Safaris

RIB trip – Zodiac Tour to Saltstraumen in Bodø

RIB trip to Saltstraumen is a classic adventure in Bodo starting in downtown Bodo. You can experience the world’s strongest tidal current, the white-tailed sea eagle and sea rafting in one amazing package. Saltstraumen is at its strongest four times per day – and you can be there in a RIB!

rib boat tour saltstraumen - zodiac safari saltstraumen sea rafting
RIB boat tour Bodø to Saltstraumen. Photo: Tore Schøning Olsen - www.nordnorge.com

RIB trip to Saltstraumen starts from Bodo. Experiencing the mighty Saltstraumen up close and personal by RIB when the current is at its strongest is a must-do experience when visiting Bodø. The meeting point is within walking distance from all the hotels in Bodo town centre.

Saltstraumen at its strongest. We plan the trip to ensure you will be in the middle of the current when it is at its strongest. The current reaches speeds of up to 20 knots, creating whirlpools up to 10 m in diameter. Up to 400 million cubic metres of seawater forces its way through the 150 m wide strait every six hours.

RIB trip Saltstraumen rib tour sea eagle safari
Good chances to see the white-tailed sea eagle on the RIB-trip. Photo credit: Bjørn Erik Olsen.

The sea eagle. We make several stops during the trip to inform you about the nature, white-tailed sea eagle, Saltstraumen and Bodø. If you are lucky, you will also get a close-up encounter with the sea eagle, Northern Europe’s largest bird of prey. The skipper will gladly share stories and answer questions.

Comfortable and safe. During the RIB tour, you will be wear a flotation suit and have your own seat on board. Sea rafting in large seagoing inflatables (RIB-boat) is an exciting experience that provides unique closeness to the sea.

We had a wonderful rib safari trip to experience the world's strongest current. Ivar and the skipper are extremely friendly, knowledgable and informative. The information and service they provided were utterly amazing and impeccable. Not only the currents, we also saw several things such as the arctic eagles, dolphins and birds. Highly recommended to all the travelers visiting Bodø!!
Lin Carole Y., Taiwan

Price

NOK 1095

Per person for adults. Children under the age of 12 years pay children`s ticket.

  • Level

    Easy. Most people can participate in this activity. Please see details below.

  • Duration

    The tour lasts approx. 2 hours (Bodø - Saltstraumen - Bodø).

  • Group size & Capacity

    12 per boat. For larger groups, the total capacity for the RIB trip Bodø - Saltstraumen is max. 120 people.

  • Season & Availability

    April – October. May be possible in wintertime, weather permitting and in daylight hours during winter.


Checklist - RIB trip from Bodø to Saltstraumen

  • Can everyone participate in this trip?

    Yes, most people can participate. The objective is to experience the sea, Saltstraumen and the nature rather than drive as fast as possible.  Please note that this trip will be adapted to suit your wishes and the prevailing weather conditions.

    Pregnant women and anyone with back, neck or pelvic injuries or similar must be aware that this trip may involve shaking. Consequently, you must assess whether you want to expose yourself to this. If in doubt, please speak with the skipper before the trip.

    Minimum age: Reccomended minimum age is 6 years. Children under 14 must be accompanied by one adult each.

  • What to bring and how to prepare for the trip

    You should bring

    • Warm clothing and sturdy casual shoes.
    • Feel free to bring your camera, but pack it so it will withstand some sea spray.

    Please be aware that there is no toilet on board, but toilet facilities are available before and after the trip.

    We will provide

    • Warm flotation suit, life jacket, hat, gloves and goggles to protect against the wind.
    • English-speaking skipper.
  • Can I book if I’m on my own?

    • Yes, you can! The groups on several of our trips are made up of solo travellers. You are welcome to come on your own and make new friends. The RIB has 12 seats, but it’s fine if there are fewer than 12 people.

     

  • Where and when do we meet

    The trip starts in downtown Bodø.

    • The meeting point is by the guest marina in downtown Bodø. Look for the floating dock just in front of `Stormen` library vis a vis Radisson BLU Hotel. Enter the floating dock and find the RIB at the end of the dock, by the white houseboat. Please see map above.
    • Departure time is automatically shown in the booking calendar once you choose your preferred date for the RIB-trip.
    • The meeting time is 15 minutes prior to your chosen departure. Make sure to arrive at the floating dock in time.
  • When is Saltstraumen at its strongest?

    The times when the current is at its strongest vary from day to day. The times listed in our booking calendar is the optimal start times for the RIB-trip from Bodø – you will then experience Saltstraumen tidal current at its strongest!

    If you want to experience Saltstraumen by RIB at its absolute strongest (meaning stronger than normal), it’s worth noting that Saltstraumen is extra lively just after a Full Moon and New Moon.

  • Weather cancellation policy

    This adventure will be postponed if it’s too windy and/or the waves are too high.

  • How good is the safety on board?

    We focus on your safety and wellbeing throughout the trip. This does not hide the fact that sea rafting has previously experienced a few accidents and undesirable incidents.

    Consequently, RIB trips are now covered by the provisions of the Regulations concerning the operation of vessels that transport 12 passengers or fewer, etc. The trips are implemented in accordance with these regulations, and the skipper and boat are certified for the activity.

    We start all trips by reviewing the safety on board, and make several stops along the way to check everyone is OK. We adapt the trip to suit the participants.