Experience summer by the sea in Shetland

Summer in Shetland is a time of long days, abundant wildlife and unforgettable coastal experiences. From wild swimming and snorkelling to coasteering, surfing and sea kayaking, there are many ways to explore the sea around the islands.

During the ‘simmer dim’, the weeks around midsummer when daylight lingers late into the night, Shetland comes alive. Seabirds return to towering cliffs, fields fill with lambs and Shetland pony foals, and wildflowers bring colour to the hills. With around 1,700 miles of coastline, there are endless opportunities to experience the sea, whether you prefer a peaceful paddle or an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Wild swimming in Shetlandis popular among locals and visitors despite the cool water temperatures, typically ranging from 7-14ºC.

The white sands and turquoise waters mean some beaches can look almost tropical on a sunny day, but the experience is unmistakably northern. Many swimmers wear wetsuits to stay comfortable in the water for longer.

Some popular beaches for swimming include:

• St Ninian's Beach near Bigton, South Mainland
• Minn Beach in Burra
• Bain's Beach in Lerwick

These are good choices because they are relatively sheltered and have shallow waters that are ideal for a dip.

For many, the best time to swim is on a summer evening, when the daylight lingers for longer, and the sound of seabirds fills the air.

Shetland's clear and cool waters offer excellent visibility and the opportunity to spot marine animals. If you're brave enough to submerge your face and try snorkelling close to the shore, you may see:

• crabs and starfish
• shoals of small fish
• seaweed forests moving with the tide

If you're interested in going further, there is a local free-diving community.

Mareel is the Shetland word for the natural bioluminescence that causes the sea to 'glow' when it is disturbed.

This phenomenon is most visible in late summer on dark, calm, low-moon nights in sheltered bays when the water is still.

Although it can appear earlier in the summer, the best time to experience mareel is August, when nights begin to darken again. There are several places to choose from, but Levenwick Beach in the South Mainland is a favourite spot.

If you're not used to coldwater swimming, it is best to begin slowly and bring warm clothes and a hot drink to sip afterwards.

Whether you just want a beach dip or to try night swimming in the mareel, you can join the Shetland Selkies Facebook group to hear more from like-minded people.

If you're a little more adventurous, you might want to try coasteering – a fun activity that involves swimming, scrambling and jumping along the shoreline. It is an increasingly popular way to enjoy a thrilling adventure along Shetland's spectacular coastline.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced coasteer, you can find suitable routes and make the most of guided tours providing equipment and local knowledge.

As well as being a lot of fun, it's a great way to see more of the ruggedly beautiful Shetland coastline.

Shetland is no stranger to spectacular waves, especially after big Atlantic storms. It is less well known that, when the conditions are right, the swell produces excellent waves for surfing.

There is a dedicated group of local surfers waiting for the right conditions to align and in 2022, the Scottish Surfing Federation held its annual "Gathering of the Clans" event in Shetland.

The most popular and reliable surf spots are in the South Mainland, where several beaches can produce surfable waves.

Stand-up paddleboarding is also possible, although it is dependent on the right weather and conditions. When the Shetland summer offers a rare calm and windless day with flat seas, you might see paddleboarders making the most of the opportunity.

Sea kayakingoffers one of the most immersive ways to explore Shetland's coastline. It is a joy to paddle along and see Shetland from a different perspective of the islands.

Paddling close to the shore allows you to:

• Experience Shetland's marine wildlife in its natural environment
• Discover spectacular rock formations and understand Shetland's geology
• Explore sea caves, arches, and inlets

Wildlife encounters are a highlight. The quietness of a kayak means you can sometimes observe seabirds, seals, and even otters from a close distance, without disturbing them.

A boat trip around one of Shetland's more remote islands is a wonderful way to witness spectacular seabird colonies.

Noss National Nature Reserve

The cliffs of Noss are home to thousands of seabirds, including large colonies of gannets. From the water, you can fully appreciate the scale of the cliffs, with birds nesting across the entire rock face and flying constantly to and from the sea.

The sandstone has worn over time into hollows and ledges that are perfect for seabirds to lay their eggs and raise chicks. As you look up at the Noss cliffs, you see nesting birds across the entire cliff face, and the sky is filled with gannets flying back and forth with food for their young.

The lower rocks are home to juvenile birds that are yet to breed, and you get a wonderfully close view of them, noticing the details of their feathers and the brilliant blue of their eyes.

Mousa offers a different, if equally amazing, experience. As the sun dips under the horizon, and dusk sets in, storm petrels return to their nests, built within the ancient stonework walls of Mousa Broch.

Boat trips run through the summer, and you can visit the uninhabited island during the day to view and climb the broch. But the island comes alive as darkness arrives, and for many a midnight trip to Mousa is a highlight experience.

During the simmer dim, with near-constant daylight, there is enough light to see the tiny birds returning to their home, silhouetted against the twilight sky.

It is a remarkable experience in a remarkable location.

Walking along the coast allows you to take in all the sights and sounds of Shetland from the shore, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the landscape.

Across the islands, you’ll find:

• Dramatic cliffs and open seascapes
• Routes ranging from short walks to full-day hikes
• Access to remote and quiet locations

The Shetland countryside is open to walkers, but it is important to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

This includes respecting:

• Livestock, particularly during lambing
• Wildlife, especially nesting birds, in sensitive areas
• Local land ownership and management activities

If you are unsure where to walk, the map of core paths provides a good starting point. These walks are in some of the most spectacular places, and the paths and stiles are checked and maintained. There are walks of different lengths, ranging from a whole day ramble to a short amble and everything in between. If you want to follow a set route, you can choose from the walks or guided tours listed here.

Conditions in Shetland can change quickly, and the sea remains cold even in summer.

If you are new to coastal activities:

• Remember the weather can change quickly; this is equally important on shore as it is in the water
• Take time to acclimatise to cold water
• Consider using a wetsuit when entering the water
• Bring warm clothing and a hot drink for afterwards
• Seek local advice or join group activities where possible

Check out our advice for coastal adventures blog post, and remember that local communities and swimming groups can be a helpful source of up-to-date guidance.