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The Puffin Express

Join us on the Puffin Express, brand new for 2026, as we journey from Lerwick, Shetland's capital, to the very south of Mainland in search of Shetland's favourite birds. Every year, Puffins- or "Tammie Norries" as we call them- come ashore to breed after spending winter at sea. Loved for their black and white plumage, these cheeky birds have become a symbol of Shetland. Sumburgh Head, where the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, is the best spot in Shetland to catch a glimpse of them up close. Plus, it's home to a 19th century Stevenson lighthouse, clifftop walks and a plethora of wildlife. When booking, please bear in mind that Puffin sightings can never be guaranteed. They are wild birds and on occasion may be out of view at the time of your visit. Please also note that there is a steep (but paved) walk from the coach park to Sumburgh Head Lighthouse. On arrival, your driver will inform you of the departure time. It is your responsibility to ensure you're back on time.

About this activity in Lerwick

Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time. no refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Event Policy
Other Policy
Join us on the puffin express, brand new for 2026, as we journey from lerwick, shetland's capital, to the very south of mainland in search of shetland's favourite birds, every year, puffins- or "tammie norries" as we call them- come ashore to breed after spending winter at sea. loved for their black and white plumage, these cheeky birds have become a symbol of shetland, sumburgh head, where the north sea meets the atlantic ocean, is the best spot in shetland to catch a glimpse of them up close. plus, it's home to a 19th century stevenson lighthouse, clifftop walks and a plethora of wildlife, when booking, please bear in mind that puffin sightings can never be guaranteed. they are wild birds and on occasion may be out of view at the time of your visit. please also note that there is a steep (but paved) walk from the coach park to sumburgh head lighthouse. on arrival, your driver will inform you of the departure time. it is your responsibility to ensure you're back on time.

Includes

  • Entrance fees
  • in-vehicle air conditioning

Excludes

  • Gratuities
  • refreshments available to purchase at sumburgh head lighthouse (not included)
  • child seats are not required on coaches under british law

Other

  • 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 poor cardiovascular health
  • not recommended for travelers with limited mobility/ walking difficulties

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
rharch
• Jul 13, 2026 01:52:01 PM
Summary: Lerwick is a lovely port with amazing stone buildings, but to truly appreciate the beauty of the island you must get out of town. The ship offered mostly walking tours of Lerwick with a focus on history. We took the Puffin Express and loved it! The driver was raised on the island and was an endless source of information on the history of the Shetland Islands and life in this remote location. The weather was typical Scotland, variable. One minute you can't see across the road, the next the fog has lifted and the views are spectacular. Sumburgh Lighthouse sits atop towering sea cliffs at the southern tip of the island. The sights and sounds of thousands (a million?) sea birds was overwhelming. The farther you go up the trail toward the lighthouse, the more the views open up and you can see birds, nests, and borrows filling the cliffs. As an added bonus, if you have ever wanted to drive down the runway of an international airport, the road to the lighthouse crosses the main runway! There are traffic signals to let you know if a plane is approaching. This excursion is the best value for your money on Lerwick. Do not miss it.
Malcolm_A
• Jul 13, 2026 11:30:49 AM
Summary: Good commentary en route to Sunburg Lighthouse and plenty of time to view a variety of sea birds(including puffins).
963maryw
• Jul 9, 2026 05:17:18 AM
Summary: Our guide was outstanding!! He was very informative about life on Shetland Islands. A great bus driver on all the one lane roads. We really enjoyed our day.

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Know more about Lerwick

Visitors consistently mention the excellent service, knowledgeable guides, and memorable experiences. The tour holds an impressive average review score of 10.0 out of 10.0 based on 35 verified traveler reviews, reflecting its strong reputation among guests.
Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, details for the cancellation policy for the The Puffin Express are as follows: A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time. no refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time. Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the activity description.
Best-rates for the The Puffin Express starts from $53 per person with includes with all other facilities. Varoom matches every traveler with their perfect place to stay or activity, whether you are traveling with a group, friends, family, or pets.
Yes, certain activities may adjust schedules depending on the season, daylight, or weather conditions.