the area from April through the beginning of August. Outside those months, the tour still runs and you'll see other seabirds and marine species that live year-round in the Nordic Sea around the islands.

What's included in the wildlife sea safari?

The tour includes a thermal suit, life jacket, goggles, and a guide with local knowledge of the Nordic Sea and the islands. The guide leads in English.

How does the weather affect the tour?

The boat is equipped to handle the unpredictable Nordic weather, but the route can change for your safety if conditions shift. The thermal suit protects you from cold and wind on the water.

What should I bring or wear under the thermal suit?

Wear comfortable clothes underneath the suit. A hat and gloves are smart to bring even on warmer days, and sunscreen is recommended if it's sunny.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, but it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health. You must be taller than 140cm to wear the thermal suit.