Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins

Wildlife does not follow a script here. This small-group RIB trip takes you from Bleik into the deep-water canyon where sperm whales, orcas, pilot whales, puffins, and sea eagles may appear. I like the intimate boat, with no more than 12 people, and the chance to head out at 9 PM beneath the midnight sun. The other big plus is the crew: guides such as Christina, Norbert, Bekka, and Katie are praised for clear explanations and careful treatment of the animals.

The main caution is simple: wild whales make the schedule. You may spend a long time sitting on open water waiting for a sighting, and rough seas can make some people seasick. The RIB is exciting and gets close to wildlife, but this is an active sea trip, not a gentle cruise.

Key points to know before you go

• Bleik Canyon is the main wildlife zone: The boat searches the deep-water canyon for sperm whales and other marine life.
• Orcas are possible: Recent trips have included orcas, pilot whales, minke whales, sperm whales, and dolphins, but no sighting is guaranteed.
• Puffins are a major attraction: The nearby colony can hold thousands of birds, along with sea eagles and other seabirds.
• The boat holds only 12 people: That gives you a closer look and a better chance of hearing the guide than on a large vessel.
• The 9 PM departure suits summer light: You can watch wildlife under the midnight sun, especially in June and July.
• Warm gear is supplied: Flotation suits, boots, gloves, life jackets, and goggles are provided, though you still need warm clothes and a spare change.

From Andenes to Bleik Marina

Bleik is about a 10-minute drive from Andenes on Andøya in Nordland County. The departure point is Bleik Marina, reached by driving down the beach road near Midnattsol Camping, continuing toward Smia Pub, and turning down toward the marina. Follow the Puffin Safari sign and look for the Green Gold of Norway sign, also known as the Green Dragon.

This is worth sorting out before departure. The marina directions are specific, and the meeting point is not simply a large visitor center in the middle of town. Arrive ready to find the sign and meet the skipper and guide there.

Trips leave at 10 AM and 9 PM. The late trip is especially appealing during the bright Arctic summer. The sun does not set, so the sea and cliffs can remain lit with a soft evening glow long after dinner time. The 10 AM trip gives you a more conventional start and may suit anyone who prefers to be on the water earlier.

The advertised duration is 210 minutes, or three and a half hours. That includes getting dressed on shore in warm flotation equipment, plus hot tea, coffee, and muffins while you change after returning. In practical terms, the wildlife portion is shorter than the full 210 minutes, but it is still a substantial outing.

Getting ready for a fast RIB ride

Before boarding, you put on warm flotation suits and the rest of the protective equipment. The supplied kit includes life jackets, boots, gloves, and goggles. This matters in Bleik, where wind and spray can make the air feel much colder than it does on land.

Wear warm outdoor clothes underneath. Bring a change of clothes even if the forecast looks calm. You may not get soaked, but the boat moves quickly, and sea spray is part of the experience.

The RIB is stable and fast, according to the supplied trip details and customer accounts, but it is still a small open boat. You will feel the motion more than you would on a large whale-watching vessel. Everyone should be in reasonably good physical shape, and the trip is not suitable for people with back, heart, respiratory, or mobility problems, recent surgery, vertigo, claustrophobia, or other pre-existing medical conditions.

It is also not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or anyone under 135 centimeters tall. These restrictions are not minor fine print. You need to climb into and sit in a moving boat, often in bulky clothing, for several hours.

Racing toward Bleik Canyon

Once you leave the marina, the RIB heads toward Bleik Canyon and its surrounding waters. The canyon is a deep-water area where fish gather, and that food supply brings larger marine animals close to the surface.

The ride itself is part of the fun. A small boat can cover water quickly and respond to wildlife sightings more easily than a large vessel. You may get a strong sense of speed between viewing areas, followed by long quiet periods when the skipper cuts the engine or holds position.

The small group size is one of the best reasons to choose this outing. With a maximum of 12 people, you are not looking over dozens of heads. The guide can explain what you are seeing, and the skipper has a better chance of positioning the boat so people on different sides can watch.

There is one practical weakness. One person specifically noted that it was hard to hear the guide from the back of the RIB. If you care most about the commentary, try to sit where you can see and hear the guide clearly. The boat layout and sea noise can make spoken information difficult to catch at times.

Searching for sperm whales and orcas

Sperm whales are among the main animals associated with Bleik Canyon. The tour searches for them in open water, where you may first see a blow, a dark back, or a tail before the whale disappears below the surface.

You need to set realistic expectations. A sperm whale may not come right alongside the boat. One account describes spending about an hour and a half stationary in open sea while watching four sperm whales from a distance. That can be thrilling for a wildlife enthusiast, but it can also feel long if the sea is rolling or you are prone to seasickness.

Orcas are another possible highlight. Several recent outings had close encounters with pods of orcas, with one group staying near the boat for much of the trip. Other trips included pilot whales, including young calves, minke whales, dolphins, and seals.

These reports show the range of what is possible, not a promise of what you will see. One outing saw no whales but still delivered a large number of puffins. Another saw dolphins instead of whales. You should book this as a wildlife search, not as a guaranteed orca appointment.

The crew’s approach to the animals is important. The guides are described as careful and respectful, and the boat is operated with attention to animal behavior. You may get close, but the purpose is observation in the animals’ own environment, not a staged encounter.

Puffin cliffs and a sky full of birds

The birdwatching portion can be as memorable as the whales. The waters near Bleik attract puffins, gannets, eagles, and other seabirds because fish gather here. Harbor seals may also appear.

The puffin colony is a particular strength of the trip. Several outings reported thousands of puffins around the cliffs or island. You may see them fluttering near the water, resting on the surface, or heading out to feed.

Puffins are small, so bring patience rather than expecting every bird to fill your view. The RIB can take you closer than a distant shore viewpoint, but the boat will still keep an appropriate distance from the colony.

Sea eagles add another thrill. They may appear near the bird areas or circle farther away, and their size makes them easier to spot than some of the smaller birds. Gannets and other seabirds round out the visit, giving you something to watch even when whales are not showing themselves.

If puffins are your top priority, this trip has a useful advantage: the bird stop is not an afterthought. The route includes dedicated birdwatching, and the colony has been a highlight even on departures without whale sightings.

What the midnight sun adds

The 9 PM departure offers a special Arctic setting. In summer, Bleik has the midnight sun, so you can be out on the water late without darkness closing in.

The light changes the mood of the trip. Orcas, cliffs, and puffin colonies may appear against a bright horizon instead of a dark evening sky. Calm conditions can make the whole scene feel unusually quiet and spacious, even when the boat is moving quickly.

The late start also lets you fit the tour around a day of sightseeing in Andøya or Vesterålen. The tradeoff is that you need to stay alert late in the day, especially after a full day outdoors. The 10 AM trip may be more practical if you are traveling with young children who meet the height requirement, though the physical restrictions still apply.

The guide makes the difference

The guide does more than point at whales. The onboard commentary covers the species you encounter and helps you understand why this area attracts so much wildlife.

Christina and Norbert are named as guides on several trips, while Bekka and Katie are also praised for their friendly explanations and capable handling of the outing. The strongest feedback centers on the crew’s enthusiasm, professionalism, and respect for the animals.

A good guide is especially useful when sightings are brief. A whale may surface for only a moment, and a puffin colony can look like a moving cloud of black-and-white birds. Clear instructions help you know where to look and what behavior to watch for.

The company also takes photos during the trip and provides them afterward as memories. That is a useful extra on a fast-moving boat, where taking your own sharp pictures can be difficult. Keep your own camera secure and use it selectively. Watching the sea directly is often more rewarding than staring at a screen.

How much value do you get for $199?

At $199 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The value depends on what you want from a whale trip.

You are paying for a three-and-a-half-hour outing, a maximum group of 12, a high-speed RIB, protective clothing, a guide, photos, and hot drinks with muffins afterward. You also get access to Bleik Canyon and nearby bird areas, rather than a short boat ride focused on one species.

The small group is important to the price. A larger vessel may offer more indoor shelter and smoother movement, but this RIB gives you a closer-to-the-water experience and fewer people competing for a view. If you care about wildlife photography, personal space, and a lively ride, the cost is easier to justify.

The value is weaker if you need a guaranteed whale sighting or dislike waiting on open water. You could spend a long period watching a distant sperm whale, or return with puffins and dolphins but no whales. That is not a failure of the trip. It is simply the nature of wild-animal watching.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later reduce the financial risk when your plans are still shifting. Still, the main risk is not the booking. It is the weather, sea conditions, and unpredictable behavior of the animals.

Who should book this Bleik safari?

I would choose this trip if you want an active wildlife experience rather than a quiet sightseeing cruise. It suits people who enjoy speed, open water, cold-weather scenery, and the possibility of seeing several species in one outing.

It is particularly good for:

• Wildlife fans who want both marine mammals and birds
• Visitors staying in Andenes or exploring Vesterålen
• Photographers who value a small boat and close viewing
• People who want to experience the midnight sun from the water
• Anyone happy to accept uncertainty in return for a memorable encounter

You should think twice if you get seasick, have back or balance problems, or prefer a sheltered boat. The trip can include rough waves, and one account describes large swells even with a skilled skipper. The warm suit helps with cold, but it cannot remove the movement of the sea.

Practical tips for a better outing

Wear several warm layers and bring a full change of clothes. The provided suit, boots, gloves, and goggles are helpful, but your own clothing still matters.

If you have a choice, consider the 9 PM departure for midnight-sun light. The 10 AM option may be easier for your schedule and energy level. Check the starting time when booking because departures are subject to availability.

Arrive with enough time to find Bleik Marina and locate the Puffin Safari sign. Do not assume the marina will be obvious once you reach Bleik.

Try to sit near the guide if hearing every explanation matters to you. From the back of the RIB, the engine, wind, and sea can make commentary harder to follow.

Bring a camera, but protect it from spray. The included photos are a welcome safety net, particularly during fast or unexpected sightings.

Finally, keep your expectations flexible. One trip may bring orcas close to the boat. Another may bring pilot whales, sperm whales, dolphins, seals, sea eagles, and thousands of puffins. The best reward is the full setting, not one particular species.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a lively, small-group search for Arctic wildlife and you can handle open-water conditions. The combination of Bleik Canyon, puffin cliffs, possible orcas, supplied protective gear, and midnight-sun departures gives the outing real appeal.

I would not book it solely for a guaranteed close encounter with a sperm whale or orca. Instead, book it for the chance to see a changing cast of animals with a crew that puts strong emphasis on safety, useful information, and respectful viewing.

At $199, it is best for a special day in Vesterålen, not a casual budget activity. If seeing puffins would already make the trip worthwhile, the whale sightings become a wonderful bonus. That is the right way to approach this wild and unpredictable piece of Norway.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching trip depart?

It departs from Bleik Marina in Bleik. Drive down the beach road near Midnattsol Camping, continue to Smia Pub, turn toward Bleik Marina, and follow the Puffin Safari sign. Bleik is about a 10-minute drive from Andenes.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts 210 minutes, or three and a half hours. This includes time to put on warm flotation equipment before departure and tea, coffee, and muffins while changing after the trip.

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. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What equipment is included?

The trip includes a RIB-boat excursion, warm flotation suits, life jackets, a guide, photographs, and tea, coffee, and muffins. Trip accounts also describe gloves, boots, and goggles being supplied.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, outdoor clothing, and a change of clothes. The operator also advises all participants to be in acceptable physical shape.

Is the trip suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back, heart, respiratory, mobility, or other pre-existing medical conditions, people with vertigo or claustrophobia, wheelchair users, people under 135 centimeters tall, or anyone with recent surgery.