Key takeaways
- Wear thermal underwear or moisture-wicking base layers under your supplied flotation suit to stay warm and dry.
- Choose closed shoes with grip that can handle wet surfaces. Sandals and open footwear are unsafe on a moving RIB deck.
- Tie long hair back firmly before boarding. Wind and speed make loose hair uncomfortable and a safety concern.
- Wear a hat with a chin strap to keep it in place. Glasses can be secured with a sports strap if needed.
- Pack your device in a waterproof pouch to protect it from spray. Keep the pouch secure in a pocket or small bag.
Base layers under your flotation suit
The supplied warm flotation suit is your primary protection against cold water and wind, but what you wear underneath makes the difference between comfort and misery during 1 hour 45 minutes at speed on open water. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer in merino wool or synthetic fabric that pulls sweat away from your skin. Cotton absorbs water and loses all insulating power when damp, so avoid it entirely. A long-sleeved rashguard or thin thermal shirt worn directly against your skin keeps you dry and warm even if spray penetrates the outer suit.
Over your base layer, add a mid-layer fleece or thin wool sweater if the air temperature is below 15°C, or if you are sensitive to cold. In summer months when Ålesund air temperatures climb above 18°C, a single base layer under the flotation suit is usually sufficient. The flotation suit itself contains insulating material, so layering too heavily underneath can restrict movement and make it harder to sit securely during acceleration and tight turns across Hjørundfjorden. Wear what you would choose for a cool day on land, then add one layer less than you think you need.
Footwear that stays planted on a wet deck
Your feet will get wet on a RIB safari. Water sprays over the bow, collects in the heel well, and drips from other passengers as the boat banks hard into fjord bends. Neoprene booties or water shoes with grip soles are ideal because they dry quickly and the rubber tread prevents slipping when the deck is slick. Avoid smooth leather shoes, flip-flops, or anything with a flat rubber sole, all of which become skating rinks when soaked. If you own diving or snorkeling booties, bring them; the thick neoprene keeps your feet warm in the cool Norwegian sea spray.
Lace-up water shoes designed for river sports or kayaking work exceptionally well because they secure your foot so it does not slide inside the shoe during cornering, and they drain instantly. Bring an extra pair of wool socks or keep your feet bare until you board the RIB, then put on water shoes only for the trip. Some passengers wear thick wool socks inside neoprene booties for warmth. Whatever you choose, avoid open-toed sandals and ensure your footwear has genuine grip, not just texture painted onto smooth rubber.
Layered beneath the flotation suit: thermal base, secured camera, hair tied back
Gloves and neck protection even in warm months
Even in summer, when the sun is warm on your face, the combination of wind speed and cold sea spray creates a wind-chill effect that numbs exposed skin within minutes. Gloves are essential, not optional. Neoprene gloves rated for water sports or diving keep your hands warm and maintain grip when holding onto safety rails during acceleration and turns. Thin wool or fleece gloves work if the air temperature is above 15°C, but they soak through and offer little warmth when wet. Five-finger neoprene gloves are superior to mittens on a RIB because you retain dexterity if you need to adjust a camera strap or hold your phone securely.
A neck buff or tubular neck gaiter, even in July and August, protects the sensitive skin on your neck and throat from wind-driven spray. The buff can be pulled up over your chin and nose if conditions are particularly rough, or worn low around your neck if you are warm. Merino wool neck buffs are ideal because they maintain warmth when damp and wick moisture away from your skin. Synthetic microfiber buffs dry faster and pack smaller if space in your bag is limited. Many experienced fjord travelers wear a neck buff year-round; it adds minimal bulk and provides surprising protection against the cooling effect of spray-laden wind.
Eyewear, contacts, and visibility at high speed
Glasses and contacts both present challenges on a RIB moving at speed through spray. Regular eyeglasses fog immediately when you transition from cold air to the interior of a heated cabin, or when spray strikes the lenses. If you wear prescription glasses, bring a strap that anchors the frame to your head so they do not fly overboard during sharp turns. Polarized sunglasses reduce glare off the water and protect your eyes from UV reflection, but standard sunglasses also fog or stream with water droplets during the journey.
Contact lens wearers should bring rewetting drops in a sealed case and consider switching to glasses with a retention strap for this tour. Salt spray and wind dry your eyes quickly, and if a contact lens shifts or falls out during the ride, you have limited options on a moving boat. Prescription sunglasses with a secure retention strap are the best solution if you use corrective lenses. Polarized lenses are not essential but many passengers find them more comfortable during long periods on open water. Sunscreen on your face and ears is crucial because the reflection off the water intensifies UV exposure even on cloudy days.
20°
At RIB speed, wind chill can drop the effective temperature by 20°C, making layering under your suit essential even on warm days.
Protecting cameras, phones, and electronics from salt spray
Phones and cameras on a RIB safari face constant exposure to salt spray, which corrodes electronics and fogs lenses within minutes. A waterproof dry bag or waterproof phone case rated for submersion is essential if you want to capture photos without risking your device. Hard-shell waterproof cases with transparent fronts allow you to operate your phone or take photos through the protective seal. A dry bag rated for at least IPX7 protection (submersible to 1 meter) keeps a camera, phone, and extra battery safe and dry throughout the 1 hour 45 minute journey.
If you own an action camera like a GoPro, mount it on a chest strap or helmet so your hands remain free to hold the safety rails. Avoid holding your phone or camera in your hands for long stretches because salt spray will coat the lens and your attention is divided from gripping the boat. Many passengers use a combination approach: a waterproof bag for their phone as backup, and a mounted action camera for continuous video. Wipe down any electronics with fresh water as soon as you return to the dock at Keiser Wilhelms gate, because salt residue continues to cause damage even after the tour ends.
Hair management at speed and in the wind
Long hair becomes a serious issue on a RIB moving at sustained speed. Wind and spray whip loose hair across your face and into your mouth, reducing visibility and comfort. Secure long hair in a tight braid, bun, or ponytail before boarding. A swim cap or neoprene hood designed for water sports keeps hair in place and adds an extra layer of warmth around your head and ears. If you use a swim cap, choose one designed for athletes or water sports rather than a thin silicone cap, which offers minimal insulation and can come loose in wind.
A hood integrated into a water sports rashguard or built into a neoprene wetsuit top solves both the hair problem and provides additional warmth. Many female passengers bring a second elastic hair tie as backup in case the first one loosens. Do not rely on hats alone; even a snug baseball cap or beanie can blow off during acceleration or banking turns. Waterproof headbands or neoprene hoods rated for diving or water sports are far more secure and also protect your scalp from intense UV reflection off the water.
Storing bags, jackets, and personal items during the tour
You will have very limited personal space on the RIB during the journey from Keiser Wilhelms gate to Hjørundfjorden and back. Most tour operators provide a small covered locker or secure storage area for backpacks, light jackets, and bags that you do not need to carry aboard. Minimize what you bring; leave bulky coats, large backpacks, and non-essential items in secure storage at the departure point rather than attempting to stow them under your seat or between your legs. A small crossbody bag or waterproof sling pack can stay with you if it is compact enough to tuck under your lap, but even this limits your mobility when holding safety rails.
Wear only what you need for the tour: your base layers, mid-layer if temperatures require it, the supplied flotation suit, water shoes, and your waterproof electronics bag. Leave your everyday jacket, sweater, and backpack behind or store them in the provided locker. When you return to the dock after 1 hour 45 minutes, these items will be waiting and you will not have spent the entire tour uncomfortable because your personal gear is piled around your feet or creating bulk under a heavy outer layer. This approach also keeps the boat balanced and your movements unrestricted when you need to shift position or grip the safety equipment during turns.
