Where do Loch Ness cruises leave from?

Near Inverness, from Dochgarroch Lock on the Caledonian Canal. Others leave Clansman Harbour near Drumnadrochit, and some tours start with a coach from Inverness Bus Station.

How long is a Loch Ness cruise?

Options range from about 50 minutes to two hours on the water, with longer coach-and-boat tours of around three and a half hours.

Can you see Urquhart Castle from the boat?

Yes, several cruises pass Urquhart Castle, and some tours include a stop there.

Are dogs allowed on Loch Ness cruises?

Jacobite's boats are dog friendly; keep dogs on a short lead.

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Loch Ness cruises

The main Loch Ness cruise departure point near Inverness is Dochgarroch Lock, about four miles down the A82 on the Caledonian Canal. Further down the loch, boats also leave Clansman Harbour near Drumnadrochit, and some trips start with a coach from Inverness bus station.

Photo: Richard Webb · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Display cropped to fit

What it is and why it matters

Loch Ness fills much of the Great Glen south-west of Inverness, and a boat is the best way to appreciate its scale. Cruises from Dochgarroch begin on Thomas Telford's Caledonian Canal before heading out onto the loch, with views of Aldourie Castle, Bona Lighthouse and the Great Glen, and longer trips continue towards Urquhart Castle. Shorter loch-only sailings run from Clansman Harbour. And of course there are the stories of the loch's elusive monster.

Visiting practicalities

Operator Jacobite runs trips of different lengths: short sailings of around 50 minutes from Dochgarroch Lock or Clansman Harbour, two-hour cruises, and a three-and-a-half-hour tour that starts with a coach from Inverness Bus Station and includes a castle stop. Dochgarroch Lock has free parking and bike racks. Book online and check each tour page to see exactly what is included. The deck can be windy and the weather changes quickly, so take layers and a waterproof. Boats have toilets on board and are dog friendly, with dogs kept on a short lead; check accessible toilet provision for your boat when booking.

Nearby and combine with

Urquhart Castle on the loch shore is a natural pairing, and Drumnadrochit has visitor exhibitions about the loch. From Dochgarroch you are only a short drive back into Inverness.

Highlights

Sailings along the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness
Views of Aldourie Castle, Bona Lighthouse and Urquhart Castle
Departures from Dochgarroch Lock and Clansman Harbour
Coach-and-boat tour options from Inverness

Good to know

Dochgarroch Lock is about 4 miles from Inverness on the A82 and has free parking.
Dress in layers and bring a waterproof; the deck can be windy.
Check each tour page to confirm whether a castle visit is included.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: jacobite.co.uk · jacobite.co.uk