VisitShetland

Eco Tourism

'Eco-tourism' is growing rapidly in Shetland as more and more travellers discover the natural wonders on Britain's northern doorstep.

Once you arrive in Shetland, Scottish Natural Heritage wardens are available to take you on guided walks and answer your questions. Shetland Amenity Trust's countryside rangers and RSPB staff are also here to help the visitor with an interest in wildlife.

The top attractions are close encounters with seabirds and sea mammals but Shetland also has fascinating plants, insects and underwater wildlife.

The Birds...

Gannets, Noss

Shetland's seabird colonies are world-famous because they're so big, so diverse, so scenically spectacular and so accessible. No fewer than 21 of the 24 British seabird species occur in Shetland.

Not so well known are Shetland's nationally important populations of wading birds, particularly in summer. Breeding species include Oystercatcher, Redshank, Snipe, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Whimbrel, Curlew and Red-necked Phalarope.

In the spring and autumn migration seasons, almost anywhere in Shetland can turn up rare birds, but undoubtedly your best base is Fair Isle, with its internationally renowned bird observatory.

Shetland is the best place in Western Europe to see:

• Puffins (late April-early August);
• Great Skuas (Late April - October);
• Arctic Skuas (May - September);
• Storm Petrels (late May-early August)
• Red-necked Phalaropes (May-early August);
• Whimbrels (May-August);
• Red-throated Divers ( April - September);
• Great Northern Divers (October-April with some summer stragglers);
• Slavonian Grebes (October-March);
• Long-tailed Duck (October-May);
• Wading birds (all year round but best in summer)

By 'best' we mean there are large and diverse colonies where you have a very good chance of seeing the birds at close range, without causing undue disturbance.

...and the Beasts

Shetland is also a brilliant place to watch sea mammals:

• Common Seals (all year round);
• Grey Seals (all year round);
• Harbour Porpoises (all year round but best in June-September)
• Otters (all year round);

For guaranteed, close-up views of both species of British seals, Shetland is as good as it gets. In the case of Otters you'll need patience and luck but your chances of a sighting are better here than anywhere else in Western Europe.

We don't give a guarantee of seeing Killer Whales (Orcas) but between May and August your chances in Shetland are the best in the UK. The same goes for White-sided Dolphins and Minke Whales.

Tour Operators

Several companies now offer package tours taking in the nature reserves and other wildlife sites:

Shetland Wildlife

Shetland Wildlife is an award-winning company specialising in week-long wildlife holidays with experienced local guides. The comprehensive service covers all travel and accommodation and their experts will ensure you get the most out of your time in Fair Isle, Mousa, Noss and the North Isles of Shetland.

Seabirds And Seals

Seabirds-and-Seals (formerly Bressaboats) operate daily sailings to the seabird cities and seal colonies with award-winning wildlife guide Dr Jonathan Wills, aboard the new, twin-engined excursion vessel Dunter III, the only tour boat with underwater TV cameras to show you Shetland beneath the waves.

Cycharters

Skipper John Tulloch, based in Scalloway, runs exhilarating boat trips on the west coast of Shetland, including regular excursions to the amazing cliffs of Foula, world HQ of the famous Great Skua or Bonxie. See the Cycharters website for more information.

Island Holidays

Based in Comrie, Perthshire, Libby Weir-Breen and her Island Holidays staff have many years' experience of operating package tours to Shetland, giving small groups of clients a friendly and knowledgeable introduction to the main wildlife attractions.

Mousa Boat Trips

Skipper Tom Jamieson runs the tour boat Solan across Mousa Sound to show visitors the seal colony and to see and hear the Storm Petrels nesting in the walls of the island's ancient broch. On the crossing you've a fair chance of seeing porpoises. See the Mousa Boat Trips website for more information.

Shetland Nature Cruises

Join Shetland Nature Cruises onboard the luxurious, modern M.V. Julie Rose for a unique and exciting marine wildlife adventure. Local expert wildlife tour guides will take you all around the islands to enjoy breathtaking views of Shetland's spectacular seascapes and amazing marine wildlife. You may see everything from Orcas to otters and gannets to guillemots.

Shetland Sea Charters

Shetland Sea Charters launch Alluvion runs sightseeing trips, sea-angling and scuba diving expeditions from Lerwick during the summer.

Speyside Wildlife

Speyside Wildlife operates tours to Shetland every year, visiting the main wildlife attractions with knowledgeable guides.

Advertising Feature

2008 Wildlife Holidays In Shetland

Shetland offers the best wildlife-watching in Scotland - FACT.

Over a million breeding seabirds, the highest density of Otters in Europe, regular sightings of Killer Whales and superb displays of rare sub-arctic flora. Our award-winning holidays offer everything from fully guided wildlife weeks and long weekends, dedicated birdwatching holidays plus photographic, walking and insight holidays.

Visit our extensive website www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk or call Shetland Wildlife on 01950 422483 for a choice of over 30 holidays!

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