shetland nature tours

Welcome Aboard - The Noss Boat

We are Shetland's original, 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

Daily wildlife cruises around Noss National Nature Reserve & Bressay. 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. 2024 Top 7 UK Boat Tours THE TIMES & TOP 10 UK Boat Tours - The Guardian. 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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Tour Itinerary and Reports

Tour report - June 2022
Tour report - June 2019
Tour report - June 2018
Tour report - June 2017
Tour report - June 2016
Tour report - June 2015
Tour report - June 2014
Tour report - June 2013
Tour report - May 2012
Tour report - June 2011

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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.

Quick Enquiry

Quick enquiry.

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

Dates & Prices

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.

Tour Reports

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
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

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!

Scotland is home to some of the British Isles’ most iconic bird and mammal species, as well as being the setting for many of their top wildlife spectacles. When it comes to wildlife holidays, Scotland is a fantastic destination.

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Can you spare a minute? We’ve been nominated ‘Best Wildlife & Nature Holiday Company’ in the prestigious 2024 British Travel Awards and need your support to win. Voters can win a range of fabulous travel prizes (regardless of who you vote for) including a holiday on a Greek island, a stay in a European villa, a Scandinavian cruise and much more ( view all prizes ). We truly value your support!

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Scenic Shetland

Lose | yourself, discover | yourself.

Testimonial
Getting to Shetland
Accommodation

Otter Photography
Photo Tours
Richard Shucksmith

bird, Eurasian otter, European otter, feeding, Lutra lutra, mammal, Mustelid, Mustelidae, Northern Isles, Otter, Otter in Shetland, Otters, predation, prey, Puffin, Scotland The Big Picture, seabird, Shetland Islands, Shetland Isles, Shetland otter

Shetland Otter Photography

Otter Field Ecology Workshop

Underwater Gannet Photography

Shetland Seabird Photo Tour

Shetland Photo Tours specialises in nature photography. Providing unique and dedicated photographic holidays for individuals and small groups. Shetland Photo Tours is run by Richard Shucksmith, a photographer and ecologists whose images have won many awards. Richard’s ethos is about getting the photographer in the right place at the right time. To get the best from the subject and the light, to create beautiful inspiring images.

The Shetland Islands archipelago is the UK’s most northerly island group, made up of over 100 islands, of which only 15 are inhabited. Positioned on the same latitude as Greenland, Shetland is closer to the Arctic Circle than to Manchester. Although a large island group stretching 96 miles (155km), Shetland has an even larger coastline at 1,697 miles (2,702 km). This coastline encompasses a variety of wild coastal habitats, supporting a rich variety of life.

Being a Shetland Island based nature photographer I spend most of my time exploring Shetland’s wild coast. I am obsessed with Shetland otters, spending hundreds of hours every year following and photographing this charismatic mammal. Shetland boasts the highest density of otters in Europe, and the coastlines are some of the best shores I have ever worked on to photograph otters. Otters in Shetland are well known for feeding during the day. My intimate knowledge of Shetland otters and their habitat almost ensures encounters with this alluring animal every day.

Shetland seabirds are another favourite of mine. Every summer over a million seabirds come to Shetland to breed on the rugged coastline, creating one of Shetland’s wildlife spectacles. Dramatic sea cliffs teeming with thousands of nesting gannets, charismatic puffins on the grassy sea cliff tops making for an unforgettable experience. Shetland is a beautiful place to explore coastal wilderness with an abundance of wildlife.

Shetland otters, ponies and a lucky escape

Shetland otters, Otter photography, Otters in Shetland, Shetland Isles, Otters otter, Lutra lutra, otter book, Shetland otter photography, Shetland otter

Book launch: Otters in Shetland The tale of the draatsi

Lutra lutra, Northern Isles, Otter, Otter in Shetland, Otters, Shetland Islands, Shetland otter

Shetland otters, too many for one coastline?

Filming killer whales – behind the scenes

Humpback whale, Shetland, Shetland Isles, marine mammal

Humpback Whales Shetland

Underwater gannets, Shetland gannets, Gannet photography, BWPA, Shetland Isles, wildlife photography, nature photography, Shetland Wildlife photography, awards, Highly Commended, Photography Awards

British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2015

Underwater Shetland gannets

Shetland otters

Shetland seabirds

Island Trails -

Walks And Tours
Testimonials

Current Tour Status

Island Trails still has some tour availablity for September and October 2024. Please see the news page for the latest on availablity and what's coming up.

Guided tours introducing visitors to Shetland's scenery, wildlife, history, culture and more!

Welcome to Island Trails! If you have a week, a couple of days or even just an afternoon, Island Trails can ensure that your experience of Shetland is a truly magical one. With both private and small group tours there is something for everyone, helping visitors make the most of their precious moments on the Islands. Join us for a tour and experience the real Shetland! Let us introduce you to the magnificent landscapes, wildlife, history, people and stories of Shetland. Take a look at our Tours page to learn more.

Island Trails is owned and managed by local crofter and tour guide James Tait. James has a keen interest in the wildlife and history of Shetland and enjoys sharing his knowledge with visitors. To find out more about James and the history of Island Trails please visit our About Us page.

The beautiful Shetland Islands are the most Northerly point of the UK at exactly 60 degrees North of the equator. At this latitude, mid summer is a magical time when for several weeks it never gets completely dark! A time that the locals call “Simmer Dim”. Shetland’s beauty is not reserved for summer only with each season bringing its own colours and character to the ever changing landscape. The unpredictable weather only adds to the mystery and ambience of these unique islands which have so much to offer visitors. You can find out more about Shetland by browsing some of the local sites listed on our links page .

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The Viking Voyage

Adventure Shetland

Adventure Shetland provides guided tours, walks and hikes showcasing the best of Shetland scenery, archaeology and heritage

Winter tours by request - enquire below!

Products and services, bespoke tours.

We absolutely love to do bespoke tours - we only have one planned itinerary - as we want your Shetland Adventure to be unique and personal to you!

Virtual Tours and Merchandise

Unable to take part in an adventure but still want to show your support? Why not join a virtual tour or buy some merch instead?

Retracing A Legend

Our Anniversary film is available to download or stream now, following in the footsteps of one of our most beloved folk tales!

We only have one set tour itinerary - The Viking Voyage.

This action-packed 2 day tour takes in all of Shetland's key Viking Age sites and stories, from North to South and East to West. No stone is left unturned in exploring Shetland's Saga.

Archaeology, Scenery, History, Wildlife, Photography,

Wild Camping, Wild Swimming

Whatever your interest, we have your Shetland adventure covered.

Click below to see what we can offer.

Jon Pulley is a native Shetlander and qualified archaeologist, with over a decade of experience working in the tourism industry here in Shetland.

Find out more about your guide here.

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Contact and large group bookings.

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We want your adventure to be as personal and suited to your needs as possible, so whatever your interests are, we can cater a tour to suit.

Our aim is to take you beyond the usual tourist spots, to the real treasures of our islands.

We specialise in going off the beaten path to bring you to the best of Shetland's scenery, archaeology and places of interest. If there is anything in particular you are keen to see - any 'bucket list' items - please let us know and we will get you there.