Olden: Nordfjord RIB Boat Tour

Olden’s RIB tour turns the Nordfjord into something fast and up-close. In about an hour, you get speed on a rigid inflatable boat and waterfalls plunging right into the fjord from very near. The best part is how the captain steers for views, not just a loop around the water.

You also get insulated flotation gear and goggles, which makes a big difference when the spray hits. The only real drawback is that this ride can be chilly and a little wet, and it is not a good match if you are prone to seasickness or have certain comfort concerns like back problems or pregnancy.

Key things to know before you go

• Right by the cruise dock: Start and finish near the ship area so you lose less time getting there.
• Safety gear is included: Insulated suit, life jacket, and goggles help you stay warm on the water.
• A mix of gentle cruising and quick bursts: You get both calm viewing time and moments of thrill.
• Close-range waterfall sightings: The captain aims the boat for cliffside cascades dropping into the fjord.
• Wildlife is possible, not guaranteed: You might see seals or seabirds, and sometimes something rarer.
• Not for everyone physically: Pregnant women, people with back problems, and seasickness-prone passengers should skip.

Why a Nordfjord RIB Ride Feels Different Than a Slow Boat

A fjord tour can be lovely and still feel a bit like sightseeing from a window. This one feels different because you are riding the Nordfjord on a RIB. The boat accelerates, you feel the push, and suddenly the water, cliffs, and waterfalls feel much closer than you’d expect.

Then the experience flips again. After the speed comes moments of calmer cruising where you can actually take in the silence around the fjord views. You also get a front-row angle on the geography, especially where the land drops to the sea and waterfalls cut lines through the cliffs.

Two things I like a lot here are the live commentary and the way the captain builds the route around what you can see. The guide is not just calling out landmarks. They give context for the valleys and the fjord setting as you move through it.

Meeting at Olden Active: Right Next to the Cruise Dock

This tour is set up for convenience. You start at Fjordvegen 1567, and you look for a big white tent marked Olden Active right next to the cruise ship area and the Mølla guesthouse.

For cruise days, that matters. A fjord trip lives or dies on connection time. Since this begins and ends by the dock, you have less stress about getting back before the last bell.

If you are arriving independently, it is still a friendly setup. You can show up ready, get geared up fast, and be on the water quickly.

The 5-Minute Safety Briefing and the Gear You Get

Before you go anywhere fast, there is a short safety briefing, about 5 minutes. It is not a lecture. It is the basics you need so everyone feels confident when the boat picks up speed.

You also get the gear that makes the difference between enjoying the fjord and thinking about your future blanket:

• Insulated flotation suit
• Life jacket
• Goggles

I like that the tour gives you proper water-friendly clothing rather than just telling you to dress warm. Still, you should dress in layers underneath. Even in a suit, the fjord air can feel sharp once you are moving.

Also expect some spray from the waterfall areas. That is part of the fun, but plan like you might get a bit wet.

55 Minutes on the Water: Speed, Silence, and Waterfalls

The ride itself is 55 minutes on the water, with the total experience sitting at about 1 hour including the briefing. You start cruising out of Olden, and once the boat accelerates, it becomes a real experience, not just a photo stop.

Here is the rhythm you should look for:

1. Acceleration and open views: You take in fjord width and mountain walls as the boat moves.
2. Panoramic sightseeing: You pass lush green hillsides and small villages while the captain follows the best sight lines.
3. Cliffside navigation for the waterfalls: The captain brings you close to sheer rock faces where cascades plunge directly into the fjord.

Those waterfall moments are the star. A waterfall from far away is nice. A waterfall you feel in the air is a whole different category.

And even though it can get thrilling, the pace is built for seeing. You still get time to look around, take photos, and enjoy the views without feeling rushed every second.

Wildlife Chances in the Nordfjord, From Seals to Sea Eagles

Wildlife spotting is always a maybe. The key is that you are in the right kind of habitat and moving quietly enough, at least at certain points, to have a chance.

You might spot:

• Seals resting along rocky shorelines
• Seabirds overhead
• Other wildlife such as sea eagles may be possible depending on conditions

One extra reason to keep your eyes up: on a lucky trip, the captain even reported rare orca sightings near Olden. That is not something you should plan your day around, but it is a good reminder that fjords can surprise you when conditions line up.

If you care about wildlife, the practical move is to stay alert early in the ride. Don’t lock into the camera screen too soon. Look around first, then shoot.

Price Value at Around $120 for a Full Hour

At $120 per person for a 1-hour RIB tour, the price is not the cheapest option in Olden. But it is also not just a generic boat ride.

You are paying for a few things that are hard to replicate:

• A fast RIB experience with guiding and narration
• Equipment included, especially the insulated flotation suit
• A route designed to get you close to waterfalls and cliff views
• A convenient start and finish right by the cruise dock area

One of the most convincing value arguments is the direct comparison people make with cruise ship excursions that sell similar fjord thrills at a much higher onboard price. In other words, you often get the same kind of experience for less money when you book through Olden Active instead of waiting for the ship desk.

What is not included is also important to notice. Food and drinks are not part of the tour. You are on the water for a short window, but if you snack lightly before, you avoid getting cranky afterward.

Who This Tour Suits, and Who Should Skip It

This is a fun option for a wide age range, as long as you fit the comfort and safety requirements.

It is a good match if you:

• Want a thrill element without a huge time commitment
• Like fjord scenery with movement and speed
• Appreciate a guide that shares context as you ride
• Are comfortable dressing for cold, windy water conditions

It is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People who are prone to seasickness

There are also clear rules for onboard comfort and safety:

• No pets
• No baby strollers or baby carriages
• No smoking
• No alcohol and drugs

If you have any medical concerns, treat the exclusions seriously. A RIB ride can be exhilarating, but you do not want to gamble with comfort.

Practical Tips to Stay Warm and Enjoy the Spray

Even with the insulated suit, you should plan for fjord weather. Dress in layers so you can adjust once you are suited up and moving.

Bring or wear:

• A warm base layer under your suit
• Something that dries fast, in case spray finds its way
• Sunglasses if you have them, since goggles are provided but reflections on water happen

Also, be ready for wet moments near waterfall areas. That is not a safety issue. It is just fjord reality.

If you are sensitive to cold, wear gloves if you have them. The tour provides key gear, but it does not replace everything you might want for comfort.

And one small mindset tip that helps: focus on the whole experience, not only photos. The ride is short enough that staying present makes it feel longer and better.

Should You Book the Olden Nordfjord RIB Tour?

Book this tour if you want a high-impact fjord experience in a tight time window. The combination of short briefing, gear provided, and a route that gets you close to waterfall drops makes it a strong choice for both first-timers and people who want something more exciting than a slow scenic boat.

Skip it if:

• You are prone to seasickness
• You have back concerns or are pregnant
• You are not comfortable with cold, wind, and a bit of spray

If you are on a cruise stop, this is especially appealing because it runs from the dock area, so you spend less time worrying about transportation and meeting points.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Olden Nordfjord RIB boat tour?

Meet at Fjordvegen 1567 at the big white tent with the Olden Active sign, right next to the cruise ship and the Mølla guesthouse.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 1 hour total, including a short 5-minute safety briefing and 55 minutes on the boat.

What’s included in the price?

You get the captain, a 1-hour RIB boat tour of Nordfjord, a safety briefing and equipment, live commentary, and insulated flotation suit, life jacket, and goggles.

What should I bring or wear?

Dress in warm layers, since it can be chilly on the water. Also expect to get a little wet from waterfall spray.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The tour includes English (and also Norwegian).

Are pets allowed on the tour?

No. Pets are not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for seasickness or back problems?

No. It is not suitable for people who are prone to seasickness or who have back problems, and it is also not suitable for pregnant women.