Shetland Islands Tours: Top 5 Sightseeing Adventures
If you’re after something a bit out of the ordinary for a vacation, the Shetland Islands, way up north of Scotland, might be just it! What makes this place remarkable? It’s the wild landscapes and also the abundant animal life, and that hint of old mystery that seems to drift from every ancient stone. Deciding exactly what to go do while you are there might feel like trying to catch the wind because there is such a multitude of offerings, still, I’ve narrowed it down to what might be the five can’t-miss sightseeing tours. So then, ready to go see Shetland?
1. Shetland Wildlife Tour – Spotting Puffins and Seals
Let’s consider, you’re an animal lover? The Shetland Wildlife Tour is, quite probably, your chance to have some very memorable moments. Tours are normally structured with your convenience in mind, very, very often picking you up directly from your accommodation, before whisking you away to some wild stretch of coast. These sightseeing trips are generally guided, as a matter of fact, by folks who just love nature and understand the area, which actually enhances your experience and they always want to pass that love to other folks.
There is such an excitement with puffin season, generally spanning late spring and summer, it tends to draw many because these birds that they call “sea parrots” are every bit as endearing as everyone always likes to imagine, anyway. The most sought-after part of the experience, actually, is usually seeing the puffins at Sumburgh Head or maybe Hermaness National Nature Reserve, the puffins just waddling about, that’s what I’m saying. If birds don’t capture your attention a bit then don’t worry, there is quite often the option to visit some beaches with seals resting, there too, and sometimes otters slipping through the water – they can easily take your breath, yet still, seals also give something amazing. Seriously.
A lot of tour companies will also talk a bit about Shetland’s ecosystem while you are on the bus. This tends to be just a great method to see the countryside and appreciate nature. Shetland Wildlife Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Shetland Wildlife Tour)
2. Exploring Shetland’s Ancient History – Jarlshof and Iron Age Sites
Did you hear about Jarlshof? If you want more than scenery out of your tour then perhaps try something like this. Is it an amazing location that showcases history as you go through different times? Because different populations, literally, built at the same place through generations. See these old remnants while seeing all ages go by; from old Stone Age relics to late Viking residences and beyond as your guides give informative descriptions, that’s what I’m saying.
But what if it is only Jarlshof on offer? The best tour guides also talk about broader Shetland Island archaeology too. Think about other Iron Age brochs, ancient standing stones etc. To see Clickimin Broch makes understanding this part much fuller since each location provides distinct angles when looking upon times long passed. A great experience if stories regarding past eras, in fact, appeal! You learn more not only of people living once way back when, but still also see how landscape influenced them back then. Jarlshof and Iron Age Sites Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Explore Jarlshof)
3. Shetland Coastal Tour – Cliffs, Beaches, and Sea Stacks
There really are few tours like Shetland Coastal Tours if dramatic shorelines grab your attention. Very, very often you can encounter gigantic cliffs where birds roost from, so, in other words, and expansive beaches with roaring waves nearby! So just feel sea spray while passing places that possess both stunning visuals too as stories explaining what defines Shetland so perfectly! That is really the magic involved, definitely, I’d say.
A boat journey alongside dramatic locations like Eshaness Cliffs might add depth; sometimes land trips also exist leading down onto unspoiled shores which simply have to invite some shoreline meandering moments of solitude. The guides, in particular, highlight sea stacks along with uncommon geological elements turning that nice landscape scenic drive something far better! Tours such as they’re actually ideal if desiring scenic beauty through experiences connecting intimately nature’s grandeur! Shetland Coastal Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Discover Shetland Coast)
4. Shetland Pony Experience – Meet Shetland’s Famous Miniature Horses
Of course, nobody must forget some furry friends of this specific island! In general Shetland pony tours provide up-close engagements through these miniature horses which often become beloved worldwide symbols of the Shetlands themselves. Think that sounds neat? Visit nearby farms where just those fuzzy buddies freely stroll then connect and maybe perhaps also enjoy taking pictures together. Now how does that sound?
Lots of experiences go far beyond plain petting; so possibly brushing such smaller creatures then hearing more on breed historical info even breeding are potential activity inclusions. Such experiences easily work when travelling families along through little kids – getting tactile then instructive moments while visiting makes lasting impressions too that you will love greatly when heading back back later onto routine living activities! In all seriousness this specific interaction has warmth like just hugging soft happiness itself- unforgettable especially when connecting affectionately with those animals inside great stunning natural lands Shetland gives us here always truly. Shetland Pony Experience Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Meet Shetland Ponies)
5. Shetland Northern Lights Tour – Chasing the Aurora Borealis
Did you hear how the Northern Lights light the area? While there isn’t anything like a sure bet, so sometimes nature agrees for the display in the night, yet during colder months Shetland presents the ideal viewing spots and, moreover, Northern Lights tours make best use. Often with guidance on, actually, forecast activity including optimum viewing positions, they enhance all odds that, clearly, some majestic spectacle becomes evident above!
Normally such tours begin in darker hours of evening driving away starting city lighting pollution moving distant spaces. Guides not only possess expertise, definitely, but assist on camera parameters or simply giving information which all heightens gratitude surrounding these astronomical miracles we get that, too. Sure that is if blessed through visible performances yet seeing darkness amidst stark isolated environments while hearing tales around aurora myths/legends simply adds deep satisfaction beyond ordinary experiences, or very similar, turning memories remarkable ones later while reminiscing fondly years after actually. Shetland Northern Lights Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (See Northern Lights)