Alesund, Norway
Runde Bird Island Expedition
Runde Bird Island Expedition
5 hours 50 minutes
Unique birdwatching experience with private boat from Alesund.
Meet your nature guide at the pier, proceed to your private boat, embark the boat and head for Runde island. On the way from Ålesund to Runde you will see the seal colony at Grasøyane.
You will visit Runde Environmental center, an international research station for marine coastal ecology. This involves the development of research infrastructure and sustainable tourism in an area where the sea, fish and birds are part of a vulnerable ecosystem and will learn about the Runde Treasure, the birds that live on the island and about the important sea area that is surrounding us.
You pick up a delicious snack-box and a local beverage before we set off to the bird cliffs.
Your own private nature guide will show you the nesting sites for the seabirds on Runde, and you will have the opportunity to scout for them while enjoying the peace and the wonderful nature surroundings. The puffins nest at Runde from the beginning of April to the end of July/beginning of August. At about seven o'clock in the evening, the puffins will have finished gathering food out at sea, and will start their evening activities.
In addition to the puffins, around 80 different birds nest at Runde, and you might see many of them, such as the Great Skua, Northern Gannet and the Sea Eagle. Some live here all year round, while others come only for the breeding season. It is a spectacular experience to watch! Enjoy nature, birds, views and your tasty meal-boxes.
After bird-watching and exploring the island, embark your boat to sail back to Alesund.
Please note: the program is planned to ensure availability of birds. However, we cannot guarantee the number of birds. The same is true for seals. Please be aware that you might not see puffins, even if we believe the chance is very high.