Top 10 Half-day Tours in Shetland Islands

Destination: Shetland Islands.
The best way to experience true Shetland is to get out of town and see the rural communities which are backbone of island life. Join us as we cross Lerwick Harbour to the small island of Bressay (population c.350) where we're guided by an island resident who shows us the best of his island home. Experience life on a Shetland croft, meet the famous sheep and delve into Bressay's 6000 year history through the eyes of a qualified archaeologist.
Known For: Shetland Islands Ports of Call Tours, Shetland Islands Shore Excursions, Shetland Islands New Product, Shetland Islands Seasonal, Shetland Islands Water Tours, Shetland Islands Top Product, Shetland Islands Half-day Tours, Shetland Islands Bus Tours.
Duration: Around 4 hours.

Destination: Lerwick.
Join us for a private guided tour to Shetland's rugged & dramatic North Mainland. Explore Northmavine's history at Tangwick Haa Museum, admire the spectacular Eshaness Cliffs and visit the pretty village of Hillswick. Along the way we will see the finest scenery Shetland has to offer, it is truly breath-taking.
Known For: Lerwick Bus Tours, Lerwick Top Product, Lerwick Ports of Call Tours, Lerwick Shore Excursions, Lerwick Port Pickup, Lerwick Half-day Tours, Lerwick Private Sightseeing Tours.
Duration: Around 4 hours.

Destination: Lerwick.
With three fault lines running through the isles, the Geology of Shetland is some of the most diverse in Europe and is the reason why Shetland currently holds UNESCO Geopark Status. We drive to the North West mainland of Shetland where the oldest rocks in Shetland, Lewisian Gneiss at 2.9 billion years old, can be found. On our way North we witness fantastic cliff scenery and sea stacks shaped by the full force of the Atlantic. We arrive at Shetland’s volcano – Eshaness – active 390 million years ago. After a short photo stop, we return South, taking in the view of Shetland’s highest point, the red granite of Ronas Hill, 450m high and 450 million years old. We stop at Tangwick Haa Museum, built in the late 17th century as the home of the laird and where you can browse the exhibits to learn more of the history of Northmavine and have an opportunity to browse some local crafts. We return South via Brae for lunch at Frankie’s Fish and Chip shop before heading back to Lerwick
Known For: Lerwick Ports of Call Tours, Lerwick Archaeology Tours, Lerwick Car Tours, Lerwick Half-day Tours, Lerwick Private Sightseeing Tours, Lerwick New Product, Lerwick Bus Tours, Lerwick Port Pickup, Lerwick Day Trips, Lerwick Historical Tours, Lerwick Shore Excursions.
Duration: Around 5 hours.

Destination: Lerwick.
Discover the captivating South Mainland of Shetland, where history and nature intertwine. Explore the pristine St Ninian's Isle, famous for its Pictish silver horde, and stroll along its stunning 500m long tombolo. Witness seals basking on secluded beaches and marvel at the impressive Sumburgh Head lighthouse, nestled within a seabird sanctuary. Uncover 5000 years of history at the ancient Jarlshof site, before enjoying a warm cup of tea and local crafts in Hoswick. Optional lunch or afternoon tea can be arranged for your delight. - Visit St Ninian's Isle and its remarkable tombolo - Explore the Sumburgh Head RSPB Reserve and lighthouse - Discover 5000 years of history at Jarlshof - Enjoy tea and local shopping in the village of Hoswick
Known For: Lerwick Ports of Call Tours, Lerwick Archaeology Tours, Lerwick Car Tours, Lerwick Half-day Tours, Lerwick Private Sightseeing Tours, Lerwick New Product, Lerwick Day Trips, Lerwick Bus Tours, Lerwick Port Pickup, Lerwick Historical Tours, Lerwick Shore Excursions.
Duration: Around 5 hours.

Destination: Lerwick.
Often overlooked by tourists, the west side of the Shetland Mainland (known as the Wastside locally) is a haven of unspoilt beauty. Never visited by large tour groups or shore excursions, join us to discover some of Shetland's most scenic spots. During your private guided tour, you'll pass through some of Shetland's most spectacular scenery, visit our most important Neolithic site- Stanydale Temple- and stop off at an authentic Cake Fridge.
Known For: Lerwick Bus Tours, Lerwick Ports of Call Tours, Lerwick Shore Excursions, Lerwick Port Pickup, Lerwick Half-day Tours, Lerwick Private Sightseeing Tours.
Duration: Around 4 hours.

Destination: Lerwick.
Join us for a private guided tour to Shetland's scenic south Mainland. Departing Lerwick we visit the island's former capital, Scalloway, before heading to Sumburgh at the southern tip of the islands. Here we visit the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof before concluding our tour with a visit to Sumburgh Head.
Known For: Lerwick Private Sightseeing Tours, Lerwick Half-day Tours, Lerwick Bus Tours, Lerwick Nature and Wildlife Tours, Lerwick Shore Excursions, Lerwick Top Product, Lerwick Port Pickup, Lerwick Ports of Call Tours, Lerwick Worry-Free Shore Excursion.
Duration: Around 4 hours and a half.

Destination: Shetland Islands.
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.
Known For: Shetland Islands New Product, Shetland Islands Nature and Wildlife Tours, Shetland Islands Shore Excursions, Shetland Islands Ports of Call Tours, Shetland Islands Half-day Tours, Shetland Islands Best Conversion, Shetland Islands Bus Tours.
Duration: Around 3 hours.

Destination: Lerwick.
Join military historian and professional archaeologist Chris Dyer, a Shetland resident for over twenty years, to explore Shetland’s fascinating wartime heritage on our brand new Shetland at War tour. We will visit astoundingly well-preserved military fortifications within a range of spectacular, beautiful landscapes. During the twentieth century, Shetland played a crucially important role in the defence of Britain during both World Wars due to its strategic military location on the northern periphery of Britain and Europe. Enemy shipping and submarines favoured the North Sea as their preferred passage to the North Atlantic Ocean. Shetland was therefore an important base for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, who patrolled the surrounding waters, and for the associated military radar stations, scanning the skies and seas.
Known For: Lerwick Historical Tours, Lerwick Bus Tours, Lerwick Ports of Call Tours, Lerwick Shore Excursions, Lerwick Port Pickup, Lerwick Day Trips, Lerwick Archaeology Tours, Lerwick Half-day Tours, Lerwick Private Sightseeing Tours, Lerwick New Product.
Duration: Around 5 hours and a half.

Destination: Lerwick.
Explore Lerwick, the vibrant capital of Shetland, on this guided walking tour that unveils the town's rich maritime history. Start at the bustling harbour and wander past historic lodberries, including the iconic location from the detective series 'Shetland'. Ascend to the highest point for panoramic views, then delve into the Lerwick Lanes, a testament to the town's fishing heritage since the 1700s. Visit the impressive Town Hall and Fort Charlotte, both steeped in history, before concluding your journey at the Lerwick Museum to further immerse yourself in the local culture and history. - Discover Lerwick’s history from the harbour to the Lerwick Lanes - Visit key landmarks including the Town Hall and Fort Charlotte - Enjoy insights into Shetland's maritime heritage from an expert guide - Conclude your tour with free time at the Lerwick Museum to explore further
Known For: Lerwick Archaeology Tours, Lerwick New Product, Lerwick Walking Tours, Lerwick Half-day Tours, Lerwick Port Pickup, Lerwick Historical Tours, Lerwick Private Sightseeing Tours, Lerwick Shore Excursions, Lerwick Ports of Call Tours.
Duration: Around 3 hours.

Destination: Lerwick.
Based on the hit Puffins & Ponies tour, the Best of Shetland's South Mainland lets you experience the wonders of the island home once the puffins have flown south for winter. Join us for a private guided tour to Shetland's scenic south Mainland. Departing Lerwick we visit the island's former capital, Scalloway, before heading to Sumburgh at the southern tip of the islands. Here you'll visit the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof before concluding your tour with a visit to Sumburgh Head.
Known For: Lerwick Bus Tours, Lerwick Ports of Call Tours, Lerwick Shore Excursions, Lerwick Port Pickup, Lerwick Half-day Tours, Lerwick Private Sightseeing Tours, Lerwick New Product.
Duration: Around 4 hours and a half.