Fetlar – the Garden of Shetland
Fetlar is known locally as ‘the garden of Shetland’. Its diversity of habitats with rich fertile soils, serpentine heath and blanket bog, hosts the highest densities of breeding waders in Shetland. It is an island with a fascinating and diverse ornithological history. It was here that in 1967 Britain’s first Snowy Owls were discovered breeding by the legendary Shetland naturalist, the late Bobby Tulloch.
Even before this momentous discovery Fetlar was already a popular destination birdwatchers and naturalists from far and wide, for the island’s Red-necked Phalaropes. For recent generations the island has been well known as the UK stronghold for this charismatic species. It was in fact the only breeding site for this normally Arctic breeding wader for many decades.
Famed for their role reversal in the rearing of chicks and plumage, the phalaropes are one of the UK’s rarest breeding birds and with patience, luck and our local knowledge we hope to see these charismatic little waders.
Although phalaropes are now also being seen elsewhere, (Fetlar still being the British stronghold), and the owls long died off the island’s reputation and amazing wildlife is still attracting even more visitors several decades on.
The island’s rich and diverse habitats are also a stronghold for nationally rare and scarce breeding species such as Whimbrel, Red-throated diver, Arctic Skua as well as popular summer species such as Golden Plover and Dunlin.
As well as a picnic lunch at the beautiful Tresta beach we will enjoy a short leisurely stroll along low headland of the eastern side of the island to see the rare rock type, known as the Funzie conglomerate, which is unique to the island and can be seen exposed the way along eastern cliffs. From here we will also scan the open sea and with a bit of luck catch a glimpse of a Porpoise or Minke whale, which are often seen off shore. There is also the chance of an Otter encounter too along some of the island’s more remote stretches of shoreline.
Along the way we will also learn of Fetlar’s fascinating history by calling in to the Fetlar Interpretive Centre.
2024 Prices and Booking
April – July
* Please note that Red-necked Phalaropes are usually only present from late May to mid-July.
Our Fetlar tours usually run between Tuesday and Friday when the ferry times are the most favourable for travel.
Small Group Tour
To give our guests the best experience our small group tour is usually limited to a maximum of four people. If you are staying on Fetlar and would like to book a tour for a slightly larger group do get in touch as we may be able to accommodate this.
We are only able to run this tour with a minimum of two people booked. If you are travelling solo and we are unable to match you with a group, we will offer you the tour at the two-person cost equivalent or offer you a full refund.
Private Tour
Exclusive booking is a popular option for our day tours. If there are less than four people in your group and you would like a private tour please see the prices below for exclusive tours.
Tour Cost
New in 2024 is the option for those staying on Mainland to book a tour to Fetlar with travel to and from Fetlar included in the tour price (mid-May – July only). For those staying further north, or with access to a vehicle, the original Fetlar tour continues to be available at a lower rate.
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Fetlar tour |
Small group |
Exclusive |
Fetlar tour from Mainland |
Small group |
Exclusive |
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1-2 people |
£150 pp |
£400 |
1-2 people |
£190 pp |
£480 |
|
3 people |
£130 pp |
£490 |
3 people |
£160 pp |
£580 |
|
4 people |
£115 pp |
|
4 people |
£140 pp |
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|
Discounts |
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|
Discounts |
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|
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Under 5’s |
Free |
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Under 5’s |
Free |
|
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5-11yrs |
£75 |
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5-11yrs |
£94 |
|
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12-16yrs |
£100 |
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12-16yrs |
£125 |
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Advance booking for our tours is essential.
Start point: For those booked on the tour starting on Fetlar your guide will arrange to either meet you at your accommodation on Fetlar, or at the ferry terminal in Fetlar if you are travelling from further south. If you are driving north to travel to Fetlar we recommend leaving your vehicle at Gutcher ferry terminal and travelling as foot passengers on the ferry.
If you have selected the option with travel from Mainland included, your guide will either arrange to pick you up from your accommodation where practicable or will ask you to travel to a central meeting point in Lerwick.
Duration: For those meeting the guide on Fetlar the tour will usually last around 6 hours, with the guide confirming a time in advance and advising you on the most appropriate ferries to book if needed. For those travelling with a guide from Mainland the tour will usually leave Lerwick at 08.00 and return to Lerwick by 18.30, with around 5 hours on Fetlar itself.
Refreshments: A light snack will be available as a courtesy. A grab and go is our default option for lunch. Most guests want to maximise their time with us and see as much as they can see, so we recommend that guests bring a packed lunch with them. If this is not possible the guide will make a stop for you to pick up something on route.