shore excursions lerwick shetland islands

THE 5 BEST Lerwick Tours & Excursions

Tours in lerwick.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick

2. Half Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland

3. Ponies Express Private Tour to Scalloway

4. 4 Hours Rugged Northern Exposure Private Guided Tour from Lerwick

5. Wonderful Lerwick Self-Guided Audio Tour

6. Round Trip Airport Transfer - Sumburgh Airport (LSI) to Lerwick

7. The Shetland Pony Experience - Private Tour

8. Private Tour from Lerwick West Side Explorer

9. Departure Airport Transfer - Lerwick to Sumburgh Airport (LSI)

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Shetland Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour from Lerwick

Arrival Airport Transfer- Sumburgh Airport (LSI) to Lerwick

• Half Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland
• Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick
• Wonderful Lerwick Self-Guided Audio Tour
• Ponies Express Private Tour to Scalloway
• 5 Days Shetland Viking Fire Festival Experience
• Seabirds and Seals Noss Boat Tours
• Shetland Seabird Tours - The Noss Boat
• Kittywake Tours
• Shetland with Laurie
• Shetland Explorer Tours
• Shetland Minibus Tours
• Sea Shetland
• Coastal Walk to the Knab
• Sea Kayak Shetland

Small Group Tours

Coach holidays, wool holidays.

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• West & Central Mainland
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Island Vista

***Limited Availability***

Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours 2024

We are running our Makkin Our Way Through Shetland tours again in 2024. On offer are: Fair Isle week, lace week and contemporary crafts.

See below for more details and to make a reservation.

Book tours online

Visit the sights and take in the Shetland landscape on one of our small group tours. These tours are exclusive, and offer a great degree of flexibility to cater for your needs.

If you are bringing a coach to Shetland, we would be happy to provide the guiding services for you, whether you are coming for one day or staying for longer.

We offer a stay in Shetland that is based around our exceptional wool and textile heritage.

About Island vista

OVER 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Island Vista  is a locally owned company, based in the Shetland Islands in the very North of Scotland. We have over 15 years of experience in providing high-quality excursions, daytrips and bespoke tours for private groups and individuals alike.

Customer Testimonials

We had an absolutely brilliant day out with Island Vista yesterday! We did the 6h mystery tour of shetland, stopping for coffee and cake along the way. Jolene is a brilliant guide, really knowledgeable and fun :-) . Great day out even for locals, we learned so much about Shetland's history. Thanks for a great day Jolene and Paula! Donna Simpson

While we were staying in Lerwick with our vessel, Jolene and her staff took care of all shore excursions and the complete organisation to my complete satisfaction. From the planning phase long before our arrival until the support during our actual stay, everything was perfect! It was a great pleasure working with Island Vista. Margit Distler MV “Nordstjernen”

The professionalism, flexibility and dedication of Jolene and her staff made my own life as shore excursion manager much easier and gave us all a wonderful experience during our stay on Shetland, which was very much appreciated by our guests Margit Distler MV “Nordstjernen”

★★★★★ All of our experiences and interactions with Island Vista have been exceptional. I was responsible for building a new cruise program to the Scottish Isles for Tauck. The design of the program began nearly two-years before the first actual arrival. I needed a sound and reliable partner in every port. In my research I was fortunate to find Island Vista; from my first communication with them I was confident I had found a great partner.  Brian Stacey Tauck Inc.

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Lerwick, Scotland Shore Excursions

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See Southern Shetland’s Sights on Lerwick Shore Excursions

When your European cruise port of call is the busy Shetland Islands port of Lerwick, shore excursions offer cruise passengers opportunities to see the island’s mosaic of coves, cliffs, farmland, and beaches, each with its own character and charm.

Admire the tranquil beauty of Shetland, coined “The Crossroads of the Northern Seas,” on Lerwick shore excursions that take you across the southern Shetland. Pass through the coastal streets of Lerwick, with its old waterfront that on any given day may sport yachts as well as fishing boats. Pass by 18th century sandstone buildings as well as homes and parks from the Victorian era, including Lerwick Town Hall. Admire sweeping vistas of sea cliffs, beaches, pastures, and meadows. View the Iron Age round towers, Mousa Broch, from afar, then head cross-island to the Atlantic Coast within view of St. Ninian’s Isle.

For a glimpse of the region’s incredible wildlife, opt for Lerwick shore excursions to the uninhabited island of Mousa. Board a fast ferry that takes you out to Mousa Island to see the Mousa Broch, the round stone tower built over 2,000 years ago, most likely as a defense against invaders. Spiral staircases lead up to the top of the tower for spectacular views of the Mousa Sound. During the summer months, the walls of the tower are home to hundreds of storm petrels. These birds spend their days feeding out at sea, then return to the island at night. Other nesting birds include Arctic terns, red-throated divers, fulmars, and black guillemots. You’re also likely to see grey seals sunning themselves at the shore or harbor porpoises frolicking farther out in the water.

Among the most exciting shore excursions, Lerwick, Shetland Islands has to offer are tours to the amazing Jarlshof Viking Ruins. Here, you’ll walk through the best-known prehistoric archeological site in Shetland, a complex of ancient settlements with dates that encompass the Neolithic Age, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the Middle Ages. There is also a house that dates from the 16th century.

A day in the Scottish countryside from your cruise to Lerwick is not complete without at least a glimpse of a Shetland pony, and an excursion to a pony farm is bound to be a highlight for young and old alike. Spend time with the ponies, and learn firsthand how they are bred and how they have adapted to the harsh northern climate.

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Shore Excursions

Mousa Island Cruise

Lerwick, shetland islands, scotland.

Lerwick Walking Tour & Fort Charlotte

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Duration 2 hrs

Your walk will start at Victoria Pier in the heart of Lerwick, opposite the Market Cross. A leisurely stroll takes in the award winning, recently restored Tolbooth. This is now the headquarters of Lerwick's lifeboat station. You’ll see the unique 'lodberries', once used by the town merchants for the landing and storage of goods. Climbing uphill you’ll observe a traditional method of recycling in the Shetland’s, where an upturned former ferry is now the roof of a garage. You’ll pass various churches on the way to the steep, narrow, intricate web of lanes to the Town Hall, built in 1882.

On the first floor, you’ll find the Shetland's history depicted in pictorial narrative through stained glass windows. You’ll proceed to Fort Charlotte, named after Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. The fort never saw action, but it housed a garrison throughout the Napoleonic Wars; it was later a base for the Royal Naval Reserve. It also served as the town jail and courthouse from 1837-75, and later a customs house and a coastguard station. At the end of your walking tour you may wish to stay in town to explore Lerwick's variety of small independent shops, browsing for local crafts and knitwear.

• Adult from: € 46,34 EUR
• Child from: € 46,34 EUR

Duration 2 1/2 hrs

Mousa Sound is one of Scotland`s most important sites for the threatened Harbor Porpoise. Locally known as `Neesicks`, the animals are present between May and September, taking advantage of the abundant food supply of sandeels, herring and mackerel. Take a scenic drive from Lerwick to the small community of Sandwick, where you’ll board the Mousa ferry. Enjoy a spectacular one hour cruise around and near the tranquil and picturesque island of Mousa, home to the world’s best preserved Iron Age Broch.

You’ll be able to catch perfect views of the Mousa Broch, a stone-built `castle` over 2,000 years old, standing 43 feet high on the island. While enjoying your cruise, you may be fortunate to spot sightings of marine mammals and other wildlife. It is one of the best locations in Shetland to watch the Grey seals as large numbers bask around the island`s shallow pools. Mousa is also famous for its abundance of breeding seabirds, including hundreds of graceful Artic Terns, Artic Skuas and their larger relatives the Great Skua. After your Mousa cruise, return to the coach for your return journey to Lerwick.

• Adult from: € 138,09 EUR
• Child from: € 91,75 EUR

*Prices vary by ship and sail date. See Terms & Conditions

NCL makes arrangements for Guests for shore excursions solely for the convenience of the Guest; NCL does not act on behalf of or supervise the parties or persons who own, furnish, or operate such excursions, and the same are provided by independent contractors. NCL assumes no responsibility for, nor guarantees the performance of, any such excursion provider, and Guests acknowledge that NCL shall not be liable for losses or injuries arising from the acts or omissions of such provider.

Participation in activities and excursions may involve physical exertion, and may be potentially hazardous or dangerous. It is the responsibility of each individual to determine whether you are capable of engaging in any activity. Participation in any activity or excursion is at your own risk.

Photographs are for illustration purposes only used to represent the excursion experience and may not accurately depict the excursion, location, or activity indicated.

Die Teilnahme an Aktivitäten und Exkursionen kann körperlich anstrengend sein und unter Umständen Risiken und Gefahren beinhalten. Jeder einzelne Gast trägt die Verantwortung dafür, einzuschätzen, ob er/sie in der Lage ist, an entsprechenden Aktivitäten teilzunehmen. Die Teilnahme an Aktivitäten und Exkursionen erfolgt auf eigene Gefahr.

Die Fotos dienen ausschließlich zur Veranschaulichung der Exkursionserfahrung und bilden möglicherweise die entsprechende Exkursion, den Ort oder die Aktivität nicht akkurat ab.

A participação em atividades e excursões pode envolver esforço físico e pode ser perigosa. É sua responsabilidade determinar se você é capaz de participar das atividades. A participação em qualquer atividade ou excursão é por sua conta e risco.

As fotos são apenas para fins ilustrativos, usadas para representar a experiência da excursão e podem não retratar com precisão a localização ou atividade indicada.

アクティビティや寄港地観光ツアーには激しい活動を行うものもあり、危険が伴う場合もあります。 内容がご自身に適したものかは各自でご判断ください。 アクティビティや寄港地観光ツアーへは、あくまでもご自身の責任でご参加いただきますようお願いいたします。

写真は寄港地観光ツアーの体験を表現するためのもので、実際のツアーや場所、アクティビティとは異なる場合があります。

La partecipazione ad attività ed escursioni potrebbe prevedere sforzi fisici e potrebbe essere potenzialmente rischiosa o pericolosa. È responsabilità di ciascun individuo stabilire se si è in grado di partecipare a qualsiasi attività. La partecipazione a qualunque attività o escursione è a proprio rischio e pericolo.

Le fotografie utilizzate per raffigurare l'escursione sono unicamente a fini illustrativi e potrebbero non rappresentare accuratamente l'escursione, il luogo o l'attività indicata.

La participation aux activités et excursions peut demander un effort physique et peut parfois être potentiellement dangereuse. Il revient à toute personne de déterminer si elle est capable de participer à une activité ou non. La participation à toute activité ou excursion se fait à vos propres risques.

Les photos sont affichées à titre d'illustration uniquement et de représentation de l'expérience et peuvent ne pas représenter l'excursion, le lieu ou l'activité indiqués avec précision.

השתתפות בפעילויות ובסיורים עשויה לכלול מאמץ פיזי, ועלולה להיות מסוכנת. זוהי אחריותו של כל אדם לקבוע האם הוא מסוגל להשתתף בכל פעילות. השתתפות בכל פעילות או סיור היא על אחריותכם בלבד.

תמונות מוצגות לצורך הדגמה בלבד, הן משמשות כדי לייצג את חוויית הסיור ועלולות שלא לתאר במדויק את הסיור, המיקום או הפעילות.

Las fotografías son solo para fines ilustrativos y se utilizan para representar la experiencia de la excursión y es posible que no reflejen con precisión la excursión, el lugar o la actividad indicada.

SHETLAND PONIES AND PANORAMIC DRIVE

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Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.

• EXCURSION DETAIL
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Description

Points of Interest

• Shetland Ponies

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

For at least 4,000 years, the Shetland pony has roamed Shetland's exposed hills and moors. Standing up to 42" tall, the horse's coat changes according to the seasons: a short summer coat features a beautiful silky sheen, and in winter it grows a thick, double coat with guard hairs to shed the rain. Now's your chance to meet these hardy, loyal and good-natured miniature horses during this fun and leisurely tour. From the ship you'll travel to Scalloway Castle viewpoint for photos of the 16th century home of the Earl Patrick Stewart. Your drive continues through the tranquil landscapes of the Tingwall valley with its Norse heritage and a stop at Wormadale viewpoint, home to a spectacular vista of the islands. Then, onward to the Breckenlea Pony Stud Farm. Your host will give you a brief history about these beautiful creatures, and you can take a few pictures.

Special Notes:

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Drive from Lerwick to Scalloway Viewpoint

Photostop at veiwpoint, panoramic drive to breckenlea, breckenlea for pony stud and sheepdogs, scenic drive via wormadale back to lerwick.

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Shetland Ponies & Scalloway

Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom

Activity Level

Excursion Type

Local Sightseeing,All

Wheelchair Accessible

Starting At

Minimum Age

Information Not Currently Available

Approximately 2½ Hours

Meals Included

Meals not included

Begin your tour with a brief panoramic orientation drive through Lerwick , the only town in Shetland. This tiny capital dates from the 1600s. From there, you'll head to the central and west mainland. A half-hour drive brings you to Scalloway , the former Shetland capital.

Arrive into Scalloway passing by the Castle , built in 1600 by the pompous tyrant earl Patrick Stewart by way of forced labor, oppression, extortion, and outrageous taxation of the poor. In completely unrelated news, Patrick and his equally unpopular son were later beheaded. Scalloway castle was eventually used as the administrative center for Shetland and as a barracks for Oliver Cromwell's troops (1650s). Although the original tower house has been restored, the surrounding walls and buildings are gone.

The Scalloway Museum houses a special Shetland bus exhibit, depicting the village's unique role in world war ii. The story of the Shetland bus goes back to the German occupation of Norway resulting in a stream of refugees heading to Shetland. Norwegians began training with units of the British armed forces, knowing that there were thousands of Norwegian servicemen hiding in their own country who needed only arms and communications to become an effective underground movement. It's a great story.

Stop to visit carol's ponies . Carol breeds top-quality animals and is a true enthusiast. She, or a member of her staff, will be delighted to share with you their knowledge of these hardy beasts.

Passing through peat- and heather-covered landscapes, you'll begin the return journey to Lerwick. Snap some photos of the spectacular vistas of many of the islands that make up the Shetland archipelago and hear more about Shetland’s culture and heritage from your local guide.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.