Shapinsay is an island parish, which lies in Orkney Council Area, some 6 miles (9 km) northeast of Kirkwall and 17 miles (27 km) east of Stromness in Orkney.
It is located in the old county of Orkney, which disappeared following the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1974.
The parish has an area of 28.1 sq. km (10.8 sq. miles).