wildlife trips shetland

Welcome Aboard - The Noss Boat

We are Shetland's premier wildlife boat tour experience, the ONLY naturalist led, carbon neutral, multi-award winning NOSS BOAT. "Best Visitor Attraction Experience" WINNER - Highlands & Islands Tourism Thistle Awards '22

The ultimate Shetland wildlife & photography boat tour experience. Come & join us in comfort & style & experience one of Europe’s finest wildlife spectacles with seasoned professionals. Voted 1 of the TOP 10 UK Boat Tours - The Guardian & winner of Wildlife Tour Operator of the Year 2024 - Scotland" Travel & Hospitality Awards

“ Anyone visiting Shetland in spring or summer really should book a boat trip with Shetland Seabird Tours - a knowledgeable & highly respected guide - very highly recommended ” - Iolo Williams, Naturalist & TV Presenter

“It is Phil's knowledge as a naturalist, enthusiasm to educate & enthral each & every passenger as well as uncompromising attention to passenger safety & boatmanship that make SST truly extraordinary - if you do only one thing on Shetland, do this!” - Brydon Thomason/Shetland Nature, Local Guide, Photographer, Naturalist

Best of Shetland Days Out - A fun, engaging, wildlife-packed boat tour with 'live' commentary suitable for all the family! A true holiday highlight!

“ It's hard to believe but Shetland's dramatic scenery is almost more beautiful seen from a boat, and on this trip, you travel with the bonxies & the gannets as escort. Not to be missed! ” - Kate Humble, TV broadcaster & author.

“ A joy to work with - pioneering & passionate in their wildlife & photography boat tours as well as exceptional advocates for conservation ” - Richard Shucksmith, Photographer & Marine Ecologist

Local Knowledge - World Class Encounters

We can take up to 12 passengers per trip & are the No.1 boat of choice for major film crews, groups, photographers, families & all who have made us a top Shetland visitor attraction experience. Run by local couple Phil Harris & Rebecca Nason, passionate nature lovers with a wealth of marine wildlife experience, and sea-faring experience, offering the best in customer service! Our boat tours include fun, engaging, 'live' commentary throughout, suitable for all ages & interests. Whether you are a professional wildlife photographer or on holiday with young children & fancy a fun, memorable boat trip - we are the tour for you! From seabirds, seals, & whales, to beautiful rock formations, lighthouses, sea caves, inlets & natural arches - we offer a varied tour, full of local insights & stories, all around the most breathtaking & inspiring of Shetland's natural coastline & marine environment.

Seabird Spectacular & Diving Gannets

Daily noss boat tours & prices, the noss boat - the ultimate comfort at sea, toilets onboard - top cafe discount cards for all, whales & dolphins, free seabird eco-gift bags for kids - online & onboard original noss boat shop, tourism awards & accolades, film - super gannets.

The Noss Boat

The Noss Boat - Local Partnerships & Sponsors

Best of the Best

Our sponsors, collaborating businesses & partners are very important to us & have helped make us THE top Shetland boat attraction we are today. We work with the vast majority of wildlife tour companies that visit the Isles, from the UK & further afield, giving independent travel companies from around the world the very best of wildlife boat experiences with like-minded naturalists onboard. We work closely throughout every season with our good friend, highly acclaimed Shetland born & bred naturalist & professional photographer Brydon Thomason of wildlife tour company Shetland Nature , who uses us for all his holiday & bespoke photography itineraries, some co-led by TV presenters & naturalists Kate Humble & Iolo Williams , others by top naturalist & author Jon Dunn . We also regularly partner with professional underwater photographer & marine ecologist Richard Shucksmith for our popular above & underwater bespoke photo experiences. Check out our blog for a host of big names in the global wildlife photography scene who have come to Shetland to join our boat tours & see some of their incredible results! We are delighted to be sponsored for the 2024 season by both Opticron and top Swedish outdoor clothing company Didriksons.

Sponsors & partners of The Noss Boat 2023/4

The Noss Boat Crew

Local family business.

Owned & run by local couple Phil Harris & Rebecca Nason, passionate nature lovers with a wealth of marine wildlife experience, sea-faring experience & who offer the very best in customer service! Phil Harris is your highly experienced  professional skipper, birder, naturalist & wildlife guide on all tours. Rebecca is a professional wildlife photographer, International wildlife photography judge, natural history author & wildlife guide, who joins some of our more bespoke photo tours. They also have a young daughter, Ayda, so have first hand experience in engaging & inspiring the younger passengers & families aboard the Noss Boat!

They have worked "out in the field" for many years, honing their ornithological field skills, ready to deliver fun, personal, informative & interesting tours to suit all interests & ages. SST has a responsible, sensitive approach to Shetland's rich marine natural environment & tourism which is reflected in every tour.

Phil was formally a fire fighter (18 years!) & worked on rescue boats at sea, so safety out on the water is paramount to all our tours. All our passengers wear our slimline lifejackets upon embarkation as a standard health & safety procedure, for the duration of all our tours - your safety comes first. Phil is the longest serving skipper around the waters of Noss & Bressay - you could be in no better hands.

Phil is vice chairman of the Shetland Bird Club, on the Shetland Bird Rarities Committee & active BTO 'A' bird ringer & trainer. Rebecca has been membership secretary, treasurer & a committee member of the Shetland Bird Club for  over 10 years & is also a BTO bird ringer.

Both conservation & environmental education are fundamental to SST companies ethos. We literally live for birds & wildlife & have been on Shetland ‘living the dream’ for nearly 20 years! We have had Carbon Neutral status every year since 2020 & were the first Shetland-based boat tour company to receive both a SILVER (2023) & then GOLD (2024) Green Tourism award & the HITA Best Visitor Attraction Experience award. We are leading the way with our local business model & content, paving the way & inspiring others to follow, & have watched a positive rise in greener awareness & attraction experience quality within our catchment area over the past few years - all a step in the right direction! We undertake the majority (95%) of boat-based seabird surveys for SOTEAG and are used for surveys by both the RSPB & NatureScot .

Book Online Now

Booking your tour with The Noss Boat is easy using our Checkfront  online booking system where you can smoothly pay using credit card or PayPal & will receive an invoice receipt along with terms & conditions. Or please contact us directly.

You can also book through the Lerwick Tourist Office.

We are very busy, so please do book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

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Seabirds-and-Seals Daily Wildlife Noss Boat Tours

The Original & NO.1

Welcome Aboard The Noss Boat

Experience spectacular wildlife on our 5-star award winning noss boat tours around bressay & noss national nature reserve double win 2023 highlands & islands thistle awards 'best visitor attraction' & 'inclusive tourism' fsb small business awards scotland 2024 'service excellence'.

Join Marie, Brian or Marvyn…all Shetland born & bred onboard The Noss Boat ‘Seabird’.  We are Shetland’s Supreme NO.1 boat tour/wildlife experience as ranked on TripAdvisor and the only Shetland boat tour to be awarded Visit Scotland’s prestigious 5-Star accolade which reflects an exceptional standard and the highest grading you can achieve.  We are all highly experienced and knowledgeable about the local area, with a lifetime experience of boats, the sea, nature and our local heritage around us.  All our tours offer refreshments and are very family friendly, we provide fun, engaging ‘Live’ commentary throughout to suit all ages/interests Plus activities for our younger sailors.  Travel in great comfort and style for the highlight of your holiday on our spacious twin engine catamaran, a very stable boat because it has twin hulls, plus a huge viewing platform to allow you to move around freely…ideal for the best photography opportunities.  We have the added feature of being wheelchair accessible as we strongly believe in inclusion for all.  

On this amazing wildlife spectacular you get to enjoy Shetland’s abundant wildlife, guaranteeing close up views of Noss National Nature Reserve, one of Europe’s most sensational reserves.  

We have many excellent reviews which can be read here .  Further below you can read Testimonials from local organisations and wildlife/tour companies that we work in collaboration with worldwide.  These include Wildlife Cameraman/TV Presenter…Simon King who is famous for his ‘Shetland Diaries’ series.  

If you are looking for a fun varied informative excursion with enthusiasts passionate about our local wildlife, heritage, geology, history and much more…our Supreme tours tick all the boxes.   With every trip being unique and special, come find out why we are consistently ranked #NO.1 and make ever lasting memories. 

2024 Travel & Hospitality        Award Winners ‘Boat Tour Of The Year – Scotland’

• From April through to October:  On our ‘Book Now’ page you will find our online booking calendar, which displays all our daily tour start times, weather permitting we operate seven days a week.  Our 5-Star tours are a full  Two Hours Plus with refreshments provided in a tranquil little bay at Noss.  Twice weekly on selected days, we provide an early morning photography tour to capture the sunrise morning light.  Our tours at £60 for adults & £30 for under 16’s are priced to be as low and inclusive as possible, we believe this offers incredible value for money.  All tours depart from Victoria Pier Lerwick, ZE1 0EL.  You can find out more about our tours by clicking on ‘Our Tours’ link further below.  You can book/pay online using our easy-to-use online booking system or contact us and we will get you booked on.  We advise booking early on into your holiday as we do sometimes have to cancel due to weather.
• Safety at the heart of what we do: In the interest of passenger safety, comfort, and welfare, we always sail with a minimum of two crew.  This gives you a richer experience and to make sure you have an unforgettable tour.  Our dedicated guides ensure you are having a great time all of the time.  We can take up to 12 passengers on each tour.
• Awe-inspiring sights & sounds: Get up close & personal to this extraordinary seabird metropolis, home to 25,000 Northern Gannets and thousands of other seabirds towering the sandstone cliffs of Noss. Superb opportunities to see and photograph Shetland’s wildlife against the stunning backdrop of the 181-metre-high Noss cliffs. 
• Amazing gannet diving experience : We bring along fresh fish to give you the opportunity to see gannets encircling & diving right alongside the boat, always a great highlight on our Noss Boat Tours.
• Local Knowledge by expert local guides: We provide an extremely varied tour with fun and engaging ‘live’ commentary to suit all interests/ages.  Individual headsets are provided for each passenger so you can hear your guide(s) fully at all times throughout the tour and binoculars provided for each passenger (locally sponsored ).  We share local stories as well as our in-depth knowledge on the wildlife, local history, geology and folklore that surrounds Lerwick’s harbour and as we navigate around Bressay & Noss.  Close seabird and seal encounters, breathtaking scenery, stunning rock formations, geos, iconic landmarks and eye catching geology…such as the lighthouse arch, Orkneyman’s Cave and the striking Giant’s leg archway.  We spend quality time at all the wildlife and scenic hotspots, each offering the most fabulous photography opportunities on a spacious stable boat.  
• Refreshments, equipment & something for all the family: We anchor in a tranquil little bay to enjoy hot or cold drinks and a selection of biscuits…always a great highlight with plenty more wildlife/  photography opportunities.  We provide customized identification charts which are available in braille format also.  We have various charging ports throughout the cabin should your batteries need recharging.  Whether your are a professional photographer, independent traveller or travelling as a family and looking for a fun memorable Shetland experience…then come join us.  Our tours are very family friendly with onboard activities to keep young sailors entertained. Each get a FREE Eco-Friendly sealife activity pack.  Adults receive 20% discount voucher to use at a choice of two local business establishments.  We have our Seabirds-and-Seals Eco-Friendly merchandise available for sale onboard and also on our online shop.   
• TripAdvisor NO.1/Service Excellence: We are consistently ranked Shetland’s #NO.1 Boat/Wildlife Tour with many excellent ratings & come highly recommended.  We are delighted for 2024 to be ‘Service Excellence’ winners for Scotland at the FSB Small Business Awards.  This gives recognition for our very high standard in customer care.    
• Will We See Cetaceans? Not guaranteed but a most spectacular experience if it does happen.  If really lucky…we may see porpoises, the occasional whale or dolphin. With the sharp eyes of two dedicated and enthusiast crew on every tour, we are always on lookout and you could be on no better boat with its huge viewing platform.  As a business with 32 years of experience, we continue to lead the way for responsible boat-based ecotourism.  At all times we follow the Nature Scot Marine Wildlife watching code, we are also WiSe accredited operators, proudly adhering to strict protocols to minimize disturbance to marine wildlife.
• Underwater Viewing Spectacle: Not daily…only as our alternative tour if sea conditions prevent us getting out to Noss.  We are sometimes available for trips to look at the wildlife so prevalent in or near Lerwick Harbour.  If sheltered conditions allows, we can then launch our ROV mini submarine and show you a variety of sealife below.
• Well-Established & Longest Running: Thirty two (32) years on, Seabirds-and-Seals remains the original and longest established Noss Boat Tour Business, entertaining visitors and locals alike. This award-winning enterprise was founded in 1992 by Naturalist Dr Jonathan Wills.  Skipper Brian has been actively involved with the business ever since it began and in 2017, along with his wife Marie, they bought the business from Jonathan, maintaining the business ethos and reputation as The Original – and Number One Noss Boat Tour Business.  All these years later, we’re still sailing under Jonathan’s originally created brand ‘The Noss Boat’.  As with any business takeover – a new series  of TripAdvisor and Google reviews started in our first season (2018), all continue to be extremely positive and show how popular our tours are. 
• Multi-Award Winning Tour Operator: Our Noss boat tours have received Visit Scotland’s Prestigious 5-Star award, which is the highest you can achieve and the only Shetland boat tour to have this grading.  In November 2023 we WON not one but TWO awards in the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards under two amazing categories.  We won ‘Best Visitor Attraction’ and ‘Inclusive Tourism’ – we are the 1st boat tour operator in Shetland to win in the Inclusive Tourism Category.  It is an honour to be recognised by these prestigious awards, known as ‘Scotland’s tourism industry’s Oscars’.  In October 2023 we were selected as Finalists at ‘The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards.  Over the years we have won major recognition at the Scottish Enterprise and UK Enterprise Awards and again in 2023 we were awarded ‘Wildlife Tour Operator of the Year ’ and ‘Best Wildlife & Photography Boat Tour – Scotland’ .  Early 2024 we were delighted to achieve a ‘Green Tourism Gold Award’.  Being Green Tourism Accredited shows that we are eco-friendly and committed to working responsibly, ethically and sustainably.   Every year since taking over the business, we have won TripAdvisor’s Excellence and Travellers’ Choice Awards due to our consistent excellent reviews.  
• Holiday Highlight: A trip aboard The Noss Boat ‘Seabird ’ is a highlight for many as shown in our many fantastic reviews and from the number of awards won.  Our tours offer by far the best value, boat, crew and experience due to all our onboard facilities/services. 

The Noss Boat 'SEABIRD'

• Panoramic Viewing & great comfort: Our 13.5m spacious catamaran sports twin 370hp engines – a very stable craft because it has twin hulls.  This allows for a very comfortable journey whether you want to move around on deck or prefer the shelter of our cabin – it’s up to you! We are without a doubt the photographer’s choice due to the extremely spacious viewing platform which is all on one level as shown on our homepage video and photos.  This allows you to enjoy fabulous 360° panoramic viewing without having to watch where you step and ideal for the best photographic opportunities. 
• Seating provided for all Outside & Inside: We are licensed to take 12 passengers with lifejackets made available upon embarkation for all ages. There’s ample room on deck for all to sit, stand or move around freely, without being restricted or confined to your seat or the one space…free as a bird. We also have seating for all inside our heated cabin.  
• Toilet on deck level: All our tours are a full two hours plus, so you can be rest assured that we do have a toilet onboard which comes well equipped with hand sanitizer and hygiene bags, etc.  
• Wheelchair Accessible: Seabird is wheelchair accessible onto the boat and ideal boat for anyone with accessibility or mobility needs. We partner with local organisation Ability Shetland, and can organize on your behalf for a wheelchair or any other support aid to make your trip with us aboard as comfortable as possible. Please click here prior to booking, where you will also find our fully published accessibility guide.
• Accessible & Inclusive : We strongly believe that having improved accessibility appeals to a wide range of visitors and we want to make your tour a holiday highlight by making it accessible and enjoyable throughout.  By listening to our customers and having more awareness about the inclusive tourism market, we have worked hard and implemented changes to make our tours open and enjoyable for all.  You can find out more by reading our accessibility & inclusive tourism section here . 
• Protected from the elements: A top cover exists at back of the wheelhouse, above seating area, which leaves rest of the huge platform clear for viewing and photography. If the weather is misbehaving, you have the added bonus to step inside our heated cabin, where you can enjoy unrestricted views from inside. Enjoy a chat around the table and browse our small but fascinating on-board library. USB charging points are available should you wish to recharge your phone or batteries.
• NO.1 Boat Of Choice For Your Shetland Highlight: Whether you are visiting with friends or family, a solo traveler, looking to organize a bespoke experience for a tour group or professional film crew, Seabird is the ideal boat for anyone wishing to experience great comfort for the highlight of your Shetland trip.  With Seabird’s   huge viewing platform, and ability to move around freely, we are the NO.1 choice and have been used by many film crews, including ‘Simon King Wildlife’.

Meet The Noss Boat Crew

Local Family Run Business...by Marie & Brian Leask

We are a ‘Natural’ born and bred Shetland couple…

We make a fabulous with so much to share, both very passionate about all aspects of our business.  We provide a very high standard of customer care which has been recognized through customer feedback/reviews and our many accolades, with our most recent being ‘Service Excellence’ in Scotland by the Small Business Federation.  Our continuing success, is reflected in our many fabulous TripAdvisor & Google Reviews, complementing each other’s experiences, skills and talents, from start to finish…showing you the best of Lerwick’s beautiful harbour, Bressay & Noss. Great to see so many customers returning to us year after year.   

We both have extensive seafaring experience…in 2005 we sailed our own 52ft yacht ‘Enjah’ from Shetland to the Mediterranean and back again.  Brian being a qualified Marine Engineer, has spent his life around boats, he has a wealth of knowledge about our local waters, which can only be gained through a lifetime’s experience and makes him a very safe and most dependable tour skipper.  With his qualifications, experience and masterful boatmanship, Brian is in perfect place at the helm. 

As well as Brian having all the necessary skipper qualifications/licenses, we both have certified training on ‘Sea Survival Skills’ as well as Elementary First Aid At Sea.  Marie has ‘disability awareness’ training through her various care working roles outwith our busy season and also has certified training for ‘Disability Inclusion’ in Hospitality, Travel & Tourism – respecting inclusion for everyone.  Marie has also completed Climate Emergency Training For Tourism as well as completing destination development and leadership programme through Edinburgh Napier University.  

We were excited to be the first boat tour business in Shetland to receive the ‘Inclusive Tourism’ award at The Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards 2023.  We are the only boat tour in Shetland to receive Visit Scotland’s Prestigious 5-Star accolade, this is the highest grading you can achieve. We have worked extremely hard on our sustainability practices and posted on social media in October 2022 that we were awaiting ‘Green Tourism Grading.  Once our online assessment submitted early 2023, we were delighted to receive a Green Tourism ‘Silver Award’.  Upon doing our second assessment late 2023, we were delighted early 2024 to be awarded a Green Tourism ‘Gold Award’ and both early in the year like other local business.  Great to see all our hard work, dedication, passion and commitment shine through to make us the popular attraction we are today.  We will continue to lead the way by inspiring others with our business strategies and innovations.  

Ever since the award-winning business started 32 years ago, it has built up a very good reputation as a top wildlife tour with many very knowledgeable crew.  We are delighted to keep on many of the same relief crew that Jonathan had, with three new additions, our newest being Marvyn Johnson our highly experience relief skipper.  You can find out more about ‘The Noss Boat’ team by clicking on ‘View All Crew’ link below.   

Our Partnerships – Local & Worldwide

As well as our independent travellers to Shetland, we work in collaboration with many businesses & partners, providing our services to a vast majority of wildlife tour companies, tour groups and film crews from all over the globe. This ranges from Naturetrek Wildlife Holidays, Simon King Wildlife, Guide Trek Alps,   BBC Scotland and many others.  We have also been delighted to have Nigel Marven onboard, he is a British wildlife TV presenter, naturalist, conservationist author and television producer.  We also work in partnership with local wildlife and tour groups also.  We have a strong business ethos in supporting local, for which we have a dedicated page listing our collaborations.  

One thing important to us as a successful and moving forward business is an ‘All Inclusive’ approach to tourism.  We have a dedicated website page which can be found here and explains exactly what customers can expect.  

Our thousands of independent travellers and collaborating businesses/partners have helped shape us to be Shetland’s NO.1 boat tour/wildlife attraction.  

Our customer feedback and experience is most important to us – we welcome any questions and would appreciate if you could please leave us a review following your tour with us – Thank You.

• View All Crew

Testimonials

"The seabird cliffs of Noss rank as one of the most stunning wildlife spectacles in Britain and Ireland, and there is no better way to witness their splendour than with Marie and Brian onboard The Noss Boat 'Seabird'. Brian will get you into the best possible position for the finest views whilst always respecting the wildlife you are watching and Marie will regale you with fascinating facts about the wildlife, geology and Island history, punctuated with the beauty of the Shetland dialect. The boat is ideal for observation and photography, with a spacious rear deck that allows standing room for all, but compact enough to venture into some of the caves around the island on calmer days. Even life beneath the waves will be brought into the comfort of the cabin via the ROV – a remotely operated submersible with a camera sending live images to screens at the surface. All that, plus a fine cuppa and a biscuit – a first class experience in every way!"

Simon King – Simon King Widlife – British Naturalist, Author, Conservationist, Television Presenter & Cameraman

"If you want a magical journey take a cruise with Seabirds-and-Seals! An expert skipper and knowledgeable guides will get you close to seabird cities, plunge diving gannets and great skuas. You should have a close approach from confiding seals and lay eyes on the house of Jimmy Perez, Shetlands iconic TV detective! I’ll never forget my adventure with Marie and Marvyn"

Nigel Marven – Nigel Marven Productions - British Wildlife TV Presenter, Naturalist, Conservationist, Author & Television Producer.

"I have known this company since the first time I came to Shetland. I started with Jonathan Wills, now Marie and Brian continue this work with great professionalism and passion. I am an Italian guide who has been organizing trips to Shetland with Italian groups for 15 years. The Noss tour with Seabirds-and-Seals is an event that cannot be missed. It is an integral and fundamental part of the entire journey. I have always worked very well with Marie and Brian, and they have always been available to help me to find the best solution even when the sea told us no. They are two very special people…first of all ‘Good’, then they are excellent professionals who know how to put customers at ease and know how to make you experience the unique magic of Noss and Bressay. I will return every year, hopefully for a long time, waiting to say hello to my adventure friends and have the best tea with biscuits in the world in some cove in Noss or Bressay".

Davide D'Acunto - Tour Leader - Guide Trek Alps Italy

"As a long-time nature tour leader, I am always delighted to find partners to work with who provide the very best experiences for my clients. The seabird cliffs of Noss are one of the most spectacular sights on the planet and Seabirds and Seals provides the very best viewing of that spectacle. Marie and Brian were fantastic to work with; from the initial booking, to the day-of-details. Their knowledge of, and passion for the seabirds and other wildlife of Shetland is evident every step of the way. My group of American visitors were in awe. Brian’s boat skills allowed for breathtaking photo opportunities and jaw-dropping views. Marie’s narration gave them a broad understanding of the lives of these birds and the history of the island. The Gannet feeding at the end was the perfect conclusion to a memorable trip. I will be back in Shetland with another group soon and the first planning email will be to Seabirds and Seals to make sure we schedule our trip to Noss. . . . THANK YOU!”

Iain MacLeod Nature Tour Leader - Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, New Hampshire, USA.

"Shetland Seabirds and Seals are advocates for breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity, offering popular boat trips which are accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The staff team are flexible and always willing to look for solutions to make their trips as comfortable as possible. The seabird colonies that live at the back of Noss are incredible, and opening up the opportunity of experiencing one of these trips to as many as possible is amazing".

Megan Keppie - Sports Development Support Worker - Ability Shetland

Every year volunteers and service users enjoy a couple of trips off with Brian and Marie on a tour of Noss seeing the spectacular birdlife which is enjoyed by all. They provide us with a first class service that accommodates all abilities. This is one of the most popular group activities that we offer and will continue to do so weather permitting!! “The best thing about memories is making them” .

Mairi Jamieson - Project Co-ordinator Shetland Befriending Scheme

"Seabirds and Seals are part of the Respitality Scheme here at Shetland Carers. This means that each year they kindly donate several boat trips to the Scheme, which can be awarded to carers who are registered with us, to allow them to take a short break from their caring role. The carers who have experienced a trip with them have absolutely loved the experience! Not only are Marie and Brian extremely knowledgeable about what they do, but they are welcoming and friendly to all their passengers and ensure that everyone is having a wonderful time. As their boat is wheelchair accessible, it ensures that they are inclusive for all - and it’s a wonderful gesture for Marie and Brian to recognise the important role which carers play, and to give something back to the community by donating these trips. They have previously welcomed a family of carers, along with their cared for person, to go out together for a trip with them, which enabled everyone to share in the experience together and make some new memories. Thank you for all that you do".

Amanda Brown – Support Worker - Shetland Carers

"We just had a lovely time aboard Seabirds and Seals, we would like to thank you so much for this break! What a brilliant trip around Noss, and we even saw a Minke whale! Just fabulous! Thank you so much!" “Thank you! With this break, we bonded and relaxed together. Cherished memories!” Quoted by a family and their cared for one who joined us in 2023 as part of Shetland Carers Respitality Scheme".

Local Family - Participated In Shetland Carers 'Respitality Scheme'

“The SeaBirds + Seals Boat Tour was a Respitality treat beyond words. Such a warm welcome and in depth understanding of the wildlife as well as the local history – what a refreshing and revitalising trip and experience. This experience is definitely family friendly and with discrete additional support where needed. I was impressed with their attention to detail from the commentary via headphone if wished and the lovely stop over for cuppa and biscuits in the calm bay. There was even a surprise birthday cake ! Definitely a relaxing and highly enjoyable experience for us both ” .

The BEST visitor experience – We were a group of locals (family visiting from the mainland) and we really did have the best day. From start to finish was a please to be onboard. Marie, Brian and Crew were so knowledgeable and very kind to our younger members of family. We did this trip last Summer and everyone still speaks about how good it was and asking when we can go again! This trip was a reminder of just how stunning Shetland is and made us all appreciate what is on our doorstep. It also made me proud to showcase to family this brilliant tour business.

Locals - Halcrow/Shaw Family – Cunningsburgh Shetland

Book now online.

You can check availability and book online very easily with The Noss Boat using our Checkfront Online Booking System, where you can pay using debit, credit card or paypal. Once you have completed your online booking, you will automatically receive an invoice along with our terms and conditions. Alternatively you can contact us directly.

You can also book through the Lerwick Tourist Office - +44 (0)1595 693434.

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Bird and wildlife tours

Sightseeing tours, and more....

Amazing wildlife spectacles. Dramatic scenery. Equally dramatic weather. Long summer evenings. World-renowned historical sites. Puffins. Otters. Shetland Ponies. Rich flower meadows. Towering seabird cliffs. Shetland has it all, and much more besides. We've even got our own murder-mystery TV series!

From individuals to larger groups, from holidaymaking families to cruise ship visitors, we offer bespoke tours centred on birds, other wildlife, general sightseeing, or a combination of everything! Choose from one of our basic itineraries , or design your very own bespoke trip.

THE 10 BEST Shetland Islands Nature & Wildlife Tours

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Daily Wildlife & Photography Noss Boat Tour

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Discovering Shetland’s Wildlife: A Visitor’s Guide

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy an item via links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more .

The Shetlands are a group of islands in the far northern reaches of the UK between Orkney and Norway. This is the most northerly point in the UK and, owing to its remote location, receives fewer than 100,000 visitors each year.

Still, this unique location is well worth checking out because of its breathtaking landscapes and amazing wildlife. It’s situated around 110 miles from mainland Scotland but is still part of this country. Yet, you may feel like you’re on another planet thanks to the dramatic landscapes made up of rugged cliffs alongside beautiful beaches as well as moorlands and peaceful lochs.

The beauty of the Shetland Islands is that it is largely untouched and so remains in its stunning natural state. What’s more, the islands offer an amazing chance to see the cultural diversity of the UK since people here are heavily influenced by Norse traditions. While you’re here, it would be a crime not to try the local cuisine, consisting of seafood, tattie soup, beef, and reestit mutton.

With a strong Norse heritage, the Shetlands are a wonderful place for history lovers. Many years ago, Scandinavian resources began to run low, so Vikings headed to the Shetlands for farming but also as a base for piracy.

In terms of wildlife, the Shetlands are one of the most diverse and interesting places in the UK. With lots of rugged coastlines, it’ll come as no surprise that there is an abundance of seabirds here, including puffins, which have strong populations on Hermaness and Noss.

Along these same coastlines, visitors have the chance to spot whales, seals, dolphins, otters, and many other creatures, including several species of migratory birds, which make a stopover on the islands as they head south.

You may have heard of the Shetland pony which, as its name suggests, inhabits these islands. There is also an abundance of deer, primarily found in the uplands.

And it isn’t just fauna that will get wildlife lovers excited, for those with a penchant for plant life, the Shetlands offers some excellent opportunities to get up close to species like sea thrift and sea pink. There are around 400 plant species on the islands, including rowan trees, sea campion, and roseroot.

Types of Wildlife to See

The Shetland Islands are an amazing place to spot coastal and marine wildlife, and one of the biggest attractions are the puffin colonies. It’s thought that there are as many as 23,000 on Hermaness alone, and the great news is that they’re very unafraid of humans. However, I still strongly recommend respecting them and observing from a distance. As well as puffins, you’ll have the chance to spot several other species of seabird, such as razorbills, fulmars, and guillemots.

Staying around the coast, you’ll be treated to frequent seal sightings, with the gray and common seals being the most often observed here. There are also many species of whales and dolphins in the waters around the islands, and boat excursions offer a wonderful way to spot orcas, humpbacks, and the common dolphin.

Otters are also a common sight along the Shetland coasts as they spend a lot of time here looking for fish. There are even  otter tours  available that teach you some wonderful things about these playful creatures.

The Shetlands are a bird lover’s haven because there are so many species here. Aside from the famous puffins, you’ll also spot arctic terns that migrate between here and the Antarctic on a whopping  22,000 mile  journey! Around the water you’ll also spot many other species of water birds, including the red-throated diver, the common loon, and the whooper swan. 

Birds of prey are also abundant here, including owls, eagles, and merlins. However, there are also many migratory species that will pass through the islands, including the hen harrier and the common buzzard.

If you’re keen to spot rare avian species, then Shetland offers a chance to experience the corncrake, a small species of rail bird that’s now only found in a few locations around the UK.

As I mentioned earlier, Shetland is famous for its ponies, which can often be seen grazing around the coast as well as in fields and grasslands. The ponies, while seemingly free, are actually owned by local tenders and, every August, there is a pony show which attracts a lot of visitors. While they can be seen all over the Shetlands, the best islands are Mainland, Urst, Tingwall, and Dunrossness. On Mainland Shetland, you may also have the chance to spot the red deer.

With more than 400 plant species on Shetland, including goosegrass, silverweed, sea sandwort, and yarrow, the Shetlands are a great place for exploring flora. What’s wonderful about this diverse array is that it also attracts insect and pollinator populations, including rare species like the large tiger hoverfly that have specially adapted to the islands’ conditions. You may also spot insect-life among the heather covered hills that dot the landscape.

And it’s not just flora and fauna that can be spotted here; the Shetlands are one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis outside of the Arctic Circle. Yes, the Shetlands lie close to the Arctic Circle but are actually just 400 miles outside of it.

Best Time to Visit

Between April and June many of the migratory birds come back to the islands, including the famous puffins, so this is a great time to watch them get into breeding season. This is the case with many other seabirds, so is a great time to visit for ornithology lovers.

Summer falls between July and August, but average temperatures here are still only around 13ºC, so bring a jacket! However, at this time, the puffins are at their most active and other marine life, like seals , can often be spotted with their young.

At the beginning of autumn, between September and October, the seabirds begin migrating south, so there’s a lot of activity. What’s more, fewer people tend to visit at this time of the year, so you’ll have more of the islands to explore in peace.

Otters are often at their most active in early fall, and as we move into late fall, we see many migratory birds passing through.

If you’re coming to the Shetlands to see the Northern Lights then winter is one of the best times. The nights are much longer at this time of the year, so there’s a greater chance of catching this natural light show.

Other Times to Visit

While the Shetlands doesn’t receive as many visitors as other places in the UK, that doesn’t mean it’s not an incredibly welcoming place to go. In fact, there are events running throughout the year, such as guided tours, festivals, and even the  Shetland Wool Week  which draws a lot of attention.

What to Explore?

• Exploring the flora: To see the most diverse range of plant life, I would recommend checking out the botanical gardens. You might also visit Lea Gardens in Tresta which is one of the most impressive gardens in the Shetlands. In spring, the islands come alive as various species of wildflowers start to bloom.
• Explore history: Shetland has a rich history dating back thousands of years, and Jarlshof is one of the top historical sites here. This prehistoric settlement allows you to explore more than 4000 years of history on the islands and has many interesting ruins.
• Hop between islands: While only 16 of the Shetlands are inhibited, there are actually 100 islands within this group. Fair Isle can be accessed via ferry and is a great place for bird lovers with some unique species, including the arctic tern. There are ferries that go to many of the islands, although some are harder to access. For example, Mousa can only be accessed in summer using the Mousa Boat .
• Birdwatching: It’s evident that seabirds and waterbirds are in abundance in the Shetlands, and one of the best places to see them is at the Hermaness National Nature Reserve. With lots of cliffs and moorlands, you’ll have the chance to spot various species. Other noteworthy places for birdwatching include RSPB Sumburgh Head, St Ninian’s Isle (especially for wading birds) and the islands’ many heathlands. The island of Fetlar is considered to be one of the best places to spot wetland birds, and there are regular ferries for easy access.
• Take a wildlife tour: One of the best ways to see the Shetland wildlife is by taking a tour. From island trails to otter tracking or even a seal, whale or dolphin spotting trip, there’s something for everyone.
• Nature reserves: The Shetlands is home to several nature reserves, including Voe on the mainland, which contains various habitats like woodlands, wetlands, and moorlands and is home to many species, including birds and otters.
• Spot the ponies: It’s estimated that there are around 1000 ponies on the Shetlands and these are managed by around 170 people. You’re most likely to spot them in fields and around the coast where they’ll be grazing. They are more common on Mainland, Urst, Dunrossness, and Tingwall.
• Local events: As I mentioned earlier, the Shetland Wool Week is one of the biggest attractions of the year, but there are many other local events taking place all the time. These include the Lerwick Up Helly Aa and the Shetland Boat Week. Check the calendar before you travel to see what’s on.
• Local landscapes: The Shetlands are, surprisingly, home to white sandy beaches along the beautiful ancient coastlines. Sandwick and Hillswick are of particular note. However, you might also check out the Shetland Geopark, which is home to ancient rock formations and provides guests with information on the volcanic history of the islands.
• Take the car:  For a free day trip, why not take a scenic drive around the islands? This is a great way to see much of the stunning landscape and wildlife this location has to offer.

How to Get There?

Public Transport

• Once you are on your chosen island, there are several bus services that will take you between wildlife viewing locations and some of the rural villages.
• While there are no public train services on the islands, you can catch a train to Aberdeen and take a ferry from there.
• Accessing the Shetlands via plane can be done by booking a flight from Scotland to Sumburgh Airport, which is located on Mainland.
• Flights to Sumburgh can be taken from major Scottish cities, including Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh.
• Some islands, like Tingwall and Fair Isle have small airports which can be used for island hopping.
• Ferries from mainland Scotland run daily to the Shetlands.
• You can catch a ferry from Aberdeen or Scrabster to the capital of the Shetlands, Lerwick.
• When traveling by ferry, be sure to look out for marine life which is often spotted.
• Once on the islands, ferries run between them allowing for a better chance to explore.
• Be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment, as spots on the ferry are limited and can get busy during peak season.

Where to Stay

There aren’t a huge amount of accommodation choices in the Shetlands, but some of the best islands to base yourself include:

Other Considerations

• Public transport, flights, and ferries may be affected by extreme weather conditions. While winters are much milder than you might think, some locations do get a lot of snow. In fact, Baltasound, Urst receives as much as 65 days of snow each year.
• Before traveling, be sure to check local information for any important things you might need to be aware of.
• Because of the unpredictable weather and risk of travel plans changing when visiting Shetland, it may be worth getting a special type of travel insurance that covers this.
• By booking with a tour operator, you may have the chance to combine your travel with wildlife tours and other events.

Karen writes professionally, and she is also a published author. She has a passion for the outdoors and tries to spend as much of her free time out in nature.

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Shetland's Wildlife

A 9-day holiday in search of Otters, seals, and the breeding waders and seabirds of the Shetland Islands.

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This 2-centre tour, based in Lerwick or Sumburgh on the southern tip of ‘Mainland’, and on the island of Unst, is carefully timed to make the most of Shetland’s wealth of nesting waders and seabirds. From Lerwick we’ll explore cliffs, sea lochs and smaller uninhabited islands for breeding species such as Puffins and Storm Petrels before transferring to the island of Unst, the most northerly habited island in Great Britain. Shetland is a magical place, and whilst our focus will be on Otters, seals and a host of bird species, the experience of simply being in this remote, northerly outreach of the British Isles, among its rugged landscapes and huge skies, is hard to beat!

• Sea-watching for cetaceans & seabirds on the ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick
• Impressive seabird colonies
• A nocturnal visit to Mousa Broch for Storm Petrels
• Orchids in June include Lesser Twayblade & Frog Orchid
• Mammals including Grey & Common Seals & Otter
• Shetland Mouse-ear Chickweed ( Cerastium nigrescens )
• Ancient settlements of Jarlshof & the Great Broch of Mousa 
• Breeding specialities as Whimbrel on Fetlar 
• Led by an expert naturalist guide

Outline Itinerary

What's included.

• Accommodation: Please refer to the tour itinerary for details.
• Food: Please refer to the tour itinerary for details.

Essentially but not limited to experiencing the natural world of the Shetland Islands. Magic moments with Red-necked Phalarope puddling along the edge of a loch just 20 feet or so in front of my toes, watching an otter grooming herself in the sunlight, the view of Muckle Flugga - the northernmost point of the British Isles - cake fridges, Jarlshof, great coffee and the best cinnamon whirls ever in the lighthouse cafe, Storm Petrels 'talking' on their nests in the stone walls of a Bronze Age Broch, puffins... And a guide who not only showed us all these things, but thought about us, too, and remembered the need for things like comfort stops. I have travelled with Naturetrek many times now, since my first trip with them in 2007. I have always found their organisation excellent ... Their guides are always very knowledgeable and helpful, and make sure everyone gets the most from their holiday. H.L. Moray & Nairn, Jun 23

Shetland is a wonderful destination at this time of year with beautiful light and an atmosphere that is both wild and tranquil. The principle focus of the trip was the bird life but there was far more to see than this. The special geology set the backdrop for the dramatic rock formations and the interesting wild flowers, some found only on Shetland. Seals were in abundance and otters put in unforgettable appearances. The busy bumble bees were constant companions. Moving between the islands enabled us to appreciate the different natural environments. Watching and hearing the storm petrels return to the island of Mousa at midnight was almost a spiritual experience. This was easy to book and Naturetrek sent all the relevant information well in advance. You could read the report from the latest tour on their website to give a good understanding about the trip. As this was post pandemic they did not take final payment until they were certain that the trip could go ahead. I felt safe with their 'safety' approach. The accommodation was fine for the location (remote and limited choice) and ideal for exploring. The guides were very flexible and adjusted the itinerary to suit the weather so that we all able to maximise the opportunities to see as much as possible and this worked well. While experts in their field they were helpful and very approachable, their enthusiasm was palpable.  J.B. Staffordshire, May 21

We had an excellent tour leader who went out of his way to ensure everyone was able to see everything that we hoped for. He went beyond the call of duty, going out in all weathers, some very cold and windy, to try to spot otters with us, and we succeeded. I was able to see otters swimming, eating, playing, and then exploring on the beach. A magical experience. Loved it all. M.H. Surrey, June 18

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Tour Leader: Chris Griffin

Chris was obsessed with wildlife from an early age, when he spent every available moment either at a local nature reserve or buried in a bird book! Naturally this led to a wildlife orientated career, where he worked for the RSPB and various environmental consultancies as a Field Ornithologist. Now, three decades on, his life hasn’t changed much, as he still birds his local reserves and is regularly found delving his head into a field guide! 

Chris is a keen wildlife photographer, and particularly enjoys the Somerset Levels where he photographs anything and everything. Birds are his first love, but Chris also enjoys watching, and has excellent knowledge of lepidoptera , odonata , reptiles, and amphibians. His enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, and he relishes any opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge and experience!

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why naturetrek.

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

• The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
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Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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