Guide to the Best Boat Cruise on Loch Ness

Taking a Loch Ness boat trip is one of the best things to do in the Loch Ness area and a highlight of many people’s trips to Scotland. I mean, who doesn’t want to get out onto the water and see if they can find the Loch Ness monster, or Nessie, themselves on a cruise on Loch Ness?!

There are various ways you can do a boat trip on Loch Ness. You can do just the boat trip which goes up and down the loch to Urquhart Castle without stopping.

You can combine a Loch Ness boat cruise with a trip to the castle where you get off and walk around, do a full Loch Ness day trip from cities like Inverness, or even do a fun kayak or canoe trip on Loch Ness too!

Below, I’ve shared my pick of the very best Loch Ness boat cruises so that you can spend less time comparing companies and get out and explore to maximize your chances of finding Nessie!

These tours are a great thing to do if you’re looking for what to do in Inverness without a car since many include transport.

Enjoy these boat cruise Loch Ness reviews!

Best Loch Ness Boat Trips

Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Cruise from Dochgarroch

• Duration: 2 hours
• Includes: Live commentary on board
• Price: From £26 ($33)
• Where to book: Online on Viator

This fun 2-hour boat cruise from Dochgarroch Lock on the eastern side of Loch Ness is run by Loch Ness by Jacobite who are one of the best-known companies for Loch Ness boat trips.

On this boat cruise on Loch Ness with Jacobite Cruises Loch Ness, you’ll be taken out onto the Loch and cruise down the lake all the way towards Urquhart Castle at the western end.

You’ll get to maximize your chances of seeing Nessie since the boat is equipped with a special Nessie sonar to keep an ear out for her. But even if you’re out of luck, the breathtaking scenery will still win you over.

Starting from the Dochgarroch Lock just outside of Inverness, you’ll travel down the Caledonian Canal and drift into Loch Ness.

Along the way, you’ll see the historic sights of Urquhart Castle, the picturesque Bona Lighthouse, and even the intriguing crash site of a World War II bomber.

Your guide will tell tales of the loch’s lore and history along the way.

• A pro tip: If you want the best views, get there early and grab a seat on top of the boat!

You’ll have access to drinks and snacks and even whisky if you choose to and it’s one of the best Loch Ness boat trips around.

Loch Ness Sightseeing Cruise from Clansman Harbour

• Duration: 1 hour
• Includes: Free wifi onboard
• Price: From £19 ($24)
• Where to book: Online on Viator

This boat cruise on Loch Ness also takes you from Clansman Harbour just outside of Inverness as it’s run by the same company as the above tour.

The difference is that this is only 1 hour long and you don’t get the live guide telling you facts and tales of the loch as you travel. Some previous guests have said that the tape recording was too difficult to hear over the other passengers on the boat.

So, if learning more about the history and the loch as you travel is important to you, then I suggest booking the above tour over this one.

On this tour you’ll also start your adventure at the scenic Clansman Harbour, surrounded by rolling hills and green landscapes. Once on board, choose to relax inside or feel the breeze on the open-air top deck.

Another similarity is that this boat includes the Nessie hunting sonar system and you’ll still see Urquhart Castle from the waters, but won’t venture quite as far so will miss out on the lighthouse.

One past Nessie hunter said that this boat cruise on Loch Ness was a highlight of their whole NC 500 trip!

From Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle

• Duration: 3 hours
• Includes: Return transport from Inverness city center, live tour guide, admission to Urquhart Castle, 1 hour Loch Ness boat cruise
• Price: From £44 ($55)
• Where to book: Online on GetYourGuide

Setting out from Inverness, this is another great boat cruise on Loch Ness where you’ll also get to tour around Urquhart Castle, one of the best castles in Scotland.

Your journey begins with a guided coach tour from the heart of Inverness straight to the famous Loch Ness.

As you travel, your guide will share tales and history about this legendary location.

Upon reaching the Loch, a boat awaits to take you across the vast waters. While cruising, use the sonar to try spotting Nessie – the renowned Loch Ness Monster.

The boat also has a bar with a range of Scottish snacks and warm beverages like coffee and hot chocolate (at extra cost).

After the cruise, step ashore to the ruins of Urquhart Castle and spend some time exploring the fortress.

Many travelers love this experience! They mentioned that enjoying these cruises on Loch Ness was a great way to fully appreciate the area.

From Inverness: Loch Ness Day Trip

• Duration: 7 hours
• Includes: Transport from Inverness by mini-bus, a guide and driver, nature walks + optional boat cruise on Loch Ness
• Price: From £37 ($47)
• Where to book: Online on GetYourGuide

This day trip from Inverness is the ultimate way to experience Loch Ness and the best things to do nearby.

You’ll head out from the city of Inverness and towards Loch Ness where you’ll take a boat cruise on the loch to try and find Nessie. You’ll also get views of Urquhart Castle and can take an optional tour around the castle if you want to explore it in more detail.

The itinerary for this Loch Ness tour also includes visits to picturesque villages like Foyers and Dores – perfect spots for a leisurely coffee break.

With your guide for the day, you’ll get to hear local stories, and history and listen to some foot-tapping Scottish tunes to enhance your experience.

Travelers particularly like that this tour was done as a small group so you could meet other people.

They did say, however, that if you skip the boat cruise you might find yourself with limited entertainment options for about two hours. However, there’s always a tea shop nearby for cake and a hot drink!

Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Whisky Tour

• Duration: 9 hours
• Includes: 1-hour cruise on Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle Entrance, transportation to and from Inverness and attractions, local expert guide, visit to Beauly Priory.
• Price: From £74 ($94)
• Where to book: Online on GetYourGuide

Join a fun day trip to Loch Ness from Inverness where you’ll get to experience the magic of Loch Ness, the history of the Culloden Battlefield, and the fictional world of Outlander.

This guided tour has been crafted to give you a taste of Scotland’s beauty, history, and culture and is one of the best options for Loch Ness boat tours from Inverness.

Starting in central Inverness, you’re whisked away to the legendary Loch Ness. Board a 1-hour Loch Ness boat cruise and journey to the historic Urquhart Castle.

Step off the boat and find yourself surrounded by the remnants of a 13th-century fortress and enjoy a tour of it before continuing.

You’ll stop at the village of Beauly where you can grab lunch and explore the Beauly Priory which is featured in Outlander. If you’re a whisky enthusiast, the Highland whisky distillery awaits with the tempting option of tasting a traditional dram.

The tale of the Jacobites comes alive at Culloden Battlefield and at Clava Cairns, you’ll again be transported to the world of Outlander. Stroll among ancient burial chambers and standing stones, and feel the story’s emotional weight.

The trip ensures you’re looked after with transportation in a comfy air-conditioned coach and a knowledgeable local guide. They’ll walk you through every step, so you return to Inverness richer in experience and memories.

Recent travelers loved this tour, citing its diversity of attractions as a real highlight. Not even the Scottish rain can dampen spirits on this tour since you’ll be visiting so many iconic Scottish spots!

Guided kayaking excursion on the Great Glen Canoe Trail

• Duration: From 1/2 day to 1 full day
• Includes: Instruction, wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, guide
• Price: From £55 ($70)
• Where to book: Online on Manawa

This one is a bit different, but a very cool way to visit Loch Ness and the Great Glen Way which goes out onto the loch.

On this kayaking journey on part of Scotland’s breathtaking Great Glen Canoe Trail, you’ll experience the beauty and tales of the Scottish Highlands as you paddle through its famous lochs.

The Great Glen Canoe Trail is a 22-mile kayaking trail that is made up of four main lochs: Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Loch Ness, and Loch Dochfour.

Within these waters, you might paddle faster than salmon or perhaps even encounter the UK’s legendary Loch Ness Monster. The trail runs between Fort William & Fort Augustus to the western side of Loch Ness.

You’ll start at Loch Oich is one of the prettiest lochs and it connects Loch Ness and Loch Lochy in the Great Glen.

From here, meet your instructor who’ll guide you through Loch Oich and Loch Ness.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert or a newbie; this trail suits everyone. Kids from age 8 and groups of friends will find it equally exciting.

After a quick introduction to kayaking essentials, you’ll head off, exploring the loch’s shoreline and the Caledonian Canal.

As you glide through the water, you’ll hear captivating tales of the area and its folklore – a magical experience for all ages.

Loch Oich is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. From various fish species to birds and mammals, there’s always something to spot. Every autumn, crowds gather to watch the Atlantic salmon migration, a mesmerizing natural even so if you’re visiting in autumn, this is a great Loch Ness tour to take!

Where to stay near Loch Ness

If you’re basing yourself along the loch as part of your trip to Scotland be sure to check out these beautiful lodges on Loch Ness with hot tubs. Some of them also include lochside views which makes them a super cool place to stay near Loch Ness.

If camping is more your style, check out my round-up of the best Loch Ness camping and glamping sites.

FAQs about taking a cruise on Loch Ness

Final thoughts on the best Loch Ness boat tour

Loch Ness is a beautiful loch in the Scottish Highlands near the city of Inverness and the perfect way to see it is to cruise Loch Ness by boat.

It has deep-rooted legends and the surroundings are full of interesting history from Urquhart Castle to the Culloden Battlefields not too far away.

Whether you choose to take a quick 1-hour boat cruise on Loch Ness or opt for a Loch Ness boat tour that’s a bit longer, you’re sure to be wowed by this area.

My pick of the best cruise on Loch Ness is this 3 hour tour from Inverness which includes a trip to the castle as well as a 1 hour boat cruise.

If you’re staying in Scotland for longer, be sure to check out my Scotland travel guides, and take a look at these things to do in the Cairngorms National Park, the best things to do on the Isle of Skye, this weekend road trip itinerary for the Highlands, the best things to do in Glencoe and more.