Best Wildlife Tour in Ålesund – Sea Eagles, Puffins & Coastal Wildlife

Looking for the best wildlife tour in Ålesund? The dramatic coastline surrounding the city is one of Norway’s richest marine ecosystems. Just minutes from the harbor, you enter a landscape of remote islands, narrow sounds, and open sea — home to sea eagles, puffins, seals and thousands of seabirds.

A wildlife tour in Ålesund is not just a boat ride. It’s a chance to experience Norway’s raw coastal nature up close.

Check out all our boat trips here: https://uteguiden.com/en/activity/boat-and-rib

What wildlife can you see?

The waters and islands around Ålesund offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Depending on the season and conditions, you may see:

• White-tailed sea eagles (Europe’s largest eagle)
• Puffins (typically April to early August)
• Seals resting on skerries
• Cormorants and shags
• Gulls and other seabirds
• Occasionally porpoises and other marine life

Because this is a natural environment, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. However, our experienced local captains monitor recent wildlife activity and adapt routes to maximize the chances of encounters.

Best Wildlife Tour in Ålesund

The Wildlife Sea Safari is a guided RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tour designed for those who want a close and dynamic wildlife experience.

Why a RIB boat?

• Faster access to remote wildlife areas
• Ability to adjust routes based on current conditions
• Small groups for a more personal experience
• Safe but exciting coastal navigation

With experienced local captains and guides, you don’t just pass through nature — you learn about it. The tour combines speed, scenery and wildlife observation in a way traditional sightseeing boats simply can’t match.

Read more about the trip here:
https://uteguiden.com/en/experience/wildlife-sea-safari

Want to explore more fjords?

If you're looking to experience even more dramatic fjord landscapes beyond Ålesund’s outer coastline, we highly recommend our 2-hour Hjørundfjord RIB tour.

Hjørundfjorden is one of Norway’s most spectacular and lesser-known fjords, surrounded by the sharp peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. Unlike the more crowded fjords, Hjørundfjorden offers a quieter and more untouched atmosphere — with steep mountains rising directly from deep blue water and small fjord farms scattered along the shoreline.

This tour focuses more on dramatic fjord scenery and mountain landscapes, while still offering the possibility of spotting wildlife along the way.

Discover our 2-hour Hjørundfjord tour here:
https://uteguiden.com/en/experience/fjordsafari-rib-hjorundfjorden

Why choose a local operator?

Wildlife activity changes daily based on wind, tides and food availability. A local operator makes a big difference.

Local guides:

• Know where sea eagles nest and hunt
• Track recent puffin activity
• Adjust routes based on weather and safety
• Provide real-time insights into local ecosystems

Choosing a local wildlife tour means more than booking a boat ride — it means booking local expertise.

FAQ – Wildlife Tours in Ålesund

Are wildlife tours family-friendly?
Yes. Our wildlife tours are suitable for families, as long as children meet the minimum age and height requirements for the specific tour. We operate with small groups and a professional approach, making the experience safe, comfortable and enjoyable for both adults and kids. In general we recommend our shorter 1 hour trips for younger kids.

When is the best season for wildlife tours?
Summer is the most popular season, with more stable weather conditions and the best chances of spotting seabirds. Puffins are typically seen from April until early August. Wildlife can be seen year-round, but the route and experience may vary depending on weather and sea conditions.

What wildlife can you see on a tour?
Depending on the season and conditions, you may spot puffins, sea eagles, seals and a wide variety of seabirds. Sightings can never be guaranteed, as we operate in a natural environment — but our experienced guides know the area well and help you spot wildlife whenever possible.

Do you guarantee puffins or sea eagles?
No. We cannot guarantee specific sightings, but we always aim to maximize the chances by choosing the best route based on conditions and recent wildlife activity.

‍