Private half-day boat tour from Bergen: Explore the archipelago along Hjeltefjorden

This is a flexible tour that can easily be adjusted and combined with a trip out into the open waters of Øygarden, swimming, SUP, kayaking, free-diving in sheltered coves, and/or fishing in Hjeltefjorden or in the open waters of Øygarden.

The trip is organized by Selheim Boat Rental, and they have two SUP boards and an inflatable tandem kayak on the boat’s roof for use when the weather permits. The two SUP boards can also be used as a kayak with a seat strapped onto the board.

On the trip, you'll be accompanied by an experienced skipper with a D5L leisure Skipper Certificate (Deck Officer Class 5 – pleasure craft) and necessary safety training. Safe and guided tours are available for up to 9 passengers in a Quicksilver 905PH boat. This tour described below lasts about 4 hours. If desired, the tour can be extended for an additional fee.

Route:

The trip starts from Bergen city centre and heads out through Byfjorden and northward along Herdlefjorden or Hjeltefjorden to Herdla, located at the far northern tip of the island Askøy. This leg takes just over 1 hour at cruising speed, approximately 22 knots (40 km/h). You will be able to relax on the boat and enjoy the stunning coastline and boats around you.

Once in Herdla, you can stretch your legs and enjoy a warm cup of coffee and a freshly baked bread roll at the local store by the Herdla guest harbour. This moraine island, located at the far north of Askøy, was formed by glaciers and meltwater around 12,500 years ago. With its long beaches and large flat areas, Herdla stands out from the surrounding coastal landscape outside Bergen. Herdla is also home to the largest farm in former Hordaland and the region's most important bird area, with more than 230 bird species. During World War II, there was a large German fort and an airstrip here, which you can learn more about at the Herdla Museum. There are several small, fortified islands from World War II around Herdla, where you can disembark and explore.

From Herdla, the trip continues southward along Askøy's beautiful archipelago, where the boat weaves through narrow straits and bays, bringing you close to many small local coastal communities. The leg ends in the boat owner’s favourite sheltered bay at Børøy, where the boat will anchor. Here you can swim, paddle SUP and/or the inflatable tandem kayak, free-dive, and/or enjoy a small picnic on the boat. The captain on board has a small drone and will be able to share photos with you afterward.

See a stunning bird's-eye view of Herdla Island on Wikipedia here.

After a refreshing swim and/or picnic, the trip continues southward to the guest harbour at the Hjeltefjorden Fjord Centre on Geitanger Island. This leg takes about 20 minutes. Here, you can take a short walk on the idyllic little island or relax and enjoy a burger, ice cream, and cold beer at the small tavern. From Geitanger, the return trip to Bergen city centre takes about 30 minutes.

Selheim Boat Rental is a registered tourist fishing company (fish camp), so you can take any fish caught home with you.

Departure/arrival:

Departure/arrival at Bryggen in Bergen city centre. Other locations in the Bergen area can be arranged. The boat's home harbour is on Hanøy, Askøy, with easy access to great fishing spots.

Duration:

The basic tour lasts about 4 hours. Extensions/changes can be arranged for an additional fee. The tour can be booked from 10:00 or later, with the tour ending before dark.

Price:

Approximately 4 hour tour: NOK 14,000

Maximum number of passengers:

9 persons + skipper. Accommodation available for up to 6 persons.

Booking, payment, and terms of conditions:

The tour can be booked by email (click the email icon at the top of the page) or by phone. Booking and payment are made via bank transfer prior to the tour, but for same-day bookings, payment can be made by debit/credit card when boarding. The tour can be cancelled at no extra charge up to 3 days before departure. Cancellations made 3 days or fewer before departure will incur a 20% charge of the rental amount. If the tour must be cancelled due to weather or other factors preventing the boat's use, a full refund will be issued.

Meals/refreshments:

Coffee/tea and light snacks are available free of charge on the boat. There will also be opportunities to buy food and drinks at the local store and tavern on Herdla or at the tavern at Hjeltefjorden Fjord Centre on Geitanger Island. You are also welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board.

Season:

The tour is available year-round, but the tavern at Hjeltefjorden Fjord Centre on Geitanger Island is only open during the summer season.

About the boat:

The boat is 29 feet long, accommodates up to 10 people, and is ideal for fishing, water sports, sightseeing, or longer trips with overnight stays for up to 6 people. It has a large, open aft deck with a fishing station, wash and filleting table, as well as a fish tank below deck and fishing rod holders. On the roof, there are two SUP boards available for use when the boat is docked in the harbour or anchored in Børøy Bay. In the summer season, an inflatable kayak can also be made available.

Safety:

The boat is equipped with VHF radio, AIS receiver, life buoy, safety lines, and a larger life raft, as well as a corporate membership with the rescue boat service for immediate assistance if needed. There is also an automatic Powerheart G5 defibrillator/AED with both Norwegian and English language settings, along with basic first-aid equipment on board.

Rental:

The boat can be rented without a skipper for individuals with a boat driver's license and documented experience with boats of this size. If you rent the boat without a skipper, you will receive a detailed user guide in advance and a thorough walkthrough of the boat during the handover.

More information about renting the boat without a skipper can be found here.

Selheim Boat Rental also offers a variety of other tour destinations, tailor-made trips, and rental of holiday homes and cabins.

Tour operated by:

Selheim Båtutleie