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Not in the mood for a museum day? Seen enough rocks? The Puffin Adventurer is our spontaneous wildlife spotting tour in Orkney. Suitable for all the family — spend an exploratory day tracking down these charismatic seabirds at their coastal nesting locations. Between April and August, Yesnaby, Marwick Head and Brough of Birsay become hubs of puffin activity (as well as many other species). With the right attitude (and footwear) there's a great chance of spotting Orkney's cutest visitors.
We can also include a couple other historical stops if you'd like - let us know on the booking form.
Where you'll see puffins in Orkney
A search for puffins and seabirds through Orkney’s most dramatic scenery.
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Yesnaby – A short cliff-top walk among sea-stacks and wildflower heath. Big skies, huge horizon, fulmars gliding and seasonal puffin perches on the ledges.
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Marwick Head – A classic seabird cliff. Walk the path with towering views and a raucous colony in season—guillemots, kittiwakes, the occasional puffin bobbing in and out of burrows.
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Brough of Birsay (tide-dependent) – When the causeway is open, we cross to this tidal island for coastal drama, sea glint, and some of our most rewarding puffin sightings in early summer.
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Optional scenic add-ons (time/energy allowing):
•Ring of Brodgar • Stones of Stenness • Happy Valley woodland • Broch of Gurness • Unstan chambered tomb • Ness Battery viewpoint
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At a Glance: Orkney Puffin Tour Details
Format: fully private tour in a comfortable vehicle with space for 8 passengers
Duration: 5 hours (can be changed to suit ferry or cruise schedules)
When: April - August whilst the puffins are visiting Orkney
Pick-up options: Kirkwall, Stromness, cruise terminal, airport, or your accommodation​
Price: from £600 total (vehicle, guiding & all tickets included). 8 guests = £705 (~£88pp)​
Featured Reviews
Cathy: "We spent the day with Ciaran on a private puffin tour. He shared our sense of adventure and certainly didn’t disappoint with the sites, knowledge and fun! Highly recommend Ciaran and Tour Orkney. You won’t be disappointed."
★★★★★
Kevin: "It was wonderful to meet Ciaran! We came hoping to see Orkney, but he showed us so much more. Not only did we take in the beautiful scenery and meet some of the locals, but he also guided us on an adventure through the past, present, and future of this amazing place."
★★★★★
Jefferey: "Ciaran gave us a great puffin tour. He was on time, helpful, knowledgeable, and adaptable. We hit all the highlights that we wanted to and along the way he entertained us with stories, jokes, and the history of the Orkneys and its peoples."
★★★★★
Other Themed Private Tours
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Neolithic Wonders: A deeper dive into Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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Whisky & History Tour: Highland Park or Scapa distillery visit, plus stone circles and wartime stories.
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Viking Heritage: Orkney's key Norse sites combined in one viking themed day
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Jewellery & Gin: Orkney finery - the Italian Chapel, Sheila Fleet Jewellery, Kirkwall shopping & Gin tasting​
Visiting on the Scrabster (Thurso) – Stromness ferry? See Orkney Day Trip from Thurso (Scrabster).
Want to see the best of Orkney on a cruise day? See Orkney Highlights — Private Shore Excursion
Puffin Tours FAQs
Where can I see puffins in Orkney?
The best mainland sites are Yesnaby, Marwick Head, and the Brough of Birsay. That’s why this tour focuses on those hotspots.​
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Are puffins guaranteed on this tour?
No. Puffins are wild, and sightings vary day by day. In season (April–August) we give you the best possible chance with flexible routing.
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When is the best time to see puffins in Orkney?
June and July are peak months, but April to early August offers good opportunities.
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How long are the walks?
Typically 3–6 km in short sections, adjusted to your group. Paths are uneven; good boots are required.
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Is this suitable for cruise passengers?
Yes. We design the day around ship schedules, with timely returns to Hatston Pier or tender ports.
What other wildlife might we see?
Alongside puffins, expect kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, gannets, and sometimes seals.​
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Ready to plan your puffin adventure?
Book your Orkney Puffin & Wildlife Day Tour now — the most adventurous way to spend a day ashore in Orkney.