Bodø has a lot of great nature around to offer, however Saltstraumen, the strongest tidal current in the world (maelstrom), could be considered as one of the unique features.
A 150 meter narrow strait connects the two fjords, Saltenfjorden and Skjerstadfjorden, and every six hours, when the tide turns, 400 million cubic meters of sea water is forced to flow in or out through it at 13 km/h on average. This creates spectacular view of the beautiful and fascinating whirlpools. Moreover, the current pushes up from the depth cool and nutrient-rich water that creates unique fauna in the area, leading to flourishing wildlife, both under and above water. At 2013 Saltstraumen became a protected marine area, one of the first in Norway.
Therefore, we offer you several cool and safe ways to experience Saltstraumen from land, by boat, or in the water.
The registration is now open!
The places are given on first come first served basis.
Excursion 1
Guided tour along the Saltstraumen current + lunch at Saltbrygga
Experience the world strongest tidal current during a guided walk by the shore. Learn about the force behind the maelstrom, and people and the current through history. The guided walk starts just before the current is at its strongest that day.
The tour ends up at Saltbrygga, where you can enjoy a fish soup served at second floor, with panorama view on the current.
The outdoor exhibition outside Saltbrygga with pictures and text about the marine life in Saltstraumen is open and free to enjoy by yourself before or after lunch.
Maximum 15 persons per day.
Price 595 kr/pp + transfer from Mørkved/Bodø to Saltstraumen and back
Duration 1 hour + transfer
Needed: comfortable sturdy shoes and clothes according to the weather
Possible excursion days:
Wednesday 9th April, excursion starts at 9.30, transfer ca. 1 hour before from Noatun
Saturday 12th April, excursion starts at 11.30, transfer ca. 1 hour before from Bodø. The current will be stronger than on Wednesday due to moon.
Excursion and lunch are provided by NORD&NE and Saltstraumen hotell/ Fiskebörsen and Arctic Salt.
Excursion 2
Snorkling in Saltstraumen with NORD&NE
Do you want to experience a great feeling of floating in salt sea surrounded by snowy mountains and sneak peak into the unique fauna and a wonderfully rich underwater life?
You could do it by joining snorkling in Saltstraumen organised by NORD&NE (more information here). Everything you need is included in the price: dry suit, fins, mask, snorkel, hood and gloves. But you must bring warm clothes to wear under the dry suit, such as a layer of wool or two. During the briefing you get information about how the equipment is used, techniques for snorkeling, hand signals, safety and a little about the wildlife you will see during snorkeling. You don't need to know how to snorkel, but you need to to able to swim, and be comfortable in water. It is only a snorkling on the surface experience, no diving down. What we see depend on the visibility that day, it is nature. But there is a lot of sea stars, snails, anemones, crabs, kelp and some times a lot of fish.
The snorkling will be arranged from land just outside of the NORD&NE place allowing guest who are cold to get out of the water and come inside quickly (typical time in water 45-60 minutes). The snorkling will be around time when the current shifts and there will be one guide in the water and one on land to help out.
The outdoor exhibition outside Saltbrygga with pictures and text about the marine life in Saltstraumen is open and free to enjoy by yourself before or after the snorkling.
Maximum 8 persons per day.
Price 900 per person + transfer
Duration 2 hours + transfer
Needed: bring warm long underwear to have under the dry suit, one or two layers; some dry clothes to change to in case you get wet.
Possible excursion days:
Wednesday 9th April, excursion starts at 12.00 at Saltbrygga/NORD&NE, transfer ca. 1 hour before from Noatun.
Saturday 12th April, excursion starts at 14.00 at Saltbrygga/NORD&NE, transfer ca. 1 hour before from Bodø.
The tour is provided by NORD&NE. If you are experienced dry suit divers and would like to explorer underwater life in Saltstraumen deeper, there is also possible to dive with NORD&NE. In this case booking should be done directly via them.
Excursion 3
RIB tour to Saltstraumen including sea eagle safari by Explore Salten
In one package you can experience the world's strongest tidal current, white-tailed eagle (sea eagle) safari and sea rafing. A unique nature experience in wonderful surroundings.
HIGHLIGHTS
• RIB
• Close to nature
• Saltstraumen
• White tale eagle up close
• Multiple nature phenomenas
Price includes:
• Knowledgeable skipper
• Rent of flotation thermal suite, life jacket and goggles. As well as gloves and hat for whose who do not have their own.
Capacity around 84 persons.
Price 1295 per person
Duration 2 hours
Tour day Saturday 12th April, start at 11.00 in Bodø centre (floating Explore Salten office in the harbour of Bodø just below the library Stormen), please meet 15 minutes before the departure
The tour is provided by Explore Salten.