Invergordon Shore Excursion: Loch Ness Tour & Castle Visit

Loch Ness, castle ruins and a boat ride: all timed to get you back to your ship

This seven-hour shore excursion from Invergordon combines Urquhart Castle, a scenic drive and boat ride on Loch Ness, and time in Inverness, timed to match your cruise ship's schedule. The tour includes entrance fees, a driver-guide with live English commentary, and modern coach transport with large windows. Children from age four are welcome. Specialized infant seats are available.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Urquhart Castle45m · entry included
2. Loch Ness30m · entry included

Explore Inverness and Loch Ness highlights

• Disembark at Invergordon Cruise Port
• Travel through Highland scenery
• Visit Urquhart Castle ruins
• Enjoy panoramic views of Loch Ness
• Take a 30-minute boat ride on Loch Ness
• Drive along Loch Ness shoreline
• Stroll along River Ness in Inverness
• Admire Inverness Castle
• Shop, dine, or relax in Inverness

The experience

The tour leaves Invergordon Cruise Port and heads straight into the Highlands, so you don't need to arrange your own transport or worry about getting back to the ship on time. A driver-guide handles both the route and the stories. You'll hear about the region's history and folklore as the landscape unfolds through large coach windows. The pace is built for cruise passengers: enough time at each stop to see what matters, without the rush of a packed itinerary.

Urquhart Castle sits on the banks of Loch Ness with over 1,000 years of history behind its ruins. You'll explore the castle grounds, take in panoramic views across the loch from its towers, and visit the visitor centre to learn about medieval battles and the castle's role in the Wars of Independence. From there, the tour follows the shoreline of Loch Ness itself. A 30-minute boat ride gives you a different angle on the legendary water and the hills surrounding it, with stops at viewpoints along the drive for photos. Inverness comes last, so you have time to walk along the River Ness, see Inverness Castle, and browse the town before heading back to the port.

Entrance fees to Urquhart Castle and the boat ride on Loch Ness are included, so there are no surprises at the gate. The coach is air-conditioned and modern, which matters on a day spent mostly in transit between stops. Your guide speaks English and knows the region well enough to answer questions beyond the standard script.

What’s included

• Entrance fees to Urquhart Castle and the 30-minute boat ride on Loch Ness.
• driver-guide with live English commentary.
• modern air-conditioned coach transport with large windows.
• time to explore Inverness town centre.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 50

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Spirit Journeys Worldwide

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Invergordon Cruise Port itself, so you step straight off your ship into the coach: no arranging a separate ride or finding your way to a meeting point. The return is timed to your ship's departure, which means you can relax knowing the day is built around your schedule, not the other way around.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

How much time do I actually spend at Urquhart Castle?

Urquhart Castle is a key stop on the itinerary, giving you time to explore the ruins, visit the visitor centre, and take photos from the viewpoints overlooking Loch Ness. The exact duration depends on the day's schedule, but it's positioned as one of the tour's main attractions rather than a quick photo stop.

What is the 30-minute boat ride on Loch Ness like?

The boat ride takes you out onto Loch Ness itself, offering views of the surrounding hills and forests from the water. Your guide shares stories about the loch's history and folklore during the journey, giving you a perspective of the landscape you can't get from the shore.

Will I have time to explore Inverness, or is it just a drive-through?

Inverness is the final stop, and you have time to walk along the River Ness, see Inverness Castle, and spend time in the town itself, whether that's shopping, dining, or simply taking in the Highland atmosphere. It's not rushed.

Do I need to bring my passport?

Yes. Passport details (name, number, expiry date and country) are required at the time of booking for all participants, so have that information ready when you reserve.

What happens if my ship is delayed? Will the tour wait?

The tour is timed to your ship's schedule, so the departure and return are coordinated with your cruise port. Confirm your ship's arrival and departure times when you book to ensure the timing works for your day.