RIB speed meets waterfall views. This Nordfjord RIB ride in Olden mixes short bursts of speed with up-close fjord scenery, starting right by the cruise dock.

I love the practical setup. The insulated flotation suit, life jacket, and goggles make a cold-water day feel manageable, and the live commentary helps you spot what you’re actually looking at instead of just riding through scenery.

One thing to consider: it’s not a good match if you’re prone to seasickness, have back problems, or you’re pregnant, and you will get some spray from the waterfalls.

Key things to know before you book

• Starts and ends at the cruise dock area for an easy, time-friendly outing
• Insulated flotation suit + goggles so you’re not stuck freezing on open water
• Captained close passes by cliffs and waterfalls for a real sense of scale
• Speed with control: enough thrill, with time to look around
• Wildlife sightings are possible (like seals or seabirds), but not guaranteed
• Not everyone should go: seasickness, pregnancy, and back issues are deal-breakers

Nordfjord RIB boat tour in Olden: what the ride is actually like

This is a one-hour Nordfjord experience that feels more like a fast, guided fjord “drive” than a slow sightseeing cruise. In Olden, you launch from right by the dock area and head into the fjord with towering mountains around you and waterfalls dropping straight toward the water. The rhythm matters here: the boat cruises at calmer speeds often enough to enjoy the view, then adds brief acceleration so the fjord feels bigger and louder in the best way.

The “close to the action” factor is real. The captain steers the RIB near sheer cliffs where water plunges into the fjord. It’s the kind of moment where your brain goes: okay, this is not a postcard. It’s water falling from height, and you’re right there to feel the mist.

And the whole thing is designed to be doable even on a tight day. One hour is long enough to see the main highlights and short enough that you don’t lose your whole afternoon to getting to and from the water.

Price and value: why $120 can be a good deal

At $120 per person for a 1-hour RIB tour, you’re paying for three things: boat time on the fjord, a captain who knows how to position the boat close to cliffs safely, and the bundled safety gear that keeps the experience comfortable.

The value pops especially for cruise passengers. The same basic kind of trip is often priced higher when sold through cruise lines, so booking this independently is a smart way to keep more spending money for Olden itself.

There’s also a practical cost-saving built in: the tour starts and finishes right by the cruise dock area. That means less time and money spent on transfers you might otherwise need for more distant departure points.

Getting there at Fjordvegen 1567: meet at the big white tent

Your meeting point is Fjordvegen 1567. When you arrive near the cruise ship area and the Mølla guesthouse, look for the big white tent with the Olden Active sign.

This matters because it reduces stress. You’re not trying to find a tiny dock two buses away while your ship boards last-minute. Instead, you’re waiting somewhere that’s clearly organized and close to where you’ll finish.

If you’re on a ship day, give yourself a bit of buffer time to handle boarding lines and getting suited up. The tour runs on a tight schedule, and being late means you risk missing the safety briefing window.

Safety briefing and gear: you’ll understand what’s expected fast

Before the cruise, you get a short safety briefing (about 5 minutes). It’s quick, but it sets expectations for how the boat moves, how to sit, and what to do if spray hits.

What makes this tour feel more comfortable is the gear. You’re provided an insulated flotation suit, plus a life jacket and goggles. That combo is a big deal in Nordfjord conditions, because it helps with both cold and wind. You’re not relying on your own jacket alone to make a boat ride pleasant.

Also, the tour includes equipment and guidance, which means you spend your energy on the view rather than figuring out how to dress for a moving boat in cold air and mist.

The 55-minute Nordfjord cruise: waterfalls up close, speed when it counts

The boat cruise runs for 55 minutes. In that time, the captain balances cruising with short bursts of speed. It’s not constant full-throttle driving, and that’s good. You want chances to look up at the cliffs, watch water drop from height, and take in the fjord’s scale without feeling like you’re bracing the whole time.

Expect to pass by areas where waterfalls plunge right into the fjord. This is one of Olden’s signatures, and the RIB format makes it more immediate. On a larger boat you might see the waterfalls as a backdrop. Here, you get closer, so you can see how the spray changes the light and how fast the water keeps rushing even as it hits calmer fjord water.

And yes, you should plan for it to feel a bit wet. The water spray from the waterfalls can reach you, so go in expecting mist on your face and hands. That’s part of the experience, not a problem to fight.

What the timing feels like

Most of your hour is hands-on and on the water, not waiting. You start with the briefing, then you’re out cruising quickly. When you’re done, you’re close to where you started, which makes it easy to keep your day moving.

If you’re on a ship schedule, this “start near the dock, finish near the dock” structure is one of the best parts of the tour.

Wildlife in the fjord: what you might spot (and what you shouldn’t count on)

Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the odds can be worth paying attention to. You may see seabirds overhead, and seals can sometimes rest along rocky shoreline edges.

The fjord is wide enough that the captain isn’t just searching one tiny spot. You’ll have time to scan the waterline and watch for movement along the rocks. When you do spot something, it helps that you have live commentary, so you’re not guessing what you’re looking at.

One more wild card: rare larger marine life. Some people have reported an orca whale sighting during the general Olden area experience. That’s not something you should plan around, but it’s a good reminder that fjords can surprise you when the conditions line up.

My advice: stay alert without spiraling into stress. If you’re scanning occasionally while still enjoying the waterfalls, you get the best mix of calm and chance.

Who this RIB tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a thrilling ride, and it works best for people who are comfortable on open water and can handle quick motion.

It’s not suitable for:

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

Also, the tour has a clear “no extras” rule set. Pets aren’t allowed, baby strollers and baby carriages aren’t allowed, and smoking plus alcohol/drugs are off-limits. Electric wheelchairs are also not allowed.

A good match if you want a mix of fun and scenery

If you want something active but still straightforward—no hiking, no complicated route planning—this fits. You’re out on the water for an hour, you get close to waterfalls, and you return easily.

If you’re traveling with a range of ages, the tour can work for a wide span. One family shared that the experience went well for a child as young as 6 up through an adult aged 60, which suggests the activity is thrilling but not impossible—as long as everyone is comfortable with the motion and cold.

What to wear in Olden: layers, warmth, and a little spray prep

Olden’s weather can be chilly, and open water adds wind. Dress in layers. You want warm base clothing that you can adjust as the ride warms you up.

Bring or wear items that handle spray:

• A warm hat or hood helps more than you’d think
• Gloves can make the mist feel less annoying
• Sunglasses help when the sun hits water glare, and goggles are provided too

The tour provides insulated flotation suits, but your personal layers still matter for comfort during the briefing and any waiting time.

Also, don’t underestimate the chill factor. Even when the boat is moving, the air can cut. Layers are the simplest fix.

How the captain and live commentary improve what you see

A big reason people enjoy this tour is that it’s not just speed. You get live commentary and stories about the region, in English and Norwegian. That changes the experience from random scenery to meaningful scenery.

When the captain brings the boat close to cliffs and waterfalls, the narration helps you connect where you are in the fjord and what makes these drops special. It’s the kind of guidance that makes your photos better too, because you’re looking with intention rather than just pointing your camera.

One note: if you want a deep academic lesson, this isn’t that. The narration is more story-and-view than a full lecture. For most people, that’s exactly right.

Should you book the Olden Nordfjord RIB Boat Tour?

Book it if you want:

• A high-energy fjord experience that stays within one hour
• Close-up waterfalls without needing to hike
• A tour that’s easy to fit into a cruise day because the meeting point is right by the dock area

Skip it if:

• You’re prone to seasickness, have back problems, or you’re pregnant
• You’re looking for a slow, museum-style explanation of history and culture for most of the time

If you’re on the fence, the best tiebreaker is your comfort with speed and spray. If that sounds fun rather than stressful, this is one of the more efficient ways to experience Nordfjord from Olden.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Olden Active Nordfjord RIB boat tour?

The tour lasts 1 hour total. That includes a short safety briefing followed by about 55 minutes of cruising.

Where do I meet for the tour?

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

What safety gear is included?

You’ll receive a safety briefing and equipment, including an insulated flotation suit, a life jacket, and goggles.

Will I get wet during the tour?

You may get a little wet from the spray of the waterfalls, since the boat passes close to where water plunges into the fjord.

Is wildlife spotting guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but you may spot things like seabirds and seals.

Is this tour suitable for people who get seasick?

No. It isn’t suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Can I bring a pet or a baby stroller?

No. Pets and baby strollers are not allowed, and baby carriages are also not allowed.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now & pay later option.