Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle Visit from Inverness

Set off on your 4-hour cruise tour of Loch Ness at 9:30am from Dochgarroch Lock, around 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometres) from the city of Inverness. Situated on the Caledonian Canal and built by the famous Scottish civil engineer, Thomas Telford, Dochgarroch lies in a picturesque Highland setting.

After settling aboard, set sail down the last remaining stretch of the Caledonian Canal and enter Loch Dochfour. As you cruise to the end of this loch, pass the magnificent Bona Lighthouse and watch as the views open out to a full panorama of Loch Ness.

Listen to stories from your live guide as you cruise past Aldourie Castle and enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery. Keep an eye out, too, for the mythical Loch Ness monster, ‘Nessie,’ on our sonar screens.

After an hour, you’ll arrive at the ruins of Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland largest castles. Disembark and enjoy two hours to tour this medieval site independently.

Afterwards, head to the visitor center to learn about the historic figures that inhabited or invaded the site, such as King Edward I in the 13th century and MacDonald Lord of the Isles during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Learn about the construction and destruction of the fortress, and the key role it played in the Scottish fight for independence. Don’t miss the authentic medieval artefacts before returning to re-board your boat.

Enjoy another hour on the boat, perhaps with a Costa coffee or even a whisky (both own expense) from the fully stocked bar. Your experience finishes when you return to Dochgarroch by 1:30pm, feeling as if you’ve captured the real heart of Loch Ness.