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Directflight

LOGANAIR

There are seabird cliffs - and then there is Noss!

Sailings at 1000, seven days a week from 15th April to 15th September 2008. From 15th September 2008 to 14th April 2009 we'll sail any day when weather permits and if we have at least five adult passengers.

Wildlife Adventure Cruise around Noss and Bressay with your boatman and guide - honorary Noss warden Dr Jonathan Wills "This is a WORLD-class cliff!" 
- Frans Lanting, National Geographic photographer, 1994.

One of the most spectacular wildlife sights on Earth is just 40 minutes from Lerwick, the Shetland capital. You won't believe how close we'll take you to the 20,000 Gannets, 25,000 Guillemots, 2,000 Kittiwakes, and hundreds of Puffins, Razorbills, Black Guillemots, Shags and Skuas at Noss National Nature Reserve. 

Millions of years of wind and ice eroded these ancient desert sandstones into 2km of cliffs, up to 181m high, with thousands of ledges and balconies making perfect nest sites for the seabirds. The stupendous roar of the Noss "choir" is a sound you'll never forget.

The air teems with birds flying to and from the feeding grounds. Great Skuas or "Bonxies" swoop in piratical raids on nests, chicks and adults. Underwater, a colour TV camera on our tethered mini submarine can show you birds and fish gliding above the kelp forest. 

A trip to Shetland without seeing Noss is, as one visitor said, "like going to Niagara and missing the Falls". And once you've been here, you'll always want to return. 

Our boat has twin engines and waterjet propulsion for extra safety, speed and manoeuvrability - so we can explore cliffs, caves and coves where other operators don't go, and spend more time with the birds and seals.

We take you closest to the awe-inspiring sights and sounds (and smells!) of this extraordinary seabird metropolis.

Along the way the way you'll discover the fascinating coastline of the island of Bressay. 

Weather permitting, you'll sail close to the magnificent rock arch of The Giant's Leg and, with the underwater camera,  view plankton, starfish, crabs, sea urchins, soft corals and jellyfish in the beautiful Orknis Geo ("The Orkneyman's Cave"). 

We sometimes meet porpoises, occasionally whales, and otters and dolphins - and most days we get very close to the seals. The seals know our boat, so it doesn't disturb them when we approach to within 50m or so.

Your expert guides can answer questions on the natural history, geology and folklore of Bressay and Noss. 

You can see what the climate was like 400 million years ago, find traces of ancient glaciers and volcanic explosions, hear tales of the Vikings, the Press Gang, buried treasure, smugglers and deserted villages.

During your cruise, complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are available on request.

Fares and booking

Noss & Bressay cruise fares )including fuel price surcharge):
Adults: £40 Over-60s: £35 Disabled: £30 Students: £30
(ID required for concessionary fares)
Under-16s: £25 Under-5s: Free (if space permits)

This is a very popular tour so, to avoid disappointment, we recommend advance booking with Shetland Tourist Centre, Market Cross, Lerwick
Tel: +44 (0) 1595 693 434
(out of hours mobile - 07831 217 042)
Email: dunter@Pseabirds-and-seals.com
NOTE: to use the above email address please remove the letter 'P' before sending your email. This is a measure we have taken to prevent our mailbox being overwhelmed with spam emails.

Weather limits: All sailings depend on favourable wind and tide. 

We can't operate to Noss when the wind is stronger than Force 4 (18mph) from due East, or more than Force 6 (30mph) from any direction. If the weather's unsuitable for Noss we can usually offer you an alternative route with good bird- and seal-watching. 

What to wear: Please wear warm clothing. If you're on deck it can be cold and wet - but never dull. Because of fire safety regulations, and also for the convenience of the majority of passengers who do not smoke, smoking is not allowed on board.