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
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: 1

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: 0

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.

THIS TOUR IS NOW FULL.

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.