Summer on Shetland - Seabirds & Cetaceans

Tour Code: GBR304

A relaxed 9-day holiday on the stunning Shetland Islands, where we will go in search of the region's seabirds and cetaceans (from land and sea).

9 days from
£2,095 (Inc ferry)
Land only price from
£2,045
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

In the UK, Shetland in summer is arguably the most spectacular region to visit. The beginning of July sees its seabird colonies in a hive of activity, with Puffins delivering sand-eels to their chicks; Razorbills, Guillemots and Gannets in their thousands and Arctic Terns being harassed by Arctic Skuas. Mix all of this with the serenading sounds of calling Red-throated Divers, swimming Otters and passing cetaceans, Shetland has it all!

During this single-centre holiday to the UK's most northerly archipelago, as well as enjoying the birds, we will make special efforts to see cetaceans. Shetland is now the place to see Orca in the UK, and although these are far from guaranteed, we are perfectly positioned to encounter a passing pod from one of the many vantage points on mainland.

This tour also includes a privately-chartered 8-hour boat trip where we aim to have a close encounter with the Gannet colony on Noss and aim to view a range of cetaceans from a safe distance. 

  • A single-centre holiday based next door to Sumburgh's seabird colony
  • Breeding Red-throated Divers, Arctic Terns and Golden Plover
  • Possibly, a rare opportunity to see Orca in UK waters
  • Risso's, White-beaked and Short-beaked Common Dolphins likely
  • Spectacular scenery and gentle walks
  • An 8-hour boat charter for close encounters with seabirds, and hopefully, cetaceans
Itinerary
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Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 6th Jun – Sat 14th Jun 1 £2,095
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Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,045
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Mark Wood
Mark Wood - Leader Profile.jpg

Tour Leader: Mark Wood

After spending much of his early childhood exploring the woods and fields around his house in Fife, Scotland, Mark quickly developed a curiosity for the natural world around him. With the closest nature reserve being RSPB Loch Leven it did not take long for a keen interest in birds to follow. Going on to study Conservation Biology at Aberdeen University Mark’s passion for wildlife in its many facets and a desire to protect it would only continue to grow.

Much of his working life has been spent as an Ecologist in Scotland but the desire to travel and find exotic bird species is a constant draw. This has led to many long overseas adventures including Australia and New Zealand, where he was able to work on the Kakapo project and see this endangered parrot. Driving from Scotland to Mongolia and back in 2019, exploring much of central Asia and Russia along the way, a lifelong dream! As well as many other fantastic, nature rich locations across North and South America, Africa, Europe and East Asia. 

Mark started leading tours to Shetland for Naturetrek in 2022.

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?

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!