Stavanger Boat Tour with Pulpit Rock, Waterfalls and Goats

Reviewed · PREIKESTOLEN & LYSEFJORD TRIPS

Stavanger Boat Tour with Pulpit Rock, Waterfalls and Goats

5.0 · 41 reviews 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) From $144 Operated by RIB Adventure Stavanger · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

RIBs in Norway hit different. This Stavanger outing is built for close-up fjord views, where you see famous rock faces, a cave in Lysefjord, and a waterfall from the water instead of from a distance.

I really like how the trip mixes three “wow” stops in a tight 1 hour 45 minutes, with Pulpit Rock and the Lysefjord Fantahålå cave getting included admission time. Another big plus is the practical side: you’re given warm waterproof full-length suits so you can focus on the scenery, not the cold.

One thing to consider is that the ride can be choppy, and you might get wet even with gear. If you’re sensitive to bumps or soreness, plan for that and bring what you need to stay comfortable.

Key Highlights You Should Know

Stavanger Boat Tour with Pulpit Rock, Waterfalls and Goats - Key Highlights You Should Know

  • Close-to-the-rock RIB speedboat views that put cliffs and sea edges in your lap range
  • Pulpit Rock from sea level, the kind of angle most photos miss
  • Fantahålå cave visit, a quick, mysterious Lysefjord moment
  • Goats at the waterline, where feeding is part of the fun (carrots help)
  • Warm dry-suit comfort plus glove and hat tips for staying focused outdoors
  • Small group size up to 12, which keeps the experience feeling personal on a fast ride

Starting From Strandkaien 34: Simple, Fjord-First Logistics

Stavanger Boat Tour with Pulpit Rock, Waterfalls and Goats - Starting From Strandkaien 34: Simple, Fjord-First Logistics
The tour meets at Strandkaien 34, 4005 Stavanger, and it ends back at the same spot. That matters because you do not have to fight across town after you get soaked, cooled down, and delighted.

You get a mobile ticket, and confirmation comes at booking time. The meeting point is also near public transportation, so you can keep the day easy if you are not driving.

Pulpit Rock: Seeing the Icon From the Waterline

Pulpit Rock is the headline, and from the sea it turns from a postcard shape into something huge and real. You get a short stop with included admission, just enough time to take in the angles and snap photos before the boat heads on.

This is the advantage of doing it by RIB: the rock face feels closer, and you can see how the cliff drops into the fjord. If you care about perspectives, this stop delivers fast.

A possible drawback is time. The stop is brief, so bring your camera setup confidence, not a slow-moving itinerary plan.

Fantahålå Cave Stop in Lysefjord: Quick, Weird, and Worth It

Stavanger Boat Tour with Pulpit Rock, Waterfalls and Goats - Fantahålå Cave Stop in Lysefjord: Quick, Weird, and Worth It
Next you visit Fantahålå, a cave in the Lysefjord. It is another included admission stop, and it is timed like a hit and run: short on land, focused on the moment from the water.

The good part is that you are not stuck waiting around. You get the “there is something mysterious here” feeling without turning the day into a long excursion day.

One consideration is that if you hate brief stops, you may want to accept that this tour is about motion and variety, not lingering.

Hengjanefossen Waterfall: Close Enough to Feel the Spray

Stavanger Boat Tour with Pulpit Rock, Waterfalls and Goats - Hengjanefossen Waterfall: Close Enough to Feel the Spray
You then head to Hengjanefossen for a waterfall stop. The admission here is free, and the point is to get you near enough that the water and rock setting feel physical.

This is where the RIB style pays off. From a boat, you can sense the flow, and you can sometimes even touch the water near the stops, depending on conditions. If you like interactive travel, this one scratches that itch.

The main tradeoff is the weather. If it is gusty or the water is rough, the spray can be more intense, even with suits.

Mountain Goats Along the Route: The Carrot Trick

Stavanger Boat Tour with Pulpit Rock, Waterfalls and Goats - Mountain Goats Along the Route: The Carrot Trick
One of the fun surprises on this outing is the chance to see mountain goats during the cruise. A clear tip from people who have done the ride is to bring carrots, because goats often move right up to the waterline when they sense food.

This is not a zoo moment. You are watching wildlife behavior in its normal setting, from a boat perspective, so keep it calm, keep distance, and treat it like nature, not a performance.

If you forget carrots, you will still likely see goats if timing lines up, but having them turns a good sighting into a memorable one.

More ledges out over the Lysefjord:

The Boat Ride Reality: Dry Suits, Gloves, and Bumps

Stavanger Boat Tour with Pulpit Rock, Waterfalls and Goats - The Boat Ride Reality: Dry Suits, Gloves, and Bumps
A big reason this tour gets such strong feedback is how well you are outfitted for Norway’s chill. You wear warm, waterproof, full-length suits that help you stay dry and comfortable through the ride and near-water stops.

Still, bring the basics that people recommend for a better experience: gloves and a hat. If you sit up front, you can get a more exciting view angle, and you may also be the one who takes more spray.

The ride can be bumpy at times. If that usually bothers you, consider bringing what you need for comfort, and plan to ride with your body relaxed instead of stiff.

Who Guides You Matters: Eric, Marcus, and the Energy Factor

Stavanger Boat Tour with Pulpit Rock, Waterfalls and Goats - Who Guides You Matters: Eric, Marcus, and the Energy Factor
The experience is run by RIB Adventure Stavanger, and guide energy shows up in the reviews. Names that come up include Eric and Marcus, and both seem to do a good job of making the ride feel fun and informative rather than just transport.

You should expect some guiding during the cruise, plus help getting the most out of each stop. On a fast schedule, a good guide helps you notice things instead of rushing through them.

If your guide has a knack for turning scenery into stories, this tour will feel like more than just a sightseeing boat.

Price and Value: What $144.98 Buys You in 1 Hour 45 Minutes

Stavanger Boat Tour with Pulpit Rock, Waterfalls and Goats - Price and Value: What $144.98 Buys You in 1 Hour 45 Minutes
At $144.98 per person for about 1 hour 45 minutes, the price can look steep until you break down what you’re actually getting. You are paying for a RIB experience that gets you close to sea cliffs, plus included admission at Pulpit Rock and Fantahålå.

On top of that, the waterfall stop is admission free, which helps the overall value. Then there is the practical cost-saver: the warm waterproof suits and the fact that the boat style gives you angles you cannot easily recreate from shore.

You also get a small maximum group size of 12 travelers, which tends to mean less crowding at stops and more space to move around on the boat. For many people, that intimacy is part of why the experience feels worth the money.

Timing and Popularity: Booking Around 53 Days Ahead

On average, this tour is booked about 53 days in advance. That tells me it is not a last-minute gamble if you want a specific day.

If your schedule is flexible, you can still find options, but if you are traveling in high season or on a tight itinerary, booking earlier keeps choices open.

Weather, Motion, and Best-Day Expectations

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions shut it down, you are offered a different date or a full refund, so you are not stuck losing money.

You should still understand what good weather means here: you want seas and skies that allow safe cruising and comfortable viewing. If you are sensitive to cold or motion, bring the right layers and gear and let the suits do their job.

As for who will enjoy it most, I think it fits best if you like active travel. If you want calm, slow sightseeing, this is still scenic, but the format is fast and outdoorsy.

Should You Book This Stavanger RIB Tour?

If you want the fjords from the water with real closeness, I would book this. The combination of Pulpit Rock, Fantahålå, a waterfall stop, and the goat chance is a lot of variety for one afternoon, and the small group size makes it feel personal.

I would skip it or rethink timing if you hate bumpy boat rides or if you are not able to handle cold conditions even with waterproof gear. Otherwise, this is a smart splurge for anyone who wants Norway’s famous scenery with motion, angles, and a little wildlife luck.

FAQ

How long is the Stavangers Boat Tour with Pulpit Rock, Waterfalls and Goats?

It lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The tour meets at Strandkaien 34, 4005 Stavanger, Norway.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is the maximum group size?

This tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Which stops are included, and are any admissions free?

Pulpit Rock has included admission. Fantahålå also has included admission. Hengjanefossen waterfall is listed as free.

What should I bring to stay comfortable on the boat?

The tour includes warm, waterproof suits. It is also recommended to bring gloves and a hat for cold conditions.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

It requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Is this tour suitable for most travelers?

The tour notes that most travelers can participate.

More like this

Preikestolen & Lysefjord Trips, compared.

The full Preikestolen & Lysefjord Trips list →
Electric Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord & Preikestolen
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 8,385 reviews· from $93

Electric Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord & Preikestolen

Read our review →
Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 1,357 reviews· from $89

Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock

Read our review →
RIB Tour to Lysefjord
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 1,288 reviews· from $131

RIB Tour to Lysefjord

Read our review →
Lysefjorden & Pulpit Rock RIB Boat Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 1,156 reviews· from $145

Lysefjorden & Pulpit Rock RIB Boat Tour

Read our review →
Lysefjord RIB Safari from Stavanger
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 665 reviews· from $134

Lysefjord RIB Safari from Stavanger

Read our review →
Guided hike to Pulpit Rock Preikestolen
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 390 reviews· from $149

Guided hike to Pulpit Rock Preikestolen

Read our review →
Lysefjorden & Pulpit Rock RIB-Safari from Stavanger
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 374 reviews· from $149

Lysefjorden & Pulpit Rock RIB-Safari from Stavanger

Read our review →
Pulpit Rock Guided Hike with Pickup
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 294 reviews· from $145

Pulpit Rock Guided Hike with Pickup

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Every kind of day in Norway

Water, snow, sky and the towns in between.