For bird enthusiasts, one of the most thrilling experiences in Northern Norway is a puffin safari. Bleiksøya, a small island off Bleik on Andøya, offers one of the best opportunities to see Atlantic puffins up close. This charming island is home to a significant puffin population, making it a must-visit location for nature lovers and photographers alike.
The Puffin Safari Experience
The puffins arrive in Bleiksøya each year between late April and mid-August, coming to breed. I visited Bleik in mid-August, and although the puffin numbers were beginning to dwindle, there were still plenty around. However, for the best experience, an earlier visit in the summer might offer the chance to witness a greater variety of seabirds, including other species like skuas and gulls.
The safari departs from Bleik’s harbor aboard a small fishing boat called “Laura,” and lasts for approximately 1.5 hours. When I went in 2019, the price was 500 NOK for adults and 300 NOK for children. Although the weather can be unpredictable in this coastal area, we were lucky with just some cloud cover and wind—perfect conditions for a boat ride.
The island itself, Bleiksøya, is more of a rocky outcrop than a lush island, making it hard to land on. Instead, our boat circled the island, offering stunning views of the puffins and other wildlife from a safe distance.
Puffins and Other Seabirds
While the puffins were active in the water, it was difficult to get incredibly close to them. Unlike other locations I’ve visited, such as Scotland or the Faroe Islands, the puffins here maintained their distance from the boat. That said, the sight of so many puffins bobbing in the sea was still a fantastic experience.
As we drew closer to Bleiksøya, we spotted not just puffins but also a few sea eagles. The eagles, unfortunately, are a threat to the puffins, as they often hunt them for food. This added a dramatic touch to the safari, as we watched the majestic eagles circling the boat. The crew even attracted the eagles by tossing fish scraps into the water, and to our surprise, two eagles—one juvenile and one adult—came into view.
Unexpected Eagle Encounter
The highlight of the safari, for me, was the eagle show. After the crew member lured them in with food, we watched in awe as the juvenile eagle swooped down to grab the fish remains. Meanwhile, the adult eagle continued to circle above, giving us the rare chance to see them so close.
After the eagles flew off, we continued our journey back to the harbor. The puffins, now somewhat accustomed to the boat, seemed less shy, allowing me to capture some much closer shots. The return trip was also a great opportunity to observe other seabirds like guillemots and little cormorants in the water and flying overhead.
A Memorable Wildlife Tour
Overall, the puffin safari in Bleik was a wonderful experience. While I was initially a little disappointed that we couldn’t get as close to the puffins as I had hoped, the eagle sighting made up for it. The breathtaking views of Bleiksøya’s cliffs, which I had previously admired from the Måtinden peak during a hike, were the perfect backdrop for this memorable birdwatching tour.
If you’re in Northern Norway during the puffin season, this safari is an excellent way to spend a few hours, enjoy the beauty of the coastline, and witness some incredible wildlife in its natural habitat.
