If you’re dreaming of exploring Shetland’s rugged beauty and fascinating history, this private half-day tour might just be what you’re looking for. It offers a chance to see some of the islands’ most iconic sights without feeling overwhelmed by long, busy tours. The personalized touch, with private transportation and knowledgeable guides, makes it a standout choice for travelers who want a relaxed yet comprehensive snapshot of Shetland’s best.
Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the opportunity to encounter Shetland’s adorable ponies and the chance to see puffins nesting in their natural habitat. The small-group format ensures you won’t be just another face in the crowd, allowing for more personalized stories and questions. A potential consideration, however, is that the tour lasts roughly four and a half hours—so it’s ideal for those who enjoy a good mix of sightseeing without feeling rushed, but might be challenging for very young children or those with limited mobility.
This tour is well-suited for curious travelers who love natural beauty, history, and wildlife. It’s particularly perfect if you’re on a cruise or short layover in Lerwick, wanting to maximize your time with a guided expert by your side. If you’re after a full-day adventure or traveling with big groups, you might want to explore other options, but for those looking for a well-balanced, intimate experience, this could be just right.
Key Points
- Personalized Experience: As a private tour, it offers flexibility and tailored attention.
- Diverse Highlights: Combines wildlife, history, and scenic views in one trip.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories and local insights.
- Ideal Duration: Around four and a half hours—perfect for a half-day in Shetland.
- Wildlife Opportunities: Puffins, Shetland ponies, seals, and more, with no guarantees but great chances.
- Value for Money: Though not the cheapest, the private, all-inclusive setup adds value for those wanting quality and intimacy.
Exploring Shetland in Style and Comfort
This half-day private tour by Robertson’s Tours & Holidays invites you to see Shetland in a way that’s both relaxed and rich in experiences. Starting from Lerwick, the tour covers the island’s south mainland, giving you a taste of the past and present amid stunning scenery.
The trip is designed to hit key sights without rushing. It’s ideal for travelers who want a curated experience with a small group, which means plenty of room for questions, photos, or just soaking in the views. Since it includes private transportation, you avoid the hassle of crowded buses or large groups, making it a more intimate way to connect with Shetland.
What You Can Expect at Each Stop
Scalloway: A Glimpse into the Past
Your first stop is the charming old fishing village of Scalloway. It’s just a 15-minute drive from Lerwick, so you’ll get a quick but meaningful introduction to local life. You’ll get to take photos at a viewpoint overlooking the village, then visit the Scalloway Castle (exterior only) and the Shetland Bus Memorial. Reviews highlight the photographable scenery here, along with a sense of history—the castle and memorial provide a glimpse into Shetland’s maritime past.
Meeting Shetland Ponies at Carols Ponies
Next, a short 5-minute drive takes you to Carols Ponies, where you’ll meet Shetland’s iconic small horses. These ponies were originally bread for packing and are now beloved worldwide as riding ponies and companions. The owner, Carol, shares stories about their origins and personalities, making this stop both educational and adorable. Be mindful that the ponies may assume fingers are carrots, so don’t feed them unless instructed. Reviews are full of praise for this part, with guests describing the ponies as “absolutely adorable,” and noting the owner’s engaging talk.
Historic Jarlshof Settlement
The highlight for many is the visit to Jarlshof, which is described as “one of the most remarkable archaeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles.” It spans remains from as early as 2500 BC up to the 17th century AD, showcasing thousands of years of Shetland’s history. The tour includes an admission ticket, giving you about 1.5 hours to explore the ruins, which are presented beautifully with informational signs and perhaps a knowledgeable guide. Guests rave about how well-preserved and fascinating these sites are, offering a real sense of ancient life and Norse influence.
Watching Puffins at Sumburgh Head
The next stop is Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, a spot loved for its birdlife and panoramic views. This is where puffins tend to nest, especially in spring and summer, although wildlife sightings are always a bit unpredictable. The RSPB reserve here is home to seabirds, and you might catch dolphins, mink, whales, seals, or porpoises from the cliffs. The lighthouse itself is included in the visit, and facilities like a small café and toilets are available, though note that the café and museum may be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during 2025.
Overlooking Mousa
The tour wraps up with a scenic photostop in Sandwick, overlooking the island of Mousa, famed for its well-preserved Iron Age broch. It’s a perfect place to reflect on your day and snap some last photos of the rugged Shetland coastline.
The Real Deal: What Makes This Tour Stand Out
The reviews consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. Guests often mention guides like Danny, Shirley, Neville, and others by name, praising their friendliness and depth of local knowledge. This personal touch is a big part of what makes the tour memorable—whether it’s Shirley playing the fiddle and reading a Shetland dialect poem, or Neville sharing detailed stories about the island’s history.
The chance to see puffins nesting and to pet Shetland ponies is another major draw. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, travelers are generally pleased with the opportunities—they enjoy the relaxed pace and the emphasis on authentic encounters. Many reviewers state that this tour is the highlight of their trip, with some calling it “the best tour ever” or “one of our favorites.”
How Does the Price Add Up?
At $962.49 for a group of up to six people, this tour isn’t the cheapest option out there. However, considering it’s a private experience with all admissions included—plus the value of personalized attention—many find it worth the investment. It offers a lot in a condensed timeframe, making it ideal for cruise passengers or those with limited time on the islands.
Practical Considerations
Keep in mind the tour lasts about 4.5 hours, so plan accordingly if you have tight schedules. The tour includes pickup, so check if your accommodation or port is covered. The physical demands are moderate—mostly walking and standing—but limited mobility might pose some challenges, especially at sites like Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
If you’re someone who loves wildlife, history, and scenic drives, this tour hits all those points beautifully. It’s perfect for small groups who prefer a more personal experience and are comfortable with walking moderate distances. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed overview of Shetland’s highlights, especially if you’re short on time but want to see as much as possible.
This tour isn’t ideal if you’re after a full day of sightseeing or traveling with very young children, unless they’re comfortable with walking and the weather. Also, if wildlife sightings are a priority, be prepared that there are no guarantees, but the chances are good.
The Sum Up
This Half Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies, and Past Shetland offers a well-crafted, intimate way to explore the southern part of Shetland’s Mainlands. You’ll get to see ancient ruins, encounter adorable Shetland ponies, and possibly spot puffins nesting in their natural habitat—all with the comfort of private transportation and a guide who knows the islands inside out.
What makes this experience shine is the combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and personalized attention. The guides are often praised for their friendliness and deep knowledge, making even a short tour feel meaningful and memorable. The wildlife opportunities are a nice bonus, and the scenic stops leave you with plenty of photo memories.
While the price might seem high for some, you’re paying for exclusivity, convenience, and insider insights—making it a good investment if you want a high-quality, curated introduction to Shetland. It works especially well for cruise travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a flexible, engaging way to see the islands’ highlights without feeling rushed.
If you’re after a tour that combines scenic beauty, engaging storytelling, and the chance to get close to Shetland’s iconic ponies and puffins, this might just be the experience for you.
Half Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland
“Danny was a great tour guide. He was very knowledgeable about the island. We were a group of 6 in a private tour of the island. We saw the Shetland…”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children? Since the tour involves walking and moderate physical activity, it’s best suited for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. The stops include sites like Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head, which may involve some walking on uneven terrain.
Does the tour include lunch? No, lunch is not included in the tour price. If you’re hungry, there are small cafes at Sumburgh Head, but they may be closed on certain days during 2025.
Will I see puffins on this tour? Wildlife sightings depend on the season and luck. Puffins are common from spring to summer, but there’s no guarantee. You’ll have good chances, though, especially during nesting season.
Can I customize the stops? Since this is a private tour, the itinerary is somewhat flexible. You can discuss specific interests with your guide, but the core stops are part of the standard route.
How long does each stop last? Stops vary from about 30 minutes at Scalloway and ponies, to 1.5 hours at Jarlshof, with an additional hour at Sumburgh Head. Total time is approximately 4.5 hours.
What is the weather typically like? Shetland can be breezy and changeable. Dress warmly, especially if visiting Sumburgh Head or outside on the cliffs.
Is transportation comfortable? Yes, the tour uses air-conditioned vehicles, and the private setup ensures a comfortable ride with the convenience of door-to-door pickup.
This private Shetland tour offers a thoughtful blend of nature, history, and local culture. It’s a smart choice for those wanting a personal, relaxed way to see the best of the islands without sacrificing comfort or depth.
