Whale Watching in Shetland
If you’re planning a trip to Shetland and have a passion for wildlife, then whale watching should be high on your list. I can tell you there’s something truly magical about spotting these majestic creatures in our waters, whether you’re standing on a cliff or out on a boat. Shetland’s location—where the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean—makes it a prime spot for all kinds of marine life, and whales are no exception.
Best Spots for Whale Watching
Shetland has plenty of places where you can catch a glimpse of whales, with the waters around the islands being rich in food and perfect for spotting them. Here are a few of my favourite spots:
Sumburgh Head: If you’re after orcas or minke whales, this is a great spot, especially in summer. The cliffs offer a fantastic view of the sea, and the surrounding waters are regularly visited by pods of killer whales.
Unst: This northernmost island has become a hotspot for sightings, especially of minke and orca whales. It’s a bit more remote, but that’s what makes it special—fewer people and more wildlife!
Yell: The stretch of water between Yell and Unst is a reliable place to spot orcas, and you can often see minke whales cruising through. I’d recommend a walk along the coastline for a chance to see these amazing creatures from the shore.
Lerwick: While not very common for whales right next to the harbour, Lerwick’s a good base to book boat trips further out into the surrounding waters, where sightings of minke, humpbacks, and orcas are more common.
Common Whales Around Shetland
Here in Shetland, the waters attract several species of whales:
Minke Whales: These are the most common, especially in the summer. They’re the smallest of the baleen whales but still impressive to see.
Orcas: Often called killer whales, orcas are an exciting sight. You can spot them hunting in the waters off Unst, Yell, and Sumburgh.
Humpbacks: While not as common, humpback whales are becoming more frequent visitors, particularly in the autumn months. When they breach, it’s an unforgettable sight.
Sperm Whales and Fin Whales: These giant creatures tend to venture into deeper waters, but if you’re lucky, you might spot one while on a boat trip.
Getting Alerts and Staying Updated
To improve your chances of spotting a whale, it helps to stay in the loop about recent sightings. Here are a few tips:
Follow Local Tour Operators: Many of the boat tour companies in Lerwick and around the islands post regular updates on sightings on their social media pages. You will have a good chance of a sighting yourself if you go on one of these tours!
Whale-Watching Apps: There are a few apps like WhaleTrack that let you track sightings in real time, which is super helpful for getting the latest reports.
Join Local Wildlife Groups: Join the Shetland Orca sightings groups on facebook. They regularly post notifications from local sightings.
Tips for Whale Watching
Be Patient: Whales don’t always show up on cue, so bring some patience (and a good thermos of tea if you’re out on a cold day).
Binoculars Are Your Friend: If you’re planning to spot whales from the shore, binoculars make a big difference.
Be Quiet: If you're on a boat, keep noise levels low—whales are sensitive to loud sounds and can easily swim off if disturbed.
When’s the Best Time?
The summer months from May to September are the best for whale watching, though sightings happen year-round. The warmer waters and longer days mean that species like minke whales, orcas, and humpbacks are more active and easier to spot. Late summer and autumn are great for humpback and sperm whale sightings.
Shetland is one of those places where you never quite know what’s going to show up next. Every trip out to sea or even a walk along the cliffs could surprise you with a whale sighting. It’s a real privilege to live in a place where these incredible creatures pass by so regularly. So, grab your binoculars, keep your eyes peeled, and get ready for one of the best wildlife experiences of your life!