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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
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Shetland's Wildlife
Tour Code: GBR24A 9-day holiday in search of Otters, seals, and the breeding waders and seabirds of the Shetland Islands.
£1,995 (Inc ferry)
£1,945
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
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?
- Ferries
- Accommodation: Please refer to the tour itinerary for details.
- Food: Please refer to the tour itinerary for details.
Reviews
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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
2025
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!
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!
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.
2026
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The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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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.
Enquire
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!
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