Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins

Orcas, puffins, and midnight sun share the stage. This small-group RIB trip from Bleik, a 10-minute drive from Andenes, takes you across the Bleik Canyon in search of sperm whales, pilot whales, orcas, minke whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. I like the close-to-the-water feel and the chance to see many species in one outing. The main caution is simple: wildlife is wild, and one outing may bring whales, while another brings mostly puffins and birds.

I also like the small group size, capped at 12 people, and the care built into the trip, with warm flotation suits, life jackets, an English-speaking guide, photos, and hot drinks with muffins afterward. Guides such as Christina, Norbert, Bekka, and Katie have been praised for clear explanations and respectful conduct around animals. The drawback is that a RIB can feel rough on open water, and some people have become seasick while waiting quietly for whales.

Key points to know before booking

• The Bleik Canyon is the main wildlife ground: Its deep water attracts sperm whales and other marine animals looking for food.
• The 9 PM departure brings midnight-sun drama: In summer, the sun stays above the horizon, adding long golden light to the sea.
• The boat carries no more than 12 people: That gives you a better chance to see and hear what is happening than on a large vessel.
• Puffins are a strong part of the experience: Even when whales do not appear, bird colonies, eagles, gannets, and seals can keep the trip worthwhile.
• You receive proper cold-water gear: Warm flotation suits, boots, gloves, goggles, and life jackets have all been provided on recent outings.
• This is an active boat trip: You should be in good physical condition and at least 135 cm tall.

Why Bleik Canyon is such a good wildlife setting

Bleik sits in Andøy in the Vesterålen region of Nordland County, close to Andenes but with a different feel. The trip leaves from Bleik Marina, then heads toward the Bleik Canyon, an underwater channel where deep water comes close to shore.

That depth matters. Marine animals gather in the area to feed on fish, and those fish also attract seabirds. You are not simply taking a scenic cruise and hoping something appears. The guide and skipper are watching a food chain at work, scanning for signs of whales while keeping an eye on the cliffs and water for birds and seals.

The main target is often the sperm whale. These large whales can be difficult to predict and may remain some distance from the boat. Several outings have found groups of pilot whales, minke whales, orcas, dolphins, and sperm whales. One trip produced four sperm whales, while another found a pod of pilot whales with young animals.

That variety is part of the appeal. You may set out hoping for a sperm whale and end up watching orcas for an hour. Or you may see no whale at all but encounter thousands of puffins and several sea eagles. The tour works best when you think of it as a broad wildlife search, not a guaranteed whale sighting.

From Bleik Marina to open water

The meeting point is at Bleik Marina. Drive down the beach road by Midnattsol Camping, continue to Smia Pub, turn right toward the marina, and follow the Puffin Safari sign. Look for the Green Gold of Norway sign, also associated with the Green Dragon.

Departures are scheduled for 10:00 and 21:00. The late trip is especially attractive in summer, when the midnight sun gives you daylight long after normal bedtime. The morning departure may suit you better if you have an early start planned the next day, or if you prefer to keep your evening free.

Before boarding, you put on the supplied warm flotation suit and life jacket. Boots, gloves, and goggles have also been provided on recent trips, though you should still bring warm outdoor clothing and a change of clothes. The gear can look a little bulky, but that is a fair trade for several hours on cold water.

The full duration is 210 minutes, or three and a half hours. That includes gearing up before departure and having tea, coffee, and muffins while changing afterward. You are not promised three and a half hours of nonstop whale watching, so keep that timing in mind when planning the rest of your day.

What the RIB ride feels like

The RIB is one of the main reasons to choose this trip instead of a larger boat. With only 12 people, you are close to the water and have a better view in several directions. The boat is fast and exciting, but it is not a smooth sightseeing platform.

Calm conditions can make the ride a genuine thrill. Several outings have been described as steady, fun, and exciting, especially when the skipper could move between wildlife areas quickly. Rougher weather is another matter. Big waves can make the ride tiring, and remaining still while watching for a whale can bring on seasickness.

Choose your clothing carefully. Even in summer, the air can feel cold at speed, and spray is possible. The supplied suits help, but warm layers and a spare set of clothes remain sensible. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask your doctor or pharmacist before the trip about suitable preparation. The operator specifically advises that all participants should be in good physical shape.

The boat is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back, heart, respiratory, or mobility problems, people with vertigo or claustrophobia, wheelchair users, people with recent surgery, or anyone under 135 cm. These restrictions make sense for a small open boat that can move sharply over waves.

Whale watching in the Bleik Canyon

The whale search is not staged, and that gives the outing its value. You may spend time moving through the canyon, then stop with the engine quiet while the guide watches for a blow or a group of fins.

Sperm whales are a major draw. When they appear, they may be some distance away, and you might see only a blow, back, or tail before they disappear beneath the surface. That can feel less dramatic than a close encounter, but it is still a rare look at a powerful animal in its natural setting.

Pilot whales have also been a frequent highlight. Groups can include younger animals, and several encounters have brought them close to the RIB. Orcas are the most thrilling possibility. Recent outings have included pods beside the boat and long periods watching them move through the water.

Minke whales and dolphins are also possible. The exact mix depends on the season, food supply, weather, and the animals themselves. A guide cannot summon a whale, but a skilled crew can spend the available time searching carefully and adjusting the route.

The guide provides information about the species you encounter and takes photographs for you. That matters because you may not want to stare through a camera while a whale surfaces. Still, keep your own phone or camera protected and ready if you want personal pictures. There is no promise that every moment will be photographed from the perfect angle.

Puffins, eagles, and the bird cliffs

The birdwatching portion gives the trip a useful second act. Puffins are a major attraction around Bleik, with large groups gathered near the cliffs and feeding areas. On some outings, the number has reached the thousands.

Puffins are small and quick, so a boat close to the colony gives you a better chance to watch their flight and movement than a distant shore viewpoint. They are also easy to miss if you focus only on whales, so listen when the guide shifts attention toward the cliffs or water.

The area can also produce sea eagles, gannets, and other seabirds. Harbor seals may appear as the boat checks sheltered spots and the coastline. One outing without whales still produced dolphins, puffins, and eagles, making the bird and marine life search worthwhile on its own terms.

The route and order can change. Some groups spend most of their time with whales before visiting puffin areas near the end. Others reach the bird sites after searching the canyon. Think of the trip as a moving wildlife patrol rather than a fixed sightseeing circuit.

The midnight sun changes the evening trip

The 21:00 departure is not just a later version of the morning outing. In summer, Bleik has the midnight sun, so the sea remains lit late into the night. The low light can give the water and horizon a soft golden appearance without placing you in darkness.

That light is especially useful for photography, though wildlife always comes first. An evening outing can feel quiet and dreamlike when the water is calm. It can also be a long day if you have already been driving and sightseeing since morning.

The late departure is a good match for photographers, birdwatchers, and anyone who wants the most unusual setting. The 10:00 trip is likely the easier choice for families and people who prefer a conventional schedule, though the physical demands of the RIB still apply.

Guides, explanations, and group size

The guide stays onboard to explain the wildlife and help you follow what is happening. English is the working language. Recent guides and skippers named by visitors include Christina, Norbert, Bekka, and Katie, with particular praise for friendly instruction, professional boat handling, and respect for the animals.

The small group is a real advantage, but there is one practical weakness. If you sit at the back of the RIB, engine noise and wind may make it hard to hear every explanation. If hearing the commentary matters to you, ask where the best listening position is before departure, and pay attention when the guide begins speaking.

The crew also takes photographs that are sent home after the trip. That is a useful extra, especially if you are busy watching the animals instead of trying to frame every sighting yourself.

Is $199 good value?

At $199 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price makes more sense when you count the three and a half hours, a maximum of 12 people, warm flotation gear, life jackets, a guide, photographs, and refreshments.

The real value comes from access to the Bleik Canyon in a small, fast boat. A large vessel may offer more shelter, but the RIB puts you closer to the water and lets the skipper respond quickly when wildlife appears. You also get a combined whale and bird outing instead of paying for separate activities.

Still, the price does not buy certainty. You could see orcas, pilot whales, minke whales, sperm whales, dolphins, puffins, and eagles in one trip. You could also spend much of the time waiting for whales and return with birds as the main highlight. If a whale sighting is the only result that will satisfy you, the cost may feel risky.

For a wildlife-focused visit to Vesterålen, I think the price is defensible, especially for people who value a small group and professional equipment. It is less appealing if you dislike speed, cold, motion, or unpredictable results.

Who should choose this trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to active adults, older children who meet the 135 cm minimum, photographers, birdwatchers, and people who want a close-to-the-water Arctic experience.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in Andenes and want an outing that requires only a short drive to Bleik. The nearby departure point makes it easier to fit into a Vesterålen road trip.

You should think twice if you have back trouble, heart or breathing problems, vertigo, recent surgery, or a condition that makes a bouncing boat unsafe. This is not a gentle harbor cruise. The operator’s restrictions are important, not minor fine print.

The trip also rewards patience. Wildlife may appear suddenly, but you might spend long periods scanning the sea. A calm attitude will help you enjoy the birds, scenery, and guide’s explanations when the whales are not cooperating.

Should you book the Bleik whale safari?

Book it if you want a small, active wildlife outing with a real chance of seeing orcas, pilot whales, sperm whales, puffins, and eagles under the midnight sun. The combination of a fast RIB, a 12-person limit, warm equipment, and an informed guide gives the experience more substance than a quick boat ride.

Before booking, check the weather, dress for cold conditions, and accept that no whale sighting is guaranteed. Choose the 21:00 departure for the midnight-sun setting, or the 10:00 trip for a more conventional day. If you meet the physical requirements and can handle rough water, this is one of the stronger wildlife choices around Andenes and Bleik.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Bleik Marina in Bleik, Nordland County. From Andenes, the marina is about a 10-minute drive.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is 210 minutes, or three and a half hours. This includes changing into warm flotation gear before departure and having tea, coffee, and muffins afterward.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include sperm whales, pilot whales, orcas, minke whales, Risso’s dolphins, fin whales, harbor seals, puffins, eagles, gannets, and other seabirds. Sightings vary by trip.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. The tour has good opportunities to see whales, but wildlife is unpredictable. Some outings have seen several whale species, while others have focused more on puffins, dolphins, seals, or birds.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, outdoor clothing, and a change of clothes. Warm flotation suits and life jackets are supplied, and boots, gloves, and goggles have also been provided on recent trips.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Participants must be at least 135 cm tall. Everyone should also be in good physical condition for a RIB boat outing.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The tour is conducted in English. An onboard guide explains the wildlife and takes photographs during the outing.