Fjord Xplore · Strandkaien, Stavanger
Fjord Xplore runs a newer speedboat with a fold-back roof and rain cover from its wooden boathouse at Strandkaien to Pulpit Rock and the Whisky Falls. Pick it for the middle ground: faster and more personal than a big catamaran, drier than a RIB, and open to children from age 3.
Fjord Xplore is a small Stavanger company based at Strandkaien 34, the white wooden boathouse with the number 34 on its front wall. You meet there 20 minutes before departure, store bags in the boathouse or the cabin, and use the toilets before you go, because the boat is small. The speedboat has a convertible sun-top and a rain cover, open and covered seats, and a planned speed of 25 to 35 knots. You still get a floating suit with a hood.
The itinerary on the listing is tidy: about 30 minutes out, then the Lysefjord Bridge, Fantahålå, Pulpit Rock (with how it formed) and Hengjanefossen, close enough for the spray, then about 30 minutes back. The guide is live, in English, German or Norwegian, and guests name their guides in reviews. In bad weather, or when the boat is full, the listing says you may get a free upgrade to a boat-and-minibus round trip; if that doesn't suit you, you get a full refund.
The limits: children under 3 and wheelchair users can't come, and there are one or two steps between boat and dock. It turns at Hengjanefossen, a third of the way in, so the inner fjord isn't on it, and Pulpit Rock is the view from below. At from $169 it's the priciest of the short trips, and you're paying for the small group and the live guide.
The white wooden boathouse with a Fjord Xplore banner. Store bags, use the toilet, get your suit.
Fast across to the Lysefjord Bridge. Choose covered or open seats.
Fantahålå, Pulpit Rock and the story of how it formed, then Hengjanefossen up close.
Return by speedboat; the listing mentions drop-offs at Skagenkaien and the cruise terminals.
★★★★★Great boat ride out to Pulpit Rock and through the Fjord.
★★★★★It was great from start to finish, private and stress-free.
★★★★★Rudy was awesome! so much better than the RIB boats!
★★★★★He steered the boat confidently and provided a lot of information.
Read next:
Partly. The speedboat has a convertible sun-top and a rain cover, with covered and open seating, and you wear a floating suit with a hood.
From age 3, the youngest of the fast boats here. Wheelchair users can't join, as there are steps between boat and dock.
The white wooden boathouse with the number 34 on its front, at Strandkaien in central Stavanger. Meet 20 minutes before.
The listing says you may get a free upgrade to a boat and minibus round trip, with a full refund if that doesn't suit you.
Ready to book
A small covered speedboat with a live guide in English or German, and a close look at the falls.
RIB Tour to Lysefjord & PreikestolenTwo hours of speed and spray on a high-speed RIB, with a skipper-guide and suits, goggles and gloves provided. Ages 6+.★ 4.9 · 2 hours · from $127
Small-Group RIB Safari to Pulpit RockTwelve seats at most on a high-end RIB, the captain as guide, about 45 minutes inside the Lysefjord. Ages 5+.★ 4.9 · 2 hours · from $147
Low-Emission Catamaran to Pulpit RockThe short big-boat option: 2.5 hours on a family firm's low-emission catamaran, with commentary in six languages.★ 4.8 · 2.5 hours · from $90