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Atlantic Puffins of Fair Isle Photography Holiday

12th - 17th Jun 2027 - Full

Europe - Guided By Robin Lowry
One of the Puffins of Fair Isle flies in with nesting material - this image was captured during the NaturesLens Atlantic Puffins of Fair Isle photography holiday

Full

Reserve with a deposit of £500

No payment is taken at enquiry stage. We confirm availability first, then send booking forms and deposit payment details. Please read our booking conditions and financial protection information before paying a deposit.

Atlantic Puffins of Fair Isle - 12th - 17th Jun 2027 - Full - Single occupancy

Join Waiting List

No payment is taken at enquiry stage. We confirm availability first, then send booking forms and deposit payment details. Please read our booking conditions and financial protection information before paying a deposit.

Keen wildlife photographers of all levels of experience are invited to join Robin for this 5 night Atlantic Puffins of Fair Isle photography holiday on Fair Isle, the southernmost Shetland island which is located halfway between Orkney & the Shetland mainland, off the north coast of Scotland.

The 5 night photography holiday has an itinerary designed to enable photography of Puffins on Fair Isle & other sea bird colonies.

Over the duration of this trip, the locations should provide opportunities for capturing images of the famous

Photographic opportunities, at the locations found on this trip, should provide opportunities for capturing images of various species, including Arctic Skua, Arctic Tern, Atlantic Puffin, Black Guillemot, Common Guillemot, European Shag, Great Skua, Northern Fulmar, Northern Gannet & Razorbill.

& more besides.

Robin, one of our photography guides, will be on hand to guide & lead you; Robin will be providing assistance & advice as needed & helping you develop your skills. Robin will help you capture images of Shetland’s puffins & any other wildlife that presents itself with the stark landscapes provided by the island & the surrounding seascapes.

What time of year is best to see Atlantic Puffins on Fair Isle?

The best time to visit Fair Isle & see these amazing birds is from April to the end of July. During this time, you can witness the puffins arrive back on the island, build their nests & lay their eggs. This is also the best time to observe the puffins’ mating rituals & watch them flying around the cliffs. As the summer months progress, the puffins become increasingly visible & easier to spot. Whatever time of year you decide to visit Fair Isle, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Curious what keeps photographers coming back to Fair Isle? Read why photographers keep returning to Fair Isle.

See also: Photographing Shetland’s Puffins of Fair-Isle

This trip is one of our wildlife photography holidays in Scotland & part of our programme of European wildlife photography holidays.

A Group Of The Puffins Of Fair Isle This Image Was Captured During The Natureslens Atlantic Puffins Of Fair Isle Photography Holiday

The following is the proposed itinerary for this photography holiday, it should be considered provisional & subject to change.

  • Day 1 - Transfer to Fair Isle - afternoon & evening photography on Fair Isle - overnight on Fair Isle
  • Day 2 - Day 5 - Full-day photography on Fair Isle - overnight on Fair Isle
  • Day 6 - transfer to to Shetland
One of the Puffins of Fair Isle returns to the nest with a beak full of sand eels - this image was captured during the NaturesLens Atlantic Puffins of Fair Isle photography holiday

We have taken care to refine the itinerary for this wildlife photography holiday; as such, we consider the following to be amongst the highlights of this tour.

  • Photography sessions at sunrise & sunset to make the most of the prime times of day for creative photography
  • Flexible itinerary to allow photography of other native wildlife as well as landscape shots
  • Remote island where the birdlife outnumber the inhabitants
  • Stay for 5 nights on a full board, non-shared basis
  • Great guide to client ratio of no more than 1:6
  • Guided by Robin Lowry for NaturesLens
One of the Puffins of Fair Isle poses with a beak full of nesting material - this image was captured during the NaturesLens Atlantic Puffins of Fair Isle photography holiday

What Do You Need To Bring With You?

The items listed below are intended as guidance rather than requirements. They outline optional & recommended clothing & camera equipment to help you prepare for the conditions & photographic opportunities you may encounter.

Clothing suggestions for the conditions expected.

  • Clothing suitable for moderate temperatures
  • Windproof & waterproof outer layers
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Sunglasses

Suggested camera equipment for the opportunities expected.

  • DSLR or mirrorless camera body
  • Spare camera body
  • Spare batteries, charger & memory cards
  • Super-telephoto lens (e.g. 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, 800mm)
  • Tripod, monopod or bean bag
  • Camera rain cover or waterproof protection
  • Lens cleaning kit
  • Camera backpack or suitable carry-on bag
  • Laptop or storage device for image backup

Travel Insurance – it is a requirement when booking on any wildlife photography holiday scheduled by NaturesLens that you have adequate travel insurance, we suggest a policy from TrailFinders or Campbell Irvine.

Birds in flight photography guidance from Robin

Robin will be on-hand throughout the duration of this trip to ensure that you make the most of the opportunities available, including guidance for capturing images of the Atlantic Puffins in flight.

One Of The Puffins Of Fair Isle Flies In With The Sun Illuminating From Behind This Image Was Captured During The Natureslens Atlantic Puffins Of Fair Isle Photography Holiday
One Of The Puffins Of Fair Isle Flies In With Sand Eels This Image Was Captured During The Natureslens Atlantic Puffins Of Fair Isle Photography Holiday

What's Included & What's Not Included On The Atlantic Puffins of Fair Isle Photography Holiday

Before booking the Atlantic Puffins of Fair Isle Photography Holiday, we recommend reviewing what is included in the trip price, along with any items that are not. This helps ensure you have a clear understanding of what is covered, allowing you to focus fully on the photographic experience.

Most services & experiences are included in the trip price.

  • Guidance from our experienced team members
  • Accommodation on a Single occupancy basis
  • Permits
  • Meals on a full board basis

Some items & services are not included in the trip price.

  • International flights
  • Internal flights
  • Camera equipment
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • All drinks
A pair of the Puffins of Fair Isle flies at sunset - this image was captured during the NaturesLens Atlantic Puffins of Fair Isle photography holiday

Soft background photography guidance from Robin

Robin will be on-hand to offer you guidance for capturing images of the Atlantic Puffins at several locations on the island where butter-smooth backgrounds may be achieved.

A Lone Atlantic Puffin Of Fair Isle Against A Beautiful Pink Sky This Image Was Captured During The Natureslens Atlantic Puffins Of Fair Isle Photography Holiday
A Pair Of The Puffins Of Fair Isle Against A Beautiful Pink Sky This Image Was Captured During The Natureslens Atlantic Puffins Of Fair Isle Photography Holiday

All the photos shown on this page are chosen from those contributed by Robin Lowry; he has guided the trip a number of times over the years, & he sent in plenty of fabulous images from thousands he captured during his time on the island of Fair Isle.

NaturesLens photography holidays do not include flights unless it is explicitly stated on the event page. When it is time to book your flights, we will send you the details in plenty of time to allow for bookings at the best available price.

The photography holiday itinerary is subject to change & is to be considered provisional.

NaturesLens photography holidays require a minimum number of participants in order to be viable. If this minimum number is not met, the photography holiday may not go ahead.

In the event that the minimum number for a photography holiday to go ahead is not reached, NaturesLens reserves the right to cancel any given photography holiday. In that event 100% of monies received will be returned. However, NaturesLens is not responsible for expenses incurred by its customers.

Not all mentioned wildlife can be observed & photographed at all times of the year, thus some activities may be considered seasonal & not available.

Please note the cuisine on many of the NaturesLens photography holidays is authentic & typical of the region in which you are travelling. International or western cuisine is often NOT available. If you have any concerns over the food arrangements or have any special dietary requirements, please contact us prior to making a booking.

All personal luggage are the responsibility of the owner & we request that photography holiday participants limit their luggage to the equivalent of one suitcase, one flight bag, one camera bag & tripod. We do not wish to appear dictatorial in this matter & the request is made to ensure space & comfort for everyone in our vehicles.

NaturesLens & its agents act only as agents for the passenger in all matters relating to travel arrangements, & as such, do not assume responsibility for injury, accident, damage, loss, delay or irregularity which may occur via defect of transportation or any other cause.

NaturesLens reserves the right to substitute hotels, & other previously outlined arrangements as necessary, to either improve or equal the travel experience.

NaturesLens reserves the right to pass on to photography holiday participants any additional & unplanned expenditure incurred during a photography holiday, via events beyond the control of NaturesLens. NaturesLens reserves the right to accept or decline any person as a member of any photography holiday.

Payment of a deposit by photography holiday participants or their representative constitutes their acceptance of all conditions contained herein.

All bookings are made subject to our terms & conditions.

Travel to Scotland with us for a wildlife photography holiday, during June 2027, on Fair Isle, focused on close-range puffin photography during breeding season.

View More Information
Difficulty
Easy
Group size
5-7 guests
Photography style
On Foot
Activity period
Daytime
Itinerary type
Photography Holiday

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled answers to the questions we are most commonly asked about this photography tour, covering everything from accommodation, transport & group size through to photography opportunities, fitness requirements & what to expect in the field. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re always happy to discuss any aspect of the trip before you book.

Booking & Availability

How do I secure my place on the Atlantic Puffins of Fair Isle photography holiday?

You can secure your place with a booking deposit, with the balance due by the balance due date. This trip is a guaranteed departure with a maximum group size of 6 photographers, ensuring an intimate photography experience on Fair Isle.

What's Included

What's included in the trip cost?

The trip cost includes 4 nights accommodation on Fair Isle on a full board basis, all meals, guiding by Robin Lowry, photography sessions at sunrise & sunset, & a flexible itinerary for wildlife photography. Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard.

Accommodation & Meals

What is the accommodation like on Fair Isle?

You'll stay on Fair Isle for 4 nights on a full board, single occupancy basis as standard. The remote island location provides an authentic experience where the birdlife outnumber the inhabitants, creating an ideal environment for dedicated wildlife photography.

Group Size & Guides

What are the benefits of a 6-photographer group?

The 6-photographer limit ensures everyone has sufficient space at the puffin colonies, receives personalised guidance from Robin Lowry & enjoys a more relaxed photographic experience. This guide to client ratio of no more than 1:6 allows for individual attention during photography sessions.

Fitness, Skill & Equipment

Do I need advanced photography skills for this trip?

No advanced skills are required. Robin Lowry provides experienced guidance suitable for photographers of all levels during the Fair Isle photography sessions. Bring a camera suitable for wildlife photography, telephoto lenses for seabirds, spare batteries & memory cards.

Wildlife & Photography

What wildlife can I expect to photograph on Fair Isle?

Species regularly photographed include Atlantic Puffin, Arctic Skua, Arctic Tern, Black Guillemot, Common Guillemot, European Shag, Great Skua, Northern Fulmar, Northern Gannet & Razorbill. Additional seabird species may also be encountered around the colonies. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed.

Travel, Visas & Insurance

What visa & insurance requirements apply for this Scotland trip?

No visa is required for UK residents, though overseas visitors should check requirements for travel to Scotland. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for participation on this trip, covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation & personal belongings.

Changes & Cancellations

What if I need to change or cancel my booking?

Any changes or cancellations are subject to our booking terms & conditions. Contact us as early as possible to discuss the options available, as this helps us work with the limited accommodation capacity on Fair Isle.

Photography Focus

How much time do we spend photographing puffins?

This is a dedicated seabird photography holiday with full-day photography sessions on Fair Isle from days 2-5. Photography sessions at sunrise & sunset maximise opportunities to photograph Atlantic Puffins during their breeding season behaviour, including carrying sand eels back to their burrows.

Island Access

How do we reach Fair Isle?

Fair Isle is the southernmost Shetland island, located halfway between Orkney & the Shetland mainland. The itinerary includes transfer to Fair Isle on day 1 & transfer back to Shetland on day 6, with 4 full days dedicated to photography on the island.

Best Photography Times

When are puffins most active for photography?

The trip is scheduled during breeding season when Atlantic Puffins are most visible & active. Photography sessions focus on sunrise & sunset periods when the light is optimal for creative photography & the puffins are engaged in feeding & nesting behaviours.

Breeding Season Behaviour

What puffin behaviours can I photograph during breeding season?

During breeding season, you can photograph Atlantic Puffins carrying beakfuls of sand eels back to their burrows, gathering nesting material, & flying around the cliff colonies. The trip timing allows observation of mating rituals & nest-building activities that make for compelling wildlife photography.