Half Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland
4.9 / 5 · 49 traveler reviews
Join us for a private guided tour to Shetland's scenic south Mainland. Departing Lerwick we visit the island's former capital, Scalloway, before heading to Sumburgh at the southern tip of the islands. Here we visit the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof before concluding our tour with a visit to Sumburgh Head.
Your experience
Stop 1
Travel time from Lerwick- 15 minutes. We start with a short photo stop at a viewpoint overlooking the ancient fishing village of Scalloway before continuing into the village for a photostop at Scalloway Castle (exterior only) and the Shetland Bus Memorial.
Stop 2
Travel time from Scalloway- 5 minutes. We stop at Carol’s Ponies, you have a chance to meet, learn about and photograph these wonderful animals. Originating in Shetland the breed was a packing pony and are now found all over the world, used as popular riding ponies for children and a companion to horses. Carol the stud owner will explain all in her talk about these beautiful creatures, remember they have teeth and may assume fingers for carrots! So please do not feed the ponies
Stop 3
Travel time from Carol's Ponies- 45 minutes. Jarlshof is the best-known prehistoric archaeological site in Shetland. It has been described as "one of the most remarkable archaeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles". It contains remains dating from 2500 BC up to the 17th century AD.
Stop 4
Travel time from Jarlshof- 5 minutes. Sumburgh head is home toShetland’s first lighthouse and a RSPB reserve of mostly seabirds breeding in the cliffs. If you're lucky, you will witness hundreds of puffins close up as well as other birds through most of the Spring and Summer. Looking down to the sea you see dolphins, mink and humpback whales, grey seals and porpoises.* Entrance to the lighthouse is included. There is a small café and toilet facilities are available. Please note that the café and museum are closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays for the 2025 season. *As with any wildlife, there is never any guarantee that you will see any specific species on the day of your visit!
Stop 5
Travel time from Sumburgh- 30 minutes. Photostop in Sandwick overlooking the Island of Mousa with it's iconic iron age Broch, said to be the best preserved in Scotland.
What’s included
- Admission to Jarlshof
- Private transportation
- Services of our driver and a tour guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Visit to Carol's Ponies
- Surcharges on fuel
- Admission to Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Exhibition
- Parking fees
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with walking dificulties
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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