The Best Boat Rentals in Oslo

Expect shared Oslofjord sightseeing cruises to cost roughly NOK 400–650 per adult for a 2–2.5 hour tour, often with a guide and access to indoor seating and a café on board. Private, captained charters around central Oslo commonly start near NOK 5,500–8,000 per hour for smaller motor yachts or classic boats, while high‑speed RIB boats are often priced around NOK 10,000 per hour per boat for up to 12 guests. Large group vessels are higher. Prices usually include the captain and fuel; docking fees, catering, and local taxes are extra. As a rough conversion, NOK 1,000 is about USD 95–100, so plan accordingly.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to the Oslofjord: comfortable motor yachts and cabin cruisers for small groups, classic wooden sailing ships and modern sailboats for scenic fjord sailing, and fast RIB boats for thrill‑seekers. For larger celebrations or corporate outings, spacious multi‑deck vessels operate in season, while electric sightseeing boats run year‑round for quiet, eco‑friendly tours.

Most visitors choose a captained charter so they can relax, follow the safest routes through island channels, and let a local pro handle docking and weather. Self‑operated (bareboat) options exist for smaller motorboats and sailboats, but you’ll need to show proof of boating competence and recent experience. Boats capable of high speeds and many larger craft are offered only with a professional skipper.

The most common departure spots are the City Hall Piers along Rådhusbrygge (typically Piers 2–4) right by Oslo City Hall, and Aker Brygge along the waterfront promenade. Many private charters also meet at nearby Tjuvholmen or Kongen Marina by Bygdøy, and some operators can arrange pick‑ups at Lysaker or other agreed piers when schedules allow.

From the fjord you’ll glide past the Oslo Opera House and the MUNCH museum in Bjørvika, the walls of Akershus Fortress, sleek modern waterfronts at Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, and the colorful island cottages of Hovedøya, Lindøya, Bleikøya, and Gressholmen. Many cruises point out Dyna Lighthouse and the Bygdøy museum shoreline; longer trips may head toward the Nesodden peninsula or downfjord toward Drøbak and Oscarsborg Fortress.

Norway requires a recognized boating license if you were born in 1980 or later and you plan to operate a recreational boat over 8 meters in length or with more than 25 hp. An International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or comparable documentation is usually accepted for visitors. Separate training applies to very fast craft. If you don’t have the right credentials, simply book a captained charter—no license needed.

Yes—families are welcome on most tours and private charters. Boats carry lifejackets for every passenger, with child sizes available when you share ages and approximate weights at booking. On smaller open boats under 8 meters, wearing a lifejacket while underway is mandatory; on larger boats it’s still strongly encouraged on deck. Captains provide a safety briefing before departure and monitor weather throughout your trip.

Policies vary by vessel. Many private charters allow you to bring snacks, birthday cakes, and beverages, and some offer onboard catering by request. Larger sightseeing boats often run their own cafés and may not allow outside alcohol. As everywhere in Norway, the person operating the boat must stay within strict alcohol rules; if you book a captained trip, your crew will manage service responsibly so you can simply enjoy the views.

Well‑behaved dogs are accepted on many outdoor‑deck and electric sightseeing cruises, and several private captains are pet‑friendly by prior arrangement. Always confirm in advance; some boats limit pets to specific areas or charge a cleaning fee, and high‑speed rides are generally not suitable for animals.

Summer days are long and mild, but weather can change quickly on the fjord. Light rain usually doesn’t stop tours—most boats have covered salons—while strong winds, thunderstorms, or heavy seas may prompt route changes or a safety cancellation. If your captain cancels due to conditions, you’ll typically be offered a free reschedule or a refund according to the boat’s stated policy. Dressing in layers and bringing a windproof jacket keeps everyone comfortable.

Absolutely. Many boats in Oslo are set up for celebrations, with sound systems, space for catering, and flexible routes for photos, swims in season, or island stop‑offs. For special dates, request extras like decorated setups, a champagne toast, or a custom pickup near your venue. Weekend afternoons book up first in summer, so reserve early for peak Saturdays.

Peak boating season runs June through August, with warmest water typically in late July and August. Spring and early fall (May and September) are beautiful shoulder months with fewer crowds. Norwegian dates that affect demand include Constitution Day on May 17, the midsummer Sankthans celebrations on June 23 with bonfires visible from the water, the Færderseilasen sailing regatta that starts outside Aker Brygge in mid‑June, and the floating boat show “Båter i Sjøen” at Aker Brygge in late August. U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day don’t impact bookings locally. For calmer seas and easier parking, pick weekday mornings; golden‑hour evening cruises are stunning, but weekends sell out fastest—especially for private charters.

Island‑hopping to Hovedøya, Lindøya, and Langøyene is a summer favorite for picnics and swims, while longer private trips head downfjord to Drøbak and the historic Oscarsborg Fortress for a scenic lunch stop. Keep an eye out for seabirds year‑round and, on occasion, harbor seals and even shy harbor porpoises in and around the Oslofjord. If you’re traveling in late June, a fjord cruise during Sankthans often features spectacular bonfires viewed from the water.