With 19 hours of midsummer daylight, Shetland will keep you active all day long. There’s something to fill the endless summer days from fishing to golf, kayaking to scuba diving and much more.
For the adventurous trout fisherman, Shetland is a dream come true. With more than three hundred lochs, and a supply of hard fighting, wild brown trout that rival any in Britain, it is a paradise for anglers of all ages.
Keen fishermen can still be casting at midnight in Shetland and, with a loch for every day of the year, you can choose from lochs conveniently close to the road or take a cross-country trek to secluded pools where you can fish in peaceful solitude. Or, if it’s bigger fish you’re after, why not charter a local sea angling boat and head off in search of some mackerel, haddock or ling for a mouth-wateringly fresh fish tea.
Shetland's extensive and accessible coastline is perfect for exploring by sea. There are hundreds of miles of cliffs, deserted beaches and countless sea caves. Enjoy awesome cliff scenery, stacks, arches and sheltered inlets.
Remote and uninhabited islands wait to be explored and large colonies of seals and seabirds are often easy to reach from the sea. You can also look for whales and elusive otters. Sea kayaking in Shetland is growing in popularity, and the active local club welcomes visitors. You can also take an organised trip with all essential equipment provided, led by an experienced local guide.
From windswept coastal routes passing noisy bird colonies and flower-edged cliffs to tranquil inland lochs and tracks over gentle heathery hills, Shetland offers some of the finest walking in Europe. Whether you want to tackle some exhilarating challenges or simply take a gentle stroll round some of our ancient historical sites dating back to Neolithic times, the uninterrupted vistas will take your breath away. With 900 miles of coastline, you’ll never be short of a new route to take.
Q Why did you choose to go sea kayaking in Shetland?
A Dave: It was my second visit and I wanted show Sue what a fantastic paddling location it is.
Sue: Going to Shetland is like going to another world but it’s so accessible, we travelled on the overnight ferry from Aberdeen, which gave us an opportunity to relax and settle into the holiday.
Q Why is Shetland good for sea kayaking?
A Dave: The coastline is spectacular with caves, cliffs and geos - you never need to travel far for a fantastic day out and because it’s an island there's always somewhere to paddle even on the windiest days.
Q Any special memories of your trip?
A Dave: You only want one - the whole trip was a cascade of special moments!
Sue: We paddled over to Mousa and stayed up late into the night to watch the storm petrels return to the historic broch where they nest, as the stars twinkled overhead.
Q What did you enjoy most about Shetland?
A Dave: The hospitality is amazing. Everyone is very proud of the culture and heritage of Shetland and they just want to share it - from language to food to the wildlife.