The Bird Safari Tour

Gjesværstappan is the star here: a chain of rocky islands where puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots and gannets crowd the cliffs during the nesting season. I like the way this tour combines a short boat ride with a scenic crossing of the island, so the outing feels like more than a quick wildlife stop.

I also like the practical touches. You can move around the boat, ask questions, use an arctic suit for warmth, and watch for white-tailed eagles overhead. The main drawback is the price, $292 per person, especially if birds stay far from the boat or weather limits visibility.

Key points

• Bird cliffs only 10 minutes from Gjesvær: You reach the reserve quickly after leaving the fishing village.
• Puffins are seasonal: The colony is at its liveliest from April through September.
• A scenic two-part journey: The coach crosses an arctic island, while the boat follows mountains, ocean and fjords.
• Good onboard setup: The boat has toilets, open movement around the vessel and arctic suits for cold conditions.
• Wildlife is never guaranteed at close range: You may see puffins, eagles, seals and many seabirds, but distance and weather matter.
• Cruise-pier convenience: The coach marked The Birdsafari Tour waits beside the tourist information office in Honningsvåg.

From Honningsvåg to the fishing village of Gjesvær

The tour begins beside the cruise pier in Honningsvåg, next to the tourist information office. Look for the coach marked The Birdsafari Tour. That simple meeting point matters if you are arriving by ship and have limited time, since you do not need to find a distant office or arrange a separate transfer.

The first part takes about 30 minutes by bus. I like this transfer because it is part of the experience, not just a ride to the harbor. You cross an arctic island with views of ocean, fjords and steep mountain scenery. The road gives you a broader sense of the North Cape area before the bird watching even begins.

The recorded narration on the coach has been praised for being informative and humorous, and the driver may point out reindeer along the route. The commentary gives the drive some purpose, especially if you are not familiar with the region’s wildlife or geography.

Gjesvær itself is a small fishing village with a history reaching back to the Viking Era. Do not expect a long village tour or a packed schedule of stops. The value is in seeing a quiet working settlement before heading out to the reserve. It provides a pleasant contrast to Honningsvåg, where many visitors arrive for the North Cape.

Boarding the boat in Gjesvær

At Gjesvær, you board the boat for Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve, about 15 kilometers west of the North Cape. The islands are close to the pier, and the boat reaches the bird cliffs in roughly 10 minutes.

That short crossing is useful in two ways. You spend less time simply getting to the wildlife, and more of the three-hour tour can focus on the colony. It also means the outing may suit you if you want a substantial nature experience without committing to a full-day excursion.

The boat allows you to move around rather than remain fixed in one seat. That is helpful for photography, since the best view can change quickly as birds fly, land or disappear below the water. The captain and onboard staff can answer questions, and the captain provides information about the species you are seeing.

There are toilets on board, including two facilities according to one detailed account of the trip. No food is sold on the boat, so bring a snack if you think you will need one. The provided information specifically encourages you to bring your own food or snacks.

Cold is the main practical concern. You can use an arctic suit to stay warmer on the water, but sizing and collection may not be perfectly smooth. One booking described the suits as poorly sized and the handover as confusing. I would allow a little time to get sorted before the boat leaves, and wear warm layers underneath rather than relying on the suit alone.

Gjesværstappan and its crowded bird cliffs

Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve is the reason to book this outing. The islands support one of Norway’s largest groups of puffins and kittiwakes, along with guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, Arctic skuas, fulmars and gannets.

Puffins are easy to recognize by their colorful bills. They nest in holes in the grassy slopes, and the cliffs become especially active from April through September. During this period, you may see birds in the air, on the water and around the nesting areas.

The word may matters. This is a wild colony, not an animal park. Puffins can sit low on the water, fly off before the boat reaches them or vanish below the surface. Several people have had close views, including puffins right on the water, while others found the puffins too distant for satisfying photographs.

That variation is part of the value and the risk. You are visiting a real nature reserve, so the boat cannot arrange a guaranteed close encounter. If your main goal is a perfect puffin photograph, $292 is a large gamble. If you value the full setting, including cliffs, sea, changing weather and many species, the trip makes more sense.

White-tailed eagles may be one of the most rewarding sightings. They can hover above the islands while hunting, and eagle sightings have been especially strong on some departures. You might also see seals playing in the water near the boat. These animals are not promised, but they add variety when puffins are distant.

The crew’s timing and commentary help. The captain identifies species and tells you where to look, while other staff can point out birds and answer questions. That kind of live guidance is important in a large colony. Without it, you could easily miss a bird against the cliffs or mistake one dark seabird for another.

Why the boat commentary matters

Wildlife boat trips can be frustrating when the crew simply drives around and leaves you to guess what you are seeing. This tour places real emphasis on explanation. The captain narrates during the ride, and the information is delivered with humor and clear directions.

I especially like the practical style described by one highly positive account: the crew points out the species and the exact area to watch. That helps you spend less time scanning randomly and more time enjoying the scene.

The quality of a wildlife trip can also depend on the weather. On a clear, calm day, the water, islands and birds can create a powerful combination. In poor conditions, you may spend more effort staying warm and steady than taking photographs. The tour still operates as a boat excursion, but your experience can change sharply with visibility and sea conditions.

The boat ride is not especially long. One person who had an excellent outing wished for more time on the water. That is worth noting if you love bird photography and want long periods to wait for a particular species. The three-hour total includes the bus ride, boarding, the sea excursion and the return to Honningsvåg.

Photography, clothing and comfort

Bring a camera with a useful zoom if you have one, but do not assume every bird will fill the frame. Puffins are small and quick, and the boat must keep a respectful distance from the cliffs and wildlife. A phone can still capture the broad scene, the village, the fjords and larger birds such as eagles and gannets.

The best photographs may be the ones that show the whole setting rather than a tight portrait. Gjesværstappan, the open water and the mountain backdrop give you a sense of place that a close-up bird picture cannot.

Wear warm clothing even if the forecast looks mild. The boat is exposed, and the arctic suit is an extra layer rather than a substitute for sensible clothes. A hat and gloves are useful choices for anyone who gets cold easily. Since the boat has toilets but no food for sale, carry water and a small snack.

You can move freely onboard, which gives you flexibility when one side of the boat offers a better view. Still, conditions may make the deck less comfortable at times. If photography matters to you, keep equipment secure and be ready to put it away quickly.

Is $292 a fair price?

At $292 per person, this is an expensive three-hour outing. The price needs to be judged against what it includes: transport from Honningsvåg, the scenic coach crossing, the boat excursion, the reserve visit, English-language guidance and the chance to see several northern seabird species.

The value is strongest for cruise passengers who want a focused nature experience and may not have another easy way to reach Gjesværstappan. You are paying for transport, a specialized boat trip and local wildlife guidance, not simply a scenic bus ride.

The value is weaker if you want guaranteed close puffin views or a long period at sea. The boat reaches the cliffs quickly, but the total time around the islands is limited. If birds are distant, the price can feel too high. One less satisfied booking made exactly that point after seeing fewer birds than expected.

A high rating of 4.6 from 50 ratings suggests that many people find the outing worthwhile, but the individual experience still depends heavily on wildlife activity and weather. I would book it because you want the full North Cape nature setting, not because you expect a guaranteed checklist.

Who should book this tour?

This outing suits you if you are staying in Honningsvåg, arriving at the cruise pier and want to see more than the North Cape itself. It also works well for families and mixed-age groups because the trip uses a coach and boat rather than requiring a strenuous walk.

Bird lovers will appreciate the range of species. Even if puffins keep their distance, you may see kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, Arctic skuas, fulmars, gannets, white-tailed eagles and perhaps seals.

Photographers should book with realistic expectations. You will get plenty of chances to take pictures, but not necessarily close portraits. The changing conditions and moving wildlife reward patience more than expensive equipment.

This is less suitable if you dislike cold boat rides, need a guaranteed wildlife sighting or consider $292 too much for a three-hour excursion. It is also not ideal if your schedule cannot tolerate any uncertainty, since at least four participants are required for the trip to operate. Solo travelers can still book, and the operator will contact you and refund the booking if there are not enough participants.

Booking details that matter

The tour is conducted in English, and the driver and boat crew provide the commentary. The stated duration is three hours, with starting times depending on availability.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your North Cape plans may change.

The meeting point is beside the tourist information office near the Honningsvåg cruise pier. Arrive with enough time to find the coach marked The Birdsafari Tour and to sort out the arctic suit before departure.

Should you book the Gjesvær bird safari?

Book this tour if you want a compact, well-organized route to a major seabird colony, and if the fjord scenery and village visit matter as much to you as a close puffin photograph. The strongest parts are the scenic drive, quick access to the cliffs, live boat commentary and the chance to see eagles and several kinds of seabirds.

Skip it if the high price will bother you when wildlife is distant. For the best chance of a satisfying outing, go during the April to September nesting period, bring warm layers and snacks, and think of the trip as a visit to a wild colony rather than a guaranteed animal encounter.

FAQ

Where does the Bird Safari Tour meet?

The meeting point is beside the tourist information office next to the cruise pier in Honningsvåg. The coach is marked The Birdsafari Tour.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts three hours.

How do you travel to Gjesværstappan?

The tour uses both a coach and a boat. The coach takes you from Honningsvåg to Gjesvær, and the boat travels from Gjesvær to the nature reserve.

How far is Gjesvær from Honningsvåg?

The coach ride from Honningsvåg to Gjesvær takes about 30 minutes.

How quickly does the boat reach the bird cliffs?

The boat reaches the bird cliffs about 10 minutes after leaving the pier in Gjesvær.

What birds might you see?

Possible sightings include puffins, kittiwakes, white-tailed eagles, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, Arctic skuas, fulmars and gannets. Seals may also be seen in the water.

When is the bird colony most active?

The nesting period runs from April through September.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The driver and tour staff provide English-language information.

What happens if there are not enough participants?

At least four participants are required for the tour to operate. Individual travelers may still book. If there are not enough participants, the operator will contact you in advance and issue a refund.