Whalsay
60°20’.36N 001°01’.44WExpected Ships
- Sirma, Miles to Go, Constantia, Liv, Spaniel, Saint Iv - 20th to 21st July
- Alexander von Humboldt 19th to 20th July
- John Laing 20th to 21st July
- Provident 20th to 21st July
Contact Name | Kathleen Stewart |
Telephone | +44 (0) 1806 566 337 |
kathleen.stewart2@virgin.net |

Important archaeological sites and a wealth of birds, seals and wild flowers, make it a fascinating destination for a day trip or a longer stay. Just 5 miles long and 2 miles wide, Whalsay has easy and attractive coastal walks with magnificent cliff scenery. From the highest point, the Ward of Clett (393ft) there's a panorama of the east of Shetland.
Whalsay also boasts Britain's most northerly 18-hole golf course, Shetland's museum to the German merchants of the Hanseatic League and a modern well-equipped leisure centre with heated swimming pool and snooker club where visitors are welcome.
The tidal sounds and off-lying rocks around Whalsay are among the best places in Shetland to see porpoises and occasional dolphins, minke whales and orcas. So keep a lookout on your voyage around Whalsay and you may see why the Vikings called it "Hvals-oy" - the island of whales.
For a small island of around 1000 inhabitants there is a ‘buzz' of activity in Whalsay. Residents always make visitors feel welcome with a smile or a wave as they pass by.
With the Whalsay Boating & Sports Club at the pier and Symbister Public Hall nearby, there will always be ‘refreshments' and food at hand. Whalsay is an ideal place for visiting yachts and ships.
Quay Capability
Class A | Yes |
Class B | Yes |
Class C & D | Yes |
Port Facilities
Anchorage | No |
Berthing Depth | 6m |
Pilot Available | No |
Tug Available | No |
Distances in Nautical Miles - Greenock 495 Lerwick 12
Harbour Conditions
- Outer Quay 1 - Length 140m • Depth 6m
- Outer Quay 2 - Several berths available up to 55-65m • Depth 6m
- Inner harbour off limits as fishing boats/ferries tie up here
- Local seamen may be available for pilotage