Cross by inflatable dinghy to Noss itself and walk the clifftop path with a Scottish Natural Heritage ranger, standing feet from puffins and bonxies on their own turf.
What to expect
You take a small dinghy across the narrow sound from Bressay to Noss, landing on a shingle beach. The resident ranger leads a circular walk (roughly 4-5 miles) around the island's clifftops, stopping at the great gannetry and skua moorland, explaining the ecology and history of the abandoned sheep farm on the island. Great skuas ('bonxies') may swoop close if you stray near nests, which the ranger will manage. It is wild, weather-exposed, and unforgettable.
Good to know
Reserve is only accessible May to August, weather permitting, and the dinghy doesn't run in high wind or swell — check with wardens on arrival day. Requires a ferry to Bressay first (short, frequent, from Lerwick), then the ranger dinghy; allow a full morning or afternoon and confirm return timing against your ship's all-aboard.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Noss — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.