Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour worth booking?
Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour is a 6-hour experience in Inverness, United Kingdom, from $517 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $517 per person
A full trip around Loch Ness done in half a day - Approx 6 hours A little taste of the highlands of Scotland from the famous Urquhart Castle to Loch Ness with its beautiful scenery. All while enjoying our world award-winning best Gin local to our little area. Suitable for guests with not much time to do full-day tours. Perfect for guests wanting to do a full trip around Loch Ness to try and spot Nessie the Loch Ness Monster with not much time. Local Guide Private Tour Comfortable Air Conditioned Vehicle Customisable to your Taste (within reasonable distance)
What you get
About this experience
A full trip around Loch Ness done in half a day - Approx 6 hours A little taste of the highlands of Scotland from the famous Urquhart Castle to Loch Ness with its beautiful scenery. All while enjoying our world award-winning best Gin local to our little area. Suitable for guests with not much time to do full-day tours. Perfect for guests wanting to do a full trip around Loch Ness to try and spot Nessie the Loch Ness Monster with not much time. Local Guide Private Tour Comfortable Air Conditioned Vehicle Customisable to your Taste (within reasonable distance)
What's included
Included
- Umbrella's
- Private Comfortable Vehicle
- Bottled water
- Fridge On-Board
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Customizable to your Taste (within reasonable distance)
- Local Guide
- Free Gin Tasting
Not included
- Castle Admission
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Dochgarroch
A popular location with boaters, locals, and tourists, Dochgarroch is a beautiful and busy hub where the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal meet and cross into the Head of Loch Ness, our famous Highland Coo’s can be seen here before we head up the loch to Urquhart Castle.
20 minutes here
Urquhart Castle
The present ruins date from the 13th to the 16th centuries, though built on the site of an early medieval fortification. Founded in the 13th century, Urquhart played a role in the wars of Scottish independence in the 14th century. It was subsequently held as a royal castle and was raided on several occasions by the MacDonald Clan. The castle was granted to the Clan Grant in 1509, though conflict with the MacDonalds continued. Despite a series of further raids the castle was strengthened, only to be largely abandoned by the middle of the 17th century. Urquhart was partially destroyed in 1692 to prevent its use by Jacobite forces, and subsequently decayed. The castle, situated on a headland overlooking Loch Ness, is one of the largest in Scotland in size of area.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Drumnadrochit
Drumnadrochit is a village on the shores of Loch Ness, known famously as the home to the Loch Ness Monster. Drumnadrochit is filled with novelty shops where Scottish clan items and other Scottish staples can be enjoyed.
30 minutes here
Great Glen Distillery
We also visit Great Glen Gin Distillery, Scotland’s smallest distillery where they offer world award-winning free Gin tastings made from the waters of Loch Ness so you get a true taste of Nessie.
30 minutes here
Invermoriston Falls
The burn here tumbles across the bands of rock in a determined effort to reach nearby Loch Ness, these aren’t the highest waterfalls by any means, but once you stand here you will truly enjoy the beauty of your surroundings with a spectacular view from the overhanging summer house.
30 minutes here
Fort Augustus
In the aftermath of the Jacobite rising in 1715, General Wade built a fort (taking from 1729 until 1742) which was named after the Duke of Cumberland. Wade had planned to build a town around the new barracks and call it Wadesburgh. The settlement grew and eventually took the name of this fort. Sitting at the end of Loch Ness right on the Great Glen Fault which cuts across the Highlands. A beautiful location with its upper canal locks. Visitors can have lunch and enjoy tranquil scenery on their Loch Ness trip.
60 minutes here
General Wade’s Military Roads
A viewpoint stop on our trip where can see miles of rugged Highland terrain as well as multiple lochs all in one view from General Wades Military Road. In-person is a truly breathtaking sight better than any person or camera can depict.
20 minutes here
The Falls of Foyers
The Falls of Foyers are two waterfalls on the River Foyers, which feeds Loch Ness, They are located on the lower portion of the River Foyers and consist of the upper falls, with a drop of 46 feet, and the lower falls, which drop 98 feet. Surrounded by woodlands and wildlife you truly enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature. To reach the falls can be a steady staircase down the hill but the nature reserve can be admired from the top just off the road.
45 minutes here
Dores Beach
On our way back to Inverness we come to Dores Beach which is one of the best viewpoints of Loch Ness – from here you can see all the way down the famous Loch, and you will see why this is a favorite spot for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of Nessie. Situated on Dores Beach is the only pub on Loch Ness where you can enjoy a pint of bitterness to round off your day on the Loch Ness tour.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Inverness
Meeting Point outside Inverness Town Hall, Located in City Centre.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Meeting Point outside Inverness Town Hall, Located in City Centre.
Options you can book
Private Vehicle 1-4, 2nd Car
Private Vehicle 1-4 Passengers
Private Group Vehicle Tour 5-7
Minibus Pickup included
Private Group Vehicle Tour 1-4
Car/Minibus Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Highland Guided Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Time for any Lunch period guests may want has been time managed into the tour.
- Total travelling time has been included in total time.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommended
We arrived by ship at the port of Invergordon and were met and picked up right there by Johnny, our guide for this day. A really great and relaxed tour around Loch Ness and into the Highlands. 1-2 more great surprises - I don't want to reveal these here - made this day unique. Many thanks to Johnny and the entire team 👍🏴
Response from the operator: Hi Stefan Thanks so much for your review and choosing us to show you around our home here in the Highlands, hope the rest of your cruise goes well and safe travels when heading home. I will let Johnny know of your review. Take Care. Tony & Johnny
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Amazing experience!
Our guide, Johnnie, was exceptional. He was knowledgeable, funny and very accommodating. Perfect way to start our Scotland vacation.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your review, it was our pleasure to show you around our home. I will let Johnny know of your review and hope you enjoy the rest of your trip. Take Care. Tony & Johnny
via Tripadvisor
An experience I’ll never forget! Got to see all of Loch Ness and learned so much of its history!
One of the best tour experiences I’ve ever had! We got to see all of Loch Ness and learned so much about the area.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your review and choosing us to show you around Loch Ness. I will let Johnny know of your review and hope to see you back to the Highlands again one day. Take Care. Tony & Johnny
via Tripadvisor
Awesome! Johnny was...
Awesome! Johnny was GREAT! He adapted the tour to what we wanted. He was considerate and consensus to us and others. He explained things very well. His driving was very good. The car was clean and comfortable.
Response from the operator: Hi Etoile, thanks so much for your review, I'm glad you enjoyed your day and I will let Johnny know of your review. Safe travels when heading home. Tony & Johnny
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Highland Guided Tours, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.1.
See everything Highland Guided Tours runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Inverness.
How much does Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $517 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Inverness usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour take?
+
Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Inverness is not rushed.
Is Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Inverness, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour?
+
Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Inverness can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Inverness and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Inverness within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Inverness?
+
On Outty we rank every Inverness experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness, Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness, Loch Ness, Outlander & Urquhart Castle from Inverness. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Inverness?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Inverness?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour?
+
Included: Umbrella's; Private Comfortable Vehicle; Bottled water; Fridge On-Board; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Castle Admission; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 47 listed pickup locations in and around Inverness. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Inverness. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour?
+
Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour?
+
There are 3 options to choose from, including Private Vehicle 1-4, 2nd Car, Private Group Vehicle Tour 5-7, Private Group Vehicle Tour 1-4. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour.
Pick your date
