The Global Meaningful Travel Map

Seabirds-and-Seals: The Original Noss Boat

Experience breathtaking wildlife cruises featuring towering seabird cliffs and curious seals, all from a fully wheelchair-accessible vessel in Shetland.

OUR EXPERIENCES
Seabirds-and-Seals – The Original Noss Boat Tours offers award-winning wildlife cruises around Bressay and the spectacular Noss National Nature Reserve in Shetland. Guests experience towering seabird cliffs, curious seals, and breathtaking coastal scenery from our wheelchair-accessible vessel, while enjoying personal commentary, local refreshments, and an authentic Shetland welcome.

ABOUT US
Seabirds-and-Seals – The Original Noss Boat Tours was founded in 1992 and is the longest-established wildlife boat tour in Shetland. In 2017, the business was taken over by its current family owners, who have since built on its strong legacy to create an award-winning, inclusive, and sustainable experience. With accessibility, community partnerships, and environmental stewardship at the core, we connect visitors with Shetland’s breathtaking wildlife and local heritage.

OUR IMPACT
At Seabirds-and-Seals – The Original Noss Boat Tours, we are proud to lead with accessibility, being the only boat tour in Shetland with full wheelchair access, a detailed accessibility guide, and recognition on platforms such as AccessAble and Euan’s Guide. Inclusivity is central to our ethos, ensuring everyone can experience Shetland’s wildlife and natural beauty.

Environmentally, we are committed to responsible tourism: operating fuel-efficient vessels, minimising waste through reusable and locally sourced refreshments, and supporting conservation by raising significant funds for the RSPB through on-board pin badge donations (placing in the UK’s top five sellers).

Socially, we champion local partnerships — collaborating with Shetland makers, food producers, and artists to showcase local talent, create unique products, and support the wider community, particularly since the closure of the local tourist office. Our initiatives, including the Young Sailors Photography Competition, also encourage education and engagement with the natural environment among young people.

Through these efforts, we strive to balance visitor enjoyment with inclusivity, sustainability, and positive community impact.

DETAILS
To learn more, contact: info@seabirds-and-seals.com

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
8-12

Do you require visitors to pre-book?
Yes

Do you have group rates?
No

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
Yes

What languages do you offer your services in?
English

When are you open?
24hrs - we provide daily tours seven days a week from early April to early October, weather permitting.

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
We are proud to be the only boat tour in Shetland will full wheelchair access, ensuring that guests with mobility needs can comfortably board and enjoy the full experience. Our vessel features a wide, stable boarding ramp – specifically designed by the owners as they were aware that there was a gap in the Shetland Market for accessable boat tours.

To support guests in planning their visit, we provide a detailed accessibility guide on AccessAble, and we are listed on both Euan’s Guide and TripAdvisor for transparency and ease of access. We also maintain a dedicated Accessible & Inclusive Tourism page on our website, updated regularly with information on access, facilities, and tips for a comfortable visit. Our crew are trained to assist with care and dignity, and we encourage pre-arrival contact to meet specific needs, including dietary requirements.

Our ethos is that everyone – regardless of ability – should have the opportunity to enjoy Shetland’s breathtaking wildlife and natural heritage.