Scotland · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Good cruises & boat tours fill weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes, and where they actually differ.
Edinburgh to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands in a small group, with a Loch Ness cruise, Glencoe stops, and a Nessie sonar search.
“Jim was our tour guide and we couldn’t have been any luckier. He was so informative and funny. I learned so much from his tour and we got to see the most beautiful sites.”
Loch Ness cruise, Urquhart Castle ruins, Outlander stops at Beauly Priory and Clava Cairns, plus Culloden Battlefield from Inverness.
“This was one of the tours I was really looking forward to and I think that’s why it felt so disappointing. The tour design itself I found problematic because it was such a slow start to the day. Loch Ness and the castle were great BUT there was too much time here. We did a pretty thorough tour of the castle, but we had an hour where we just sat and did nothing. Then Having lunch and the whiskey distillery back to back meant there was about a two hour time Period Where there wasn’t anything to do or see, especially if you aren’t interested in buying whiskey. In total…”
Small-group day trip from Glasgow to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Cairngorms, with a 50-minute Loch Ness cruise and top coach ride.
“Our tour of the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness with James was unforgettable! He was friendly, knowledgeable, and full of great stories that brought the stunning scenery to life. From towering mountains to the mysterious loch, every stop was magical. Highly recommend this tour for a true taste of Scotland’s beauty and charm!”
Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-hour cruise from Dochgarroch. Nessie sonar, Urquhart Castle views, live commentary, drinks available.
“Fun boat ride! Good stories and delightful crew. Had a really good time and well worth it. We took a stupid amount of pictures and got super lucky with the weather”
A one-hour Loch Ness cruise with sonar Nessie spotting, indoor and outdoor comfort, plus close Urquhart Castle views from the water.
“Bring a jacket/rain coat. Chilly and can rain at any time!! Enjoyed the cruise and the beautiful scenery.”
From Inverness, ride to Dochgarroch Lock for a Loch Ness cruise, then explore Urquhart Castle ruins and the Loch Ness Centre.
“Terrible. Urqhardt castle visit cut short. Rest of tour rushed. Driver drove like a crazy person. Viator refused to provide refund. Don’t waste your money.”
Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond cruise day trip from Glasgow, small-group 16-seat Mercedes touring, with included castle entry and a 1-hour loch boat ride.
“Small group tour A full day and really enjoyed our stops and Our driver who was also tour guide Was very knowledgeable and also entertaining And made the day even more enjoyable Very comfy vehicle .. thanks Jeff for all your time”
Cruise from Edinburgh to Inchcolm Island for close Three Bridges views, UNESCO Forth Bridge panoramas, and chances to spot seals and puffins.
“Interesting information and a lovely couple of hours on the water. We went as my husband was very interested in the bridges, recommend”
2-hour Fort William cruise to Seal Island on Loch Linnhe for close-up seals, Ben Nevis views, and crew commentary. From $52.68.
“Punctual departure. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Extremely relaxing but intuitive couple of hours. Scenery was exceptional and the seals were the icing on the cake. Would highly recommend. 😊”
Half-day coach and cruise from Inverness with Urquhart Castle ruins and the Loch Ness Centre, plus time on deck to spot Nessie.
“The tour just wasn't what we expected. It wasn't a bad tour, but left feeling like we were missing something. The tour started 15 minutes late which reduced our time at the castle and was never acknowledged by the tour. The castle was amazing but just not enough time since we started so late. The focus of the cruise/tour is completely on history with really no discussion of folklore of Nessie. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition focuses on science and only gives you one perspective on the existence of the Loch Ness monster.”
90-minute cruise from Queensferry for close Forth Bridge views, optional Inchcolm Abbey landing, and wildlife spotting from the top deck.
“The content of the recording was excellent for describing what we saw. Learned about history, animals, structures, North Sea oil, and the three bridges. Glad we went on the tour.”
Speedboat seafari on Dundee’s Tay Estuary. Live commentary, small groups, dolphin or seal chances, about 1 hour, mobile ticket.
“Once we established the correct place to be the boat arrived on time, lifejacket supplied and safety brief then off we went. So many dolphins swimming with us. Sensational. Would do it all again.”
One day from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and whisky stops, with waterfalls, optional cruise, and small-group comfort.
“Nice day trip from Edinburgh. Nature walk was beautiful as was the countryside. Our guide was Richie and he was very informative and personable.”
Join a Golden Eagles themed cruise on Loch Shiel from Glenfinnan, with viaduct, monument, and wildlife watching in about 2.5 hours.
“We only went on the trip to see the Eagles. Not a single sighting of any wildlife except seagulls, very disappointed.”
Small-group day trip from Invergordon to Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch, and Loch Fleet, with scenic stops and a falconry show.
“Very nice trip... Dunrobin and seals were best Amazing views :-) Guide top 10 from 10 points !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
