Orkney Islands Sea Kayak Exploration 2027

22-26th August 2027

Ratio 2:6

Cost: £690 

Our Adventure

Orkney is an island group off the north eastern coast of Scotland. The islands encompass Neolithic sites, tall sandstone cliffs and a lovely spectrum of wildlife.  Orkney is a great paddling destination, offering fast-flowing tides, as well as sheltered areas suitable for various weather conditions.  With over 70 islands, this is what caught Rogers attention and encouraged him to explore, Orkney mainland and some of its smaller islands, back in 2016.  He's also worked on two Orkney Symposiums.

The region features notable landmarks, including Britain's highest cliffs, caves, arches, tunnels, sandy beaches, and for divers, historic shipwrecks. Additionally, the area offers access to World Heritage archaeology and diverse wildlife. See 5,000 year old sites in the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

With its northern location, it's cooler, and windy at times, which helps to keep the midge population generally lower than other Scottish islands.

This is Lorraine Kelly's guide to Orkney, is here.

What's included in the cost?

• Two highly experienced and qualified advanced sea kayak leaders and advanced coach's
• Group ratio of 2:6
• Five days guided sea kayaking

Is this Orkney adventure suitable for me?

This course is aimed at moderate water paddlers who are confident in f4/5 winds, with the associated occean swell and with the ability to paddle, 20-25km.   Having paddled in tidal flow and tide races is also essential.  

This is the perfect adventure for those who have the skills and wish to develop their experience in a more remote environment and enjoy the opportunity to return to a campsite with good facilities, and grab a hot shower at the end of the day!

At this present time, we are unable to take international clients, unless you have your sea kayak and are self-sufficient.

Make sure you bring your walking kit if the winds pick up, as the coastal walks are pretty stunning as well as the history too.  

What's not included?

• Transport to and from Orkney, Including ferries.
• Your tent or van needs to be booked into the Orkney Caravan Park, linked with the Pickaquoy Centre from the 22nd to 26th August. 
• Food.  The course is self catering and supermarkets and restaurants/bars are a 15 minute walk away. The campsite has a good lounge with microwave and wifi.  No cooking in the building, other than ready made microwaved meals 
• Personal travel, accident and holiday insurance - essential.
• Any unforeseen extra expenses

How to get to the Isle of Orkney?

There are three ferry options, which leave from three different locations.  

Option: 1) A NorthLink ferry leaves from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, takes six hours, and is also the Shetland ferry.  It arrives around midnight.

Option: 2) A North link ferry, leaves from Scrabster (on the North coast of Scotland) to Stromness and takes 1.5 hours.  It's a dramatic journey, as you see the stunning cliffs of Hoy and the sea stack called 'The Old Man of Hoy', before traveling up Hoy sound, which is a tide race.  If windy and the race is ebbing this can be rough and rather exciting!  There is six crossings a day.

Option: 3) Is the Pentland Ferry from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope, a crossing of just over one hour.  The first 30 minutes or so is open to a westerly swell, although the islands seem to provide suitable protection, there are many eddies and currents running through the Pentland Firth.   Three crossings each day.

NorthLink Ferry info is here.

Pentland Ferries, info is here.

If the weather allows, it's worth staying on deck for as long as you can, as sightings of a pod of Dolphins, Minke Whales, Pilot Whales or Orca, are all possible.  How about arriving early on the island so you can decompress and get your bearings after a long journey or staying on the islands longer to explore more.

With options 2 and 3, consider booking one ferry on the way out and the other on the return journey.

Where do we meet ?

We will meet on the island of Orkney, at the Orkney Caravan Park on Sunday morning the 22nd of August 2027, to discuss options on day one of the course.

How to book your place, with Coastal Spirit?

Ideally Zoe and Roger, know you.  If not take time to summarise your sea kayaking experience, which may also be useful to arrange a time to speak over the phone.  Otherwise if we know you send in a booking form and follow the link, here

Join Coastal Spirit on this memorable, exploration of day paddles with this guided adventure on the island of Orkney in 2027.