Ultimate Wildlife Boat Tour

Wildlife was our top reason for visiting Shetland. If you love all things seabirds, otters and seals- Shetland is a must.

Having done the research, we knew it was rich with fantastic birds and great sealife – and we were hopeful. The pinnacle would have been orcas, otters and dolphins, but unfortunately they all eluded us. However we did see seals, and puffins, gannets, arctic terns, razorbills, guillemots, and copious oystercatchers, and we absolutely loved it.

The best locations for gannets and puffins (and amongst a myriad of other sea birds), were the Eshaness, Sumburgh and the Hermaness Nature Reserves, where they were easily visible – and the puffins were so close. Although the puffins were adorable, we actually loved the gannets. They were captivating – soaring like huge white arrows in the sky above the sea, then diving spear-like, skewering the water like a dart. There were so many of them that we just watched in awe.

Seabirds and Seals Boat Tour

We treated ourselves to the wonderful Seabirds and Seals Boat Tour, which is a spectacular wildlife experience around the islands of Bressay and Noss National Nature Reserve. (See link) This award-winning trip, with hundreds of five star Trip Advisor reviews, was hosted by Marie, who was an absolute delight; so funny, full of character and knowledgeable.

We were taken to the gannet colonies, and were amazed to see them following us, flying low and parallel to the boat, and easily keeping up with the speed. Eventually we stopped and Marie threw fish into the sea. The gannets – knowing this was coming – dived in, surrounding the boat like hundreds of white piercing arrows, plummeting deep in the water and squalking all around us. It was utterly mesmerising. I would highly recommend this trip, and if you get extra lucky, you may even see dolphins and orcas!

Top reasons you will love this tour:

• Warm, funny, friendly and knowledgeable hosts
• Spectacular views of the gannets, who – knowing there will be fish thrown in for them, fly at speed next to the boats and then dive all around the boat like noisy white arrows. (Videos on my Instagram page)
• Great communication before and during the boat tour
• Inside a cave when weather permits
• Winners of two Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards 2023 Best Visitor Attraction, and Inclusive Tourism, Finalists 2024 for Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience, Finalists 2025 for Best Visitor Attraction and Innovation.
• If you’re lucky you may see seals, dolphins – and whales if you are really really lucky
• Special photographer boat trips
• Geology and history info
• Snacks and coffee on board

Links

• Link to Seabirds and Seals Tour: https://seabirds-and-seals.com
• Shetland Wildlife Link: https://www.shetland.org/visit/do/wildlife
• Must See Places in Shetland: https://naturallyoutdoorsy.com/2025/04/07/ten-must-see-places-in-shetland/