Aberdeen Bullers of Buchan Puffin Tour: A Detailed Review
Thinking about spotting some adorable puffins near Aberdeen? A trip to the Bullers of Buchan could be just the ticket! People often rave about the chance to see these colorful birds in their natural habitat, and honestly, the tour sounds like an exciting way to make that happen. But is that tour really worth your time and money? Is that, like, the absolute best way to see the puffins? I figured I’d give you a full rundown, sharing the highlights, potential downsides, and some advice to help you decide if it’s the right adventure for you. You see, maybe you’re a nature lover, or maybe you’re just looking for something new to do, either way, read on for everything you should know!
What is the Bullers of Buchan Tour?
The Bullers of Buchan is very much a coastal area up in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and that’s extremely well known for its dramatic cliffs and, too, it’s abundant birdlife. It’s actually home to a pretty large colony of puffins during their breeding season, which generally runs from late spring to mid-summer, so from about May to July, to be exact. Several tour companies operate trips to this area, that, giving you the chance to see the puffins, plus other seabirds, up close. That’s, usually, the tours are guided, and they will often include transportation to and from Aberdeen, along with commentary on the local wildlife and the history of the area.
The main attraction, very obviously, is the puffins themselves. These small birds, which are with brightly colored beaks, waddle about near the cliff tops. I find them absolutely irresistible. These tours give visitors, like your friends, the chance to see these charming creatures in their natural setting. This definitely gives visitors a totally different experience than seeing them in, you know, a zoo or even just on TV. In fact, many tours also include opportunities to spot other seabirds, such as gannets, guillemots, and razorbills, really just adding to the whole experience. If birdwatching is up your street, this could well be a thrilling adventure!
What You Might Experience on the Tour
Right from the start, many visitors comment, just slightly, on how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are. It’s, actually, they not only help with spotting wildlife, but they’re also really eager to share their insights into the local area, just, very literally, enriching the experience. People do like to find that the guides are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge of the puffins, and that very passion shines through.
You can almost always anticipate some time spent walking along the cliff tops, of course taking in the breathtaking views of the North Sea. And, as a matter of fact, that rugged coastline is amazing! It’s, you know, the ideal spot for seabirds. Then, people get excited about spotting puffins, as puffins tend to be surprisingly unafraid of humans and people often report being able to get quite close to them. Remember to take photos! That way you will have awesome photos of those moments forever.
Keep in mind that wildlife sightings just slightly can never be 100% guaranteed, after all, but, generally, most visitors do get to see plenty of puffins during the peak season. Depending on the specific tour operator, and stuff, you might also stop at some local landmarks or nearby attractions, making the most of your trip around Aberdeenshire.
Booking the Right Tour
Okay, so before you hand over your hard-earned cash, so it’s best to shop around a bit. I guess you could compare a couple of different tour operators in the Aberdeen area, that are providing trips to the Bullers of Buchan. Think about what’s really important to you. I mean, are you wanting a smaller, more intimate group setting? Or a larger tour that will keep the price down? Just, you know, what are your needs?
Don’t forget to actually read reviews! See what other folks are saying about their experience. Usually that will give you, literally, an inside look into that type of tour. Take a look at the different tour packages, that, that are available. Some might offer a full day of exploring, with the option to have lunch, others could just be shorter trips that strictly focus on the puffins. In addition, think about the route. Some may focus only on the Bullers of Buchan area, or some tours will make stops at other places of interest. In that case, think about what would keep you happy for the duration of your time there. Be certain that tour lines up with your interests, or, if you happen to be travelling with kids, what lines up with the whole family’s interests. If you want my honest opinion, it’s, basically, something that’s very essential, I think.
One more thing, honestly, is to compare costs. The price tags really can change a lot, like, depending on what’s included and what the company offers. Look at how much the tour actually costs and compare with other tour groups. This, really, is all to ensure that you are very much getting a good deal. Once you’ve worked out what you are after, be certain to make an early booking as, usually, especially during peak puffin season, tours will get very busy. If you actually leave it till the last minute, you’ll find it extremely difficult to find space!
What to Bring with You
Regardless of when you intend to visit Scotland, and I should say the weather, yet can be incredibly unpredictable. Layers, so, that’s always a smart strategy. Think waterproof jackets and some cosy fleeces – just something you could easily put on or remove depending on the conditions. It’s, as a matter of fact, also important to think about that and have them handy.
Because that walking can be involved, remember some sturdy, comfy shoes or boots. Walking on rugged terrain with, like, uncomfortable shoes sounds like a punishment! Don’t forget your camera! Honestly, that is, literally, essential for capturing the puffins and spectacular coastline views. If you have, and if you’re serious about your photography, take a proper zoom lens! This might, arguably, let you capture, very sharp, high-quality images from a reasonable distance without disturbing the birds.
Also, think of, literally, taking a good pair of binoculars. The binoculars actually give you the option to get an even closer view of the wildlife. I’ve found a small backpack, just a little one, really does help, and very obviously is super helpful when you need to carry stuff like water, snacks, and anything you happen to buy. Finally, remember your sunscreen. This, actually, is still essential, that’s even if the weather feels pretty cold. When that wind gets up, so it’s easy to not notice the sun. Last but not least, some insect repellent would do you very good.
Alternative Puffin Watching Spots
Okay, so if the Bullers of Buchan tour is simply not feasible for you, for, like, a whole range of reasons, so, don’t feel too disheartened. Scotland, very literally, has heaps of great spots where you can spot puffins! The Isle of May is definitely one option that leaps to mind. Located in the Firth of Forth, which is only a boat trip from the mainland, very generally. This place, literally, has a puffin colony, and visitors really rave about how easy it is to see them up close there.
Another fantastic spot could be the Treshnish Isles, that are based off the coast of Mull. This is an uninhabited group of islands, where, arguably, you get great opportunities not just to see puffins but lots of other types of wildlife too. Then there is the Shetland Islands, where, also, puffins flock there in the breeding season, particularly at places like Sumburgh Head. Keep in mind, some of these spots do actually require boat trips to access them, and you’ll probably need to book those tickets ahead of time, so, but they truly do offer, that’s great alternatives should the Bullers of Buchan area, that, basically, prove to be not an option. And just as a matter of fact, different places sometimes attract different types of seabirds, too, that, broadening your experiences, honestly.
Overall, is a Puffin Watching Tour worth your time?
So, with everything said, is, arguably, the Aberdeen Bullers of Buchan puffin watching tour worth your while? In short, probably yes – that is if seeing puffins is top of your list. What makes it worth it are very much the stunning views, seeing the wildlife and, naturally, learning more facts. People are all about the expert insights the guides provide. Even, basically, they are just nice folk too.
Yet do keep in mind that you’re going to want to plan very well in advance to grab your place, which, by the way, especially goes for visits during puffin season. The right gear, particularly, that, means warm, waterproof clothing and solid footwear – are crucial if you’re wanting to get the most enjoyment out of a visit.
Consider what’s most important to you, as some visitors can easily find they can spot just as many puffins from alternate places, and for maybe a lesser cost. By bearing those points in mind, you can easily weigh up all the pros and cons. I mean, in short, you can reach your own decision about what the very best option actually is. In that way you’ll make absolutely certain you have one special experience, as you’re taking in some of Scotland’s epic birdlife. I really hope you enjoy viewing these charismatic little seabirds!