Finnafjord RIB Boat Tour, Balestrand

4.9 (12 reviews)
Explore the Sognefjord's secluded arms on a thrilling RIB boat adventure, with an expert guide.

Overview

Explore the beauty of the Sognefjord on a RIB boat ride through the secluded Finnafjord, the most remote arm of the Sognefjord. Experience the peaceful beauty of the mountains, accompanied by the soothing sound of waterfalls. You'll journey across the widest and deepest parts of the Sognefjord, pause to admire a medieval stone church on one of the few existing islands, and then veer into the smallest arm of the Sognefjord, passing through its narrowest section. From mountainous cloud formations to tranquil farms along the shoreline, this immersive excursion offers a blend of beauty and peace. You can experience this RIB tour from mid-April - mid-October.

Highlights

  • Gain local insights from your knowledgeable guide
  • Explore the secluded and tranquil Finnafjord
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and farms from the shoreline

Know before you go

Duration
2 hours
Recommended for
5 years old & up
Group
Small group, 12 people or less

What you'll do

Begin your journey at Balestrand's historic harbor, where you'll board a sturdy and comfortable RIB boat—great for exploring the secluded arms of the Sognefjord. After greeting your guide and receiving a safety brief, you'll begin your journey. Throughout the excursion, your expert guide will provide captivating stories and insights about the area.

Your first stop is at a medieval stone church nestled on one of the isolated islands in the Sognefjord. Take advantage of this pause to admire the ancient architecture, soak in the serenity, and listen to your guide narrate the historical significance of this spot. After this insightful trip down memory lane, prepare for the thrilling part of the journey.

Next, you'll steer into the smallest arm of the Sognefjord. The ride gets exciting as you cruise through this narrow and shallow passage. Here, the only sounds you'll hear are the rush of waterfalls and, perhaps, your own heartbeat. As you venture deeper into the Sognefjord, you'll reach Finnabotn, a secluded gem. Witness the unique geological formations of this area. Even on a rainy day, the sight of clouds drifting off the mountains and the picturesque farms along the shoreline adds a mystic charm to the place.

Start times

  • Daily
    10:00 am

What's included

  • Life Jacket
  • Insulated Suit
  • Goggles
  • Safety Briefing

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Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Great Tour Guide

Multiple reviews mentioned the tour guide being knowledgeable, pleasant, and providing a great experience with storytelling. (5 mentions)

Jared
“Amazing tour with a great tour guide.”  — Jared B.
S
“Very pleasant guide and experience.”  — Shant H.
J
“guide was great; clearly knowledgeable.”  — Jim J.
Beautiful Scenery

The scenery was frequently highlighted, including spectacular beauty of mountains, fjords, waterfalls, and farms along the shoreline. (4 mentions)

Sullivan
“spectacular beauty between the mountains and fjords”  — Sullivan S.
D
“We were able to get in deep into the fjords and see some magnificent waterfalls as we were there in May when the snow was melting.”  — Dianne W.
B
“It's just amazing to see the clouds off the mountains and the farms along the shoreline.”  — Bayard T.
Historical Intrigue

One review highlighted the historical intrigue provided by the tour guide, adding to the overall experience. (2 mentions)

Sullivan
“historically intriguing with the tour guide”  — Sullivan S.
J
“Liked the storytelling.”  — Jim J.
Fun and Thrilling

Several reviews noted the tour being fun and thrilling, especially with the boat ride and rougher waters. (2 mentions)

Sullivan
“Fun and thrilling with the boat ride”  — Sullivan S.
D
“It was rougher water the day we went, which made it even more exciting.”  — Dianne W.

Traveler reviews

12 total ratings, 10 with reviews
4.9
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.9
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
4.9
J
James M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 07, 2024
Quick trip with amazing views Read more

Quick trip with amazing views

Tips for future travelers

Dress light, they provide a warm suite

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
David
David H.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jul 13, 2024
This was a very nice tour and the folks running it were knowledgeable and very nice. I thought I read that we were supposed to bring layers for this tour, but they provided a whole insulated waterproof suit to wear--so all those layers I brought were not needed. My 6-year old was scared by the suits and the prospect of going really fast, so she and my wife had to bail. I'd suggest 8 years old may be the min age you might want to consider taking on this trip, depending on how adventurous your... Read more

This was a very nice tour and the folks running it were knowledgeable and very nice. I thought I read that we were supposed to bring layers for this tour, but they provided a whole insulated waterproof suit to wear--so all those layers I brought were not needed. My 6-year old was scared by the suits and the prospect of going really fast, so she and my wife had to bail. I'd suggest 8 years old may be the min age you might want to consider taking on this trip, depending on how adventurous your kid is. The boats go 40-50 mph and the water was pretty choppy on the day we went, so a fair amount of bumps, but nothing crazy. The seats are tall and her feet would not have touched the ground, which would have been okay, just adds a bit to the uncertainty factor. Some 6-year olds would probably have a blast--but not for all.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jared
Jared B.
Ann Arbor, MI | Reviewed on Jun 13, 2024
Amazing tour with a great tour guide. This is a must do experience. Read more

Amazing tour with a great tour guide. This is a must do experience.

Tips for future travelers

Your guide will explain sitting in the front versus the rear of the boat. Despite my lower back issues we sat up front and I highly recommend the front. Use your legs to help absorb the waves (another recommendation the guide gave us). Wear goggles. Get a phone case with a neck strap.

Quality of Experience
Safe and fun. Our guide was very knowledgeable and even pointed out his farm!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Perfect for first timer introduction to RIB.
Transport
S
Susan S.
Moraga, CA | Reviewed on Jul 13, 2023
So fun! Lars was a great guide - the boat was comfortable and he made sure we all wore giant coveralls to keep us warm! Beautiful scenery. Read more

So fun! Lars was a great guide - the boat was comfortable and he made sure we all wore giant coveralls to keep us warm! Beautiful scenery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sullivan
Sullivan S.
Broomfield, CO | Reviewed on Jul 11, 2023
This tour was unbelievable. Fun and thrilling with the boat ride, historically intriguing with the tour guide, spectacular beauty between the mountains and fjords. Read more

This tour was unbelievable. Fun and thrilling with the boat ride, historically intriguing with the tour guide, spectacular beauty between the mountains and fjords.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
D
Dianne W.
Minnetonka, MN | Reviewed on Jul 04, 2023
So fun!! It was rougher water the day we went, which made it even more exciting. You could tell the driver knew what he was doing, so no concerns. We were able to get in deep into the fjords and see some magnificent waterfalls as we were there in May when the snow was melting. I was looking for something adventurous to do with my 20 year old daughter.
It was perfect. Highly recommend!
Read more

So fun!! It was rougher water the day we went, which made it even more exciting. You could tell the driver knew what he was doing, so no concerns. We were able to get in deep into the fjords and see some magnificent waterfalls as we were there in May when the snow was melting. I was looking for something adventurous to do with my 20 year old daughter.
It was perfect. Highly recommend!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
B
Bayard T.
Tilton, NH | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2022

This was great fun even on a rainy day. It's just amazing to see the clouds off the mountains and the farms along the shoreline.

C
Charles K.
Parole, MD | Reviewed on Aug 30, 2022

Beautiful, peaceful,

S
Shant H.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 30, 2022
Very pleasant guide and experience. The vessel was solid and comfortable. Read more

Very pleasant guide and experience. The vessel was solid and comfortable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
J
Jim J.
Live Oak, TX | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2022
guide was great; clearly knowledgeable. Appropriate length. Liked the storytelling. Read more

guide was great; clearly knowledgeable. Appropriate length. Liked the storytelling.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

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Itineraries with Finnafjord RIB Boat Tour