Skip the crowds at Lysefjord and see Stavanger from the sea aboard the historic RS56 Olav Ringdal Jr. This private fishing and sightseeing cruise explores sheltered island channels, offers guided angling to 70 m, and serves coffee and cookies on deck.
Skip the crowds at Lysefjord and see Stavanger from the sea aboard the historic RS56 Olav Ringdal Jr. This private fishing and sightseeing cruise explores sheltered island channels, offers guided angling to 70 m, and serves coffee and cookies on deck.
The harbor light in Stavanger leans low and cold, catching on the steel ribs of an old rescue boat as it waits at Vågen. Step aboard RS56 Olav Ringdal Jr. and you leave the tourist queues for Preikestolen behind—this is a different kind of coastal day. The boat moves at 8 knots, a steady heartbeat that keeps conversation easy and the horizon wide. Islands rise and fall like green thumbs along the water; currents nudge the bow and the sea dares you to slow down and look.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by North Sea and Fjord Safari · Stavanger, Rogaland
The harbor light in Stavanger leans low and cold, catching on the steel ribs of an old rescue boat as it waits at Vågen. Step aboard RS56 Olav Ringdal Jr. and you leave the tourist queues for Preikestolen behind—this is a different kind of coastal day. The boat moves at 8 knots, a steady heartbeat that keeps conversation easy and the horizon wide. Islands rise and fall like green thumbs along the water; currents nudge the bow and the sea dares you to slow down and look.
The Olav Ringdal Jr. was launched in 1952 and spent three decades on search-and-rescue duty. Its deck still carries the practical scars of that life: reinforced timbers, a captain's eye for weather, and a signature from King Haakon VII tucked in its log—a small, human detail on a maritime workhorse. The geology here is hard rock and fjord-sculpted coastline—granite shoulders and sheltered channels cut during the last ice age. Culturally, Stavanger mixes seafaring grit with oil-era modernism; locals know the islands as weekend refuges and small-scale fisheries.
This private tour blends sightseeing with hands-on fishing in protected waters around Stavanger municipality. The boatswain narrates local history and points out landmarks from the water—former boathouses, tiny lighthouses, and seasonal seabird colonies—then helps you rig lines and drop to depths as deep as 70 meters. A fishfinder guides the captain; when blips appear, you drop, play, and haul. The reward is both the catch and the quiet: coffee, cookies, and the slow rhythm of a vessel that trusts the sea.
Practical details: departures meet at Stavanger harbor (Vågen); the trip lasts roughly 4–4.5 hours. The boat is built for rougher weather, but tours may cancel with poor conditions—check the 24-hour cancellation window. Fishing gear is provided; basic instruction is included, so no prior angling skill is necessary. Expect cool winds on open water—layers are essential, and a windproof outer layer makes the difference between shivering and enjoying the view.
Tips for planning: aim for morning or the golden hours for the best light and calmer seas, take a non-drowsy seasickness tablet if you are prone, and bring a camera with a polarizing filter to cut glare from the water. Respect local wildlife—keep distance from nesting birds and avoid discarding lines or bait. For a private, low-key alternative to packed fjord tours, this is coastal Norway on human scale: historic timber underfoot, islands gliding past, and the small thrill of a line going tight.
No—fishing gear and instruction are provided; the boatswain assists when the captain locates fish on the fishfinder.
Boarding is in Stavanger harbor (Vågen); the captain will advise the exact berth by phone on the day of departure.
Yes—infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; the operator notes the vessel is stroller accessible.
Service animals are allowed; check with the operator beforehand for any additional rules.
The tour may be canceled for unsafe weather; cancelations made at least 24 hours prior are fully refundable.
Common local catches include cod and pollock in these coastal waters, but catch depends on season and location.
North Sea and Fjord Safari operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The harbor light in Stavanger leans low and cold, catching on the steel ribs of an old rescue boat as it waits at Vågen. Step aboard RS56 Olav Ringdal Jr. and you leave the tourist queues for Preikestolen behind—this is a different kind of coastal day. The boat moves at 8 knots, a steady heartbeat that keeps conversation easy and the horizon wide. Islands rise and fall like green thumbs along the water; currents nudge the bow and the sea dares you to slow down and look.
The harbor light in Stavanger leans low and cold, catching on the steel ribs of an old rescue boat as it waits at Vågen. Step aboard RS56 Olav Ringdal Jr. and you leave the tourist queues for Preikestolen behind—this is a different kind of coastal day. The boat moves at 8 knots, a steady heartbeat that keeps conversation easy and the horizon wide. Islands rise and fall like green thumbs along the water; currents nudge the bow and the sea dares you to slow down and look.
The Olav Ringdal Jr. was launched in 1952 and spent three decades on search-and-rescue duty. Its deck still carries the practical scars of that life: reinforced timbers, a captain's eye for weather, and a signature from King Haakon VII tucked in its log—a small, human detail on a maritime workhorse. The geology here is hard rock and fjord-sculpted coastline—granite shoulders and sheltered channels cut during the last ice age. Culturally, Stavanger mixes seafaring grit with oil-era modernism; locals know the islands as weekend refuges and small-scale fisheries.
This private tour blends sightseeing with hands-on fishing in protected waters around Stavanger municipality. The boatswain narrates local history and points out landmarks from the water—former boathouses, tiny lighthouses, and seasonal seabird colonies—then helps you rig lines and drop to depths as deep as 70 meters. A fishfinder guides the captain; when blips appear, you drop, play, and haul. The reward is both the catch and the quiet: coffee, cookies, and the slow rhythm of a vessel that trusts the sea.
Practical details: departures meet at Stavanger harbor (Vågen); the trip lasts roughly 4–4.5 hours. The boat is built for rougher weather, but tours may cancel with poor conditions—check the 24-hour cancellation window. Fishing gear is provided; basic instruction is included, so no prior angling skill is necessary. Expect cool winds on open water—layers are essential, and a windproof outer layer makes the difference between shivering and enjoying the view.
Tips for planning: aim for morning or the golden hours for the best light and calmer seas, take a non-drowsy seasickness tablet if you are prone, and bring a camera with a polarizing filter to cut glare from the water. Respect local wildlife—keep distance from nesting birds and avoid discarding lines or bait. For a private, low-key alternative to packed fjord tours, this is coastal Norway on human scale: historic timber underfoot, islands gliding past, and the small thrill of a line going tight.