Excursion Rib-boat & hiking adventure tour at Kristiansand

Explore the exquisite coastline, harbours, and pristine islands of Norway’s Southern Archipelago during this scenic and exciting RIB-boat excursion.

Kristiansand, Boat Launch Pier, RIB-Boat

Depart the pier for the short walk to the boat-launch pier. Upon arrival, meet your captain/guide and receive your tour instructions, then don your life vest. Afterward, embark your Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) and set sail on your scenic and exciting coastal adventure. The low-profile RIB boats enable you to get closer to the exquisite coastline and pristine offshore islands of Norway’s Southern Archipelago, known as ‘Norway’s Riviera’, and their small size enables maximum manoeuvrability to cover greater distances at speeds up to 50 m.p.h. (about 80 k.p.h.).

Coastal Archipelago Park, Lighthouses, Skagerrak Sea, Seabirds, Forested Mountains, Harbours

Glide along the waters on a smooth, approximately 20-minute, high-speed ride that threads past a parade of islands off Norway’s southernmost shoreline. During your panoramic journey aboard the RIB-boat, see historical lighthouses clinging to coastal rocks, vast stretches of the Skagerrak Sea separating Norway from Denmark, seabirds on the wing overhead, and forested mountains rising from the sea. In addition, encounter many picturesque little harbours tucked into protective coves, one of which, Ny-Hellesund, is your destination today.  

Ny-Hellesund, Guided Walking Tour, Holiday Cottages, Shoppes, Little Gibraltar

Disembark your RIB-boat and take a guided walking tour through this charming harbour-town, which was brimming with sailing ships back in the 17th century. Along the way, see holiday cottages and delightful shoppes. Afterward, hike uphill to an abandoned coastal stronghold that was built by occupying German forces during World War II, and fortified with bunkers and buildings that housed hundreds of soldiers who guarded the shoreline with sizable cannons. See the hilltop remains of their bulwark, once known as ‘Little Gibraltar’, then hike back downhill to your RIB-boat for the approximately 20-minute ride back to the boat-launch pier. Upon arrival, disembark your RIB-boat and commence the short walk back to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Kristiansand, Norwegian Coast, Offshore Islands, Historic Lighthouses, Skagerrak Sea, Seabirds, Forested Mountains, Ny-Hellesund, Hilltop Walk, Little Gibraltar

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.93 miles (about 1.5 kilometres), at times over uneven, gravel, slippery, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the RIB-boat. The ride may be rough at times, and guests will experience bumpy, jerking motions. This tour is recommended for active guests who are in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guest with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable, clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe, and non-slip walking or boat shoes you won’t mind getting wet, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket and pants, hat, gloves, towel, plastic bag (for your cell phone, camera, binoculars, etc.), bottled water, and Norwegian Kronas or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Do not bring loose items that may easily be lost or fall in the water, such as keys, loose accessories, jewellery, etc. Make sure your hat and sunglasses fit snugly, so they don’t fly off when the boat is moving. Waterproof cameras are highly-recommended. Guests may not participate if they have consumed alcohol. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, fish and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.