Hidden depths: Diving in Shetland

Diver Billy Arthur has spent years discovering what lies beneath the cold waters of Shetland. “I’ve always been drawn to the natural world, and diving here is pretty special,” he says.

Billy’s diving began with snorkelling in Australia's Great Barrier Reef and led him back to the cooler, equally vibrant, waters of his home.

Despite the need for heavier gear to manage the colder temperatures, Billy says the underwater landscapes of Shetland are as rich and colourful as tropical seas. “The kelp forests here are just as vibrant as coral reefs," he says, adding that the sunlight filtering through the fronds on a sunny day reveals a hidden world teeming with life, from sea slugs to various fish, all thriving within these lush underwater forests.

One of the most remarkable aspects of diving in Shetland is the visibility. "Even in summer, when visibility drops a bit, it’s excellent compared to other parts of the UK," Billy remarks. This clarity is due to the colder temperatures and the constant movement of the North Sea, which helps to keep the waters clear.

Not only does diving allow Billy to enjoy the wonders of the underwater world up close, it can also provide him with a delicious dinner.

Billy loves foraging for scallops and explains: “One of my favourite things to do is to get a fire going on the beach and cook the scallops I’ve found on a dive. I usually make a seasoned butter, and put a dollop of the butter in the shell. Then I put the scallop and the shell straight on the hot coals of the fire.

"I've done this with a few people up here on holiday, if they're not used to that kind of thing, I think it's a special Shetland experience.

Billy’s love of diving has inspired him to seek out a community of divers in Shetland (you can follow Billy's Instagram here). He mentions the upcoming formation of a free-diving club by his friend Peter Szücs aimed at making diving more accessible and less equipment-intensive than scuba diving. “It [free diving] is a fantastic way for more people to experience what Shetland has to offer underwater,” Bill says.

When it comes to favourite diving sites, for Billy there’s no place like home. He says: “Spiggie beach is just five minutes from my house. It's beautiful above and below water—shallow enough for safe solo dives, and full of macro photography subjects," he shares.

Billy also emphasises the importance of safety while diving in Shetland. He notes, "Diving here, like anywhere, requires vigilance and proper gear. Always have a buddy, and ensure you're visible on the surface with a marker buoy.

"It's crucial, especially in Shetland, where the weather can change quickly." He stresses the value of a well-fitting wetsuit and familiarity with local conditions to mitigate risks.

One of Billy’s most unforgettable diving experiences was an encounter with orcas. It's a moment he describes with awe.

He was snorkelling at Levenwick, hoping to capture some kelp photography, when orcas were spotted. “It's something I've dreamed about for years, and suddenly, there they were," he recounts. As the orcas approached, the thrill was overwhelming.

"The bull’s dorsal fin was the first thing to round the point. It was an incredible sight, these massive creatures just a few metres away in murky visibility," Billy recalls.

This encounter, captured on a friend's drone, was not just a highlight of his diving career but a moment of connection with the wild and powerful nature of Shetland's seas.

For Billy, diving offers an opportunity to connect with nature in a profound way. "Every dive is a chance to see something amazing, whether it’s the underwater life or the way light plays across the kelp. It’s about sharing that sense of wonder”.

"To truly know Shetland, you must experience it from below the surface. There’s a whole other world down there, just as rich and beautiful as the land itself.”

Discover more about diving in Shetland and plan your next underwater adventure.