The Bird Safari Tour

If you’re considering a trip to northern Norway and want a genuine wildlife experience, the Bird Safari Tour in Innlandet County might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve gathered enough details and traveler experiences to give you a clear picture of what to expect. It promises a short but immersive encounter with some of the Arctic’s most captivating birdlife, set against the backdrop of fjords, mountains, and tiny fishing villages.

What I really like about this tour is its combination of scenic riding and close-up wildlife encounters—you get a taste of Norway’s natural beauty along with the thrill of spotting puffins, eagles, and gannets. Plus, the boat trip exploring one of Europe’s largest bird colonies is a major highlight. On the downside, some travelers mention that the number of birds seen can vary, and at times, the puffins can be a bit shy or distant, which is natural for wild animals. Still, it’s a tour that caters well to curious nature lovers and those wanting to see the Arctic from a different perspective.

This experience is quite accessible—suitable for anyone curious about wildlife or scenic landscapes—and it’s especially appealing if you enjoy boat trips and outdoor adventures. If you’re in Honningsvåg, looking for a compact, meaningful excursion, and don’t mind spending a few hours out on the water, this one might fit the bill nicely.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: The tour lasts about 3 hours, making it manageable even for tight schedules.
• Wildlife Close-Ups: Chance to see puffins, eagles, and various seabirds in their natural habitat.
• Scenic Route: The bus ride across mountains, fjords, and an arctic island offers spectacular views.
• Expert Guides: The commentary from guides and the captain is engaging, informative, and often humorous.
• Good for Photography: Plenty of opportunities to capture wildlife and landscape shots.
• Weather Dependency: The experience can be affected by weather, which influences wildlife sightings and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting Point in Honningsvåg
You’ll meet at the tourist information spot right next to the cruise pier. The coach, marked “The Birdsafari Tour,” is waiting nearby. From there, the journey begins with a scenic bus ride across the island, lasting about 30 minutes. This stretch is an instant highlight, as you’ll pass by fjords, mountains, and ocean views that showcase Norway’s rugged beauty.

Arrival at Gjesvær and the Boat Ride
Your first stop is the charming fishing village of Gjesvær, a spot with roots dating back to the Viking era. Here, you’ll board a boat to explore the Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve, a designated bird colony about 15 km west of the famous North Cape.

This part is where the tour truly shines. Expect about 10 minutes on the water before reaching the cliffs, where the bird action is happening. Onboard, the captain and guides are eager to answer questions. You’ll have access to arctic suits if you want to stay warm, as the weather can be chilly and windy regardless of the season.

Wildlife Observation
As you sail around the cliffs, you’ll observe a variety of seabirds, including puffins with their iconic colorful beaks, gannets, kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, and arctic skuas. The puffins nest in holes in the grassy hills, and from April through September, this area teems with activity both in the air and on land. White-tailed Eagles are often seen soaring overhead, making for incredible photo opportunities.

Some reviews note that the birds can be distant or quick to fly away, which is understandable with wild creatures. One traveler from Austria mentioned that puffins were quite far away, and that they flew off before the boat could get closer, but still appreciated the good information provided by the crew.

Return and Reflection
After the boat trip, you’ll head back to Gjesvær and then return to Honningsvåg by bus. The entire experience is around 3 hours, making it a compact but memorable adventure.

What Makes This Tour Special?

This tour isn’t just about ticking off bird species; it’s about experiencing Norway’s wild side in a relaxed, accessible way. The boat ride around the bird colonies offers breathtaking views and a chance to see Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat—something that’s hard to replicate in a zoo or aquarium.

The guides’ commentary, often described as humorous and engaging, enhances the experience, making the tour both educational and fun. The captain’s insights during the boat cruise add a layer of authenticity you don’t get from just viewing birds from a distance.

Because it’s designed to be inclusive, the tour is suitable for most people, and the short duration helps keep it manageable. However, if your schedule or weather conditions aren’t ideal, the experience could feel less fulfilling.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Meeting point is right next to the cruise pier in Honningsvåg, with coordinates 70.9829330444336, 25.968021392822266.
• The tour duration is approximately 3 hours, which means you’ll need to be prepared for a couple of hours out, including travel, boat ride, and wildlife viewing.
• Transport involves a bus and boat; the bus ride is scenic and smooth, with comfortable seating.
• Weather plays a part in the experience. While the tour offers arctic suits to stay warm, travelers should be prepared for wind and possible chill.
• Group size can vary, but a minimum of 4 participants is required for the tour to proceed. Solo travelers can still book but should be aware of this requirement.
• Pricing isn’t specified explicitly, but reviews suggest it’s a good value considering the unique wildlife encounters and scenic views offered.
• Language on the tour is English, making it accessible to most travelers.

What Travelers Are Saying

Traveler reviews give a good sense of what to expect. Many applaud the guides’ knowledge and the captain’s skillful navigation, making the boat ride both safe and informative. A traveler from the US called it “superb” and one of the best tours they’ve taken, praising the beautiful scenery and bird sightings.

Some reviews highlight variable bird sightings—seals were also spotted, adding to the wildlife spectacle. A few note that puffins tend to fly away quickly, but that’s to be expected with wild animals. The humorous commentary and friendly atmosphere seem to be consistent positives.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Arctic landscapes. If you enjoy boat trips and want an up-close look at seabirds and eagles, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s not a tour for those expecting guaranteed sightings—wildlife can be unpredictable—but the chance to see puffins, gannets, and white-tailed eagles makes it worthwhile.

Those with limited mobility should consider the boat’s facilities and the overall movement involved. It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable outdoors and prepared for potentially brisk weather.

The Sum Up

The Bird Safari Tour offers a rare opportunity to get close to Arctic seabirds and dramatic Norwegian scenery all within a few hours. Its combination of scenic bus rides and intimate boat excursions makes it a well-rounded choice for travelers wanting a meaningful wildlife experience without wasting too much time.

While sightings depend on weather and animal behavior, the knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and chance to observe puffins, eagles, and other seabirds make this a compelling outing. It’s especially appealing for those who love wildlife, photography, and scenic travel.

If you’re after a relaxed, informative, and scenic trip that brings you face-to-face with Norway’s birdlife, this tour deserves serious consideration. Just remember to pack a jacket, bring your camera, and keep expectations flexible—wild animals are unpredictable, but the views and experiences are well worth it.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 3 hours, including bus rides and the boat trip.

Where do I meet the guide?
You meet at the tourist information spot next to the cruise pier in Honningsvåg, marked with “The Birdsafari Tour.”

Is the tour suitable for children?
The description doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the outdoor nature and boat ride, it’s probably best for older children who can handle outdoor conditions.

What should I wear?
It’s recommended to wear warm, layered clothing. The tour provides arctic suits if needed, but bring your own jacket in case it’s windy or chilly.

Are there restroom facilities onboard?
Yes, the boat has toilet facilities for passengers.

Can I see seals on this tour?
Some travelers have reported sightings of seals playing in the water, adding to the wildlife spectacle.

What birds are usually seen?
Expect puffins, gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, and arctic skuas, among others.

Is it weather-dependent?
Yes, weather conditions can influence both comfort and wildlife sightings, but the tour is designed to be flexible with arctic suits and natural patience.

How many people typically join?
The minimum is 4 participants for the tour to run; group sizes can vary.

What is the value of this experience?
Considering the scenic views, wildlife encounters, and guided commentary, many travelers find it good value for the unique opportunity to see Arctic seabirds up close.

In short, if you’re looking for a manageable, scenic, and wildlife-rich excursion while in northern Norway, the Bird Safari Tour seems like a worthwhile choice. It combines nature, education, and stunning scenery into one memorable package—just be ready for a bit of wind, some bird-watching patience, and a whole lot of natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: