Noss is one of the most iconic islands in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is home to a thriving colony of Atlantic puffins, as well as a variety of other seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. Noss is probably the best place for spotting puffins in the Shetlands.

Noss is a privately owned island, but it is open to the public during the summer months. The island is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which works to protect the island's wildlife and habitats.

How to get there:

To get to Noss, you will need to take a ferry from Lerwick to Bressay and a boat trip in a small rib boat to the Isle.

The rib boat only runs if there is demand and on certain days only. Be sure to check their website or call their hotline to confirm if it is running before you go.

Best time:

All day, but allow yourself enough time to explore the isle without getting stuck on the Isle. You will need at least 3 hours.
The best time to visit Noss for taking photos is during the breeding season, which runs from April to August. During this time, the island is teeming with wildlife, and the puffins are particularly active.

Parking: 

The car park is above the jetty for the rib boat. It takes 5-10 minutes to walk down to the jetty.

Where to shoot:
Once you arrive on Noss, you need to walk up the steep cliffs to the other side of the island, where you can find the puffins. The RSPB staff will show you the way. The walk back and forth takes 1.5 to 2 hours, but you'll need time to watch the puffins, so I recommend taking at least 3 hours, or longer to enjoy everything. The walk is very steep and uneven in places, so a certain level of fitness is required.