Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins

Arctic wildlife can get very close here. This small-group RIB trip from Bleik takes you across the waters of Bleik Canyon, where you may see sperm whales, orcas, pilot whales, puffins, sea eagles, seals, and more. I especially like the maximum of 12 people, which gives the boat a personal feel, and the chance to pair serious wildlife watching with the pure fun of a fast ride.

The midnight sun adds something special to the late departure. At 9 PM, the sea and cliffs can glow in soft northern light while you watch animals in their natural setting. The main caution is the open sea: rough water is possible, and several people have felt sick while the boat waited near whales. This is an active excursion, not a gentle harbor cruise.

Key points at a glance

• Bleik Canyon: The boat heads toward a deep-water canyon where sperm whales and other marine animals come to feed.
• Small RIB group: A maximum of 12 people means better views and a more direct connection with the skipper and guide.
• Wildlife variety: Possible sightings include orcas, pilot whales, minke whales, sperm whales, Risso’s dolphins, fin whales, puffins, seals, eagles, and gannets.
• Midnight sun departures: Choose 10 AM or 9 PM for a very different Arctic light experience.
• Warm equipment included: You receive a flotation suit, life jacket, and other protective gear before leaving the marina.
• Simple finish: Tea, coffee, muffins, and trip photos are included after the boat ride.

From Andenes to Bleik Marina in 10 minutes

Bleik is a short drive from Andenes, making this a practical choice if you are staying in town or exploring Andøya by car. The meeting point is Bleik Marina, reached by driving down the beach road at Midnattsol Camping, continuing to Smia Pub, then turning toward the marina and following the Puffin Safari signs.

Look for the Green Gold of Norway sign, also associated with the Green Dragon. Your skipper and guide meet you there. I would allow extra time for finding the marina, especially if you are arriving for the evening departure and the roads are quiet.

The two scheduled starting times are 10 AM and 9 PM. The late trip is not merely a second copy of the morning trip. In summer, the sun remains above the horizon, so the 9 PM departure can offer a warm, low light over the water without darkness at the end. It is a memorable way to use the long Arctic day.

Getting ready for the RIB ride

The stated duration is 210 minutes, or 3.5 hours. That includes getting dressed on shore before departure and having tea, coffee, and muffins while changing after returning. The time on the water is therefore a little shorter than the full booking length.

The operator provides warm flotation suits, life jackets, gloves, boots, and goggles. One useful tip is that you do not need to arrive with a full sailing wardrobe. Still, bring warm outdoor clothing beneath the suit, along with a change of clothes. Wind and spray can make the ride feel cold even during summer.

The suits are more than a comfort item. They provide flotation and protection in an open RIB, where the wind hits harder than it does on land. The crew gives safety instructions before departure, and you should listen carefully because the boat can move quickly and the ride may be lively.

This activity is intended for people in reasonably good physical shape. It is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility limitations, serious back, heart, respiratory, or other pre-existing medical conditions, people with vertigo or claustrophobia, or anyone recovering from recent surgery. The minimum height is 135 centimeters, or about 4 feet 5 inches.

Speed across Bleik Canyon

The RIB is one of the main pleasures of this outing. You are not sealed inside a large vessel behind windows. You sit close to the sea, feel the boat move, and have a better chance of looking in several directions when wildlife appears.

That closeness has a tradeoff. The boat can bounce over waves, and the ride is not ideal for anyone who prefers a quiet, steady platform. Conditions vary. One trip had large waves but a skilled skipper, while another spent a long period nearly still in open water while watching sperm whales. Bring motion sickness medication if you normally need it, although the supplied information does not specify medication or medical support onboard.

The small boat can approach wildlife more closely than a large cruise vessel, but close does not mean guaranteed. Animals decide where they go. The best trips may involve a long period with one pod, while another outing may produce more birds than whales.

Guides explain the species you see, answer questions, and take photos for you to keep afterward. Christina and Norbert have been singled out for their friendly, careful work, while Bekka and Katie have also led trips praised for clear explanations and strong boat handling. Since the exact crew can vary, treat these names as examples of the team rather than a promise that one particular guide will lead your departure.

One practical point: if you sit at the back of the RIB, it may be harder to hear the guide over the engine and wind. Ask the crew about the best seating position before leaving, and let them know if hearing the commentary is especially important to you.

Searching for sperm whales and orcas

Bleik Canyon is the main wildlife area. Its deep water attracts fish, and the fish attract larger predators. Sperm whales are a major target, but the list of possible sightings is wide.

You might see:

• Sperm whales
• Orcas
• Pilot whales
• Minke whales
• Risso’s dolphins
• Fin whales
• Harbor seals
• Sea eagles
• Gannets
• Puffins and other seabirds

Sperm whales may be seen at a distance, then disappear for a long period. One outing involved four sperm whales, with around an hour spent waiting in the open sea. That can feel slow if you expect constant action, but it is part of watching wild animals rather than visiting a scheduled show.

Orcas and pilot whales can create a more active encounter. Several outings had long periods with orcas or pilot whales near the boat, including a large pod of orcas and a family group. Another group saw young pilot whales close to the RIB. These moments can be extraordinary, but the operator cannot promise a particular species or even whales at all.

That uncertainty matters when you decide how to spend $199. If you need a guaranteed sighting, this is the wrong kind of excursion. If you value the search, the sea, the bird cliffs, and the possibility of a remarkable animal encounter, the price becomes easier to justify.

Puffin cliffs and the bird-watching stop

The whale search is only half the attraction. The boat also looks for puffins and other birds around the coast. In good conditions, you may see very large numbers of puffins near the cliffs, along with sea eagles, gannets, and other birdlife.

Puffins are small and quick, so the RIB’s low position on the water can help you watch them at close range. You may see them sitting on the surface, flying near the cliffs, or disappearing underwater after a quick plunge. The contrast with the larger whales makes the tour feel like a broader wildlife outing rather than a single-species hunt.

The bird stop may come near the end of the tour, especially if the crew has spent time with whales. One evening trip spent nearly three hours with whales before visiting a puffin colony during the final 15 minutes. If puffins are your priority, say so before setting out, while understanding that the captain must balance wildlife conditions, safety, and the available time.

A trip can also work well if you do not see whales. One outing produced dolphins and a large puffin colony, with eagles nearby. Another had many puffins but no whales because of the sea conditions. The birdlife gives the excursion a useful second focus.

The midnight sun changes the mood

The 9 PM departure is the most distinctive option. Summer in Bleik brings the midnight sun, so you can be on the water late in the day with daylight still shining across the sea.

The light may change how you experience the trip. Orcas against a low golden horizon, puffins near dark cliffs, and a quiet return to the marina can feel very different from a morning outing. You also avoid using the middle of the day for the tour, leaving time for other activities around Andøya.

The morning departure has its own advantages. You may feel fresher, and it can fit more easily into a day of driving or sightseeing. The wildlife is the same general target, but nature does not run on a timetable. I would choose based on your sleep habits, weather forecast, and the kind of light you want rather than assuming one time is always better.

What the $199 price buys you

At $199 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value comes from the small group, the specialized RIB, the warm flotation gear, the guide, photos, and the full three-and-a-half-hour outing.

A large portion of the experience is the search itself. You are paying for access to the canyon, a skipper who can read conditions, and a guide who can explain what is happening. The photos are useful because it is difficult to handle a camera while wearing gloves and moving on a fast boat.

The price feels strongest when you see several species on one trip. People have encountered orcas, minke whales, pilot whales, puffins, and sea eagles on the same outing. It also feels fairer when the crew stays out longer to make the most of an active wildlife encounter, though extra time should never be expected as part of the schedule.

The value is weaker if you want a guaranteed whale sighting or dislike sitting still in open water. The excursion can include waiting, rough waves, and long stretches of scanning the sea. That is not poor organization. It is the nature of wildlife watching, but you should know this before paying.

What to pack and how to prepare

Bring warm clothing, outdoor clothing, and a complete change of clothes. The operator supplies the main protective gear, but your own layers still matter.

I would also prepare for three things:

• Motion: The RIB is fast and can encounter big waves.
• Wind: Even a mild summer day can feel cold at speed.
• Waiting: Whale watching may involve sitting nearly still while the crew watches for surfacing animals.

Keep your expectations flexible. You may see sperm whales at a distance, orcas close to the boat, pilot whales with young, dolphins, seals, or only birds. The guides work hard to find wildlife, but no responsible company can control the sea.

You should also be ready to follow instructions quickly. The crew provides safety guidance, and the boat operates in open water. If you have a medical condition, recent surgery, or concern about the physical demands, this is a poor place to improvise.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms help if your Andøya plans depend on weather or driving conditions.

Who should book this Bleik safari?

I would recommend it most to people who enjoy active outdoor trips and care about animals in the wild. The outing suits photographers, bird-watchers, families with children above the height requirement, and anyone looking for an unusual summer experience in northern Norway.

It is also a strong choice if you are staying in Andenes and want something beyond a standard sightseeing cruise. The 10-minute drive to Bleik makes it easy to add to a wider Andøya itinerary.

I would be cautious if you are prone to seasickness, have difficulty hearing over engines, or need a stable surface for physical reasons. A large covered boat would be more comfortable for some people, though it would not offer the same open-air speed or small-group feel.

The strongest praise has focused on the crew’s care, safety, clear explanations, and respect for the animals. That matters. Getting close to wildlife is exciting, but the best encounter is one where the animals remain in charge and the boat does not pressure them.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you can accept uncertainty and want a lively, close-to-the-water search for wildlife. The combination of a 12-person RIB, Bleik Canyon, puffin cliffs, possible whales, and midnight sun gives you far more than a simple boat ride.

Choose the 9 PM departure for Arctic light and the chance to spend late evening on the sea. Choose 10 AM if you prefer a daytime start. Bring layers and a change of clothes, prepare for waves, and do not judge the trip only by whether a whale appears on schedule.

At $199, it is a worthwhile splurge for wildlife lovers who want a small boat and expert guidance. It is less suitable for anyone seeking a calm, predictable outing. The puffins, sea eagles, dolphins, and seals give the trip a solid backup, while an encounter with orcas, pilot whales, or sperm whales can turn it into a lifelong memory.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour depart from?

It departs from Bleik Marina in Bleik, Nordland County, Norway. Follow the beach road at Midnattsol Camping to Smia Pub, turn toward the marina, and follow the Puffin Safari signs.

How far is Bleik from Andenes?

Bleik is about a 10-minute drive from Andenes.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is 210 minutes, or 3.5 hours. This includes getting ready before departure and having tea, coffee, and muffins while changing after the boat ride.

What departure times are available?

The stated departure times are 10 AM and 9 PM.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include sperm whales, orcas, pilot whales, minke whales, Risso’s dolphins, fin whales, harbor seals, puffins, sea eagles, gannets, and other birds.

Are whales guaranteed?

No. The activity advertises high chances of seeing whales, puffins, and other wildlife, but sightings depend on natural conditions and animal behavior.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. The operator provides warm flotation suits and life jackets. Reviews also describe gloves, boots, and goggles being supplied.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, outdoor clothing, and a change of clothes.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. Participants should be in reasonably good physical shape. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, people with back, heart, respiratory, or other pre-existing medical conditions, people with vertigo or claustrophobia, people recovering from recent surgery, or anyone under 135 centimeters tall.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The guide and instruction are in English.

Are photos and refreshments included?

Yes. A guide takes photos during the trip, and tea, coffee, and muffins are provided after the boat ride.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.