Mousa Island Discovery
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Port
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$90
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Mousa Sound is one of Scotland's most important sites for the threatened harbor porpoise. Locally known as neesicks, these animals are present between May and September, taking advantage of the abundant food supply of sand eels, herring and mackerel.
You'll drive 30 minutes south from Lerwick to the small community of Sandwick. A short ferry ride transports you to the tranquil and picturesque island of Mousa, a mile wide and 1.5 miles long, and home to a world-famous Iron Age Broch. Mousa Broch is a dry-stone castle, more than 2,000 years old and standing 43 feet tall. On your island walk, explore the small beehive chambers and marvel at the workmanship of the Iron Age builders. Climb the internal stairway to admire the panoramic views of the island and gaze across to the ruins of the Broch of Burraland on the mainland.
Mousa's abundant wildlife makes it one of the best locations in Shetland to watch the shy common and grey seals basking around the island's shallow pools. Mousa is also famous for its abundance of breeding seabirds, including hundreds of graceful Arctic terns, Arctic skuas and their larger relatives — the great skua. These beautiful birds sometimes swoop very close when defending their nests. Fragile-looking Arctic terns are amongst nature's greatest travelers; they can live up to 25 years and, in that time, fly the equivalent of the distance from Earth to the moon. Mousa is also home to around 6,000 pairs of tiny, nocturnal storm petrels.
Please note: Mousa is a natural sanctuary for wildlife. It is also part of a working farm. You are welcome to walk about the island courtesy of the landowner and farmer. Wear sturdy closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots (sandals and flip-flops are not allowed). Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Participants must be physically fit. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. You will have 90-100 unguided minutes on Mousa Island. There are no restroom facilities on Mousa. Bring bottled water. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed.