Sail with us around the top of Britain, exploring the islands’ fascinating natural heritage. Stop at remote anchorages or tie up for the night in local fishing communities.

Having Fun on the Swan

Arrive in Unst by sea and explore the National Nature Reserve of Hermaness, or climb the mighty Ronas Hill, running with hares, coming back to the boat for a hearty evening meal before moving on the next day.

Sailing on the SwanWhere we go depends on the weather, so you will join the Swan wherever she is and your Shetland adventures will be like none other you have had! You will be able to take part in planning the itinerary for the trip based on the forecast weather at the time, and to some extent, we will go where the wind blows! We have so many beautiful islands and surprises around every corner!

The Swan at AnchorAnchor in the crystal clear waters of St Ninian’s, maybe even go for a dip and a wander on the soft sands.

Join us to explore the caves and subterranean passages of Papa Stour and Muckle Roe.

Learn about the importance of the herring drifters to the east coast fishing industry, and trace your ancestors back to the stations of Fethaland and Balti. Bring alive the archives you will see at the Lerwick Maritime Museum and Unst Boat Haven. Trace the voyages of the Vikings! See where they hauled the boats over Mavis Grind from North Sea to Atlantic Ocean. Understand Shetland’s links with Norway, and why the wartime Shetland bus meant so much to so many.

Sail with us from Lerwick to Mousa to see the storm petrels, or the bird colonies of Noss and Fair Isle. If you are lucky with the weather, we might even get out to the famous cliffs of Foula.

On Board

A relaxing cuppa on the SwanLife on board is basic but companionable, communal but homely and cosy.

There are two shared cabins with 7 and 8 bunks, a large saloon with big table for food to spread, music to unwind and stories to unfold. Food is provided, and as with the sailing and rope handling, you will be encouraged to join in preparing it as part of the on board team spirit. Best to bring your own sleeping bag.

The Swan is your very own hands-on experience of life afloat! We will be right out there in the elements and closest to wildlife.

Additionally
Combine your passions for sailing and sea angling, rock climbing, abseiling, bird watching, kayaking, hill walking, beach combing, rock pooling – join us for a multi activity trip – speak to us about the possibilities.

The Sail of the SwanWe can provide on board expertise in youth groups, and school trips, sail and expedition training, RYA mile-building. Apply to the skipper for details.

The boat has an experienced crew but we will appreciate your participation to help us hoist the sails and other onboard activities.. We welcome sailors and outdoor enthusiasts but full instruction will be given and no previous sailing experience is required.

Possible Itineraries
Possible itineraries for a 3 day trip include:

On board the SwanFrom Lerwick we can pass the seabird colonies of Noss, Mousa and Sumburgh, moving on to FairIsle, or around to St Ninians on the west coast returning to the fishing community of Scalloway, base of the Shetland bus.

Or moving north from Lerwick we can take you to the less visited outer isles of Out Skerries and Fetlar – the garden of Shetland, returning to the mainland at Vidlin where otters may play, or to Lunna with possibility to explore ashore including the famous Lunna Kirk, and original setting off point for the wartime Shetland bus.

We usually see whales and porpoise as we continue up the east coast and through Yell Sound to Fethaland where the remains of the herring station give a glimpse of the bustling industry of which the Swan was part in her former life.

Ladies enjoying themseleves on the SwanFrom Baltasound on Unst, we can be your base as you explore the herring stations, the Unst Boat Haven, beaches, cliffs, caves, and enjoy walks, birds and rare wild flowers on Hermaness and the Keen of Hamar.. We can anchor in Burrafirth if the weather is suitable, and then sail around the Muckle Flugga light, and the most northerly point of the British Isles!

With the right weather conditions, from Aith or Voe we can sail in the relatively sheltered waters around Papa Stour and Muckle Roe exploring the less well known waters around Vementry and we may see seals, otters and carpets of wild flowers on the cliffs and headlands of the mainland.

From Scalloway we can visit the fishing communities of Walls and Skeld and Hamnavoe.

Availability and Prices
Weekend Trips: 23rd - 26th May, 6th - 9th June, 8th - 11th August, 22nd - 25th August, 12th - 15th September, 10th - 13th October

The cost for a weekend trip to tie in with Atlantic Airways flights would include meals and accomodation while on board, and transport from and to Sumburgh.

Please note that the minimum number required for the trip to go ahead would be six full fare paying passengers.

What to Take
You should take warm clothing and sleeping bag. Although some sizes of wellingtons and waterproofs are available it would be advisable to take your own if possible.

Cancellation Policy

If any trip is cancelled because of circumstances beyond the Swan Trust's own control then the customers should refer to the terms of their own travel insurance. If the Swan Trust makes the decision to cancel a trip then any monies paid will be refunded in full, but will not include any additional travelling expenses incurred by the passenger.

Insurance
Customers should take out their own travel insurance.

Visit Shetland page for the Swan

For the Visit Shetland information log on to Swan Page on VisitShetland.com