Honningsvåg – gateway to the North Cape

Birdwatching Safari

Excursion

Price from £209

Difficulty level

Level 2: Suitable for most.

Booking code

HR-HVG6B

Duration

3 hours

Notes

Read the practical information below

Gjesvarstappan Norway HGR 143434 Photo Andrea Klaussner
  • Visit the small fishing village of Gjesvær which dates to the Viking era

  • Enjoy views of Gjesværstappan, a group of steep, grass-covered islands

  • Visit these outlying islands by boat to see one of Norway’s biggest bird cliffs

  • Spot seabirds such as puffins, kittiwakes, cormorants, razorbills, and skuas

Board a short boat trip from the historic Viking fishing village of Gjesvær and explore the nearby islands of Gjesværstappan. The confluence of warm and cold ocean currents here creates nutrient-rich waters, while the steep cliffs of the islands make great nesting sites. This is a paradise for thousands of birds, and for bird watchers too, so don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars. 

From the boat, we can observe the Finnmark region’s largest flock of puffins, together with large numbers of kittiwakes. During the nesting season this area teems with life as mighty sea eagles hover above in search of prey, while guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, Arctic skuas, northern fulmars, Brünnich’s guillemots, and the large northern gannet fill the air with a cacophony of shrieks and screeches. In the autumn, you can also catch a glimpse of Europe’s smallest seabird, the British storm-petrel.

Practical information

  • Embarking/disembarking port: Honningsvåg

  • Available: 6 Apr-5 Sep, but this may change due to bird migration patterns

  • Transportation: Bus and boat

  • Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing.

  • The tour is not suitable for persons with impaired mobility. 

  • Minimum age: 5 years old when accompanied by an adult

  • We recommend you bring a pair of binoculars with you

  • Going ashore in the nature reserve is not permitted.

Excursion can also be combined with:

Sign up for our newsletter

Receive special offers, exciting new itineraries and fascinating articles delivered straight to your inbox.