Private Zodiac Or Pontoon Cruise

A private cruise with a choice of zodiac or pontoon boat, running anywhere from 2 to 10 hours depending on the trip you select. Rated 4.8 across 177 reviews, from $70.10 per person. The flexible format suits families and small groups who would rather have the fjord, and the boat, to themselves for the day.

Overview

This is a private boat trip on either a rigid inflatable speedboat or a stable pontoon, run by Norway Fjord Travel, with only your own group on board. Pickup is included from central Bergen hotels, Airbnbs or the cruise port, and a scenic car or train transfer carries you out past the choppy water near the city so the boat time is spent on calmer fjord scenery. The overall duration varies between two and ten hours depending on the option booked.

Once on the water, the route threads through the narrower arms of the fjord country around Vikanes, Hesjedalsfossen, Veafjorden, Stamneshella, Skipshelleren and Bolstadstraumen, places larger vessels cannot reach. Travellers consistently report sharing these stretches with almost no other boats. The pace is deliberately comfort-first, held around a modest cruising speed to cut windchill and fatigue, and thermal flotation suits are supplied. Children from age three upwards can join, and reviewers describe the guiding as rich in local history, geology and stories from someone who grew up in the area.

It suits families, couples and mixed-age groups who want a personalised day rather than a shared fjord cruise. Cruise passengers are catered for too, with a stated guarantee of returning you before the gangway closes, provided ship details are given at booking.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup in central BergenHotel, Airbnb or port pickup is included. Cruise passengers must supply ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at booking.
2. Scenic transfer to the fjordA car or train transfer carries the group from the city to the departure point, skipping the rougher water near Bergen. Reviews describe the drive as roughly 30 minutes to an hour depending on the route.
3. Vikanes, 15 minutesFirst stop on the water, free to visit.
4. Hesjedalsfossen, 15 minutesA stop with free admission.
5. Veafjorden, 15 minutesTime spent on this fjord arm, free admission.
6. Stamneshella and SkipshellerenA 15 minute stop at Stamneshella followed by 10 minutes at Skipshelleren, both free.
7. Bolstadstraumen and BolstadoyriFive minutes at Bolstadstraumen, then Bolstadoyri passed by over 10 minutes.
8. ReturnThe activity ends back at the meeting point, the floating dock by the Olivia restaurant at Torget, with transfer back to Bergen arranged by the operator.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you prepare for a day that is mostly spent outdoors on open water.

• Warm clothing. Thermal flotation suits are included, and several travellers said these plus rain jackets kept them warm and dry even in cold rain and wind. Dress in layers underneath anyway, since reviewers note the weather can turn cold during parts of the ride.
• Restrooms beforehand. The listing specifically advises visiting a restroom shortly before the tour, so plan for that before boarding.
• Group feel. This is strictly private, with no strangers on board. Reviewers repeatedly mention having entire fjord stretches to themselves, with one describing glassy, mirror-like water and practically zero other boats.
• Pace and ages. The boat travels at a comfort-first speed of roughly 23 knots to reduce windchill and bouncing, and the minimum age is three. Reviewers report children from six to eleven enjoying it, and people well into their eighties completing the tour.
• Weather flexibility. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can mean rescheduling or a full refund. One reviewer had a start time pushed back several hours because of weather, so keep some slack in your day if you can.
• Photography. Several travellers highlighted calm water and off-the-beaten-path stops as ideal for photos. Bring a camera or phone you can keep dry, since spray and rain are possible on the RIB.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are allowed, and the minimum age is three. Weather can disrupt the day, and one reviewer reported a delayed start that cost them a pre-paid train ride back to Bergen. The trip requires a minimum number of travellers, and if that is not met you will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. One reviewer also mentioned the guide smoking occasionally during the tour.

Common Questions