The Best Boat Rentals Near Alesund

Expect short shared sightseeing or wildlife RIB tours to start around $100–$180 per person. Private motorboat or small yacht charters typically run about $600–$1,200 for a half day and $1,200–$3,000+ for a full day, with larger or luxury yachts costing more. Fishing charters commonly fall between $800 and $1,200 for 4–8 hours. Prices usually include a professional skipper on captained trips, safety gear, and basic fuel for local cruising; weather suits are often provided on RIB safaris. Extras like extended cruising fuel, special docking fees, catering, and alcoholic beverages are typically additional. Always review what’s included on your listing before you book.

You’ll find fast RIBs for fjord and wildlife runs, comfortable cabin cruisers and motor yachts for sightseeing or celebrations, classic sailboats for day sails, and well-equipped fishing boats for trips into local grounds. If you want a relaxed cruise with indoor seating and panoramic windows, look for enclosed motor cruisers; for adventure and speed, choose a RIB; for a premium experience, pick a larger yacht with multiple decks.

Most trip planners choose a captained charter for ease and safety. Local skippers know the fjord conditions, narrow passages, and fast-changing weather, and they handle docking, routing, and safety briefings so you can focus on your group. Self-operated boats may be available, but you’ll need the right license and experience, and you’ll be responsible for navigation and local rules. If you’re coordinating a celebration or a multi-stop itinerary, a captain is the stress-free choice.

Common meeting points include Skansekaia on the Brosundet harbor in the city center, the cruise quays at Stornespiren/Storneskaia, and Prestebrygga along the central waterfront. Many skippers can also arrange convenient pick-ups along the inner harbor by prior agreement. Your exact pier and check-in details will be listed in your booking confirmation—plan to arrive 15–30 minutes early.

From the harbor you’ll cruise past the city’s Art Nouveau waterfront and the narrow Brosundet canal, with Aksla’s viewpoint above town. Just offshore, popular routes circle the islands of Godøya and Giske and out to Alnes Lighthouse on the Atlantic side. Longer outings take you into Hjørundfjord beneath the Sunnmøre Alps, or south toward UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord on full-day itineraries. In season, wildlife trips may spot seals, porpoises, sea eagles, and—near Runde Island—huge seabird colonies with puffins in late spring and summer.

For self-operated rentals, Norway requires a valid boat driver’s license (båtførerbevis) if you were born in 1980 or later and plan to operate a recreational boat that is longer than 8 meters or has more than 25 horsepower. Many renters also accept recognized international equivalents. Captained charters do not require any license from you. If you’re unsure, choose a skippered booking or message the owner with your experience and documents before reserving.

Yes—families are welcome on most captained cruises. Life jackets are provided and children’s sizes are typically available; crew will brief everyone on safety before departure. Some high-speed RIB tours set minimum age or height requirements, so check the listing details. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, confirm availability of the right-sized PFDs in advance.

Most private charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and non-alcoholic drinks, and many can arrange catered platters by request. Moderate alcohol is usually fine for adult passengers on private trips, but the person operating the boat must remain sober and all guests should drink responsibly on the water. To protect decks, some crews ask you to avoid messy foods or red wine—when in doubt, ask your captain ahead of time.

Many private boats will accept friendly, leashed dogs with advance approval, especially on slower sightseeing cruises. High-speed RIB tours and shared excursions typically do not allow pets for safety reasons. If your dog is joining, bring a towel, a water bowl, and consider a pet life jacket for comfort.

The west coast weather can shift quickly, particularly with wind and swell. Skippers watch marine forecasts and will make the final safety call. If sea conditions aren’t safe, operators commonly offer to reschedule or provide a weather-related refund according to the listing’s policy. To reduce the chance of a weather disruption, morning departures often have lighter winds and smoother water.

Absolutely. Boats in the area regularly host birthdays, proposals, bachelor/bachelorette cruises, family reunions, and team outings. Share your headcount, preferred vibe (relaxed sightseeing versus upbeat music), and any décor or catering plans with the captain in advance. If you’re visiting on a cruise ship day, build in extra time for traffic and boarding, and consider a pickup near your pier.

The main boating season runs May through September, with July and August the warmest and busiest months and long daylight hours. Spring and early fall offer fewer crowds and great visibility. U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day aren’t observed in Norway, but local peaks include Constitution Day on May 17, Midsummer (St. Hans) around June 23, the Ålesund Food Festival in mid‑August, and major summer concerts such as Jugendfest in late August. For calmer water and easier parking, book weekdays and morning departures; afternoons and sunny weekends book up fastest.

Three standouts are a sea safari to the Runde bird cliffs in puffin season, a coastal run to Alnes Lighthouse for Atlantic views, and a fjord cruise deep into Hjørundfjord with stops at small villages like Trandal or Øye beneath the Sunnmøre Alps. Full-day cruises to Geirangerfjord are also possible from Ålesund if you want a UNESCO highlight in one big day on the water.