Shetland's essential boat trip
** 2025 Season Storm Petrel bookings now open**

The following are a list of frequently asked questions and answers, however if you have a query that is not here please email us and we will endeavour to provide a quick response.


Q. What time do I have to arrive for my trip?

A. Please report to boat crew 15 minutes before departure time.

Q. Where is Mousa?

A. Mousa island is situated exactly on the 60 Degrees North latitude and lies just off the south-east mainland of Shetland.

Q. How big is the island?

A. The island is approximately 1½ miles long by 1 mile at its widest point. The highest point is 180ft.

Q. How do I get to Sandsayre pier?

A. By car: postcode ZE29HP - head south 10 miles from leaving Lerwick on the A970, turn left at first Sandwick junction and follow signs for Mousa. The pier is one mile on the left.

By bus: the number 6 service from Lerwick or Sumburgh has suitable connection times with most sailings - check with the bus operator, Bus Timetables | Shetland Travel Information . Allow 10 minutes from the bus drop-off point to the pier.

Q. How long does it take to get to Sandsayre pier?

A. From Lerwick by car allow a minimum of 30 minutes before sailing time.

Q. How long is the crossing to Mousa?

A. Usually under 15 minutes

Q. How long do we spend on the island?

A. Approximately 3 hours for daytime trips and 1½-2 hours for storm petrel trips.

Q. Are there toilets on the island?

A. No, there is a toilet onboard the boat and public toilets near Sandsayre pier.

Q. Can I pay by debit or credit card?

A. Sorry we don’t take any form of card payments.

Q. How far is the broch from the pier on Mousa?

A. The broch is about a twenty minute walk for the average able adult.

Q. What are the paths like?

A. Around the island the tracks vary between walk-ways and rough ground and should present little difficulty to a person of average ability. It can however be slippery and care should be taken.

Q. Can we walk anywhere?

A. Mousa is a special protection area and is managed as a nature reserve by the RSPB who welcome responsible access. There are restricted breeding areas including the stony beach by the broch, so we would ask you to keep close to the designated route, especially on the east side of the island near the Muckle Bard pools.

Q. How long does it take to walk round?

A. The designated circular route is around the mid part of Mousa and can be easily walked in under an hour, so you have plenty of time to visit the broch and go exploring.

Q. Can I take my dog?

A. Only if it is a guide dog.

Sandwick Pet Care is close by, contact Amanda Spriggs at 07826692975 or home number 01950 431 742

[email protected]

Q. What should I take with me?

A. The weather can quickly change in Shetland and we would advise wearing appropriate footwear and to take waterproofs. As you will have plenty of time for a picnic some food and drink would add to your enjoyment.

Q. What should I not do on Mousa?

A. Please don’t take flash photos of the storm petrels and don’t leave any litter.