Otter
Stunning Shetland 2025
Stunning Shetland 2024
Stunning Shetland Photo Tour
Shetland is a wildlife photographer’s paradise, so many opportunities to see and capture the amazing wildlife this island has on offer, with amazing light. Its home to many major seabird breeding colonies. More than a million birds breed in very large colonies such as Hermaness, Foula, Mousa, Noss, Sumburgh Head and Fair Isle. Shetland's 1200 mile long shoreline with its very varied habitat is the main reason why wildlife finds the islands so attractive. In summertime shoals of small fish are the main food source for breeding seabirds
Our photo-tour is timed to coincide with the height of summer where daylight lasts for almost 24hrs. Seabird colonies will be frantically feeding their young, waders filling the air with their calls and Otters going about their lives all around us.. Working with a local expert on the ground in Shetland this tour provides a unique opportunity to see and photograph the best of Shetland’s spectacular nature.
What makes these Shetland seabirds so special is not just the quantity and variety of birds but their spectacular setting. Nowhere else in Britain, and hardly anywhere in Europe, can you get so close, so easily, to so many seabirds in such awe-inspiring scenery. It’s one of the best places also to see Otters playing, feeding all along the shores of this incredible island.
Come and join me on this amazing 7 night photographic photo tour. From seabirds to Otters to Killer Whales this place has it all. Our accommodation gives us the flexibility to work with the weather and the best light for our subjects.
Day 1- Arrival
Once the Guests traveling to Shetland have arrived we head to Sumburgh head to photography the Puffins and other seabirds that live on the south coast of Shetland. Afterwards we set off to our accommodation and settle in, unpack and relax. After dinner people are free to walk the beach photographing the wildlife that’s all around where you will be staying.
Day 2
Trip to Esheness Cliffs for Nesting Birds (some walking required) Eshaness can boast one of the highest energy coastlines in the world. Blasted by the full force of the North Atlantic it displays a stunning array of stacks, blowholes and geos (narrow inlets). However, the Eshaness peninsula also tells a fascinating story of a long extinct volcano and a very different past environment. Then on to Voe for Nesting Terns and Red Throated Divers (actual locations to be confirmed nearer the time). Back to accommodation to freshen up before evening meal.
Day 3
A full day to to the island of Fetlar which is known as the “Garden of Shetland” due to it being by far the greenest of all the islands. Indeed, the name Fetlar is reputed to originate from the Viking term “Fat Land”, further strengthening the island’s claim to be a fertile area suitable for crops. Our main target on the island was the Red-Necked Phalaropes as Shetland is a stronghold for them and is the most southerly point of their habitat range. We stay the whole day here and also its a great place to see Otters. Once we've finished we head back to our accommodation for our evening meal and review the days images.
Day 4
Early morning Otter watching along the shore (unless news of otters from elsewhere) We then head back for breakfast and collect our packed lunches and head to Mossbank and Luna for Otters and waders. Then we head to our accommodation to clean up and our evening meal.
Day 5
Today we visit one of my favorite places in the whole of the UK, Hermeness, the most northerly point of the UK. Its home to thousands of nesting Gannets and other seabirds, including one of my favorite the Puffin. After the walk out there we will spend most of the day in this amazing part of the Shetland Islands. After which we get the ferry back to the mainland and head back. This will be amazing day where you will see some amazing sites.
Day 6
Out for the early morning light for Otters and other wildlife we might encounter then back to our accommodation for breakfast. Freshen up then collect our packed lunches and head to Lerwick to join our chartered boat to the amazing island of Noss. You will see the amazing cliffs of Noss and all the thousands of seabirds that nest here. You will also get chance to take some diving Gannet shots from our boat. Once we've finished we head back to port and relax and have lunch before looking around the town for any gifts of Shetland wool etc you may want to take back home with you. We then head back for our last evening meal and a toast to the weeks encounters.
Day 7
On the last morning clients can choose to have a final trip for Otters and other wildlife within the areas surrounding our accommodation before then heading to their respective airport or ferryport for the onward journey home.
Previous trip blogs can be found on the following links - Stunning Shetland -here. Stunning Shetland trip here and here
Accommodation
Our accommodation captures the character of Shetland. Sample their much spoken about hospitality and service, take time to soak up the local atmosphere and relax in the beauty that surrounds you.
All the food is local to Shetland and our accommodation has a good selection of vegetarian and vegan choices.
Its a shared basis with en-suite double rooms. There is lots of wildlife in and around our base. Breakfast, packed lunches and tradition home cooked food for our evening meal made from local produce.
Group Size
4
Fitness Level
Most activities will involve short walks, some over uphill, uneven terrain. Waterproof walking boots are essential. A reasonable level of fitness is required. We will make best use of the light so early starts and late finishes will be part of the timetable
Recommended Kit
You will need to provide your own photographic equipment, a 500mm lens will be ideal for this trip, but a 300mm with converters should be fine. A tripod, beanbag are a must, and the landscape of Shetland will give you many beautiful opportunities to capture it’s beauty so bring a wide-angle if you have one.
Additional Information
Shetlands weather can change at any moment and our locations on the island are fairly exposed so bring appropriate clothing and footwear. Dark/muted clothing is ideal. Camera protection is also needed due to Shetlands weather and the fact we’ll be outdoors for much of our time there.
Dates
Saturday 22nd June - Saturday 28th June 2025
Cost- £2200.00 pp - Shared basis
Single Supplement is £300.00
The deposit is £400 per person with the reminder to be paid 60 days before departure
Cost Includes
Accommodation, all transport on Shetland , all meals, packed lunch, boat trips, hide costs, all wildlife photography tuition, guidance/help.
Cost Excludes
Transport to and from Shetland, Drinks, Alcohol, sundry Items, and personal items at the hotel.
You can also book a week for yourself there where I will guide you all week on a one a one basis, where you will receive everything this trip offers but on a private chartered trip. For more information about this please email me