Lysefjord from Stavanger: The 15 Best Cruises and RIB Trips

1.Electric Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord & Preikestolen

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 8,385 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $93Our pick

From Strandkaien in central Stavanger, you’ll ride Rødne’s quiet electric catamaran into Lysefjord. Expect clear audio commentary in English and Norwegian, close views of Vagabond’s Cave, Preikestolen, and Hengjanefossen waterfall, plus indoor seating, sun decks, Wi-Fi, and a snack bar.

“Despite the overcast skies with a strong wind this was a very good excursion, and with blue skies it would have been outstanding.”

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2.Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,357 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $89Best value

Sail from Strandkaien into Lysefjord aboard a Helgøy Skyssbåt vessel. Your captain and guide point out Ådnøy, Fantahålå, Preikestolen, Hengjanefossen, and the Whiskey Waterfall, often bringing the boat close enough to feel the spray. You get indoor seating, outdoor viewing areas, toilets, snacks, and multilingual audio.

“Fantastic experience! We enjoyed the trip enormously. Although there were only 8 tourists taking the trip on the day, the staff were friendly and made sure we all had a great time and unforgettable views! The boat came very close to all the attractions on the way, and the music background was funny and well-matched to the attractions. :) I totally recommend booking the trip with this company.”

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3.RIB Tour to Lysefjord

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,288 reviews · 2 hours · from $131

Ride from Stavanger into Lysefjord in a fast RIB with an English-speaking skipper such as Eirik, Axel, Gian, or Simon. You will see Preikestolen from below, stop at Fantahala and Hengjanefossen, hear fjord stories, and may spot seals, porpoises, goats, sea eagles, or dolphins. Warm suits, gloves, goggles, and lifejackets are supplied.

“Easily located on the dockside. Friendly staff. Plenty of time to get suits and life jackets on. RIB tour itself was excellent. Exhilarating ride, few stops for close up views and info from our captain. Would recommend.”

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4.Lysefjorden & Pulpit Rock RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,156 reviews · 2 hours · from $145

Join Stavanger RIB for a two-hour small-group ride into Lysefjord. Your captain, often guides such as Stig, Christian, Daniel, or Sebastian, handles the boat and shares local tales near Pulpit Rock, Vagabond Cave, and Whisky Falls. Waterproof flotation suits, gloves, and goggles are supplied, but bring warm layers and a secure hat.

“It was excellent in every way!! A wonderful way to experience the Lysefjord. The RIB boat was fun and Stig , our guide, was informative, told a few stories, was engaging and friendly. It was one of our highlights on our 3 week Scandinavian trip.”

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5.Lysefjord RIB Safari from Stavanger

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 665 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $134Top rated

Suit up in a thermal dry suit and join a small group of up to 12 on a two-hour RIB ride from Stavanger. Your captain takes you past islands and fish farms into Lysefjord, with stops at Fantahålå, Pulpit Rock, and Hengjanefossen waterfall. Guides such as Ola, Alex, Aksel, and Eirik mix local stories with speed, music, and sharp fjord views.

“Incredible experience! Scenery was beautiful, tunes were amazing! Well worth it if you’re stopping here!”

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6.Haugesund Shore Excursion: Åkrafjorden & Langfoss waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 554 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $108

Travel from Haugesund’s cruise dock to 600-meter Langfoss waterfall, Åkrafjorden, and Haraldshaugen. Your English-speaking guide may be Aline, Lily, Jamie, or another local host, with stories, photo stops, and a short café break along the way. Expect five to six hours in a group of up to 49 people.

“It was a very interesting tour. Christina was very friendly and well informed. She told us also many things about Norway, not only about the Langfossen waterfall. We can highly recommend the tour.”

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7.Lysefjorden & Pulpit Rock RIB-Safari from Stavanger

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 374 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $149

Set out from Stavanger harbor in a small-group RIB with an experienced captain such as Daniel, Christien, or Sean. You’ll pass Stavanger’s old waterfront, race across the fjord at up to 35 knots, and stop at Pulpit Rock, Fantahålå cave, and Hengjanefossen waterfall. Float suits, goggles, gloves, and life jackets are provided.

“Excellent experience to dive into the grandeur of the Fjords and its waterfalls. It is truly a heart pumping ride with so much fun and excitement. A must do ride with this tour company.”

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8.Lysefjorden & Pulpit Rock Safari by RIB

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 86 reviews · 2 hours · from $141

Join RIB Adventure Stavanger for a fast, two-hour trip from Strandkaien 34 into Lysefjorden. Your English or Norwegian-speaking guide takes you close to Pulpit Rock, Whiskey Waterfall, and Fantahålå cave, with warm waterproof gear, hats, and gloves supplied. Guides including Marcus and Eric are praised for safety, humor, and good photo stops.

“Amazing trip with amazing views! Such a fun couple hours & our tour guide was great - don’t miss!”

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9.Lysefjorden Cruise and Preikestolen Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 83 reviews · 8h 30m · from $148

Start at Stavanger’s Strandkaien, cruise Lysefjord aboard a comfortable sightseeing boat, then take a bus to Preikestolen BaseCamp for a self-guided four-hour hike. Expect rocky climbs, mountain lakes, waterfalls, panoramic fjord views, onboard audio guidance, Wi-Fi, and café service. Return by Boreal bus through the underwater road tunnel.

“Barca molto bella e comoda, Bellissimo giro sui fiordi. L'autobus di ritorno ha la stessa compagnia di quello dell'andata e bisogna chiedere informazioni sugli orari di ritorno all'autista. Nel nostro caso c'erano solo due orari, 16 o 18, noi siamo riusciti a prendere il primo. Il percorso del trekking è ben segnalato e impossibile sbagliare strada.”

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10.Guided Lysefjord Cruise to Pulpit Rock

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 65 reviews · 150 minutes - 3 hours · from $156

Leave Stavanger by comfortable speedboat for a 150-minute to 3-hour tour of Lysefjord. Your captain, often Kjetil or Ketil, explains Vagabond’s Cave, Pulpit Rock, and Whiskey Falls. Floating suits, a covered roof, close waterfall views, and a possible free minibus upgrade make this a practical choice in changeable weather.

“We definitely recommend this tour, it’s totally worth it. As this is not a big tourist boat, you have a kind of your private tour guide. The views are breathtaking, and our captain Ketil was very knowledgeable and pleasant. We definitely recommend this tour.”

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11.Rib adventure in the Lysefjord with boat house visit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $145

Start at Stavanger’s 400-year-old boathouse on Strandkaien 34, then suit up for a two-hour RIB ride into Lysefjord. Your captain points out Pulpit Rock, Vagabond’s Cave, and Whisky Falls while you watch for seals, porpoises, dolphins, and sea eagles. Guides such as Erik and Peter are known for lively commentary and safe handling.

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12.Lysefjord Kayak Safari (Waterfalls & Pulpit Rock)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 28 reviews · 6 hours · from $291

Paddle Lysefjord with Nordic Paddling for six hours, learning kayak skills before following your guide beneath 400 to 500-meter cliffs, past waterfalls, Vagabond’s Cave, and possibly curious seals. Stop for lunch with views of Preikestolen. Guides speak English and Norwegian, and Anna has earned special praise for her warm, informative style.

“Our tour guide Anna was truly excellent. My sister and I had always wanted to kayak the Fjords and today we did just that. Our guide took the time to teach us about the history of the area, seeing the wildlife there and even a little head rub with a local goat on the side of the fjord. Highly recommend !”

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13.Lysefjord RIB Boat Tour with Boathouse Visit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 2 hours · from $136

Start in Stavanger’s 400-year-old boathouse, suit up, and ride a small-group RIB into Lysefjord. Your English or Norwegian-speaking guide points out Pulpit Rock, Vagabond’s Cave, Hengjanefossen waterfall, wildlife, carvings, and a giant pothole. Markus is one named guide praised for friendly, professional service.

“Profesjonalna obsługa. Bardzo dobrze wszystko przedstawili także przewodnik się spisał. Dbają o klienta od a do z.”

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14.Frafjord Paddling & Månafossen Waterfall Hike Stavanger

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 7 hours · from $187

Join Gabriel and the Frafjord SUP & Kayak team for a seven-hour outing from Stavanger. Hike to 92-meter Månafossen, then paddle Frafjord by kayak or SUP. Wetsuits, life vests, instruction, transport, and hot drinks are included. The day suits active visitors who want both a waterfall and a fjord without renting a car.

“A great day hiking up to the waterfall first and then heading to the fjord after for a paddle and swim. The transportation was on time for pick up and very clean and comfortable. The paddle was well catered to everyone in the group.”

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15.Guided Lysefjord Safari on Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $160

Set out from Stavanger harbour on a fast, comfortable speedboat limited to a small group. Wear a floating suit and inflatable life jacket as your captain takes you to Vagabond’s Cave, Pulpit Rock, Hengjanefossen waterfall, and the narrow Lysefjord. An optional minibus upgrade adds a viewpoint, snacks, and the Ryfast tunnel.

“I was trying to decide between this speedboat and a RIB boat tour. I definitely made the right decision! The boat is fantastic, and the captain was great. We saw several RIB boats. The passengers were so packed in, it looked like they were sitting on each other's laps. We had plenty of space.”

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