Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins

The best reason to book this small-group RIB safari is the setting: Bleik Canyon drops into deep water close to Andøy, bringing sperm whales, pilot whales, orcas, puffins, and sea eagles within reach of a fast, nimble boat. Under the midnight sun, even a quiet sea search feels special. I like the intimate group size of up to 12 people and the chance to see both marine mammals and birds in one trip.

I also like that the crew supplies warm flotation suits, boots, gloves, life jackets, and photos, so you can focus on watching instead of packing a full expedition kit. The main drawback is simple: wildlife is wild. You may spend a long stretch stopped in open water, and rough seas can make some people seasick. A whale sighting is never guaranteed, even though the area is highly productive.

Key points to know before you go

• Bleik Canyon is the main draw: Deep water near shore brings sperm whales and other marine life to the area.
• The RIB carries no more than 12 people: The small boat helps the crew adjust course and gives you a closer view than a large vessel.
• Orcas are possible in summer: Recent trips have also encountered pilot whales, minke whales, dolphins, seals, and sea eagles.
• Puffin watching is part of the plan: The boat usually visits bird-rich coastal areas after or during the whale search.
• The 9 PM departure uses the midnight sun: Late light can turn the sea gold, but the trip still runs for about 3.5 hours.
• Dress for Arctic weather: Warm clothing and a change of clothes remain sensible, even though protective gear is provided.

Why Bleik Canyon makes this trip different

Bleik sits on Andøya in Vesterålen, about a 10-minute drive from Andenes. The village is small, but the sea offshore has a big advantage: Bleik Canyon creates unusually deep water near the coast.

That depth matters because sperm whales and other animals follow food. Fish gather in the canyon, and the fish draw whales, dolphins, seabirds, and seals. You are not simply riding around a scenic bay hoping for a lucky glimpse. The crew heads toward a known feeding area, then searches the surface for blows, fins, flocks, and movement.

This is also a wildlife trip with changing priorities. One morning might bring pilot whales and thousands of puffins. Another could produce sperm whales at a distance, sea eagles overhead, and no orcas at all. A few trips have found orcas close to the boat for much of the outing, while others have returned with dolphins or puffins as the main sighting.

That unpredictability is part of the bargain. If your only goal is to see one particular species, you may leave disappointed. If you enjoy watching the crew read the sea and responding to whatever appears, the outing offers much more.

From Bleik Marina to the open sea

Your meeting point is Bleik Marina, reached by following the beach road at Midnattsol Camping toward Smia Pub, then turning down toward the marina and following the Puffin Safari sign. Look for the Green Gold of Norway sign, sometimes described as the Green Dragon.

The departure times are 10:00 and 21:00. The later trip is especially appealing in summer, when the sun remains above the horizon and the coastline stays lit well into the night. The late departure is not a short sunset cruise. It is the same 3.5-hour wildlife outing, with the bonus of long Arctic light.

Before boarding, you change into a warm flotation suit. The operator provides life jackets and, according to the equipment supplied on recent outings, warm boots, gloves, and goggles may also be available. Still, bring warm layers and outdoor clothing. A change of clothes is a smart safeguard if spray reaches you or the weather turns wet.

The RIB is fast and open to the elements. That makes it exciting, but it also means wind and spray are part of the experience. You should be in reasonably good physical shape to handle the boat. The trip is not suited to people with back, heart, respiratory, or mobility problems, recent surgery, vertigo, claustrophobia, or other pre-existing medical conditions. Pregnant people, wheelchair users, and anyone under 135 centimeters tall should not book it.

The RIB ride is part of the attraction

A rigid inflatable boat gives the outing a lively feel. It can cover more water than a slow sightseeing boat and turn quickly when the crew spots a blow or a group of birds.

The tradeoff is comfort. You do not get a warm cabin, indoor seating, or the easy movement of a large whale-watching ship. The boat may stop for long periods while everyone watches the sea. One outing spent about an hour and a half in open water searching for sperm whales, and several people became seasick.

That is useful information for choosing your seat and preparing your body. Keep your eyes on the horizon when the boat is moving, avoid arriving hungry, and tell the crew if you feel unwell. The supplied flotation suit protects against cold, but it does not prevent motion sickness.

The maximum group size is 12. That is a real advantage. You are not looking over several rows of heads, and the skipper can position the boat with more flexibility. The small size also makes the trip feel less like a standard sightseeing ride and more like a focused wildlife outing.

One practical weakness is sound. A passenger sitting at the back found it difficult to hear the guide over the boat and wind. If hearing every explanation matters to you, sit as close to the guide as practical and ask for information to be repeated when needed.

Whale watching in Bleik Canyon

The main target is the sperm whale. These large whales use the deep canyon area to find food, and the boat may wait while the crew watches for a blow or a tail.

Do not expect every whale to come right beside the boat. Sperm whales can remain some distance away, and a sighting may consist of a blow, a back, and a tail disappearing beneath the water. That can still be a powerful moment, but it is a different experience from watching a pod surface repeatedly beside you.

Pilot whales are another strong possibility. Groups have included adults and young animals, sometimes approaching close enough to create an exciting encounter. Orcas have also been seen on recent summer trips, occasionally remaining near the boat for a long time.

Other possible sightings include minke whales, fin whales, Risso’s dolphins, and other dolphins. The exact mix depends on food, weather, and luck. The guide explains what you are seeing and helps you understand differences between species, behavior, and movement.

The crew’s approach is important. The best wildlife trips give animals room and avoid chasing them. Guides including Christina and Norbert have been praised for explaining animal behavior and approaching carefully. Bekka and Katie have also led outings, sharing information while the skipper concentrates on safe boat handling.

You may spend a full hour watching one group, or you may move between several sightings. The experience is strongest when you accept that the crew cannot control the animals. Their job is to search well, handle the boat safely, and give you the best view possible without treating wildlife like a performance.

Puffins, eagles, seals, and the bird-rich coast

The trip is not only about whales. Puffins are one of its most dependable attractions, and the boat visits areas where large numbers gather.

Puffins are small, quick, and easy to miss from a distance. In a good position, you may see them flying low, resting on the water, or moving around the coastal cliffs. Some outings have encountered thousands of puffins, making the bird portion a major event rather than a consolation prize.

The setting also attracts sea eagles and other birds. You might see eagles from a distance or close to the boat, along with gannets and additional seabirds. Harbor seals are another possibility. A trip can therefore work well for someone who cares as much about the whole food chain as about whales.

The order of the stops can change. The crew may spend most of the time with whales, then make a shorter visit to a puffin colony. On another outing, the whale search may be quiet and the birds may carry the day. A dolphin sighting can also add variety.

For photography, bring a camera or phone that you can operate with cold hands, but do not count on perfect images. Wildlife moves quickly, the boat rocks, and the light can be bright or low depending on the departure. The operator provides photos afterward, which is helpful when you are busy watching instead of framing every moment.

The midnight sun changes the mood

The 21:00 departure gives you the most unusual version of this outing. In summer, the sun does not set, and the long evening light can make the sea feel almost unreal.

The midnight sun is more than a pretty backdrop. It gives you a longer-feeling day, lets you spend late hours outdoors without darkness, and can produce warm light on the water and cliffs. The late trip also suits photographers and anyone building a summer itinerary around unusual Arctic hours.

You should still treat the trip as a serious boat ride. It is not automatically warm simply because the sun is visible. Wind, spray, and temperature can change quickly. The protective suit helps, but wear warm clothes underneath and bring an extra layer.

If you prefer a conventional morning schedule, the 10:00 departure is the easier choice. It leaves the evening free and may suit families or people continuing to another activity. The late departure is better for atmosphere, but you will spend much of the day waiting for it.

What the 3.5 hours actually include

The advertised duration is 210 minutes, but that includes preparation onshore and the return process. You will spend time getting dressed before departure, then receive tea, coffee, and muffins while changing after the trip.

The time at sea is therefore somewhat less than the full 3.5 hours. That is normal for a small-boat excursion, but it is worth understanding when comparing it with longer whale-watching cruises.

The route begins at Bleik Marina and heads toward the canyon and nearby wildlife areas. The crew searches for whales, then may visit puffin colonies, seal locations, or other bird-rich spots. The exact sequence depends on what is happening at sea.

At the end, hot drinks and muffins provide a pleasant finish. They are small details, but they matter after several hours in cold air and moving water. You can warm up, change out of the suit, and collect the operator’s photos.

Is the $199 price fair?

At $199 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value depends on what you want from the outing.

You are paying for a small group, a high-speed RIB, specialized flotation gear, a guide, a skipper, wildlife searching in a productive marine area, and photos afterward. The trip also combines whales, puffins, eagles, seals, and the midnight sun in one outing. For someone already visiting Andøya or Vesterålen for wildlife, that package can justify the price.

The price feels less comfortable if you need a guaranteed whale sighting. No operator can promise that, and one outing may spend a long time searching in open water. A large whale-watching vessel might offer a smoother ride, while this trip gives you speed, a lower viewpoint, and a smaller group.

I would also factor in the drive. Bleik is only about 10 minutes from Andenes, but the broader journey to the area can be long. If you are already nearby, the excursion is easier to justify than if you are making a major detour only for this one activity.

A strong rating of 4.7 from 326 bookings suggests consistent satisfaction, but the practical details matter more than a score. You should book for the quality of the setting and the chance of varied wildlife, not for a guaranteed photograph of an orca.

Who should book this RIB safari?

I would recommend it to adults and older children who enjoy nature, can tolerate an open boat, and are comfortable with uncertainty. It suits people who want a more active ride than a large ship provides and who like hearing explanations while watching real animal behavior.

It is especially good for:

• Wildlife photographers who want a small boat and varied subjects
• People staying in Andenes, Bleik, or the wider Vesterålen area
• Visitors who want both whales and puffins in one outing
• Anyone interested in the midnight sun
• Couples and small groups who prefer a focused experience

I would think twice if you are prone to seasickness, need easy access or stable footing, or want guaranteed close views. The trip is also a poor fit if you dislike cold, wind, spray, or long periods of waiting.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your schedule depends on weather or changing plans, but they do not change the physical demands of the trip.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a serious wildlife search with a fun boat ride and a real chance of seeing much more than whales. The strongest version includes orcas or pilot whales, a large puffin colony, sea eagles, calm water, and midnight sun. The quieter version may bring distant sperm whales, puffins, seals, and a long wait in open sea.

That range is the key decision. I like the small group, the broad mix of wildlife, the supplied gear, and the careful guiding style associated with Christina, Norbert, Bekka, and Katie. I would choose the 21:00 departure for the light and atmosphere, unless motion sickness or a tight schedule makes a morning trip wiser.

For $199, this is a worthwhile splurge when you value the full Arctic setting rather than a single guaranteed animal. Pack warm layers, accept that nature sets the timetable, and book it as a memorable day on the water, not a controlled show.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour depart?

The tour departs from Bleik Marina in Nordland County, Norway. Follow the beach road at Midnattsol Camping toward Smia Pub, turn down toward Bleik Marina, and follow the Puffin Safari sign.

How far is Bleik from Andenes?

Bleik is about a 10-minute drive from Andenes.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts 210 minutes, or about 3.5 hours. This includes getting ready in warm flotation suits and having tea, coffee, and muffins while changing after the trip.

What departure times are available?

Departures are scheduled for 10:00 and 21:00. Availability should be checked for your chosen date.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include sperm whales, pilot whales, orcas, minke whales, Risso’s dolphins, fin whales, harbor seals, puffins, sea eagles, gannets, and other birds.

Are whales guaranteed?

No. The tour offers high chances of seeing whales, puffins, and other wildlife, but sightings depend on natural conditions and animal movement.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The guide and instruction language is English.

What clothing should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, outdoor clothing, and a change of clothes. Warm flotation suits and life jackets are provided, and other protective equipment may include boots, gloves, and goggles.

Is the boat suitable for everyone?

No. Participants should be in good physical shape. The trip is not suitable for pregnant people, wheelchair users, people under 135 centimeters tall, or people with back, heart, respiratory, mobility, or other pre-existing medical conditions. It is also unsuitable after recent surgery and for people with vertigo or claustrophobia.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later.