Date/Time
Date(s) - 25/04/2026 - 02/05/2026
All Day
Our ‘traditional’ Orkney Wildlife and Culture tours have been running successfully for over 22 years and include the best of Orkney’s wildlife and history. We visit the 3 islands of Hoy (possible golden and white-tailed eagles, Scapa Flow Museum and the Old Man); South Ronaldsay (Hoxa Head for possible Orca and the iconic Tomb of the Eagles (www.tomboftheeagles.co.uk); and Westray (Gannets, and everyone’s favourite, Puffins!). Many RSPB Reserves are visited both on the Orkney Mainland and the islands. We also spend a couple of days on the Orkney Mainland, and you will have one day to yourselves, perhaps to explore Kirkwall or take local walks from your comfortable family-run 4* hotel (www.thesandshotel.co.uk) Sites of archaeological or historical interest visited include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Skara Brae see (http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/), and of course the unique Italian Chapel. Many important WW1 and WW2 sites are also included in the tour.
In late April or May you can expect to see up to 100 or so species of birds, including early in the month our winter visitors as they prepare to leave for Iceland and further north – birds such as Great Northern Divers and Long-tailed Ducks which will be in their superb breeding plumage. Our Orkney speciality, the Hen Harrier, will be seen hopefully at close quarters, perhaps displaying in its wonderful Sky Dance, or by watching spectacular food-passes from the male to his mate. All kinds of rare migrants may also turn up during the month of May, but an element of luck is always needed with rarities.
Out to sea or else on Scapa Flow you may encounter cetaceans – including Orca – but, once again, an element of luck and a good sea state is required for finding and observing these and other whales and dolphins. In recent years groups in alternate weeks have managed to see Orca, so there’s a reasonable 50:50 chance of seeing these amazing creatures as they patrol our shores hunting for fish and seals. We always prioritise Orca if they are around! Harbour seals and Grey (Atlantic) seals are always around and we will enjoy watching them as they’re fondly known as ‘selchies’ here and are creatures of folklore.
Tour size is restricted to 6 total so that you are guaranteed lots of individual attention. Transport is by means of our 9-seater electric vehicle and everyone will have access to a window seat. Each week is different and depends partly on the weather and partly on chance, we wouldn’t have it any other way! Please click on the title to book. Cost £2,250 per person (a single supplement of £275 will apply if applicable).