New reasons to visit Shetland in 2026

There is no better way to understand Shetland's coastline than from the water. The scale of the cliffs, the darkness of the geo entrances, the seals blinking at you from a rock: it all makes a different kind of sense when you're sitting in a kayak five metres away.

Sea Kayak Shetland, run by guides Jason and Angus, offer half-day, full-day and evening trips tailored to your ability and the day's conditions. No experience is necessary: they've welcomed complete beginners and expert paddlers alike, and their flexibility means the itinerary is shaped around the weather, the tides and what you most want to see. Seals, seabirds, sea caves and the occasional unexpected wildlife encounter are all part of the picture.

If you're already an experienced paddler bringing your own kayak and want a knowledgeable local guide to show you Shetland's more remote stretches of coastline, they can arrange that too.

Find them at www.seakayakshetland.co.uk

The sea has always defined Shetland. But most of us have only ever seen it from above. Peter Szucs, founder of Freedive Shetland Atlantica, wants to change that, and he does it with a warmth and enthusiasm that makes the whole thing feel completely achievable.

Peter is a qualified freediving instructor with additional scuba and sea survival qualifications, based right here in Shetland. He offers courses for those who want to learn the basics of breath-hold diving, snorkel tours for anyone who wants to explore the underwater landscape without the commitment of a full course, and guided dives for experienced visitors who want to explore Shetland's world-class dive spots.

He also runs seafood foraging experiences, teaching you to source your own scallops, lobster, urchins and seaweed directly from Shetland's clean waters. Whether you want certification, a family adventure, or simply a completely different perspective on these islands, Peter's your man.

Find him at www.freediveshetland.com

Stacey Fullerton's Withyburn Croft Tours, based at Bigton in the South Mainland, has been offering croft tours since opening, and if you haven't been yet, the 2026 season runs from May to September, with booking essential.

The regular tours take you around the animals, introducing you to a lovely collection of Shetland livestock, pygmy goats and a Dexter cow (the smallest native cattle breed in the UK, since you're asking). You'll finish in the cow shed with tea, coffee and cake, surrounded by old tools and literature about croft life in Shetland. It's the kind of experience that leaves you feeling restored.

But the real headline for 2026 is the Croft to Kitchen Experience. The Croft to Kitchen Experience takes the idea of provenance seriously: this is dining rooted in what the land around you actually produces. Details are worth checking directly with Stacey, but if the name alone doesn't make you want to book immediately, we don't know what will.

Withyburn also offers birthday parties, pop-up takeaways and seasonal events: keep an eye on their Instagram for availability.

Find them at www.withyburncrofttours.com

One of the most exciting new additions to Shetland's tourism offering this year comes from Heather Davidson, whose substantial croft at Brindister, Sunshine Shetland Oo Croft, in Wester Quarff, is opening for guided tours in June 2026.

Heather and her partner have been working on something really special. There's a traditional croft house being lovingly restored, taken back to its stone walls, which will form the heart of the visitor experience. There are Shetland animals (including ponies and sheep), indoor facilities for when the weather has other ideas, and Heather's own beautiful handmade felted crafts: miniature Shetland sheep and collie dogs made from fleece produced right there on the croft.

Watch this space for booking details as the opening date approaches: this one is going to be worth it.

This really is just a flavour of what's out there. A few other names to look out for in 2026:

Adventure Shetland, run by Jon Pulley, a native Shetlander and qualified archaeologist, offers bespoke guided tours and walks, as well as the newly launched Viking Voyage, a two-day itinerary exploring Shetland's Norse sites from north to south. Jon's knowledge of this landscape is extraordinary, and his tours go well beyond the usual tourist trail.

The Puffin Express, launching for the 2026 season, offers a guided tour from Lerwick down to the very south of Shetland, making it ideal for visitors looking to see the best of the South Mainland in a day.

There is so much happening. And this, remember, is just a taste.

Shetland keeps surprising people, even the ones who thought they knew it well. This year is no exception.