Rib safari Tour in Haugesund

Haugesund does speed right. This RIB safari takes you out into open water for an up-close look at island life, with an intimate group and onboard Q&A. I like that the tour combines two island areas in one outing, and I also like how the crew provides the gear so you’re not stuck figuring out what to wear.

One thing to consider: this ride can feel bumpy and wet, and the pace is geared toward thrill more than comfort.

Key points to know before you go

• Max 12 people keeps it personal, not herded
• Two island stops: Røvær plus the Feøy island group pass-by
• WWII stops and stories tied to both islands
• Front vs back seating can make the ride much rougher or gentler
• Weather can change the route, since safety comes first
• Included waterproof kit helps you stay warm while you get splashed

RIB Safari off Haugesund: why this short trip feels big

A 2-hour RIB tour can sound small on paper. On the water, it feels like a lot more. The appeal here is simple: you get speed, you get big coastal views, and you get context for what you’re seeing. It’s not just whizzing around for photos. The crew aims to connect the islands to how local people live and to the area’s wartime role.

Value-wise, you’re paying for more than a boat ride. You’re paying for the whole package: an intimate group limit of 12, an English-speaking captain/guide experience, and the practical equipment that makes a cold, wet coast doable. At $149.62 per person, the price lands in the same ballpark as other coastal adventure tours. What pushes this one higher is the double-island structure (Røvær and Feøy) paired with the included waterproof setup.

Finding the meeting point and getting kitted up fast

The start is at the Haugesund Cruise Harbour area, specifically near Tourist Information and Tax Refund, at Garpeskjærvegen 3, 5527 Haugesund. If you’re on a cruise, you’ll be glad it’s not buried in the next town over. Reviews point out it’s easy to find right near the port area, and check-in is quick.

After you locate the operator space, there’s typically a short walk for dressing up. Plan to move at a steady pace, because you’ll be suited up before you step into the RIB. What you can count on: waterproof overall clothing, goggles, and a life vest are provided. That kit matters. It’s the difference between a fun wet ride and a miserable one.

One practical note: on a rough day, cold hands can be an issue. The tour data says waterproof suits and goggles are provided; gloves aren’t explicitly guaranteed in the core info, and at least one person reported not receiving them. If you get cold easily, it’s worth asking what’s included on the day.

The ride plan: a small boat, big wave energy

This is a small group experience, capped at 12 travelers, so you’re not fighting for space or attention. The boat seats are set up so passengers sit straddling the sides. That setup has a side effect: you’ll feel motion more than you would in a larger motorboat.

From the reviews, the “hold-on-tight” part is real. Expect wave impact and open-water speed, plus moments where the captain slows when you’re near the islands. People describe it as exhilarating, sometimes extremely wet, and occasionally rough enough to rattle your back if you’re sensitive.

Seat strategy (seriously useful)

If you get to choose:

• Front seats often mean more action from the waves.
• Seats closer to the back can feel gentler.

One captain-focused tip that showed up repeatedly: you’ll want to brace your body for impact. If you have mild sciatica or you’ve learned how to manage your back on bouncy rides, some people report it’s still manageable. If you have spine issues, though, treat this tour like an activity with real physical consequences, not a casual sightseeing cruise.

Stop 1: Røvær Island and the island view from Varden

Røvær is about 10 km northwest of Haugesund, and it’s the first island area you get to experience on the water. It’s a small community, around 100 residents, which is exactly the point. You’re not dealing with a tourist hub. You’re seeing a living coastal settlement, with the kind of practical buildings and boats you don’t notice from a car.

What you’ll get here:

• Boathouses and coastal buildings that show how island life actually works
• A cultural hotel on the island that signals a place that hosts travelers as part of community life
• Walking trails if conditions allow, so you’re not limited to only what the boat can show
• Connections to Viking and wartime history, depending on how the captain frames the story that day

Varden and the WWII pillbox

One of the best specific details about Røvær is Varden, the island’s highest point, where a WWII pillbox still stands. Even if you don’t climb to it, the fact that it exists shapes the island’s wartime story. Røvær isn’t only picturesque. It’s tied to how Norway’s coast mattered during World War II.

Weather reality for Røvær

Norway’s sea can be polite or it can be loud. The tour notes that weather may require an alternative route for safety and comfort. Translation: your day still happens, but your path out and between islands might shift. That flexibility is part of why the experience can run safely even when conditions aren’t perfect.

Stop 2: Feøy island group, sheep by the shore, and wartime occupation

Feøy sits just west of Haugesund, and it feels different right away. It’s smaller in population too, with about 50 year-round residents. Think quieter. Think less built-up. From the RIB, you’ll pass structures and coast features that reflect long-standing practices.

You’ll notice:

• Traditional boathouses along the shoreline
• Feøy Brygge, described as an old wharf now serving as a meeting place and a restaurant
• Open coastal areas, including spots where sheep graze near the shore

And then there’s the WWII layer that makes Feøy more than scenery. The island was occupied by German forces because of its key role in the Norwegian resistance network. You don’t just pass by history. You’re seeing it in a place where people still live close to the same sea routes that mattered during the war.

How much “tour” you get versus “thrill” you get

This is where expectations matter.

The biggest draw is speed over water. People describe fast wave jumping and a ride that can be intense, with the boat slamming into waves at times. Many reviews call the experience safe, thrilling, and fun. A few point out it can be more intense than other RIB trips they’ve done elsewhere, with less room for comfort tweaks.

So here’s the balanced takeaway I’d give you:

• If you want a serious adrenaline coastal ride with occasional storytelling, this fits.
• If you want a gentler, slower “talk and look” outing with time to stop for photos and linger, you might find the pacing a bit tight.

One review praised the captain for frequent explanations and answering questions. Another suggested narration wasn’t as rich as hoped. The best plan: go in ready to ask questions and take in the views. When the captain is chatty, you’ll enjoy the extra detail. When the sea is loud, you’ll rely more on what you can see.

A name to remember

One standout captain mentioned by name is Rune. If you happen to get him, you’re likely in for a more interactive, history-aware ride.

When the sea is rough: who should book, and how to prepare

The tour is best for people with moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete. It means you should be able to handle:

• getting suited up in cooler air
• standing and bracing your body during wave impact
• sitting with motion for the duration of the ride

There’s also a clear maximum weight limit listed: 150 kg. The tour also asks you not to attend under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which is standard for safety on any high-speed water activity.

The “not for everyone” reality

A strong theme in the feedback is roughness. If you have a bad back, tailbone pain, or spine conditions, consider skipping. Even if someone like a 62-year-old with mild sciatica reported no problem, you still shouldn’t treat that as a guarantee for your body. This ride can be rough enough that comfort becomes a real factor, not an afterthought.

Price, group size, and what you’re really paying for

At $149.62 per person for about 2 hours (approx.), you’re paying for a high-touch, short-duration experience. The operator includes the basics that often add cost elsewhere: waterproof overalls, goggles, and a life vest. That reduces the hassle cost.

More importantly, you’re paying for the format:

• Small group (max 12) means less waiting and more crew attention
• Two island areas means you’re not spending the entire time just circling the same coastline
• Open-water riding gives that “Norway at speed” contrast you don’t get from a slower ferry or shore tour

If you’re doing this from a cruise, it’s also a smart use of limited time. Haugesund’s islands aren’t far, but they feel worlds away once you’re out on the water.

One extra timing tip: bookings average around 64 days in advance, so if you’re traveling in peak season or on popular cruise days, earlier booking helps you lock in your slot.

Should you book? My practical recommendation

Yes, you should book this RIB safari in Haugesund if you want:

• a fast, fun water experience with included waterproof gear
• an intimate group where you can ask questions
• a mix of island scenery and WWII/Viking-era storytelling tied to Røvær and Feøy
• to see island communities up close rather than from a distance

Skip it or think hard first if:

• you know you’re sensitive to bouncy rides or you have spine/tailbone issues
• you strongly prefer a slower pace with lots of stopping and photo time
• you hate getting wet and uncomfortable, because the boat ride can splash you even with the gear

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants one memorable, active morning or afternoon in Haugesund, this is a good bet.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the RIB safari in Haugesund?

The meeting point is at Haugesund Cruise Harbour, near Tourist Information and Tax Refund, at Garpeskjærvegen 3, 5527 Haugesund, Norway.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 2 hours (approx.).

What islands do you visit?

The tour includes Røvær Island and it also covers the Feøy island group area.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What gear is included?

Waterproof overall clothing, goggles, and a life vest are provided.

Will I get wet?

Yes. The ride is described as splashing and can be wet, depending on conditions.

Is the ride suitable for people with limited physical fitness?

Travelers are advised to have a moderate physical fitness level, since the ride can be bumpy. There is also a max weight limit of 150 kg.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

FAQ

Is this excursion a good fit for someone who hates open water?

The tour goes into open water with speed and wave impacts, so it’s best for people who are comfortable on the water.

What safety rules are mentioned?

The tour asks you not to attend under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and it provides life vests. It also notes good weather is required.

Will the route always be the same?

Weather conditions may require an alternative route for safety and comfort.

What if I need to ask questions during the ride?

The tour is structured so you can ask the captain questions during the experience.