Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins

Bleik’s summer whale safari pairs fast RIB boating with some of Norway’s finest wildlife watching. The deep-water Bleik Canyon draws sperm whales, orcas, pilot whales, minke whales, dolphins, seals, and huge numbers of seabirds. Add the midnight sun, and even the 9 PM departure can feel like daytime.

I like the small group of no more than 12 people, which gives you a better view than a crowded boat. I also like the mix of wildlife: you may spend time with whales, then turn toward puffin cliffs and sea eagles. The trade-off is real: this is an exposed ride in open water, and rough seas or long periods of waiting can lead to seasickness.

Key points

• Bleik Canyon gives you a serious chance of seeing sperm whales and other marine life close to Andøy.
• A maximum of 12 people keeps the RIB nimble and makes it easier to look in every direction.
• The 9 PM departure offers midnight-sun light, calm evening color, and a memorable Arctic setting.
• Puffins, sea eagles, gannets, and seals add plenty to the trip when whales are elusive.
• Warm flotation suits, boots, gloves, and other safety gear are provided for the cold ride.
• Tea, coffee, muffins, and photos are included, a welcome finish after three hours at sea.

Why Bleik Canyon is such a good whale-watching setting

Bleik sits on Andøya, in the Vesterålen islands of Nordland County, about a 10-minute drive from Andenes. Just offshore, the seabed drops into Bleik Canyon, a deep-water area where fish gather. Those fish bring larger hunters, including sperm whales and, at times, orcas, pilot whales, minke whales, dolphins, and fin whales.

That geography gives the trip a clear purpose. You are not simply cruising along the coast hoping for a lucky sighting. The skipper heads toward an area known for marine life, then adjusts the search based on conditions and what is being seen.

Still, whale watching is wildlife watching. No guide can promise an orca or a perfect whale breach. One outing may bring sperm whales, another a pod of pilot whales, and another mostly puffins and coastal birds. That uncertainty is part of the experience, but you should accept it before paying $199.

What the 3.5-hour trip feels like

Your trip begins at Bleik Marina, reached by following the Puffin Safari sign near Midnattsol camping and Smia Pub. Look for the Green Gold of Norway sign, known locally as the Green Dragon. The skipper and guide meet you there.

Before boarding, you put on warm flotation suits. The supplied gear can include suits, life jackets, boots, gloves, and goggles, depending on the equipment provided that day. Wear warm outdoor clothes underneath, and bring a change of clothes in case spray finds its way past the suit.

The boat is a RIB, or rigid inflatable boat. It is quick, open, and close to the water. That makes the ride exciting and helps the skipper position the boat for better views, but it also means wind and waves reach you more directly than they would on a larger covered vessel.

The advertised duration is 210 minutes, or three and a half hours. That includes getting dressed on shore and having tea, coffee, and muffins afterward, so your time moving across the water may be shorter. On some trips, the crew may spend much of the outing watching whales. On others, the route includes several wildlife areas.

An English-speaking guide stays onboard to explain the animals and help take photos. Christina and Norbert have led trips here, while other departures have been guided by Bekka and Katie. The exact crew depends on the date, but you can expect English commentary and an effort to explain what you are seeing rather than simply point at a fin.

Searching Bleik Canyon for whales

The whale search is the heart of the trip. You may begin with a fast run out toward deeper water, then slow down once the crew starts scanning. The RIB can cover ground efficiently, but whale watching still includes stretches of sitting quietly and watching the sea.

Sperm whales are one of the area’s main attractions. They are large, powerful animals, but they may remain at a distance or show only briefly before submerging. You might see a blow, a back, or the tail as one heads down. That can be thrilling, but it is not the same as guaranteed close viewing.

Orcas are another major possibility in summer. Several outings have encountered pods close to the boat, sometimes for an extended period. Pilot whales, minke whales, and dolphins also appear in the area. Fin whales and Risso’s dolphins are less regular possibilities.

The small RIB helps with sight lines. You are not separated from the water by a high rail or a row of distant seats. On the other hand, the boat’s size does not mean the animals will always come close. The skipper must keep a respectful distance and follow safe boating practice, so close encounters depend on the animals, the sea, and the rules of the day.

One practical issue is sound. If you sit at the rear of the RIB, the engine and wind may make it harder to hear the guide. I would choose a seat where you can see the guide and ask to repeat anything important. You are there for the wildlife first, but the explanations add much to the experience.

Puffin cliffs, eagles, and the second half of the outing

The birdwatching gives the trip extra value. Puffins are a headline attraction, not merely something to fill time while looking for whales. In summer, the cliffs and nearby waters can hold large numbers of them, with birds flying, floating, and feeding around the colony.

You may also see gannets, sea eagles, and other seabirds. Sea eagles can appear close to the boat or farther away in the sky. Harbor seals are another possibility along the route, especially around sheltered areas and rocky points.

The order varies. You might visit the puffin area after a long whale search, or the crew may make a bird stop along the way. One outing could bring thousands of puffins and several eagles even when whales do not appear. That mix matters because the trip remains worthwhile for wildlife lovers who are happy to watch birds as carefully as mammals.

Do not expect to step onto a puffin island. This is a boat-based viewing experience. You stay aboard, and the skipper positions the RIB so you can watch without disturbing the colony. Bring binoculars if you have them, although the supplied photos can help preserve the moment.

Morning calm or midnight-sun magic at 9 PM

Departures are scheduled for 10 AM and 9 PM. The best time for you depends on your plans, your tolerance for cold, and the mood you want.

The morning trip is practical. You can start early, spend the afternoon elsewhere, and avoid staying awake late. Summer weather can change, so a morning departure may also suit you if you prefer to begin activities before a full day of wind and waves.

The 9 PM trip has a special appeal. In summer, the sun remains above the horizon, giving the sea a soft Arctic glow even late at night. The midnight sun can make whale backs, cliffs, and puffin flights look unusually clear and dramatic. You do not need darkness for a memorable evening on Andøya.

Several memorable trips have combined the late departure with calm water, orcas, puffins, and long golden light. That is not guaranteed, but the timing gives you the chance. If you are staying nearby and can handle a late finish, I would favor 9 PM for atmosphere.

The sea may be rough at either time. A RIB ride can be bumpy, and one outing encountered large waves without seeing whales. The skipper’s skill matters, but you should still expect movement. Anyone prone to seasickness should plan carefully.

Warm gear makes the cold more manageable

The provided flotation suits are important, not a minor extra. Even in summer, wind chill on an open boat can make the ride cold. The suits also add buoyancy and protection, while life jackets provide another basic safety layer.

Wear proper outdoor clothing beneath the suit. Bring a spare set of clothes, especially if you will continue sightseeing afterward. The supplied information specifically recommends warm clothing, outdoor clothing, and a change of clothes.

At the end, you return to shore, change out of the gear, and have tea, coffee, and muffins. This small finish is useful rather than decorative. After several hours in wind and salt air, a hot drink and something to eat help you warm up before getting back in the car.

Is $199 a fair price?

At $199 per person, this is not a cheap short boat ride. The price makes more sense when you count the three-and-a-half-hour outing, the small maximum group size, warm flotation gear, an English-speaking guide, photos, and refreshments.

You are also paying for a specialized search in a productive marine area, not simply transportation along the coast. The skipper may spend time locating whales, changing course, and working with sea conditions. That behind-the-scenes effort is part of what makes a wildlife trip different from a standard sightseeing cruise.

The value depends on what you want. If your only goal is a guaranteed whale sighting, the price may feel risky. If you value a serious wildlife search that can include several whale species, puffins, eagles, seals, and the midnight sun, the cost is easier to justify.

The included photos are helpful because handling a camera on a moving RIB is difficult. Still, bring your own camera or phone in a waterproof case if you want personal images. The crew takes photos, but no supplied information promises a certain number or guaranteed shots of a particular animal.

Who should book this RIB safari?

I would recommend it to adults, older children who meet the minimum height requirement of 135 centimeters, and anyone in reasonably good physical condition. You need to climb into and out of a small boat, sit through changing sea conditions, and tolerate wind and spray.

This is especially well suited to:

• People who want whales and seabirds in the same outing
• Wildlife photographers who accept that sightings cannot be controlled
• Couples looking for a late-night Arctic experience
• Families with children tall enough and physically able to manage the boat
• Visitors staying in Andenes who can make the short drive to Bleik
• Anyone who prefers a small, fast boat to a large sightseeing vessel

It is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility limits, vertigo, claustrophobia, back or heart problems, respiratory issues, recent surgery, or other pre-existing medical conditions. People under 135 centimeters cannot take part. If you have any doubt about your fitness for an open RIB ride, ask the operator before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the exact start time for your date, especially if you are building a tight Andøya itinerary.

Should you book the Bleik whale safari?

Book it if you can treat the outing as a search for Arctic wildlife rather than a guaranteed orca show. The strongest reasons are the 12-person limit, the productive Bleik Canyon, the chance to see both whales and puffins, and the rare pleasure of riding beneath the midnight sun.

I would choose the 9 PM departure for the atmosphere, provided you are comfortable with a late outing. I would choose the morning if you are prone to fatigue or want a more practical schedule.

Pack warm layers, spare clothes, and patience. You may see orcas beside the RIB, a pod of pilot whales, sperm whales at a distance, or thousands of puffins with sea eagles overhead. You may also spend time scanning empty water. That is the honest bargain, and for a wildlife trip in northern Norway, it is a fair one.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour leave from?

The tour leaves from Bleik Marina in Bleik, Nordland County. Drive down the beach road at Midnattsol camping, continue to Smia Pub, then turn toward Bleik Marina and follow the Puffin Safari sign. Look for the Green Gold of Norway sign.

How far is Bleik from Andenes?

Bleik is about a 10-minute drive from Andenes.

How long is the experience?

The total duration is 210 minutes, or three and a half hours. This includes getting ready in warm flotation suits and having tea, coffee, and muffins after the boat trip.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include sperm whales, pilot whales, orcas, minke whales, fin whales, Risso’s dolphins, puffins, sea eagles, gannets, and harbor seals. Sightings depend on the animals and sea conditions.

Is the tour available at night?

Yes. Departures are listed at 10 AM and 9 PM. The late trip takes place during the summer midnight-sun period, when daylight continues through the night.

Is safety clothing included?

Yes. Warm flotation suits and life jackets are included. Trip information also states that boots, gloves, and goggles may be provided. You should still bring warm outdoor clothing and a change of clothes.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is conducted in English, with a guide onboard to explain the wildlife and take photos.

Can children join the tour?

People under 135 centimeters are not suitable for this activity. All participants should be in okay physical shape, and the tour is not suitable for people with several listed medical or mobility conditions.