Lerwick: The Puffin Express – 3hr South Mainland Tour

Key Points

• Duration: The tour lasts 3 hours, offering a compact yet engaging experience.
• Main Attraction: Search for Puffins (“Tammie Norries”) on the cliffs at Sumburgh Head, the best spot in Shetland for sightings.
• Additional Wildlife: Besides puffins, expect to see Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Oyster Catchers, and more, plus possible sightings of White-sided Dolphins, Harbour Porpoises, Killer Whales, Mink Whales, and Seals.
• Visit to Shetland’s Oldest Lighthouse: Included admission to the 1821 Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, with access to the information centre and an engine room tour.
• Scenic Stops: The tour includes a drive along Shetland’s east and west coast, with highlights like Mousa Island and St Ninian’s Isle.
• Physical Considerations: The tour involves a steep, paved walk to the lighthouse and is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

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Explore the Puffin Express from Lerwick

The Lerwick: The Puffin Express is a new tour for 2026, lasting 3 hours and led by live English-speaking guides. Starting from the Esplanade bus stop opposite The Thule Bar, the tour offers a timely glimpse into Shetland’s birdlife and coastal scenery. This experience suits those interested in wildlife spotting, coastal landscapes, and cultural visits like the lighthouse and Mousa Island’s Iron Age brochs.

A key feature is the search for Puffins, affectionately called “Tammie Norries”, which breed on the cliffs at Sumburgh Head after winter at sea. While puffin sightings are not guaranteed—since they are wild birds—the tour’s timing and location give a very good chance of spotting these cheeky seabirds. The tour also offers included entry to the historic Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, allowing guests to explore the 19th-century Stevenson lighthouse and its information centre, with the option to enjoy some coffee and cake in the café.

Scenic Drive along Shetland’s East Coast

Departing from Lerwick, the tour takes a scenic 20-minute drive east, passing centuries-old croft houses and offering viewpoints over Mousa. The route includes a 10-minute photo stop, giving visitors a chance to capture the rugged coastal beauty. The drive continues for 30 minutes, leading to the Sumburgh Head area, where the landmark lighthouse and cliffs await.

This coastal stretch presents impressive clifftop walks, where the marine environment teems with seabirds. The surroundings are ideal for birdwatching, with opportunities to see Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Oyster Catchers, and Wrens. These species, along with Fulmars and Twites, create a lively seabird colony best observed from the cliffs.

Encounter with Sumburgh Head’s Wildlife and Cliffs

At Sumburgh Head, the clifftop walk is the tour’s highlight, with the chance to see puffins up close. The birdwatching is complemented by the presence of seals basking on the coastline or nearby sands, especially during the rounding of the Loch of Spiggie and Rerwick Beach on the return journey.

The cliffs are also home to several seabird species, making this spot an ideal location for bird enthusiasts. While puffins are the main focus, the variety of other seabirds enhances the experience, with white-sided dolphins and even killer whales occasionally spotted offshore—though these sightings depend on luck and are part of the excitement.

The Oldest Lighthouse in Shetland

Included in the tour is admission to the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, built in 1821, making it Shetland’s oldest lighthouse. Visitors get access to the information centre, where exhibits detail the lighthouse’s history and the lighthouse keepers’ lives. An engine room tour is part of the visit, providing insight into the lighthouse’s operational history.

Getting to the lighthouse involves a steep but paved walk from the coach park, so visitors should be prepared for a bit of a climb. The lighthouse’s commanding position offers panoramic views of the North Sea meeting the Atlantic, perfect for photos and appreciating the rugged landscape.

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Coastal Drive Past Mousa and St Ninian’s Isle

After exploring Sumburgh Head, the tour continues westward along Shetland’s coast, passing Mousa Island. This uninhabited island is renowned for its well-preserved Iron Age broch, considered one of Scotland’s top archaeological sites. While the tour makes a pause for a view rather than a full visit, the scenery provides a glimpse into Shetland’s ancient history.

Continuing north, the route passes St Ninian’s Isle, famous for its tombolo beach connecting to the mainland. The island’s Viking history and the treasure unearthed in 1958—which is now displayed at the National Museum of Scotland—add a historical dimension to the scenic drive. This area offers dramatic coastal views and insight into Shetland’s cultural past.

Practical Details of the Puffin Express Tour

The meeting point is at a layby bus stop opposite The Thule Bar on Esplanade, Lerwick. The tour features live guides and is available for reservation with flexible payment options—you can reserve now and pay later. Guests should note that pets are not allowed, and alcoholic drinks are prohibited in the vehicle.

Since puffin sightings are not guaranteed, travelers should temper expectations and enjoy the scenic and cultural highlights instead. The steep, paved walk to the lighthouse might be challenging for those with mobility impairments, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Who Will Enjoy the Puffin Express?

This tour appeals most to wildlife enthusiasts, coastal scenery lovers, and history buffs interested in Shetland’s lighthouse and archaeological sites. The short duration makes it accessible to those with limited time, while the scenic coastal drives and birdwatching opportunities ensure a fulfilling experience.

Because of the physical requirements and the potential for missed puffin sightings, it’s best suited for visitors comfortable with moderate walking and flexible expectations regarding wildlife encounters. The inclusion of lighthouse visits and scenic views adds cultural and historical interest, making this a well-rounded tour for nature and history fans alike.

The Sum Up: The Puffin Express Tour from Lerwick

The Lerwick: The Puffin Express offers a compact, scenic, and wildlife-focused outing suitable for those eager to see seabirds and explore Shetland’s coastal beauty. The admission to Sumburgh Head Lighthouse enriches the experience, giving a tangible connection to Shetland’s maritime heritage.

While puffin sightings are never guaranteed, the location, guides, and scenery make this tour worthwhile for birdwatchers and scenery lovers. The scenic coastal drive past Mousa and St Ninian’s Isle, along with the opportunity to see seals and other seabirds, adds further value.

The 3-hour Puffin Express combines nature, history, and coastal landscapes into a memorable snapshot of Shetland’s unique environment. It’s ideal for visitors seeking a short but rich experience filled with wildlife, scenic views, and cultural gems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour involves a steep, paved walk to the lighthouse and is not recommended for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. It’s best suited for children who can manage moderate walking.

Can I guarantee seeing puffins?
Puffin sightings are not guaranteed because these are wild birds. The tour location and timing give a good chance, but sightings depend on bird activity and weather conditions.

How long is the drive from Lerwick?
The journey along the east coast from Lerwick to Sumburgh Head takes approximately 20 minutes.

What other birds might I see?
Expect to see Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Oyster Catchers, Wrens, and Fulmars. Seabird colonies are lively during the tour.

What is included in the lighthouse visit?
Guests gain admission to Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, access to the information centre, and an engine room tour.

Are there restroom facilities available?
Yes, the lighthouse area and café provide restroom facilities.

Is this tour accessible for mobility-impaired guests?
No, the steep walk and terrain make it unsuitable for those with mobility challenges or in wheelchairs.

How do I book the tour?
Reservations are available with flexible payment options, and you should check availability for your preferred date and time.

What should I bring?
Bring suitable outdoor clothing, especially for the coastal and cliff walks, and camera gear for bird and landscape photography.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby