Rib safari Tour in Haugesund

RIBs make the coast feel fast. This Haugesund tour turns two nearby island groups into one punchy, splashy shore excursion, with speeds that make you look up at the cliffs and wonder how anyone lives out there. I love the small group size (max 12) and how easy it is to ask questions of your captain once you’re kitted up.

The second big plus for me is the route: you get two island communities in one outing—Røvær and Feøy—so you’re not stuck seeing just one patch of water. Røvær’s character comes through with its walking trails and the WWII pillbox at Varden, while Feøy adds the quieter feel of open coasts, boathouses, and sheep grazing near shore.

One thing to consider: this is a thrill ride, not a lazy cruise. Expect bumpy, hard slamming when conditions are rough, and it’s not ideal if you have back issues or you’re easily uncomfortable with water splashing in your face (even with the gear).

Quick Key Points Before You Ride

• Max 12 people keeps it personal and makes the briefing feel less like a factory line
• Two island groups (Røvær + Feøy) means more variety than most single-stop trips
• Røvær’s WWII pillbox at Varden gives you a concrete place to connect stories to real geography
• Feøy Brygge and working coastline details help you picture island life, not just scenery
• Front vs back seating changes the ride a lot, so choose your comfort level early
• Weather can change the route for safety, so go in with flexible expectations

The RIB Safari Setup: What You Really Sign Up For

This is a RIB safari from Haugesund Cruise havn, aimed at people who want speed, sea air, and close-up views. The core of the experience is short and physical in a good way: you’ll dress in waterproof gear, get life vests, and then bounce across open water toward two island areas off Haugesund.

The tone matters. You’re not going to get long, leisurely explanations while you’re sitting still. Instead, the captain’s commentary is part of the ride, and the islands are your “book.” In good conditions, you’ll feel the exhilaration most passengers love: the boat can skip along waves fast, with frequent splash and quick turns that make you grip the edges like you mean it.

And yes, you’ll get wet. Many people call out the splash when you leave harbor as your first clue. The gear helps you stay warm and safe, but you’re still on open water, with wind and spray doing their job. If you’re expecting a dry, seated sightseeing cruise, this isn’t that.

Getting There in Haugesund Without Stress

Your meeting point is at Haugesund Cruise havn, near Tourist Informationen and Tax Refund, at Garpeskjærvegen 3, 5527 Haugesund. What I like about this setup for a shore excursion is how direct it is. There’s a short walk from the cruise area to where you suit up, and then you’re on the boat.

Timing is the part you should plan for. The tour runs about 2 hours in total, but you’ll spend some of that time getting geared up and waiting for your group to board. A couple of people felt the boat-on-water time was shorter than they expected, so build in buffer time and don’t schedule anything immediately after.

Island Stop #1: Røvær and the WWII Footprints on Varden

Røvær is about 10 km northwest of Haugesund, a small island community with around 100 residents. From the sea, it comes across as a compact archipelago you can read quickly: boathouses along the shoreline, a cultural hotel presence, and the sense that most of life happens because the coast is there.

What makes Røvær special is how it connects everyday island geography with layered history. You’ll hear about Viking-era references and wartime history in a way that feels more grounded when you can actually see the coastline and the points of land. Even if you don’t do an on-island hike yourself, the story has places to cling to.

One of the most concrete highlights is Varden, the island’s highest point, where a WWII pillbox still stands. That detail matters because it turns abstract “war history” into something you can point at and remember later. It’s also a reminder of why this region mattered during the conflict: islands weren’t just scenery; they were strategic ground.

A small practical note about the Røvær approach

Because this tour runs by RIB, you’re mostly experiencing Røvær from the water. That’s part of the value—fast access and sweeping angles—but it also means you’ll rely on the captain’s timing and commentary more than on long beach stops. If you want lots of time on land, keep your expectations aligned with an on-water safari style.

Island Stop #2: Feøy for Open Coasts, Boathouses, and Island Traditions

Feøy sits just west of Haugesund. It’s known for unspoiled nature and strong coastal traditions, with around 50 year-round residents. If Røvær feels like a “story stop,” Feøy feels more like a “life stop.” You pass by and take in the coastline rhythm: boathouses, open stretches where sheep graze near shore, and the working texture of an island that still depends on the sea.

One place you’ll likely hear about is Feøy Brygge—once an old wharf and now a meeting point and restaurant. The fact that it’s repurposed is a good clue to how island communities evolve without losing their core functions. It’s not just a pretty building; it’s part of how people gather.

WWII history here isn’t decorative either

During World War II, German forces occupied Feøy because of its key role in the Norwegian resistance network. That’s one of those details that sticks because it explains why you see evidence of the past in the environment, not just in museums. Today, Feøy remains a peaceful community surrounded by sea, history, and natural beauty.

What to expect on the water near Feøy

This second island group is part of why many people call the tour memorable even when weather isn’t perfect. You get a sense of scale—small islands that can look close on a map but feel bigger once you’re skimming the water next to them. The ride often slows around the islands, which helps you take photos and absorb the view without feeling like you’re being bounced through everything at full speed.

The Ride Itself: Speed, Safety, and the Seat Choice That Changes Everything

The safety side is taken seriously. You’ll get a briefing before you go out, you’ll wear life vests, and your captain will guide the boat with the group’s comfort in mind. Most feedback calls it safe but exhilarating.

Now for the part that affects your body: the RIB motion. People describe it as wave-jumping. On a good day, it’s thrilling and fun. On a rough day, it can feel intense, with hard impacts when the boat comes down into waves.

This is also where the seat choice matters a lot:

• If you want the full force of the waves, choose the front.
• If you’d rather soften the impact, sit closer to the back.

Because the seating is arranged on both sides, your body position matters. One captain mentioned by name in feedback is Rune, and people credit him with an energetic but controlled ride and strong explanations. If you’re prone to feeling beat up by bouncing motions, sit where the ride is gentler and keep your feet positioned as you’re instructed during the briefing.

Gear that makes a real difference

The tour provides waterproof suits and goggles for warmth and visibility, plus life vests. People often say the suits stay warm even when the weather turns. Still, some guests have noted cold hands if gloves weren’t provided, so it’s smart to ask what’s included and how they handle hand warmth.

Why This Tour Feels Like Value (Even When It’s Short)

At about $149.62 per person for roughly 2 hours, you’re paying for three things at once:

1. Time on the water in a fast RIB (not a slow ferry)
2. Two island areas off Haugesund rather than one
3. Interpretation from your captain—history and island-life context while you’re moving

If you’re doing a cruise stop in Haugesund, this type of excursion is one of the more efficient ways to get beyond the harbor. Many of the details that make people love it—like how island boathouses are arranged, how the shoreline looks from the sea, and how the coastline frames the pillbox point at Varden—require being on the water. A bus tour can show you roads; it can’t show you the way islands sit in the water and how close the sea feels to every home.

And the small group size is a value multiplier. When max 12 people are on board, you get a more interactive feel, and your questions actually land.

Who Should Book This RIB Safari From Haugesund

This is a strong match if you want:

• A thrill-focused coastal experience
• Close-up island views without needing a hike
• A small-group shore excursion where you can talk to the captain
• Photo opportunities from a moving viewpoint (especially when the sky clears)

It may not be the best match if:

• Your back is sensitive to bouncing or hard impacts
• You don’t handle rough water well
• You’re traveling with very young kids (some feedback says it’s not ideal for them)
• You want long quiet time on land

If you’re somewhere in the middle—active, okay with some roughness, and curious about island life—this tour can be a highlight. Many people call it the best part of their Haugesund stop, mainly because it’s both scenic and adrenaline-driven.

A Balanced Reality Check: Weather and Comfort

This experience depends on good weather. When conditions aren’t right, you may get an alternative route for safety and comfort. That’s how RIB tours work in Norway’s coastal weather world: the sea decides your pace.

Most people accept that and still have a great time, even when it’s wet and gloomy. A few complaints focus on intensity and schedule tightness, including comments that the ride feels rough and that the total time includes walking and suiting up. So here’s the practical approach: go in expecting a short, intense experience on the water, and use the gear to stay warm rather than fighting the reality of spray.

If you’re worried about discomfort, pick your seat for impact control, and speak up early during the briefing if you need adjustments. Some guests said they raised concerns during the ride and waited for the pace to change; that’s a signal that your best chance is to manage expectations and choose a comfortable position from the start.

Should You Book the Haugesund Røvær and Feøy RIB Safari?

I’d book it if you’re the type of traveler who wants the Norwegian coast at speed and you’ll enjoy islands as living places, not just postcard views. The combination of two island communities, the WWII touchpoints (including the pillbox at Varden), and the small-group RIB format is a solid mix for the money.

Don’t book it if you need a gentle ride, long shore time, or a calm experience. This tour is built around motion, spray, and a captain who runs the boat confidently.

If you do book, pick the seat thoughtfully, dress for wind and wet, and treat it like an adventure you do once you arrive—then you’ll feel the fun instead of fighting the physical side of it.

FAQ

Where does the RIB safari in Haugesund start?

It starts at Haugesund Cruise havn, near Tourist Informationen and Tax Refund, at Garpeskjærvegen 3, 5527 Haugesund, Norway. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 2 hours.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

What islands do you visit?

You go to two island areas: Røvær and Feøy.

What should I know about physical requirements?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level. The tour also lists a maximum weight of 150 kg.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides life vests, waterproof suits, and goggles.

Is the ride okay if the weather changes?

The experience requires good weather. If weather affects safety, you may be offered an alternative route or a different date, depending on conditions.

Can I cancel if plans change?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund, based on the tour’s local time rules.