What to do and see in Shetland Islands, Scotland: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

With over 20 years of experience we are the No.1 choice for birding, mammal-watching, botanical, photographic & walking holidays in Shetland. We are also the only award-winning eco-tourism holiday business resident in Shetland. Visit us online - our site is packed with wild ideas and a choice of 40 wildlife-filled holidays. Day tours plus tailor-made & bespoke packages also arranged for individuals / groups plus boat trips, exclusive hide photography and wildlife sound recording. We also operate a portfolio of wildlife-watching and photography holidays overseas to Finland, Norway, France, Spain, Poland and Hungary. Fully Bonded by the CAA: ATOL 9151.

We regret to inform all our guests and clients that Mousa Boat will not be open for 2020 season We can promise you a warm welcome aboard the Mousa Boat on your journey to explore the enchanting island of Mousa. With its magnificent Iron Age Broch and wonderful wildlife this really is the perfect place for visitors to experience the essential nature of Shetland. We operate regular sailings and tours; a Daytime Island Trip and a Late Evening Storm Petrel Trip, or if you prefer something more leisurely we also run fascinating Short Cruises around the local waters, trips to Noss for the spectacular bird watching and Whale watching charters, Whichever sailing you choose, and many do both trips, please don’t leave it to the last day of your visit to Shetland as all sailings are weather dependent, and we know you wouldn’t want to miss the experience of visiting Mousa.

Shetland Nature is a wildlife tour company running a wide range of wildlife, birding and photography tours and holidays. They are the only tour company in the Shetland Islands to have been awarded the official Five Star Wildlife Experience by Visit Scotland. Running tours and holidays all year round, see also their self catering accommodation, The Shetland Nature Lodge- the most northerly self catering property in UK.

Guided kayaking trips round Mainland Shetland. No previous experience necessary. All equipment and training provided. Taster sessions, half day or full day trips. No programme of trips. Trips available all year round, weather-permitting, and arranged round weather forecast and sea-state. Mostly single kayaks; one double kayak.

The Shetland Islands are a naturalists dream and a photographers paradise. Shetland has as rich an archaeological, historical and cultural heritage as you will find anywhere. Discover Shetland aims to offer you a personal, informal and intimate experience of our beautiful islands. There are prescribed tours but there is flexibility and every effort will be made to accommodate your interests.

We offer trekking on Icelandic Horses in Burra, Shetland. We have a purpose built all weather menage where you can meet and try our horses before going on one of several treks in Burra. The scenery is beautiful and the horses are friendly and dependable to suit any level of rider.

The ultimate Shetland wildlife experience on the Noss Boat – unrivalled spectacle & photographic opportunities with the awesome, towering Noss cliffs backdrop. Shetland's only naturalist led boat tour company. Very comfortable, safe, bespoke wildlife watching boat, room to stand, photograph & enjoy. Maximum of 12 passengers per trip, toilet available. Upholstered seats with backrests for every passenger as well as large decking area for panoramic viewing and photography. The Noss Boat tour includes cruise around Bressay & Noss to enjoy Shetland's rich natural marine environment, thousands of breeding seabirds, close seals encounters, scenic views & striking local geology. Our famous trips are a must do for all major film crews including 'BBC Springwatch' and 'Wild Shetland' and we are the boat of choice for tour groups, families, and photographers. We are always on the lookout for whales too with increasing sightings in Shetland waters! Our unique Gannet feeding frenzy a highlight!

Visitors can explore the grounds of Jarlshof, but our visitor centre and facilities are currently closed. The Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements in Shetland are one of the most important and inspirational archaeological sites in Scotland. Jarlsholf is located at Sumburgh Head near the southern tip of Mainland Shetland. This extraordinary site has a complex of ancient settlements which cover more than 4,000 years of human history. You will be amazed to find such a range of archaeological treasures in one place, including late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, a Norse longhouse, a medieval farmstead and a 16th century laird’s house. The fascinating interpretation centre houses a hands-on display of local materials traditionally used on site including wool, stone, slate and bone. Visitors can also learn all about prehistoric life and history of the site.