Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
Overview
Available languages
8 hours 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Spend a day Nessie-hunting, take a cruise on the mysterious Loch Ness, explore the village of Fort Augustus, visit the ruined loch-side Urquhart Castle, admire the Falls of Foyers and wander along Dores Beach on this fantastic one day Loch Ness tour from Inverness!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 4 years old.
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.
The castle & cruise currently need to be pre-booked, details will be provided on the ticket.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Digital translations in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian & Mandarin available on request.
Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your tour's departure time.
If you are driving, we recommend parking at the Old Town Rose Street Multi-Storey Car Park, 24 Rose St, IV1 1NQ, conveniently located next to our departure point.
Please note: the Loch Ness cruise will not be operating on the 20th and 24th December 2024. On those dates, we will stop at Fort Augustus for lunch where you will have the opportunity to view and enjoy Loch Ness.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Live commentary on board
Knowledgeable driver-guide
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Attraction Tickets
Restroom on board
WiFi on board
What To Expect
Urquhart Castle
Your one day Loch Ness tour from Inverness departs at 08:45 and follows the beautiful Caledonian Canal to the source at Loch Ness. 24 miles long and over 700 feet deep, the loch is the largest by volume in the British Isles and is most famous for its sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as “Nessie”. We spend most of the morning at Loch Ness, allowing you plenty of time to go Nessie-hunting! Our first stop is Urquhart Castle (optional extra), here you will have the option of visiting the 13th century structure, with plenty of time explore the ruin, enjoy the visitor centre, and take in the views and atmosphere of Scotland’s most famous loch.
Fort Augustus
Afterwards, we journey through to Fort Augustus, the furthermost point of your Loch Ness tour. We have time here to stop and enjoy a relaxing hour-long boat cruise (optional extra) across Loch Ness with Cruise Loch Ness. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the small town; with a population of only 650 people, it's a perfect spot to relax and watch boats passing through the Caledonian Canal.
Options
Loch Ness and the Highlands tour from Inverness
Reviews
256 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lovely Tour of Loch Ness!
Cassia S,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Such a great way to see Loch Ness and the beautiful stops around it. We especially loved the time in Fort Augustus. For Urquhart Castle, we got an email ahead of time saying we needed to purchase tickets in advance, but that didn't seem to be true in the end. The QR code that Viator gave us when we got tickets ahead of time didn't even work at the castle, though they were really great about still letting us in. Just a heads up! Everything went so well though, and we especially appreciated the commentary and humor of our guide/driver Willie.
Have a fantastic day
Azadeh H,
Jun 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Have a wonderful day with a fantastic tour guide . Much seen and experienced. Again and again 😃
Wonderful look at the Loch
Carrie M,
Jun 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a great one day tour covering the entire ring around the Loch! Our guide, Stewart, kept a running commentary on a variety of subjects both past and present and showed us many wonderful sights!
This was a great tour to...
Caleigh M,
May 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a great tour to see all of Loch Ness. You drive completely around stopping at so many different nice places. Our tour guide Stewart was very informative and funny, very easy to talk to and answered whatever questions you had. Highly recommend doing the tour with the Loch Ness Cruise, but you need to bring 21 pounds to get tickets through the tour guide. Overall highly recommend this tour!
Awesome tour!
Frederique M,
May 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00Absolutely awesome tour! I did the Loch Ness tour. My guides Alan and Chris were wonderful. Very knowledgeable and kind and always there to take pictures of you and the sights. Got to see and learn so much about Loch Ness and its surroundings. Perfect to experience and explore Loch Ness, especially if you’re short on time. Highly recommend! Hope to come back one day!
Related Experiences
Operated by Timberbush Tours