Bookable boat tours and coastal experiences| Visit Southern Norway

Experience Southern Norway from the sea with bookable boat tours and coastal experiences.

At Visit Southern Norway, you can find selected boat tours and coastal experiences that are easy to book online. This makes it easier to plan your trip and enjoy the experience when you arrive.

Kristiansand:

RIB Speed Sightseeing

Join a RIB tour from Kristiansand and experience the coast with a little extra speed. The trip starts from Nodeviga and takes you out on the water, with views of the archipelago, islands and coastal landscape along the way.

During the tour, you will learn more about the area, nature and history of the coast. The trip lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and a flotation suit and life jacket are provided before departure.

Available: All year round

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3-Day Coastal Adventure

Join a coastal adventure along the Southern Norway coast, with rowing between islands, outdoor cooking and overnight stays under the open sky. The trip is guided in a small group and starts from Kristiansand or Grimstad.

Over three days, you will have time to experience the archipelago up close. Paddle between islands, learn simple outdoor skills and get a real feel for life by the coast. There may also be time for fishing, snorkelling or freediving.

Available: June to September

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Luxury pontoon tours in Kristiansand

Join a relaxed pontoon tour and experience Kristiansand from the water. Choose between a trip through the archipelago around Bragdøya, with views of small islands, boathouses, smooth coastal rocks and the coastline, or a river cruise along the Otra River, past Christiansholm Fortress and into green river landscapes.

Both tours run at a comfortable pace on a premium pontoon boat, with time to enjoy the nature, views and atmosphere on the water.

Available: May to September

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MS Bragdøya - Badebåten

Join MS Bragdøya - Badebåten and explore the Kristiansand archipelago at your own pace. The boat departs from Pier 6 in Kristiansand and takes you to islands with bathing spots, walking trails, cafés and peaceful places to slow down. Your ticket is valid all day, so you can hop off along the way and return on a later departure.

This is a great way to go swimming, take a walk, visit Bragdøya or simply enjoy a relaxed day at sea.

Available: June to August

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Sunday Trip to Dvergsøya with MS Bragdøya

Join MS Bragdøya on a trip to Dvergsøya and enjoy a mix of boating, coastal scenery and local history. The trip takes you through the Kristiansand archipelago and offers a peaceful break with a real Southern Norway atmosphere.

On the island, guide Pål Karsten Kristensen takes you to places and stories that have shaped Dvergsøya. You will hear about everything from old summer villas to local stories that still live on today. This is a calm and interesting Sunday trip for those who want to experience the archipelago.

Available: From may

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Places to stay around Bragdøya:

Vogts Villa at Dvergsøya

Vogts Villa is a stately villa on the south side of Dvergsøya, offering a comfortable and…

Gerrards Villa at Bragdøya

Gerrards Villa is situated in a scenic spot near the farm on Bragdøya, just a 10-minute walk…

Låven on Bragdøya

Låven is part of a historic farm on Bragdøya, located 10 minutes on foot from Saltebua and…

Våningshuset on Stokken

Våningshuset is a comfortable accommodation on the island of Stokken in Randesund, surrounded…

Cabin Viterro

Vinterro is a basic and welcoming camp on Bragdøya, offering five simple cabins just a short…

Jordbærbua på Dvergsøya

Jordbærbua is ideally located on Dvergsøya, just outside Kristiansand, offering a unique…

Dokkestua on Stokken

Dokkestua is a small and inviting cabin on the island of Stokken in Randesund, offering a simple yet…

Grimstad:

Boat Trip with Østerøy in Grimstad

Join the traditional boat Østerøy and explore the Grimstad archipelago from the sea. The trip takes you between islets and skerries, with plenty of time to enjoy the sea air, the views and the calm atmosphere on board.

Along the way, you will hear more about the area and the coast around Grimstad. There will also be time to enjoy life at sea, go for a swim and take in the peaceful atmosphere on the water.

Available: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 25 June to 10 August.

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Experience Raet National Park

Join M/S Østerøy from Grimstad and experience Raet National Park from the sea. The trip takes you through the archipelago and towards the Valøyene islands, where you can get close to coastal nature, open sea and landscapes shaped by the Ice Age.

Along the way, the guide shares stories about the nature, wildlife and areas you pass. At Valøyene, there is a short stop with the opportunity to go ashore and walk up to the viewpoint by Hesnes merke. A scenic boat trip for those who want to experience nature, coastal history and the Grimstad archipelago.

Available: July to August.

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Blooming Tour to Auesøya

Join the schooner S/S Solrik from Grimstad to Auesøya. The trip takes you through the archipelago to Sokken, where the group walks across the island to the old settlement and gardens on Auesøya.

Here you can experience the spring bloom, hear a little about the island’s history and enjoy a calm evening in the coastal landscape. The trip includes a boat ride, an easy walk and spring atmosphere in the archipelago.

Available: May, departure at 17:00 and return around 22:00.

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Hesnesøya - “In the Wake of Terje Vigen”

Join the old shrimp trawler "Østerøy" on a trip to Hesnesøya, and experience the coast through the story of Terje Vigen. The trip takes you out into the archipelago, to places and landscapes connected to Henrik Ibsen’s famous poem and Grimstad’s maritime history.

On the island, a guide will take you on a walk where you can learn more about life along the coast, old outports and the stories that have shaped the area. This is an atmospheric boat trip with archipelago scenery, cultural history and a calm experience at sea.

Available: Tuesdays from 1 July to 5 August.

Book here