Fjord Boat Ride on a Rainy Day

The Boat Ride A short video starts with a voice whispering “I remember well” and proceeds to show a scenic boat ride — a person in a yellow raincoat stands at the bow, facing a moody landscape of steep, green mountains, and a body of water. The scene is further enhanced by a rainy day atmosphere. The video juxtaposes nature’s raw beauty with personal memories. A simple joy A scenic boat ride could be one of the most underrated experiences of travel. Unlike a train or a plane, boats provide a slower, more immersive experience of seeing sights. And scenic boat rides blend two attractive elements: breathtaking scenery and the leisure of water travel. This experience is distinctive in a couple of ways. First, it can offer a perspective that other modes of transport can’t, by sailing through waterways. Second, the lack of human movement— simply the leisurely movement of water—can be memorable. The understated luxury of nature Travel is a trillion-dollar industry, with the potential of the experience economy having pandemic ramifications. Scenic boat rides are a key component to some of the world’s most valued nature retreats. While the pandemic accelerated virtual travel, scenic boat rides are not easily replaceable by a screen.

Finding the frame in the fjord

They aren’t cheap, they aren’t fast, and they aren’t always guaranteed to be there when you want them or where you want them. Unique experiences aren’t easy to come by or to recreate. They are a significant part of how we experience the nature travel industry, and a vital part of international tourism—helping to broker the unique experiences that enrich lives, the world over. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)’s 2021 report on Travel & Tourism, “travellers are increasingly exploring diverse cultures, immersive experiences, and new destinations.” This has increased the demand for bespoke travel experiences that are deeply connected to viewers and give travelers a sense of discovering the world. If you don’t know where you would go on a scenic boat ride, considering the following:

The best is in Norway, but other countries boast beauty too

The fjord you see in the short video is probably Norwegian. However, scenic boat rides are available in many countries, each with its own niche.

The most famous fjords

The Norwegian fjords are probably the most famous for boat rides. The country’s deep fjords are almost entirely on the western side. Some are accessible only by boat, while others have approaches or roads nearby. For those visiting, it can be hard to resist the allure of the fjords, which are part of the country’s currency. There are many ways to travel along the fjords, including boat tours and cruises. Some Norwegian boat tours are famous for their spectacular views, salubrious atmosphere, and gentle speed.

What other countries boast?

Fjords aren’t unique to Norway: Chile, New Zealand, and some northern states in the USA also have them, with many boat ride options. But famed spots don't stop there. They're also present in Canada, Switzerland, and the Mediterranean.

The best boat rides are slow

Fjords are about more than the destination.

The journey

Some of the journeys are so awe inspiring that they are considered top boat rides (but not for the faint hearted). For instance, there’s the journey amongst the rock formations, inside the mountain in Norwegian fjords. So how do they work? Your boat rides through scenic routes, usually manned by knowledgeable guides.

Slower travel

Fjords are more than the destination. It’s a unique perspective from the world.

The slow lane of travel

But you can’t rush through a fjord. That’s what makes scenic boat rides so slow, and so different from other forms of travel. Imagine, just for a moment, a punctuation-free speed-tour of the fjord. The slow pace of boat travel, though, allows for a deeper immersion in the landscape. The slow pace of travel puts the world into perspective. Covering every nautical mile by foot could take months to years. With the fjord, you can cover it all in a few short days, and it’s just as beautiful. A boat ride isn't the only way to see the country. You can opt for a sail, or cruise, or ferry, or a motorboat. Preferring any mode of water travel over a long road journey can give you a different outlook on the geography.

A practical guide

Scenic boat ride destinations can be found all over the world. Boat tours start from around $60 for a short morning trip, $200 for a full day, and can easily climb up to $4,000 for a multi-day luxury cruise. Travelers hoping to try the experience should research the best time to visit, as well as good weather and water conditions to ensure clear views or a scenic trip. First, decide what you need from the experience. Consider whether you want a sightseeing experience, want to walk along a scenic trail, or want to spend time relaxing, listening to the sounds of nature. Then decide where to start. Then start looking at different boat options. If you want to experience Norway in a once-in-a-lifetime trip, spend a week on a luxury cruise, where you sleep on the boat and every morning, you see a new fjord, discover new towns, and have a boat tour to discover the fjord. For a shorter trip, a two hour boat ride on the lowest budget might be just as good. Our advice: stop thinking of what’s best, and start thinking of what’s possible. This facet of travel is more than going to an accessible location, finding what to do, then heading back home. It’s about immersing yourself in the sights, fragrances, and feelings of a place. Take as many photos as possible, and enjoy the moment.