Rib safari Tour in Haugesund

If you like your coastal scenery with a side of splash and speed, this RIB safari around Haugesund is a fun mix of open-water thrills and two island stops. I love the small group cap (max 12), because it feels personal instead of factory-tour busy. I also love that you’ll get real stories about island life and wartime history from the captain, like Captain Rune. One possible drawback, the ride can be intense and bouncy, so plan carefully if you have back or spine issues.

You’ll start right at the cruise harbor area near Tourist Information and Tax Refund, at Garpeskjærvegen 3. I like that the crew gets you kitted out with a waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest before you hit the waves. The only thing you need to watch is weather, since the operator may reroute for safety, and yes, you should expect to get wet.

Key points before you go

• Two island groups, one fast outing: Røvær and Feøy give you a bigger sense of the archipelago than a single-stop trip.
• Small group (max 12): more chances to ask questions and get attention from the captain.
• Waterproof kit included: suit, goggles, and life vest help you enjoy the ride even when conditions turn.
• Rougher than a fjord cruise: you’ll feel the bounce, so choose your seat with care.
• WWII and resistance-era storytelling: the islands come with layers, from pillbox views to WWII occupation history.
• Close to the cruise port: easy to find, especially if you’re starting from Haugesund Cruise havn.

RIB Safari in Haugesund: fast water, real island stories

This is not a slow boat and a long lecture tour. It’s a high-speed RIB ride with two island themes: how people live on the outer coast, and how WWII left marks here. That combination is what makes it work. You get views, yes, but you also get context while the boat is skipping across the water.

The other big reason I like this type of tour is the scale. With a max of 12 people, it’s intimate enough to feel like you’re out with a crew, not trapped in a crowd. When the captain is willing to answer questions, that changes the whole vibe, especially if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to understand what you’re seeing.

Finding your meeting spot at Haugesund Cruise havn

The meeting point is at Haugesund Cruise havn, in the area by Tourist Information and Tax Refund, at Garpeskjærvegen 3. If you’re on a cruise, that’s a huge plus because you’re not trying to figure out local transit with limited time.

What I’d do in real life: once you’re off the ship, give yourself a little buffer. Even when check-in is smooth, you’ll still need time to locate the operator at the port area, walk to the shop or room where you’ll get suited up, and get ready to board.

Language is English, so you can fully follow the safety briefing and the commentary without playing catch-up.

Getting kitted up: suits, goggles, and the seat choice that matters

This tour is built around feeling the water. To make that fun, they provide waterproof outerwear (a suit), goggles, and a life vest. The goal is simple: you should be comfortable enough to enjoy the speed.

A practical tip that comes up again and again with this kind of boat: where you sit changes the experience. If you want the full force of the waves, sit toward the front. If you’d rather reduce the impact, choose seats nearer the back. You’ll still bounce, but it can feel less aggressive.

Also, if you run cold easily, don’t rely on the weather to be kind. One review mentioned cold hands during the ride, and while the standard kit includes suit and goggles, gloves weren’t consistently handled as expected. If you’re the sort of person who wears gloves even in mild conditions, consider bringing your own thin pair for comfort.

The ride itself: exhilarating, but plan for bumpy water

Expect open water and speed. That’s the whole point. Reviews describe splashy departures and a hold-on-tight feeling when you clear the harbor. If the sea is rough, the boat will feel more dramatic, and you will feel it in your legs and spine when it slams into waves.

Here’s my balanced take: if you’re chasing adrenaline, you’ll likely love this. If you want a gentle sightseeing glide, you’ll probably find it too rough. The operator does consider safety, and on rougher days they may adjust the route, but the nature of RIB riding still means constant motion.

Two practical safety reminders from the tour rules:

• You should have moderate physical fitness.
• Don’t attend if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If you have sciatica or a sensitive back, it’s not an automatic no, but it’s a “be honest with yourself” situation. I’d treat this as impact-heavy, not just “a bit bouncy.”

Stop 1, Røvær Island: a small community with big WWII views

Røvær is about 10 km northwest of Haugesund. It’s a small island community with around 100 residents, and the tour uses Røvær as a chance to see island life up close, even from the water.

What makes this stop special is how many time periods you can connect in one place:

• You get the day-to-day look, with charming coastal features like boathouses and a cultural hotel.
• You also get the historic thread, including Viking and wartime history.
• The story peaks at Varden, the island’s highest point, where a WWII pillbox still stands.

Even if you’re not walking trails for hours (the tour format is fast), the captain’s storytelling is meant to help you read what you’re seeing. That’s where Røvær becomes more than scenery. It’s a place where you can understand why people settled here and why WWII mattered to these coasts.

One drawback to keep in mind: weather can change what you can safely do. The operator notes that conditions may occasionally require an alternative route for safety and comfort, so don’t assume you’ll get the exact same angles on every outing. In practice, that just means you stay flexible and focus on the core experience, the RIB ride plus island context.

Stop 2, Feøy: boathouses, sheep by the shore, and resistance-era history

Feøy sits west of Haugesund. This island group has around 50 year-round residents, and it’s known for unspoiled nature and strong coastal traditions. From the sea, you’ll pass by traditional boathouses and open areas where sheep graze near the shoreline.

One named spot that helps you orient is Feøy Brygge. It was once an old wharf, and today it works as a meeting place and a restaurant. Even if you’re mostly viewing it from the water, it gives you a human anchor. You can picture daily life centered on the shoreline, not just housing scattered across a remote place.

The WWII layer here is just as important as the scenery. German forces occupied Feøy because of its key role in the Norwegian resistance network. That detail matters because it reframes the island from quiet postcard to strategic point in a larger story.

As with Røvær, the biggest practical consideration is how the sea state affects comfort. Feøy is peaceful as a concept, but the ride to and around these coasts can be punchy. Choose your seat with that in mind.

Captain talk and what you’ll actually learn

This is where experiences can vary. Some RIB tours focus more on speed and less on explanation. This one appears to lean toward active guidance, because multiple reviews describe informative commentary and the ability to ask questions.

Captain Rune is specifically mentioned in reviews, and that’s a good sign: you’re not just getting a ticket and a route. You’re getting a captain who knows the area and can translate it into something you can picture.

If you’re the type who likes narration, you should feel satisfied. If you’re the type who prefers quiet contemplation of views, you can still do that, because the physical experience of speed plus the outer-coast scenery will keep you busy.

Still, here’s a reality check: a few people noted limited local information or that the ride felt rushed. If you want lots of deep stops for photos or slow scenic pauses, this tour might not fully match that expectation. It’s fast by design.

Timing and how long it feels, 2 hours on paper vs reality at the port

The tour duration is listed at about 2 hours. That’s the number to plan around. But there’s a second clock at work: time to walk, get suited up, and wait for your group to board.

One reviewer felt the in-water ride itself was shorter than expected and that the rest of the time went to gearing up and walking around the port area. So think of it like this: plan for a block of time at the harbor, not just the moments on the water.

If you’re on a cruise with tight scheduling, that matters. The upside is that the meeting point is right at Haugesund Cruise havn and the process is set up for port departures. In most cases, that reduces stress.

Price in context: what you’re paying for at $149.62 per person

At $149.62 per person, this is not a budget excursion. But it also includes several things that many cheaper tours skip:

• a small group limit (max 12),
• a dedicated captain and vessel for open-water riding,
• and waterproof kit (suit, goggles, life vest).

You’re also paying for a specific type of access. Sitting on a RIB lets you see islands from angles that are hard to replicate on a slower boat. You get a fast, close coastal perspective and a more intense connection to the archipelago.

Value for money depends on your priorities:

• If you want speed, splash, and short, memorable storytelling, the price starts to make sense.
• If you want a relaxed ride with plenty of photo stops, you might wish it lasted longer.

My advice: treat this as a high-impact highlight, not filler. If you only choose one shore activity in Haugesund and you like active experiences, it can be a strong pick.

Who should book this Haugesund RIB safari (and who should skip)

This tour fits best if you:

• enjoy motion and speed,
• don’t mind getting wet (it’s part of it),
• want island life plus WWII context,
• and like the idea of a small group where you can ask questions.

It might be less ideal if you:

• have significant back or spine limits and know you react poorly to hard impacts,
• want an easy, calm boat ride,
• or need long photo stops and onshore time.

Fitness-wise, the requirement is moderate physical fitness, and there’s a maximum weight limit of 150 kg. If you’re outside those guidelines, it’s better to look for something gentler.

Should you book this Røvær and Feøy RIB safari?

If your goal is a short, thrilling coastal experience in Haugesund with real local context, I think this is worth booking. The combination of two island areas, the small group size, and the included waterproof kit makes it feel like a complete package. If you plan your seat choice, dress for the cold, and accept that the ride can be rough, you’ll likely come back smiling.

Skip it if you’re chasing calm and comfort first. This is a speedboat adventure. The views and stories are great, but the physical ride is the main event.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you’re starting from a cruise ship. I can help you plan what time to arrive and how to think about the best seat for comfort.

FAQ

How long is the Rib safari tour in Haugesund?

The tour is listed at about 2 hours.

What islands do you visit on this tour?

The tour focuses on Røvær Island and Feøy.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Haugesund Cruise havn, near Tourist Information and Tax Refund, at Garpeskjærvegen 3, 5527 Haugesund, Norway.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What gear is provided for the ride?

You will be provided waterproof clothing (suit) plus goggles and a life vest.

Is there a fitness requirement?

Yes, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, the maximum weight is 150 kg.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation rule?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.