Mousa Island Discovery: A Mindful Living Tour
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port
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
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activityLevel
Strenuous Activity
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excursionType
All,82
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$90
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
You'll drive 30 minutes south from Lerwick to the small community of Sandwick. On a short ferry ride, you'll cross Mousa Sound -- one of Scotland's most important habitats 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.
Reaching the Island of Mousa, discover Mousa Broch. This dry-stone castle is more than 2,000 years old and stands 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, which sometimes swoop very close when defending their nests. The 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 an island full of history and a natural sanctuary for wildlife. It is also part of a working farm. You are welcome to walk around the island, courtesy of the landowner and farmer. Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots (no sandals or flip-flops allowed) and a wind- or waterproof jacket dependent on the weather. Participants must be physically fit. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Approximately 1½ - 1¾ hours are spent on Mousa Island. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. There are no restroom facilities on Mousa. Bring a bottle of water.
As an extension of the Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, this Mindful Living tour is designed to deliver the experience that contributes to mind and body wellness. You are invited to visit the on-board spa to speak to the Mindful Living coach to learn more about Dr. Weil and our holistic wellness program.
Please note: Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.