Invergordon Shore Excursion -
Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness and a Search for Nessie
From £165 per person + Booking Fee - Urquhart Castle entry included
Visit Urquhart Castle, magnificently situated on the banks of the loch, entry ticket included
Nessie sightings not guaranteed
Small Group Excursions
Book with a 25% deposit
All excursions backed by our Shore Excursion Guarantee
Important information
Port pick up and drop off included
Excursion Length - 8 hours, including time for lunch
Activity Level - Moderate
Maximum Group Size - 14 passengers
Entrance ticket to Urquhart Castle included
Experienced Tour Guide behind the wheel
Cost of lunch not included
Suitable for ages 12 and over
Planning an excursion for six (6) or more?
Click Here to contact us to discuss group rates.
Excursion Itinerary
Designed especially for cruise passengers docking at Invergordon Cruise Port, this small-group shore excursion from Invergordon takes you deep into the heart of the Highlands to discover the legends, landscapes, and mysteries of Loch Ness. With port pick-up and drop-off included and our Shore Excursion Guarantee, it’s the perfect way to experience one of Scotland’s most famous regions.
Your day begins at Urquhart Castle, a dramatic 13th-century fortress overlooking the legendary Loch Ness. Once among Scotland’s largest castles, its ruins still command breathtaking views across the loch—home, of course, to the world-famous “Nessie.” Admission is included, giving you time to explore the towers, ramparts, and visitor exhibits that bring this remarkable site to life.
Next, we travel to Fort Augustus, a picturesque village where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness. Watch boats pass through the canal locks, enjoy lunch in one of the local cafés, or stroll along the waterfront towards the historic abbey—soaking in the Highland charm and scenery all around you.
Our journey continues to Foyers, where a short walk leads to the Falls of Foyers, a spectacular waterfall plunging into Loch Ness below (weather permitting). This hidden gem offers a peaceful moment to admire the beauty of the Highlands and capture stunning photographs.
We finish in Dores, a quiet village on the northern shore of Loch Ness. Visit the pebble beach for panoramic views across the water, meet the resident “Monster Hunter,” and perhaps enjoy a dram at the Dores Inn (if open), one of the loch’s most iconic pubs.
After a day filled with Highland landscapes, castle ruins, and local legends, we’ll return you safely to Invergordon Cruise Port—with lasting memories of your search for Nessie.
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For any shore excursion in Scotland, preparation is key to enjoying your adventure comfortably. Our weather is famously changeable, so checking the forecast and dressing in layers is essential:
Light base layer
Sweater or fleece
Waterproof jacket
Comfortable shoes are also a must, as many destinations feature cobbled streets, rugged trails, or castle grounds that require footwear capable of handling different types of uneven surface.
While many places accept cards, having a bit of cash on hand can be helpful.
A small backpack is useful for carrying essentials like snacks, extra clothing, and any souvenirs you may pick up along the way.
Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture all those sights on your excursion with us!
Excursion Highlights