Availability of Wildlife Tours

2025 Prices and Tour Schedule: our 22nd season!

WH_Business_ConceptsA 7 night, 5 day guided tour of Orkney (with one ‘day free’ for personal wishes) in 2025 is £1,995 per person. This represents good value-for-money for a small group tour (maximum 5 persons), and is all-inclusive of the high quality 4* accommodation, meals, transport within Orkney, and most important of all, the years of experience of your guide.  The price compares very favourably with other operators, with a smaller group size, giving you more personal attention. All you have to do is to get here, and we will do the rest! 

Note that exact accommodation will depend on availability, and that a single supplement of £275 will apply on booking if applicable. Excludes transport costs to Orkney and any items purchased of a personal nature.

2025 Orkney Tours are detailed below after the 2024 tours in chronological order. 

Short-break, private tours may be available on request – please enquire here.

 

Date/Time Event
19/04/2024 - 26/04/2024 SPRING IN THE NORTHERN ISLES: ORKNEY & SHETLAND - Available Spaces: 0

Over the last two decades I’ve implored my guests to visit Orkney in the Springtime! During mid-late April the seabirds and Summer migrants start to arrive back in their breeding grounds, yet at the same time, all our Winter birds are still here, resplendent in their breeding plumage. Great-northern divers and Long-tailed ducks spring to mind but there are very many birds to enjoy in the Northern Isles at this time of the year in both Orkney and Shetland alike.

This tour visits the best sites of both archipelagos and uses first-class accommodation with excellent fine dining and customer care in both locations. You may be out all day in our fresh weather, but it’s important to know that a cosy and comfortable welcome awaits you on your return from the field.

In Shetland we visit sites at both ends of the county, from the southernmost tip of Shetland at Sumburgh Head (along with Spiggie Loch RSPB reserve and St. Ninian’s tombolo beach) to the island of Unst at the top of Britain with its large gannetry and Bonxie colony. Other sites visited include the volcanic splendour of Eshaness and the wilds of Ronas Hill, to the gentler coastal fringes of Mainland where we’ll search for Otters.

In Orkney we’ll look at the unrivalled 5,000 year-old Neolithic archaeological sites of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, before exploring the high island of Hoy and its Old Man and the southernmost island of South Ronaldsay. The sea duck and maritime history of Scapa Flow will provide the backdrop for much of the Mainland Orkney part of the tour, with many RSPB reserves providing locations for sky-dancing (displaying) Hen harriers, seabirds and wetland waders and wildfowl. Orkney is a very noisy place in the Spring, with Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Snipe all calling and displaying!

Expect to see about 90 species of birds, and if we’re lucky we may catch a passing cetacean or Otter or two if sea conditions allow.

This tour will comprise a maximum of six guests and will start in Lerwick or Sumburgh in Shetland and end in Kirkwall in Orkney, for 7 nights and 8 days. All accommodation, meals, transport, guiding and travel within and between Shetland and Orkney is included. Travel to Shetland and from Orkney is excluded. Cost £1,895 pp. 

04/05/2024 - 11/05/2024 Orkney Wildlife & Culture Tour: 4-11 May 2024 - Available Spaces: 0

Our ‘traditional’ Orkney Wildlife and Culture tours have been running successfully for over 20 years, and include the best of Orkney’s wildlife and history. We visit the 3 islands of Hoy (possible Sea Eagles and the Old Man); South Ronaldsay (nesting Little Terns and Hoxa Head for possible Orca); 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 interest visited include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae see  (http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/)

In 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, Long-tailed Ducks and Slavonian Grebes – which will all be in their superb breeding plumage. Out to sea or else on Scapa Flow you may encounter several cetacean species – including Orca – but an element of luck and a good sea state is required for finding and observing whales and dolphins. Our Orkney speciality, the Hen Harrier, will be seen hopefully at close quarters, perhaps displaying in its wonderful Sky Dance, or by passing food to its mate.

Tour size is restricted to 5 total so that you are guaranteed lots of individual attention. Transport is by means of our 7 seater electric vehicle and everyone will have 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.  An additional single female traveller is now required to complete this tour, with your own bedroom and a shared bathroom (NO single supplement). Cost £1,895 per person. THIS TOUR IS NOW FULL.

11/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 Orkney Wildlife & Culture Tour: 11-18 May 2024 - Available Spaces: 0

Our ‘traditional’ Orkney Wildlife and Culture tours have been running successfully for over 20 years, and include the best of Orkney’s wildlife and history. We visit the 3 islands of Hoy (possible Sea Eagles and the Old Man); South Ronaldsay (nesting Little Terns and Hoxa Head for possible Orca); 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 interest visited include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae see  (http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/)

In 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, Long-tailed Ducks and Slavonian Grebes – which will all be in their superb breeding plumage. Out to sea or else on Scapa Flow you may encounter several cetacean species – including Orca – but an element of luck and a good sea state is required for finding and observing whales and dolphins. Our Orkney speciality, the Hen Harrier, will be seen hopefully at close quarters, perhaps displaying in its wonderful Sky Dance, or by passing food to its mate.

Tour size is restricted to 5 total so that you are guaranteed lots of individual attention. Transport is by means of our 7 seater electric vehicle and everyone will have 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 £1,895 per person, single supplement of £275 applies. THIS TOUR IS NOW FULL.

18/05/2024 - 25/05/2024 Orkney Wildlife & Culture Tour: 18-25 May 2024 - Available Spaces: 0

Our ‘traditional’ Orkney Wildlife and Culture tours have been running successfully for over 20 years, and include the best of Orkney’s wildlife and history. We visit the 3 islands of Hoy (possible Sea Eagles and the Old Man); South Ronaldsay (nesting Little Terns and Hoxa Head for possible Orca); 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 interest visited include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae see  (http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/)

In 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, Long-tailed Ducks and Slavonian Grebes – which will all be in their superb breeding plumage. Out to sea or else on Scapa Flow you may encounter several cetacean species – including Orca – but an element of luck and a good sea state is required for finding and observing whales and dolphins. Our Orkney speciality, the Hen Harrier, will be seen hopefully at close quarters, perhaps displaying in its wonderful Sky Dance, or by passing food to its mate.

Tour size is restricted to 5 total so that you are guaranteed lots of individual attention. Transport is by means of our 7 seater electric vehicle and everyone will have 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 £1,895 per person, single supplement of £275 applies. THIS TOUR IS NOW FULL.

25/05/2024 - 01/06/2024 Orkney Wildlife & Culture Tour: 25 May - 1 June 2024 - Available Spaces: 0

Our ‘traditional’ Orkney Wildlife and Culture tours have been running successfully for over 20 years, and include the best of Orkney’s wildlife and history. We visit the 3 islands of Hoy (possible Sea Eagles and the Old Man); South Ronaldsay (nesting Little Terns and Hoxa Head for possible Orca); 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 interest visited include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae see  (http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/)

In 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, Long-tailed Ducks and Slavonian Grebes – which will all be in their superb breeding plumage. Out to sea or else on Scapa Flow you may encounter several cetacean species – including Orca – but an element of luck and a good sea state is required for finding and observing whales and dolphins. Our Orkney speciality, the Hen Harrier, will be seen hopefully at close quarters, perhaps displaying in its wonderful Sky Dance, or by passing food to its mate.

Tour size is restricted to 5 total so that you are guaranteed lots of individual attention. Transport is by means of our 7 seater electric vehicle and everyone will have 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 £1,895 per person, single supplement of £275 applies. THIS TOUR IS NOW FULL.

03/05/2025 - 10/05/2025 Orkney Wildlife & Culture Tour: Saturday 3-10 May 2025 - Available Spaces: 5

Our ‘traditional’ Orkney Wildlife and Culture tours have been running successfully for over 21 years, and include the best of Orkney’s wildlife and history. We visit the 3 islands of Hoy (possible eagles, Scapa Flow Museum and the Old Man); South Ronaldsay (nesting Little Terns and Hoxa Head for possible Orca); 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 interest visited include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae see  (http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/) and of course the unique Italian Chapel.

In 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 passing food to its mate. All kinds of rare migrants may also turn up during the month of May, but, an element of luck is needed…

Out to sea or else on Scapa Flow you may encounter cetaceans – including Orca – but, once more, an element of luck and a good sea state is required for finding and observing these whales and dolphins.

Tour size is restricted to 5 total so that you are guaranteed lots of individual attention. Transport is by means of our 7 seater electric vehicle and everyone will have 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 £1,995 per person.

10/05/2025 - 17/05/2025 Orkney Wildlife & Culture Tour: Saturday 10-17 May 2025 - Available Spaces: 3

Our ‘traditional’ Orkney Wildlife and Culture tours have been running successfully for over 21 years, and include the best of Orkney’s wildlife and history. We visit the 3 islands of Hoy (possible eagles, Scapa Flow Museum and the Old Man); South Ronaldsay (nesting Little Terns and Hoxa Head for possible Orca); 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 interest visited include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae see  (http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/) and of course the unique Italian Chapel.

In 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 passing food to its mate. All kinds of rare migrants may also turn up during the month of May, but, an element of luck is needed…

Out to sea or else on Scapa Flow you may encounter cetaceans – including Orca – but, once more, an element of luck and a good sea state is required for finding and observing these whales and dolphins.

Tour size is restricted to 5 total so that you are guaranteed lots of individual attention. Transport is by means of our 7 seater electric vehicle and everyone will have 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 £1,995 per person.

17/05/2025 - 24/05/2025 Orkney Wildlife & Culture Tour: Saturday 17-24 May 2025 - Available Spaces: 4

Our ‘traditional’ Orkney Wildlife and Culture tours have been running successfully for over 21 years, and include the best of Orkney’s wildlife and history. We visit the 3 islands of Hoy (possible eagles, Scapa Flow Museum and the Old Man); South Ronaldsay (nesting Little Terns and Hoxa Head for possible Orca); 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 interest visited include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae see  (http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/) and of course the unique Italian Chapel.

In 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 passing food to its mate. All kinds of rare migrants may also turn up during the month of May, but, an element of luck is needed…

Out to sea or else on Scapa Flow you may encounter cetaceans – including Orca – but, once more, an element of luck and a good sea state is required for finding and observing these whales and dolphins.

Tour size is restricted to 5 total so that you are guaranteed lots of individual attention. Transport is by means of our 7 seater electric vehicle and everyone will have 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 £1,995 per person.

24/05/2025 - 31/05/2025 Orkney Wildlife & Culture Tour: Saturday 24-31 May 2025 - Available Spaces: 2

Our ‘traditional’ Orkney Wildlife and Culture tours have been running successfully for over 21 years, and include the best of Orkney’s wildlife and history. We visit the 3 islands of Hoy (possible eagles, Scapa Flow Museum and the Old Man); South Ronaldsay (nesting Little Terns and Hoxa Head for possible Orca); 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 interest visited include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae see  (http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/) and of course the unique Italian Chapel.

In late May you can expect to see up to 90 or so species of birds, including lots of breeding waders, now rare in the UK, such as curlew, lapwing and snipe which will be in their breeding grounds. Our Orkney speciality, the Hen Harrier, will be seen hopefully at close quarters, perhaps passing food to its mate. All kinds of rare migrants may also turn up during the month of May, but, an element of luck is needed…

On the clifftops the Sea Pinks (Thrift) and Spring Squill will now be in flower, beautiful pinks and blues. Out to sea or else on Scapa Flow you may encounter cetaceans – including Orca – but, once more, an element of luck and a good sea state is required for finding and observing these whales and dolphins.

Tour size is restricted to 5 total so that you are guaranteed lots of individual attention. Transport is by means of our 7 seater electric vehicle and everyone will have 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 £1,995 per person.

31/05/2025 - 07/06/2025 Orkney Wildlife & Culture Tour: Saturday 31 May - Saturday 7 June 2025 - Available Spaces: 5

Our ‘traditional’ Orkney Wildlife and Culture tours have been running successfully for over 21 years, and include the best of Orkney’s wildlife and history. We visit the 3 islands of Hoy (possible eagles, Scapa Flow Museum and the Old Man); South Ronaldsay (nesting Little Terns and Hoxa Head for possible Orca); 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 interest visited include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae see  (http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/) and of course the unique Italian Chapel.

In late May and early June you can expect to see up to 90 or so species of birds, including lots of breeding waders, now rare in the UK, such as curlew, lapwing and snipe which will be in their breeding grounds. Our Orkney speciality, the Hen Harrier, will be seen hopefully at close quarters, perhaps passing food to its mate. All kinds of rare migrants may also turn up during the month of May, but, an element of luck is needed…

On the clifftops the Sea Pinks (Thrift) and Spring Squill will now be in flower, beautiful pinks and blues. Out to sea or else on Scapa Flow you may encounter cetaceans – including Orca – but, once more, an element of luck and a good sea state is required for finding and observing these whales and dolphins.

Tour size is restricted to 5 total so that you are guaranteed lots of individual attention. Transport is by means of our 7 seater electric vehicle and everyone will have 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 £1,995 per person.