Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle Cruise

A shorter, cheaper way onto Loch Ness itself: a 2-hour cruise up the Caledonian Canal and onto the loch, with views of Urquhart Castle from the water. The cheapest way onto Loch Ness on this site.

Overview

This two-hour cruise with Loch Ness by Jacobite starts at Dochgarroch Lock, about 4 miles from Inverness down the A82, and runs out along the Caledonian Canal onto Loch Ness itself. The first hour is spent cruising from the lock, then the boat spends a further hour on the loch before returning to the same meeting point. Live commentary on board is the one inclusion the listing spells out, and reviewers repeatedly describe the guides as knowledgeable and funny, filling the trip with history, local stories and legends of the loch.

The boat carries a maximum of 150 travellers, with seating both inside and out. Food and beverages are not included but can be purchased on board, the listing confirms. Sitting inside is possible, and reviewers describe popping outside to take pictures.

The trip suits most travellers: the listing states it is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and reviews mention families with children enjoying the day out. The departure point sits outside Inverness itself, and those coming from Invergordon cruise terminal, 28 miles away, will need their own transport because public transit is limited.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at Dochgarroch LockMeet at Loch Ness by Jacobite, Dochgarroch Cottages, Dochgarroch, Inverness IV3 8JG. Free parking is available at the lock.
2. Cruise the Caledonian CanalThe boat departs from Dochgarroch Lock for the first leg of the journey, roughly the first hour of the trip, with live commentary on board.
3. Loch Ness on the waterThe cruise spends a further hour on Loch Ness before returning. Commentary covers points of interest and stories of the loch.
4. Return to DochgarrochThe activity ends back at the original meeting point, two hours after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most from this cruise, based on the listing and what past passengers report.

• Weather matters. The cruise requires good weather and can be cancelled in poor conditions. If it is cancelled, the operator offers a different date or a full refund.
• Choose seating early. One reviewer advises being early to choose your seating. There is indoor and outdoor seating, and travellers say you can sit inside and admire the view while occasionally stepping out for photos.
• Food and drink. Snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available to purchase on board but are not included in the ticket. One reviewer mentioned enjoying beverages and snacks during the journey.
• Commentary quality. The live commentary is a highlight for most travellers, with guides described as funny, informative and entertaining. One reviewer sitting upstairs could not hear it at.
• Getting there. The departure point is Dochgarroch Lock, 4 miles from Inverness on the A82, with free parking. The listing warns that public transit from Invergordon cruise terminal is limited so own transport is required from there.
• Group feel. The boat takes up to 150 travellers, though one reviewer said it was not crowded. Another mentioned meeting new people from around the world on board.

Common issues. The cruise depends on good weather; if it is cancelled for poor conditions, the operator offers a different date or a full refund, and the same applies if a minimum number of travellers is not met. Cancel less than 24 hours before departure and no refund is given, and changes inside that window are not accepted. One reviewer found the commentary inaudible from the upper deck. Food and drinks cost extra.

Questions Before You Book