Invergordon cruise excursion: Dunrobin Castle & Easter Ross

Salmon leaping at the Falls of Shin, castles steeped in history, and seals on the sands of Loch Fleet.

A small-group tour departing from Cromarty Port Invergordon in an 8-seater minivan, led by a local guide in English, that moves through the Easter Ross and Sutherland regions over seven hours. The itinerary includes Dunrobin Castle with its falconry display, the Falls of Shin where Atlantic salmon jump upstream each summer, Loch Fleet's wildlife and coastal reserve, and the historic town of Dornoch. Pickup and drop-off from the port, bottled water, and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. Children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Easter Ross and Sutherland highlights

• Depart from Cromarty Port Invergordon
• Visit Millionaires Viewpoint scenic spot
• Watch Atlantic salmon leap at River Shin Falls
• Tour Dunrobin Castle and Falconry Display
• Experience wildlife at Loch Fleet reserve
• Explore historic town of Dornoch

The experience

The minivan collects you from Cromarty Port Invergordon and heads into the Highlands, starting at Millionaires Viewpoint: named for Andrew Carnegie, who once owned Skibo Castle and brought guests here to see the views across Easter Ross. From there the route follows the winding road up Achany Glen alongside the River Shin, where a viewing platform lets you watch Atlantic salmon leap the thundering Falls. Between May and September the fish return from the ocean each year, swimming up the Dornoch Firth and Kyle of Sutherland to reach their spawning grounds upstream. The platform gives you a close vantage to see them jump repeatedly as they attempt to clear the water, with fine views both up and down the river valley.

Dunrobin Castle, one of Scotland's oldest inhabited houses, is the day's main stop. Entry to the castle, its gardens, and the falconry display are included. The display is the centrepiece of the visit. After leaving the castle, the tour moves on to Loch Fleet, a reserve on the east side of the A9 between Dornoch and Golspie, where weather and timing permitting you may spot seals basking on the sands. The final stop is Dornoch itself, a town whose name comes from the Gaelic for "pebbly place." It holds the thirteenth-century Dornoch Cathedral, the Old Town Jail, and the Bishop's Palace, now a hotel, along with the Royal Dornoch Golf Club, ranked the 5th best course outside the United States. The town is also marked by the Witch's Stone, commemorating Janet Horne, the last person tried and executed for witchcraft in Scotland in 1727.

The guide speaks English throughout and knows the region's history and wildlife. The minivan is air-conditioned and seats eight, so the group stays small. Bottled water is provided during the day, and the route is suitable for all fitness levels. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller if needed.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from Cromarty Port Invergordon.
• transport in an air-conditioned 8-seater minivan.
• a local guide speaking English throughout the day.
• bottled water.
• entry to Dunrobin Castle, its gardens, and the falconry display.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site£ 16

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by highland bucket list tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so anyone comfortable following commentary in English can join. The small minivan group and the seven-hour pace suit those who want to move through multiple stops (viewpoints, a castle, a river, a coastal reserve, and a historic town) without a rushed feeling, and who prefer a local voice over a recorded commentary.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What happens at the Falls of Shin on this tour?

The Falls of Shin is a viewing platform on the River Shin where Atlantic salmon leap upstream each summer. Between May and September, the fish return from the ocean and attempt to jump the thundering falls to reach their spawning grounds. You watch from the platform as some clear the water on their first attempt and others jump repeatedly. The platform also offers views up and down the river valley, a popular fishing destination in the North of Scotland.

Is entry to Dunrobin Castle included in this tour?

Yes, entry to Dunrobin Castle, its gardens, and the falconry display are all included. Dunrobin is one of the oldest inhabited houses in Scotland, and the falconry display is the centrepiece of the castle visit.

What is Loch Fleet and what might I see there?

Loch Fleet is a wildlife reserve on the east side of the A9 between Dornoch and Golspie, offering a blend of coastal scenery, pinewoods, and wildlife. Weather and timing permitting, you may spot seals basking on the sands.

How long is this tour and what's included in the price?

The tour runs seven hours from Cromarty Port Invergordon. Pickup and drop-off from the port, transport in an air-conditioned 8-seater minivan, a local guide speaking English, bottled water, and entry to Dunrobin Castle with its gardens and falconry display are all included.