Loch Ness

Loch Ness

Scotland

Search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster while cruising Scotland's most mysterious and atmospheric freshwater lake.

Currency British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Language English
Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)
Best Time to Visit May–Aug
Typical Duration 12 nights
Price Range $1,520–$2,262 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to the legendary Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands, offering cruisers access to one of Scotland's most iconic natural attractions and mysterious landscapes.

Cruises that visit Loch Ness

Build Your Day in Loch Ness

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Urquhart Castle Great attraction with spectacular views of Loch Ness. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 29k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
Loch Ness Visiting Loch Ness in Scotland was an unforgettable experience. Lake · ★ 4.5 · 7k
Eastgate Shopping Centre Huge choice for clothing shops, jewellery, foods, perfume and cologne! Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 7k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
The Victorian Market Toilets very clean, loads of souvenir shops with varying degrees of prices. Market · ★ 4.1 · 5k Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Falls of Foyers Very beautiful waterfall and small village along Loch Ness recommend 👌 Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 4k Open 24 hours
Cruise Loch Ness A Loch Ness cruise is an experience not to be missed if you are in Scotland. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.6 · 4k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
The Loch Ness Experience The tour is great, it explains a lot and shows you the history of Loch Ness. Historical place museum · ★ 4.3 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Hootananny Awesome whisky selection, fun live music, and an enjoyable crowd. Live music bar · ★ 4.4 · 3k
Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises - Dochgarroch Lock Stunning scenic guided boat tour of Loch Ness. Cruise agency · ★ 4.7 · 3k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises - Clansman Harbour Great 1 hour boat tour of Loch Ness. Tour operator · ★ 4.5 · 3k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
The Dores Inn Great place to have dinner after a kayak on loch ness! Pub · ★ 4.5 · 3k Open · Closes 8 PM
Loch Ness View Point Fort Augustus You can take a ferry tour of Loch Ness which is pretty cool. Scenic spot · ★ 4.7 · 2k Open 24 hours
The Lock Inn Great food reasonable prices and lovely loch views Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 2k Open · Closes 9:30 PM
The Loch Ness Inn ... Ness Inn has set the bar high for both accommodation and dining. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Nairn Beach Perfect for a peaceful yoga morning , cold dip and swimming in the sea ! Beach · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Loch Ness Clansman Hotel Highly recommended for those exploring the Loch Ness area! Hotel · ★ 4.2 · 2k
Bothy Restaurant & Bar Food was decent and reasonably priced, portions were large also. Restaurant · ★ 3.8 · 2k Open · Closes 11 PM
MacGregor's Wonderfull music, good beers and terrific whiskys! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 2k Open · Closes 1 AM
Fiddlers Highland Restaurant Decent food, pleasant service, outstanding range of whiskies. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Open · Closes 9 PM
Ness Islands Woodsy islands connected by bridges Park · ★ 4.8 · 1k Open 24 hours
Rocpool Monkfish was stunning, venison was sublime and we were blown away! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM Tue
Ness Deli All cooked fresh, good portions and prompt service. Deli · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
The Boathouse Restaurant The restaurant has 10 windows with view of the Loch. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
River House This meal was a highlight of our 16 days in Scotland. Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 3 PM Tue
Glen Rowan Cafe And a perfect spot for a hot chocolate after a wee swim in loch Ness. Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Tue
Plodda Falls A must see waterfall if you ever visit Scotland. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k Open 24 hours
Whitebridge Hotel - book direct for best rates! The bar is quirky, with good music and excellent food. Hotel · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Cafe Eighty2 Honestly best food, service and pricing we have experienced in Scotland. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Loch Ness Hub & Travel Highly recommend this cruise for a fun and engaging adventure on Loch Ness! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
The Camerons Tea Room & Farm Shop Good coffee, massive fruit scones and nice atmosphere. Tea house · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
An Talla The food is fresh, local and piping hot. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Nessieland Scotland has great history wherever you go,this is 1 of my favourite places. Tourist attraction · ★ 3.1 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Drumbuie Farm B & B and Quila Cridhe Tearoom Beautiful views of Loch Ness, fantastic service and food. Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
The Lewiston Fine staff, excellent food and a nice choice of local beers. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Falls of Divach Great walk, beautiful views, Scottish cows, Worth to walk do not drive Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open 24 hours
Dores Beach Great location Great swim Pub close by Parking sometimes busy Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Loch Ness Statue Cute statue of Loch Ness overlooking the loch. Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 0k Open 24 hours
The Italian Job Spotlessly clean, absolutely delicious food at reasonable prices. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 2 PM Tue
NessieHunter - Steve Feltham An enjoyable stop along with some educational information about Loch Ness. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Loch Ness Cruises Very busy boat, nice views of the Loch ness and a stop at Urquhart castle. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Loch Ness Craft Bar & Food Truck Craft beers and superb fish and chips, burgers, and haggis suppers. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Loch Ness Gifts Lovely staff & a fantastic assortment of gifts Gift shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:15 AM Mon
Lochend Beach Crystal clear and icy cold waters but worth it. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open 24 hours
Loch Ness View Highly recommended if you are looking to enjoy the view without less crowd. Scenic spot · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Whitebridge Bar & Restaurant The food is absolutely exceptional, the service is amazing. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Foyers Lodge They may have the best food in Scotland. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
The Beastie Boats As a local, this is a great way to tour about the loch with amazing views. Tour operator · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Waterfall cafe Very friendly staff, food beautifully hot and fresh. Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Loch Ness Alpacas Docile alpaca and stunning scenery on the banks of Loch Ness. Zoo · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Loch Ness Nessie Shop Huge selection of Nessy gifts at reasonable prices Gift shop · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Loch Ness Clansman Café Amazing service, the food was incredible tasting and very fresh. Cafe · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Ness Coffee Great coffee, friendly service and fabulous location. Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Ness Gifts Lovely selection of reasonably priced items :) Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Glenurquhart Highland Games - Loch Ness 22-8 Festival · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Great Glen Gifts A very well stocked shop with amazingly friendly staff. Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Brae Kitchen Every dish was cooked to perfection with locally sourced ingredients. Catering food and drink supplier · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 11:30 PM
pibroch restaurant The food here was excellent and the staff were super friendly. Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
The Original Nessie Gift Shop Great selection of nessy stuff and a fantastic show well worth the visit. Gift shop · ★ 3.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Loch Ness

About Loch Ness

Loch Ness serves as a port of call on select Northern Europe itineraries, with Celebrity Cruises offering six upcoming sailings that typically span 12 nights. While this Scottish destination welcomes fewer cruise lines compared to busier European ports, it provides an intimate way to experience the Highlands without the crowds of larger cruise hubs. These cruises often combine Loch Ness with other notable ports including Amsterdam, Cobh, Belfast, Liverpool, and Greenock, making it part of a rich multi-country voyage through Northern Europe.

Passengers disembarking at Loch Ness find themselves in one of Scotland's most legendary landscapes, where the famous loch stretches dramatically through the Highlands. The region offers visitors a chance to explore historic castles, experience authentic Scottish culture, and venture into some of Britain's most dramatic natural scenery. Peak season runs from May through August, with July and August drawing the most visitors, so plan accordingly if you're considering this enchanting Scottish port for your next cruise adventure.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Hunt for the Legendary Loch Ness Monster

Embark on an unforgettable boat tour across Scotland's most famous freshwater loch, where you'll scan the deep waters for glimpses of Nessie while enjoying stunning Highland scenery. Expert guides share the fascinating history of sightings dating back centuries, making this a thrilling adventure that blends mystery with natural beauty.

2

Explore Urquhart Castle's Dramatic Ruins

Wander through the haunting remains of this 13th-century fortress perched on a peninsula jutting into Loch Ness. The castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the loch and surrounding Highlands, while interactive exhibits reveal centuries of Scottish history, clan warfare, and architectural evolution in this iconic Highland stronghold.

3

Taste Local Scottish Whisky & Cuisine

Sample award-winning single-malt whiskies at nearby distilleries or enjoy traditional Scottish fare like haggis, smoked salmon, and venison at waterfront restaurants. Local eateries showcase Highland ingredients and time-honored recipes, offering an authentic culinary experience that captures the essence of Scottish gastronomy and regional flavors.

4

Browse Inverness High Street Markets

Discover charming independent shops, local craft boutiques, and traditional Scottish markets in nearby Inverness, offering tartan goods, woolens, jewelry, and artisan products. The historic town center blends Victorian architecture with modern retail, providing perfect opportunities to find authentic souvenirs and unique Highland crafts.

5

Walk the Caledonian Canal Towpath

Stroll along the scenic towpath of this engineering marvel connecting Loch Ness to the North Sea, spotting wildlife and enjoying peaceful Highland vistas. The canal features historic locks and charming villages, offering cruise passengers an accessible, picturesque walk through Scotland's natural landscape with photo opportunities at every turn.

Cruise Lines at Loch Ness

Cruises Departing From Loch Ness

Cruises Visiting Loch Ness

Ship Schedule at Loch Ness

Loch Ness Location

Other Cruise Ports in Scotland

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Loch Ness?

Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands known for its scenic beauty and legends.

Where is Loch Ness located?

Loch Ness lies in the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness, in Scotland.

What can I visit near Loch Ness?

Urquhart Castle sits on the loch's shore, offering great views and history.

Is Loch Ness a good place for wildlife?

Yes, you can spot birds, wildlife, and enjoy nature around the loch.