RIB Boat Tour on the Nærøyfjord – A Thrillride Through Norway’s Natural Wonder

Why a RIB Boat Tour Was a Must for Me

When I started planning my Norway adventure, I kept coming across one piece of advice over and over again: Don’t skip the fjords – and if you can, explore them by RIB boat. The more I read, the more it felt like this wasn’t just another tour option – it was the way to dive deep into the wild, jaw-dropping beauty of Norway’s legendary landscapes. So when booking my Norway adventure, a RIB boat tour on the legendary fjords was on top of my bucket list for this trip.

Booking with Fjordsafari – and Getting Ready for the Ride

After some more research, I settled on the 2.5-hour extended RIB boat tour in Flåm – and booked with Fjordsafari, a local provider whose glowing reviews and inviting website instantly won me over. And spoiler alert: I couldn’t have made a better choice.

When I arrived in Flåm, the big Fjordsafari tent by the harbour was impossible to miss. About 20 minutes before departure, I checked in and was handed my gear: a full flotation suit, life vest, gloves, hat, and goggles. Wrestling myself into the suit was an adventure in itself, but the friendly Fjordsafari staff were full of helpful tips (and jokes!) to make sure we were comfy, safe, and ready for action.

Sunshine, Speed and Scenery: Off We Go!

And then – pure luck: it was a picture-perfect day. Blue skies, brilliant sunshine, and temperatures around 25°C – a rare slice of Norwegian summer magic. Together with 11 other guests, I climbed aboard a sleek, open RIB boat, fitted with ergonomic seats and an unbeatable front-row view. A few quick safety notes, and off we went – the wind in our faces and the promise of 80 kilometres of awe-inspiring fjord scenery ahead of us.

We zoomed away from the harbour and found ourselves surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. Towering cliffs rose on either side, waterfalls spilled down the rocks like silver threads, and the water shimmered in every imaginable shade of blue and green.

We passed tiny, remote villages where time seemed to stand still. We marvelled at dramatic waterfalls that we got to see up close – so close, in fact, that we felt the cool mist on our faces. Mountain goats grazed on steep hillsides or balanced nimbly on narrow ledges, and seabirds like cormorants swooped and dove around us. To top it all off, we even spotted a pair of sea eagles, gliding high above us – majestic, serene, and utterly unforgettable.

Stories from the Fjord: Our Amazing Guide

Our guide – who was also our captain – made the experience even more special. With passion and humour, she told us stories about the history of the fjords, the local wildlife, the people living in these remote villages, and curious facts about Norway’s landscapes. Her storytelling was vivid and full of heart – the kind that makes you feel like you’re not just seeing a place, but getting to know it.

One of the many highlights of the trip was a stop at the Viking village of Gudvangen, nestled deep within the Nærøyfjord. Another unforgettable moment: our approach to Sagfossen, one of the most iconic waterfalls in the area. The boat glided right up to the roaring cascade and lingered there, giving us time to fully take in its force and beauty while our guide painted the picture of its origins and significance.

Back on Land – and Still Speechless

The two and a half hours flew by far too quickly. Before I knew it, we were pulling back into the harbour, windblown, wide-eyed, and full of stories. There are travel moments that stay with you – and this was one of them. I was overwhelmed in the best way possible.

Norwegian nature is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Cruising between steep fjord walls, feeling the breeze in my hair, and watching waterfalls tumble into glassy waters – it made me feel both tiny and completely alive. It’s hard to explain, but it’s the kind of feeling that sticks with you long after the ride is over.

I’m beyond happy I chose the Flåm tour with Fjordsafari. Many travellers opt for a RIB experience in Geirangerfjord, which is no doubt the most famous. And yes – I did one there too! It was dreamy and absolutely worth it. But if I had to choose? My Flåm experience wins by a mile.

My tip? Do both. The Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord have their own magic, just like Geiranger does. And these RIB boat adventures? They’re not just about sightseeing – they’re about feeling alive. The thrill of speeding across open water, the spray of the fjord on your cheeks, the sense of freedom – it’s dopamine and adrenaline in the most scenic way possible.