Rib Safari To Saltstraumen

The giant maelstroms of Saltstraumen have captured the imagination of artists and authors for generations. Join us on a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) safari to witness these wondrous forces of nature.

  • Travel by RIB into the legendary Saltstraumen.
  • See the world’s most powerful tidal current up close.
  • Get the chance to see sea eagles and other wildlife.
  • Learn more about the history and geology of the area.

  • Direction

    Northbound direction

  • Season

    Autumn, Spring, Summer

  • Difficulty level

    Level 3: Average physical condition.

  • Duration

    2 hours

  • Min. passengers

    1

  • Max. passengers

    48

  • Booking code

    HR-BOO4D

  • From

    £ 148

  • Notices

    Transportation: RIB. The strength of the current depends on the tide. Not suitable for people with back problems

Jules Verne wrote about Saltstraumen in his famous novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Edgar Allen Poe penned a whole story about the whirlpools in A Descent into the Maelstrom, and Herman Melville described Saltstraumen through his character Captain Ahab in Moby Dick. No wonder. Saltstraumen is the world’s most powerful tidal current. Four times a day, some 13 billion cubic feet of water are forced in and out through a passage that is 150 metres/490 ft wide and 31 metres/100 ft deep.

The conditions cause such an intense churning and downward pull that it can be dangerous to sail through Saltstraumen outside of specific windows of time. On this tour, we sit safely and comfortably in sturdy rubber boats with high-powered outboard motors, operated by highly experienced and knowledgeable pilots. There is also a good chance to observe sea eagles during the trip. You can also see parts of the Caledonian Fold Belt, one of the world´s oldest mountain ranges dating back more than 250 million years. This is a day packed full of exciting nature adventure.

Practical Information

  • Disembarking port: Bodø
  • Embarking port: Bodø
  • Southbound or Northbound: Northbound
  • Approximate arrival/departure times: 12:30 - 14:30
  • Available period: 01 April - 03 November
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Level: 3
  • Transportation: RIB (inflatable boats)
  • Clothes/Footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing. Special clothing is provided
  • Note: The strength of the current depends on the tide. Not suitable for people with back problems
  • Age: limit: 6 years old together with parent (must be one adult per child)

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