Shetland Tours
There is a lot to see and do in Shetland, and it can be hard to know where to start. Whether it’s your first time on the islands, or you’re a repeat visitor, organised tours can be one of the best ways to really experience and engage with the majesty of Shetland.
This article will cover several of the amazing options available to you when considering taking a tour of the Shetland islands, with various options regarding duration, location, and key interests, there really is something for everyone.
R Robertson & Son Ltd
With bases across Shetland in Yell, Lerwick, and North Mainland, R Robertson & Son Ltd operate a number of tours, of different durations and focuses. They vary from a 40-minute pony tour to see the native Shetland ponies, a trip around the spectacular Eshaness, as well as a deep dive into the history and heritage of Shetland. They also offer bespoke tours to suit a group’s particular requirements or interests.
Roundabout Shetland
Roundabout Shetland offers a range of pre-planned tour options covering different aspects of Shetland’s history, landscape, and notable landmarks across various locations. Trips include a historical tour around South Mainland, excursions to the northern isles, as well as a tour of the locations used in the iconic TV series ‘Shetland’.
Go Shetland Tours
Go Shetland Tours, based in Weisdale, operates both pre-planned and tailor-made tours for groups of 4-43 with their fleet of vehicles and expert guides. Trips can cover a wide range of requests from customers, but they specialise in tours of the less visited west of Shetland. Tours can also be very flexible in duration, from as short as a few hours up to several days, Go Shetland Tours are definitely worth getting in touch with if you are looking for a personalised tour experience.
They also offer a range of walking tours if you are looking to embrace the landscape with a more hands-on approach.
Shetland Tour Guide
Expert tour guide Lara Thomason works as an independent tour operator, specialising in private group tours. With 22 years of experience in the tourism industry, Lara is as knowledgeable as any Shetlander, able to provide in-depth information across a vast array of Shetland-related topics. With both pre-planned and bespoke tours available, visit Shetland Tour Guide to enquire and book a tour from the viewpoint of a Shetland local.
Kittywake Tours
Another independent tour guide is the highly-rated Kittywake Tours. With prescribed tour package options, as well as the ability to accommodate individual interests, Kittywake Tours offers a personal experience while providing fascinating information about the wildlife, nature, history and more.
Shetland Nature
Experience Shetland’s wild side with Shetland Nature, the only company in Shetland to be awarded the Visit Scotland 5 Star Wildlife Experience accreditation. Their tours include trips to the must-see destinations of Unst, Yell, Fetlar and Mainland, as well as sought-after viewings of otters and other amazing species found in Shetland. Experienced guides provide you with all the information you need to make your trip stand out, and last long in the memory.
Shetland Photo Tours
For keen photographers and ecologists, look no further than Shetland Photo Tours. Award-winning photographer and ecologist Richard Shucksmith operates tours and excursions for individuals or small groups to get you into the right place at the right time to take the photo you have always dreamed of, sharing plenty of wildlife knowledge along the way.
Shetland Seabird Tours
Using the famous ‘Noss Boat’, these tours depart multiple times every day from Victoria Pier in Lerwick, heading towards Noss Nature Reserve and Bressay. On the tour, you will see some of the many thousands of seabirds that call Shetland home, the towering cliffs of Noss, while also having the opportunity to spot the odd whale. Take a look at the Shetland Seabird Tours website for more information.
Shetland Wildlife
A naturalist's dream, Shetland Wildlife offers a variety of different tours and day trips to make the most of your time in Shetland. From organised week-long wildlife spotting, walking, photography, and historical holidays, to jam-packed day trips seeking out some of the wonderful species found on the islands, Shetland Wildlife has it all covered.
How do you get to the Shetland Islands?
The most common ways to travel to the islands are either arriving by ferry or by getting flights to Shetland. At Airtask, we offer Shetland inter-island flights, operating passenger services between Lerwick, departing from Tingwall Airport, to both Foula and Fair Isle. For more information and flight scheduling, please click here.
Looking for something adventurous?
Whilst on your camping trip, why not view all of the magnificent sights of the Shetland Islands from above? Among the most awe-inspiring things to do in Shetland, is to take in the magnificent lochs, stunning beaches, historical sites and more from an aerial perspective. Call 01595 840246 or email lwk.ops@airtask.com to secure your place on the only scenic flights available in Shetland.