RIB boat tours on the Lysefjord
A RIB is a fast, open inflatable boat. A Stavanger RIB boat tour leaves from the harbour area in town and runs into the Lysefjord with a skipper who guides you along the way. Most tours last about two hours, which makes this the short, active way to see the fjord and Pulpit Rock from below.
You sit in the open air, so the tour is wetter, colder and faster than a cruise. Every tour supplies the protective gear, including a floating suit, life jacket, goggles and gloves.
Our picks: RIB safaris on the Lysefjord
All three are RIB trips of about two hours with flotation suits and goggles. The trip with the captain is guided, and the one from the boathouse in Stavanger is built around fjord sightseeing.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided RIB safari with the captain
- Guided by the captain
- Flotation suits 2XS to 4XL
- Goggles and gloves
A guided trip on the Lysefjord in a high-end RIB. At check-in, look for the flag that says “Stavanger RIB meeting point”.
Check availability →
RIB trip with fjord sightseeing
- Warm suit
- Life jacket
- Goggles
A RIB adventure with fjord sightseeing, starting from an old boathouse in the middle of Stavanger.
Check availability →RIB boat tour into the Lysefjord
- Experienced skipper
- Floating suits in all sizes
- Goggles and gloves
A fast ride on a high-speed RIB toward Preikestolen, with safety gear provided.
Check availability →RIB safaris and boat tours from Stavanger
High-speed RIB tours into the Lysefjord, with live prices and availability.
Lysefjord RIB safari: what the tour covers
The details differ a little between tours, so read the inclusions on the one you pick.
The ride
A two-hour guided tour in a RIB boat, with a skipper who tells you about the fjord. One tour runs a little longer, at about two and a half hours. Scenery and sightseeing in the fjord are part of the tour, and Pulpit Rock is seen from the water.
Stops and sights
Some RIB tours stop at caves and waterfalls, and so does the combination tour. What you see depends on the route and the conditions on the day.
Where you start
Tours check in at Strandkaien in Stavanger, in the harbour area in front of the Maritime Museum and behind the fish market. Cruise passengers can walk to the meeting point from the cruise terminal in a few minutes. Plan generous time before your ship leaves, because a tour start time says nothing about your return.
What is not included
Food, drinks and parking are not part of the RIB tours. Pick-up is an option on some tours, not a general inclusion.
RIB boat or fjord cruise
Two ways to see the same fjord. The main differences are speed, comfort and time.
| Boat | Length | On board | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIB safari | About 2 hours | Open boat, floating suit, goggles, gloves | An active, short trip at speed |
| Modern catamaran | 2.5 hours | Fjord cruise with views of Pulpit Rock and Ådnøy | A calm trip without special clothing |
| Electric or hybrid ship | 3.5 hours | Panoramic windows, sun deck, Wi-Fi, food and drinks for sale | A slow, seated trip |
For most visitors who want to feel the fjord and do not mind getting wet, the RIB is the one to choose. If you prefer a seat, a warm cabin and a longer trip, take a cruise instead. Details are on the fjord cruise page.
Before you book
A few practical points.
Clothing and cold
The extra gear is there for colder days, and an open boat is exposed to wind and spray. Wear warm layers under the suit.
Age, height and health
Rules on age, height and health belong to each tour, so read them on the product you book. Do not assume that a fjord cruise being open to children means the same for a RIB.
Weather
Fog, rain and wind change the view and the ride. See the best time to visit page for the seasons.
RIB plus hike
One combination tour pairs a RIB safari with a guided ascent to the plateau and a transfer back to Stavanger. Look for it among the tours above, and read the hiking details on the Pulpit Rock hike page.
Plan the rest of your trip
Other ways to see the fjord.
Lysefjord RIB tours: frequently asked questions
How long is a RIB boat tour in Stavanger?
Most tours last about two hours. One speedboat tour runs about two and a half hours, and the combination with a hike takes a whole day.
What do I wear on a Lysefjord RIB boat safari?
The tours supply a floating suit, life jacket, goggles and gloves. Bring warm clothes to wear under the suit, and plan for wind and spray.
Is a RIB safari better than a fjord cruise?
It depends on what you want. A RIB is fast, open and wet. A cruise is slower, longer and more comfortable. Both show Pulpit Rock from below.
Can a RIB boat take me up to Pulpit Rock?
No. A boat shows the cliff from the water. The plateau is reached on foot, and the hike takes about four hours return.
Where does the RIB tour start?
At Strandkaien in the Stavanger harbour area. Check the meeting point on your booking, since tours use different check-in spots nearby.