seabird boat tours

Seabirds-and-Seals Daily Wildlife Noss Boat Tours

The Original & NO.1

Welcome Aboard The Noss Boat

Experience spectacular wildlife on our 5-star multi-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 Shetland’s Supreme Wildlife & Photography boat tour experience – Ranked NO.1 TripAdvisor.

We are Shetland’s NO.1 Wildlife/Boat Tour Experience as Ranked on TripAdvisor and the only Shetland boat tour operator to be awarded Visit Scotland’s 5-Star Accolade – the highest grading you can achieve.  Travel & Hospitality Award Winners 2024 – ‘Boat Tour Of The Year – Scotland’ .

Join Marie, Brian or Marvyn…all highly experienced and knowledgeable about the local area, with a lifetime experience of boats, the sea, nature, wildlife and our local heritage around us.   Travel in comfort on our extremely spacious and stable catamaran to experience one of Europe’s most sensational reserves.

On this amazing wildlife spectacular you to get enjoy Shetland’s abundant wildlife, guaranteeing close up views of Noss National Nature Reserve – NO.1 choice for photography. We have the added feature of being wheelchair accessible as we strongly believe in inclusion for all – our detailed accessibility guide can be found here .  

With every trip being unique and special, come find out why we are consistently ranked #NO.1 and make ever lasting memories. 

• 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.  On Tuesday’s & Saturday’s 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.  
• Early Evening Harbour Tour/Underwater Viewing Spectacle: Available twice weekly to look at the wildlife so prevalent in or near Lerwick Harbour.  We launch our ROV mini submarine, to show you a variety of sealife below, click here for more info.  Sometimes available as an alternative when rough weather restricts normal operations.  
• 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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Give the Gift of Seabird

What better gift to give than a seabird cruises gift card.

Whether it be a holiday, graduation, wedding, or birthday you cannot go wrong with the gift of an experience. Your friends and family will be in good hands with Captain Chip aboard the Seabird – and will have an experience that will be a lasting memory for a lifetime.

So give the gift of sailing with us in Long Island Sound and up the Connecticut River aboard a beautiful classic picnic boat.  

Welcome to Seabird Cruises, offering relaxing, scenic cruises for up to six guests on Seabird—a classic New England Dyer 29 picnic boat skippered by U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain Chip Adams. Seabird sails from the marina at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina on 3-hour cruises along the beautiful Connecticut Shoreline and up the Connecticut River. Or, if you have more time, Captain Chip can take you on a Custom Cruise for up to 10 hours.

Seabird Cruises offers you “a great time on our beautiful waters” of Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River. Relax with family, friends, or business associates. Take in the seals and birds, explore nearby islands, go for a swim, see where you live from the water. Celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or ask someone to marry you!

BOOK A PICNIC CRUISE

Picnic on the water.

Schedule a three-hour Picnic Cruise on Seabird from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on an itinerary that takes you east or west in Long Island Sound or up the Connecticut River.

Bring your picnic, or lunch can be catered by the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, or you can arrange for other food options.

BOOK A SUNSET CRUISE

End the day on the water.

Schedule a 3-hour Sunset Cruise on Seabird from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., May through July; 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in August; 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the fall – cruise along the Shoreline or up the Connecticut River.

Bring your favorite food and beverages, or select from a variety of local options.

BOOK A CUSTOM CRUISE

Cruise built to your preferences.

When you have more time available, schedule a Custom Cruise on Seabird. There are a variety of destinations and options you can map out with Captain Chip, including one-way drop-offs.

Custom Cruises can range from 5 to 10 hours in length.

SEASONED SKIPPER, CLASSIC CRAFT

Comfort and performance.

USCG licensed Captain Chip Adams has skippered sail and powerboats for more than 40 years, and has extensive offshore sailboat racing and delivery experience.

The Seabird is a classic New England Dyer 29 Trunk Cabin picnic boat, a seagoing vessel designed for comfort and performance.

DO SOMETHING SPECIAL

Stay in touch and be the first to know about last minute cruise opportunities, special events, and new ways that people enjoy the Connecticut Shoreline and River Valley.

PRIVACY POLICY

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Wildlife Boat Trips

We offer a fantastic range of boat trips around the islands in the Firth of Forth, including the incredible Bass Rock gannet colony (featured in BBC1's Wild Isles). Trips run from late March to early October. Look out for different seabirds and marine wildlife throughout the spring and summer season. Boat trips for can be booked online through the links below or call us on 01620 890 202. Please note that WATERPROOFS ARE NOT PROVIDED for any of our trips, even on a warm sunny day it can be cold out on the water, please bring your own waterproofs and make sure you have warm clothing for your trip.

Three Islands Seabird Seafari

These exhilarating wildlife boat trips leave North Berwick Harbour and head out around the islands of the Lamb, Craigleith and of course the famous Bass Rock. Enjoy seeing a range of amazing wildlife in its natural habitat. Seasonal highlights include puffins, guillemots, gannets and if you’re really lucky you might even spot dolphins. Please note our RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) are unsuitable for anyone with back and or neck problems or who is pregnant. WATERPROOFS ARE NOT PROVIDED please bring your own waterproofs. All children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult on these trips.

Seabird Catamaran Cruise

On board our custom-built, 55 seat catamaran, enjoy an hour-long cruise around the island of Craigleith and the Bass Rock, the world's largest colony of Northern gannets. Please note all children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult on these trips.

Isle of May Landing trips

Visit stunning National Nature Reserve the Isle of May. The island is steeped in history and is a haven for wildlife, supporting internationally important colonies of breeding seabirds in the summer and grey seals over winter. Enjoy a cruise around the iconic Bass Rock on your return journey (weather and sea conditions permitting).

Our RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) are unsuitable for anyone with back and or neck problems or who is pregnant. Please note all children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult on these trips. WATERPROOFS ARE NOT PROVIDED please bring your own waterproofs for the trip. Please remember to provide an up to date mobile number when making your bookings.

Private boat charters

Our RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) and Catamaran are available for your exclusive use. If you have a special occasion, work outing or organised nature tour planned, our boats can make your day even more memorable.

The terms and conditions for all our boat trips are available to view HERE.

If you have any queries about any of the trips please don't hesitate to get in touch with us on [email protected]

• Shetland Seabird Tours
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Experience one of Europe’s finest wildlife spectacles, with over 25,000 northern gannets lining the towering sandstone cliffs of Noss and swirling around the skies above. Enjoy a unique “gannet’s eye view” with our gannet diving and feeding frenzy – a highlight for many visitors with incredible photographic opportunities. We maximise time with the wildlife on every tour. Our boat is designed for wildlife watching at sea. The large open decking area offers 360º panoramic viewing and comfortable, forward-facing seating. Chosen by wildlife tour groups, amateur and professional photographers, families, couples, and solo travellers from all over the world. We have hosted major film crews, most recently used by BBC Springwatch, the RSPB, and Wild Shetland. Your experienced skipper, a professional naturalist, gives informative, fun, and engaging commentary. Let us take you to the magnificent Noss cliffs and around Bressay to enjoy Shetland’s rich marine environment, thousands of breeding seabirds, close seal encounters, scenic views, iconic landmarks and striking local geology. Whale sightings are increasing too, giving the chance to see and identify these amazing marine mammals.

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Northern Gannets at Noss

Noss, Shetland Islands

THE No.1 NOSS BOAT: DAILY AFTERNOON TOURS with SHETLAND SEABIRD TOURS

Daily AFTERNOON wildlife tours to Noss & around Bressay with Shetland's Premier Noss Boat. 2+ hours long, designed to maximise your time with wildlife & photographic opportunities. Boarding 12:45pm (Dept 15mins later) Victoria Pier, Lerwick.

THE NOSS BOAT - SHETLAND SEABIRD TOURS

The ultimate Shetland wildlife & photography boat experience with Shetland’s only naturalist led, carbon neutral eco-boat tour company. Come & join us for a real 'Gannets Eye View' & see why we 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, sea-faring experience & the best in customer service!

BEST VISITOR ATTRACTION EXPERIENCE Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards 2022

Best Wildlife Boat Tour Company 2023 - N Scotland Scottish Enterprise Awards

Boat Tour Operator of the Year 2023/4 Scotland - Prestige Awards

Wildlife Tour Company of the Year 2022 & 2024 - Travel & Hospitality Awards Scotland

1 of TOP 10 UK BOAT TOURS The Guardian.

• The Noss Boat wildlife tour will include an incredible gannet diving feeding frenzy, our speciality, as used by photographers and film crews from all over the world. The photographic opportunities are second to none - have your very own "Attenborough Moment".

• You’ll see one of Europe’s finest wildlife spectacles, the sight & sound of over 25,000 northern gannets lining the towering sandstone cliffs of Noss & swirling around the skies above us. 

• You will be guided by our highly experienced skipper & professional naturalist Phil Harris, with live commentary given throughout your tour suited to all ages. Phil loves nothing more than to be quizzed on his ornithological knowledge, so don’t hold back with any questions!

• You will travel through some of the richest marine environments on Shetland, around Noss National Nature Reserve & Bressay, surrounded by thousands of seabirds, from atlantic puffin, razorbill and common guillemot, to black guillemot, great skua, kittiwake & shag. 

• You’ll see close, inquisitive Grey Seals, which have been following fishing boats through Lerwick harbour for decades, as well as pass slowly by some of Shetland’s iconic landmarks & striking local geology. We are delighted to be Geopark partners, sharing local geological knowledge with all.

• We are always on the lookout for whales too. With increasing sightings of Orca in Shetland waters, we hope to be able to shout ‘whale!’ during your Noss boat tour. Certainly if they are in the area, you could be on no better boat & with no better guide than "Spotter Harris" to experience these ultimate marine mammals. We are also seeing Risso's Dolphin, Minke Whale & even Basking Sharks with increasing regularity.

• Our boat is a fabulous 11.5 metre Redbay twin engine boat, designed & built for wildlife watching at sea & perfect for Shetland waters. Uniquely on Shetland, our boat has 12 new, comfortable upholstered padded seats with backrests for all passengers as well as a large decking area for panoramic viewing & photography. 

• There is a TOILET below deck for peace of mind whilst out on the sea & we provide 12 fabulous new Opticron wildlife watching binoculars (sponsored by Opticron) & seabird and cetacean identification charts for all during the tour. 

• Young children are given a free Noss Boat eco-gift bag whilst onboard (worth £6) & we have a range of bespoke Noss Boat clothing & merchandise available for adults & children onboard (see online or on the shop leaflets in each seat pocket).

• We have teamed up with the local Peerie Shop Cafe, Lerwick to offer all our passengers a discount card for 10% off a hot drink or mug of soup post tour too!

• We look forward to welcoming you aboard. Come & see why we offer the best boat, the best wildlife experience, the best guides & of course, the best value for money. To avoid disappointment during our busiest times, please do book in advance either via our website booking system, email, phone or through the Lerwick Tourist Office. You will find parking available at Victoria Pier Car Park right next to the slipway we depart from & just opposite Lerwick Tourist Office.

From £60 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

April — October

Contact details

• +44 (07767) 872260
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Key facilities

Tour information.

• Mainland, Shetland
• Small Group (1-16)
• Film and TV
• Outdoor Activities
• Photography

Tour prices

From £60 Per Adult £25 Per Child

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour gallery

Tour company information

Shetland seabird tours - the noss boat.

The ultimate wildlife boat experience with the famous Noss Boat, one of Shetland's best visitor attractions. Join us for a real 'gannets eye view' at one of Europe's finest wildlife spectacles around the towering cliffs of Noss, superb photographic opportunities throughout. 1 of Top 10 Boat Tours UK (The Guardian), Shetland's only pro-naturalist led, carbon neutral, eco-tour company. New, comfortable seats with backrests for all, large decking area, toilet. 25,000 nesting gannets, incredible diving feeding frenzy, seabirds, guillemots, puffins & skuas. Close seals & increasing whale sightings!

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Visit Shetland Seabird Tours - The Noss Boat

Opening times

Open 24/7. Daily Scheduled Boat Tours: 9.45am, 12.45pm, 3.45pm (no 3.45pm on Mon & Sat). 'Early Bird' Photo Tours: 5.30am Mon & Sat. Private Photo & Film Tours. April - October.

Other tours from this company

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• The Noss Boat

Our Noss Boat is an attractive, streamlined, very comfortable large blue & white bespoke boat called ‘ Ayda Ruby II ‘ (named after our daughter). The boat is fully coded & in excellent condition. She was sailed over from Ireland for the 2018 Noss Boat season and is an exciting upgrade from our previous boat, the Ayda Ruby I   which we enjoyed during our first two seasons in 2016 & 2017. She is the perfect boat for the waters around Shetland, low, almost eye-level to the water with ample space to enjoy the best possible views of wildlife for our passengers. She is easily manoeuvrable & has an on/off front canopy cover if needed. She has a unique design of 12 upholstered seats with backrests for all. This optional, comfortable, cushioned seating is a bonus feature for all our passengers when out on the waters around Noss where comfort & safety is paramount. We have a large area “out back” to stand or sit out on deck to enjoy unrestricted 360º viewing & photographic opportunities.

She is powered by twin Yamaha 265 horsepower inboard engines. We have two inflatable life rafts stored on the stern of the boat and all passengers wear modern, neat life jackets throughout our tours which are provided & fitted before embarkation & available for all ages, standard safety practice for any sea operating tour company in this day and age. The Ayda Ruby II can really shift if she needs to – though our trips are not fast adventure tours, but slow, wildlife friendly adventure trips in a style & with an ethos we feel strongly about as naturalists. We can go smoothly and rapidly to the numerous good spots however or if there are whales in the area!

We are the longest running active Noss Boat tour company having started Shetland Seabird Tours in 2016 after another Noss Boat stopped running regular trips to Noss in 2015 (this was later continued with new crew and new boat in 2018). We saw a clear gap in the boat tour scene & founded our limited company Shetland Seabird Tours the next year.  In 2021 we upgraded our pair of gannets logo to also encompass an Orca, a logo we are delighted with & gives a real sense of what our company is all about!

ALL TRIPS DEPART FROM 119 EDEN ST-THE ATLANTIC OCEANSIDE HOTEL- 5 MIN DRIVE FROM DOWNTOWN BAR HARBOR

Puffins, Lighthouses, & Seabirds Cruise

Quick details.

• Clock Duration: 3.5 hours

Ages 15 – 61

Ages 62 and older, ages 14 and under, cruise by the petit manan lighthouse, see puffins and more in maine.

Join us for an adventure into Frenchman Bay and the Gulf of Maine to see the most awesome iconic symbols of Maine: Puffins and Lighthouses!

Cruise with us aboard the M/V Islander with our knowledgeable naturalists and crew to see three island lighthouses, including Petit Manan Lighthouse (where puffins and other off-shore birds are seen from mid-May through mid-August), Mark Island Light and Egg Rock Light.

The puffin and lighthouse tour also stops by Schoodic Island in search of eagles and other wildlife. The boat then takes a scenic ride along Schoodic Peninsula to view a bit of the shoreline of Acadia National Park. Other wildlife includes seals, harbor porpoise, osprey and other seabirds.

*Puffins are about the size of a large crow. We follow wildlife viewing guidelines in order to prevent disturbance of the seabirds.

* The M/V Islander is a 65-ft. passenger vessel with indoor and outdoor seating, light galley service, clean restrooms, and an experienced captain and crew. The Islander is licensed to carry a maximum of 66 passengers, but we have limited the number to 35 for maximum personal comfort onboard. This Acadia birding and lighthouse tour sails from mid-May through mid-August. The Islander puffin trip is pet-friendly to friendly pets!

*Binoculars are very helpful for viewing puffins and other wildlife such as seals and eagles. Binoculars are available to rent aboard the vessel for $5 if needed!

Some of the birds often seen on this tour include puffins, razorbills, murres, guillemots, shearwaters, terns, gulls, jaegers, various raptors, ducks, and waders. Don’t worry if you’re not a professional birder. Our crew can assist birdwatchers of all skill levels. Bird sightings do change with the seasons.

This trip includes an extended viewing of Petit Manan Lighthouse on one of only seven islands in Maine where endangered Atlantic puffins nest. Experience the majestic scenery of Schoodic Peninsula as well as part of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge . Join us for the opportunity to see the wonderful wildlife and breathtaking views on the coast of Maine.

This Acadia Wildlife tour sails from mid-May through mid – August daily.

Available Departure Times

May 15 to May 31 – 9:30 a.m.

June 1 to August 15 – 9:30 a.m

Departure Location

We offer free onsite parking!

Cancellation Policy

Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

Questions? Call us at 207-801-2300.

Related Activities

• Most popular!
• Clock 1.5 – 2 hours

Sightseeing & Nature Cruise

Take a two hour, fully-narrated nature cruise of Frenchman Bay and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of coastal Maine, Acadia National Park, and the Bar Harbor shoreline. ( Pet friendly!) Book online today! 

• Prettiest Trip of the Day!

Sunset Cruise

Join our captain and crew for one of the prettiest trips of the day on our Acadia sunset cruise! This seasonal sunset sail from Bar Harbor will allow you to spot seabirds and marine life with a lovely sunset filter. Book your tour online!

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Welcome to WESTPORTSEABIRDS.COM!

The entire Westport Seabirds crew is having a great time with our valued customers during our 2024 season. Thanks to all our for making this our 48th year such a memorable one!

 We look forward to having you join us for one of our all day pelagic birdwatching trips to one of several deep water submarine canyons that are 30 nautical miles from the mouth of Grays Harbor, on the edge of the North American continental shelf. The outer half of the shelf and the Canyons support a vast array of marine life. In addition to regular species like Black-footed Albatross and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, our trips feature seasonal species such as Laysan Albatross, Flesh-footed, Short-tailed, and Buller’s Shearwaters, and South Polar Skua among many other offshore species. We are also looking for whales, dolphins, porpoises, fur seals and other marine life that populate this nutrient rich environment. 

About Westport Seabirds

Photograph, Monte Carlo Terry Wahl initiated trips offshore to Gray's Canyon in September of 1966 and began systematic censusing in September of 1971, which continues through the present. Westport Seabirds trips have produced the longest running database of birds counted at sea in the world and have provided the foundation for several papers on seabirds of the northeast Pacific, including m...

Information

• Reservations
• 2024 Schedule
• 2024 Trip Results
• Preparing for a Pelagic Trip
• Possible Species / Season
• Westport Seabirds Staff
• Directions to Westport (lodging)
• Sea Bird Photo Gallery
• Marine Mammals/Cetaceans Photo Gallery
• 2023 Trip Results
• 2022 Trip Results
• 2021 Trip Results
• Birding in Washington State
• Past Years Trip Results
• Seasickness
• COVID 19 SAFETY PLAN

Other Links

Image gallery, 2024 schedule now available.

All of our trips go offshore to one of three deep water canyons approximately 28-35 miles offshore. These canyons are just beyond the edge of the continental shelf and reach water depths in excess of 2,500 feet.

Read more...

Possible Species

Learn more...

Copyright © West Port Sea Birds . All Rights Reserved

Monterey Seabirds

2024 pelagic seabird trips.

Reservations are required. Reservations can be made by clicking on a date above, or by using our online reservation form or by calling (831) 375-4658 with a credit card number to hold your spot. Go to Whale Watch Trip Information Page for further details (trip preparation, directions, etc.). For the Seabird trips we have a 2-week cancellation policy. Note that regular Whale Watch trips are also scheduled on the same dates as the Seabird trips.

• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

• Description
• Choose date

Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

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Who's going.

• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
• Date and time:
• Who's going:

See photo of the meeting point