Invergordon Shore Excursion: Highlands Castles & Seals

Seven to eight hours through the Highlands in a private vehicle, stopping where you choose

A private shore excursion from Invergordon port in a luxury MPV for one to six passengers, with collection directly from the cruise terminal and a live English-speaking guide. The route crosses the North Highlands through viewpoints, a working croft, Shin Falls Waterfall, Dunrobin Castle, seal colonies and optional distillery stops, with every stop flexible and adjustable on the day to match your pace and interests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Luxury North Route Shore Excursion

• Collect from Invergordon Cruise Terminal
• Cross hill road to Million Dollar Viewpoint
• Optional stop at working croft to see Hairy Coos
• Walk to waterfall and watch migrating Salmon
• Visit Castle, Gardens, and Falconry Display
• Drive through area to observe harbour seals
• Stop at Cathedral and Royal Dornoch shops
• Optional visit to world famous distillery

The experience

Seven to eight hours gives you room to move through the Scottish Highlands without rushing. You're collected directly from the cruise terminal in a modern, spacious MPV (no waiting for a coach or navigating to a meeting point), and the route unfolds north from Invergordon through scenery that shifts from moorland to coastal views. The guide is live and speaks English, and the vehicle carries complimentary bottled water and WiFi where reception allows.

The stops are built around what the Highlands actually hold. You cross to Million Dollar Viewpoint for photographs. There's an optional visit to a working croft where you can feed two Highland cattle called Mollie and Kirsty Morag (a donation supports the owners). Shin Falls Waterfall is a walk down a steep slope to watch the water and, depending on the season, salmon leaping upstream. A café and shop sit at the top for a break. Dunrobin Castle opens its grounds, gardens and a falconry display. You drive through an unspoiled stretch where harbour seals gather in the tidal zones. Dornoch offers shopping: a whisky shop, golf pro shop, cathedral and local stores. A world-famous distillery is available as an optional stop with tastings and tours arranged in advance (tastings cost extra and are not included). Glenmorangie and Clynelish are alternatives if you prefer.

Any part of the itinerary can be changed on the day. If the waterfall walk feels too steep or you'd rather skip a stop and linger elsewhere, you tell the guide and the route adjusts. The vehicle seats one to six passengers depending on which option you book, so a couple travels alone or a family group stays together without joining strangers.

What’s included

• Private transportation in a luxury MPV.
• collection and drop-off directly from Invergordon cruise terminal.
• live English-speaking guide.
• complimentary bottled water in the vehicle.
• WiFi where reception allows.

Options for this experience

2 options

1-4 PersonsUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timeThis option is for up to 4 people and includes pickup.

5-6 PersonsUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timeThis option is for groups of 5 to 6 people and includes pickup.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on site£ 15.50

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Highland-Excursions.Com

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docking at Invergordon and need to return to your ship by a set time: the fixed seven to eight hour window and direct port pickup mean no waiting around, and you can adjust stops on the day to spend more time where you want.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can I visit a distillery and do a tasting on this tour?

Distillery visits are optional and can be arranged in advance. You'll need to message the operator beforehand to book, as entry is essential. Tastings are available but cost extra and are not included in the tour price. Glenmorangie, Clynelish and a world-famous distillery are options to choose from.

What is the Hairy Coos stop and how does it work?

The Hairy Coos stop is a working croft where you can meet and feed two Highland cattle, Mollie and Kirsty Morag. The owners run it without a formal charge but welcome a donation from visitors in return for the experience.

Is the walk to Shin Falls Waterfall difficult?

The walk down to Shin Falls involves a steep incline and a steep climb back up to the vehicle, so it may be challenging if you have mobility issues. The waterfall is optional, and you can skip it or adjust the itinerary on the day if you prefer.

What happens if I want to see the seals but skip other stops?

The route is flexible on the day. Tell your guide which stops matter to you and which you'd rather skip or shorten, and the itinerary adjusts to fit your interests and pace within the seven to eight hour window.

Does the price include entry to Dunrobin Castle or the distillery?

Entry fees to Dunrobin Castle are not included in the tour price. Distillery tastings are also separate and cost extra. The tour covers private transport, pickup and drop-off from the cruise terminal, water and WiFi in the vehicle.

How does pickup work from the cruise port?

You're collected directly from the Invergordon cruise terminal and dropped back there at the end of the tour, so no separate transport to a meeting point is needed. The vehicle is a modern, spacious MPV with comfortable seating for your group.