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      Sea Kayaking

      The Orkney Islands

      15 reviews

      Deposit From: £539
      Region: Orkney and Shetland Isles
      Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
      Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book

      Accommodation: Classic

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 98kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

      All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      icon-download Download Itinerary

        From:  £2,095 View Prices & Dates

        Trip Overview

        Created by: Tom Devereux

        Join us on a six-day fully guided sea kayaking trip exploring the beautiful Orkney Islands. A landscape of wild coastlines, towering sea cliffs and hidden caves, kayaking in Orkney offers a unique perspective on a region shaped by both natural beauty and a deep maritime history. Paddling through these waters provides a sense of remote tranquillity, while the warmth of the local community makes the islands a welcoming destination for visitors.

        The archipelago is home to diverse wildlife and world-class paddling conditions. In spring and early summer, the cliffs are busy with nesting seabirds, while the low-lying shorelines offer frequent sightings of seals, otters, and occasionally whales or dolphins. From exploring Neolithic sites to navigating the historic waters of Scapa Flow, this trip provides a quiet immersion into island life. We manage all logistics, including expert guiding, equipment, and transport, allowing you to focus entirely on the journey and the rhythm of the sea.

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        Day by Day
        Itinerary

        Day 1 – Travel to Orkney & Afternoon Paddle Read Less

        Day 1

        Travel to Orkney & Afternoon Paddle

        Meet your guide at Inverness Railway Station this morning and transfer along the northeast coast to Gills Bay. The roads here are slender and quiet, the views stretching across fields to the sea beyond. From Gills Bay, catch a ferry to South Ronaldsay, an island south of the Orkney Mainland and connected by causeways. This afternoon, enjoy your first paddle of the trip while chatting with your guide about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, transfer a short distance to Kirkwall and a welcoming guest house, which will be your base for the week.

        Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

        Day 2 – Causeways and Shipwrecks Read Less

        Day 2

        Causeways and Shipwrecks

        After breakfast, head out to explore the Churchill Barriers, a collection of causeways that link the islands of Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm and South Ronaldsay (where you arrived by ferry yesterday) to mainland Orkney. Built during the Second World War to protect the natural harbour of Scapa Flow, they now provide excellent shelter from easterly or westerly winds, making for a relaxed paddle. From the low vantage point of your kayak, enjoy exploring the wrecks that break the surface, gliding alongside the imposing steel skeletons and watching kelp forests sway beneath the hulls. This afternoon, visit the nearby Italian Chapel on the uninhabited island of Lamb Holm.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

        Day 3 – Skara Brae, Stromness & Scapa Flow Read Less

        Day 3

        Skara Brae, Stromness & Scapa Flow

        This morning, visit the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Neolithic, semi-subterranean settlement was uncovered by a winter storm in 1850 and provides a remarkable picture of what life on the islands would have been like over 5,000 years ago. Afterwards, launch from Stromness Harbour (a quaint but very important historical harbour front, synonymous with the Hudson Bay Company) into Scapa Flow. Paddle out to explore big sandy beaches and secluded rocky shorelines, looking out for seals and otters, which are often spotted here.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

        Day 4 – Ancient Orkney Read Less

        Day 4

        Ancient Orkney

        Depending on the weather, there are some excellent choices for paddling today, including exploring the islands of Egilsay, Wyre or Rousay. The first, Egilsay, is known for the 12th-century St Magnus Church and being a refuge for the elusive corncrake, a bird that can be heard but is rarely seen. Wyre is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Orkney archipelago, yet it is still home to two ancient monuments – Cubbie Roo’s Castle and St. Mary’s Chapel. Like its neighbours, Egilsay and Wyre, Rousay is also home to many archaeological sites, as well as impressive cliffs and caves.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

        Day 5 – Deerness Peninsula Read Less

        Day 5

        Deerness Peninsula

        Your final day of paddling is sure to be a very memorable one as you head out to explore Deerness Peninsula. Almost an island itself, the peninsula is tethered to the mainland by only a narrow spit of land. Amongst Deerness’s highlights is the Gloup, which was once a deep cave before the roof collapsed, leaving a huge hole inshore which can be accessed from the sea. Like the rest of Orkney, the peninsula is associated with much folklore, including the Deerness mermaid and a selkie legend. With many sheltered sandy beaches to come ashore and an abundance of cliffs, caves and coves to explore, this stunning part of Orkney is a fitting finale to your adventure.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

        Day 6 – Return to Inverness & Depart Read Less

        Day 6

        Return to Inverness & Depart

        This morning, have a relaxed breakfast before transferring to St Margaret’s Hope and catching the ferry back to mainland Scotland. Once ashore, travel along the coast to Inverness with time to stop and stretch your legs before arriving at Inverness Railway Station. After a wonderful week full of salt, selkies and seaspray, bid farewell to your guide before beginning your homeward journey.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

        Download Itinerary

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        The Orkney Islands

        To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

        Fields marked with * are mandatory

        The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

        Trip Dates & Prices

        All payments taken in local currency GBP
        Trip Dates for 2027 Availability StatusPriceBook
        14th May - 19th May 2027 7 place(s) left Available £2,095 Book Now
        25th Jun - 30th Jun 2027 7 place(s) left Available £2,095 Book Now
        20th Aug - 25th Aug 2027 7 place(s) left Available £2,095 Book Now

        Make This Trip Private

        Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

        Enquire Now Learn More
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        The Orkney Islands

        For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

        Trip Details

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        Accommodation Read More

        This Sea Kayaking holiday is based in a welcoming and comfortable guest house on the outskirts of Kirkwall, close to Scapa Flow. Offering warm hospitality and a lovely place to relax, and sleep after a great day out on the water. Accommodation is in a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite bathroom facilities.

        Single Rooms

        There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £390 is charged.

        Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

        Meals Read More

        Breakfast and lunch are included in your trip, along with dinner on the first and final evenings. Included dinners are two courses as standard. Any dietary requirements can be accommodated; simply notify us in advance. For evening meals, we will dine at local restaurants.

        On this trip, we generally make reservations in advance and eat dinner as a group. However, if you would like to make alternative arrangements, you are free to do so.

        Your guide(s) will have an evening off during this trip when they do not eat with the group.

        Inclusions Read More
        • 5 nights accommodation in a friendly guesthouse on the outskirts of Kirkwall.
        • Meals during the trip as stated in the itinerary.
        • The services of our experienced and knowledgeable sea kayaking guides (guide ratio 1:4) throughout your trip.
        • All transport as needed during the trip, starting and finishing in Inverness.
        • All specialist sea kayaking equipment, including sea kayaks, spray decks, paddles, waterproof cags and buoyancy aids.
        • Ferry trips and a visit to Skara Brae as mentioned in the itinerary.
        Grading Read More

        Blue Graded 4-6

        Our blue graded sea kayaking trips are suitable for fit paddlers with a minimum of 5 full days of sea kayaking experience and a basic level of technical competence. You can expect 6/7 hours of sea kayaking each day, with plenty of breaks onshore to stretch your legs. You will also be asked to assist with carrying the boats to and from the water, working as a team.

        The kayaking will be in coastal waters with few open crossings, but you can expect to be paddling in some choppier conditions during the trip. This may be in winds of Force 3 (up to 18km/h). On the higher Blue grade trips, you may be paddling in more exposed areas and occasionally, for short periods, encounter stronger winds up to Force 4 (up to 30km/h) and breaking waves.

        If you are unsure about your experience or about Sea States, please give us a call or email to discuss. If you do not yet have enough experience, we suggest our Green graded sea kayaking trips.

        If bad weather prevents us from kayaking, your guide will offer an alternative activity, such as a hike.

        Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

        You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Inverness Railway Station at 9:00am on Day 1 of your trip.

        The trip will conclude at Inverness Railway Station at 5:00pm on the final day.

        For advice on getting to and from Scotland, please see our travel advice page on our website: Travel to Scotland Information

        Speak to an Expert

        Bridget Brown

        Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

        Ask Bridget a Question

        Difficulty Grades Explained

        Blue Graded 4-6

        Our blue graded sea kayaking trips are suitable for fit paddlers with a minimum of 5 full days of sea kayaking experience and a basic level of technical competence. You can expect 6/7 hours of sea kayaking each day, with plenty of breaks onshore to stretch your legs. You will also be asked to assist with carrying the boats to and from the water, working as a team.

        The kayaking will be in coastal waters with few open crossings, but you can expect to be paddling in some choppier conditions during the trip. This may be in winds of Force 3 (up to 18km/h). On the higher Blue grade trips, you may be paddling in more exposed areas and occasionally, for short periods, encounter stronger winds up to Force 4 (up to 30km/h) and breaking waves.

        If you are unsure about your experience or about Sea States, please give us a call or email to discuss. If you do not yet have enough experience, we suggest our Green graded sea kayaking trips.

        If bad weather prevents us from kayaking, your guide will offer an alternative activity, such as a hike.

        Find Out More

        Trip Reviews

        Rated 4.53 out of 5 based on 15 review(s) of Sea Kayaking – The Orkney Islands

        10
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        Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

        That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

        JN

        Jay Nutt

        Reviewed on 04/07/2016

        The Bottom Line

        Show More
        EE

        Esther Elmer

        Reviewed on 03/07/2016

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        Everything was very good organized before and during the trip.

        Show More
        KB

        Karen Bennett

        Reviewed on 16/08/2015

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        First trip with Wilderness Scotland was the central section of the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail a couple of years ago with Howard and Cory (great surprise to bump into them both on Orkney on this trip), Summer Isles kayaking and wild camping last year with Ali and Martin, and Orkney this summer with Myles and Zoe. Every one of these Wilderness Scotland guides has brought the absolute best out of these fantastic locations to create a brilliant, memorable holiday on and off the water come rain or shine (there's been plenty of both), and whetted the appetite for the next one. So, Shetland Isles 2016 it is. TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONSE: Thank you for your amazing feedback, sounds like you had an awesome time. We look forward to welcoming you back for Shetland next year.

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