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A RIB full of passengers speeding across calm, dark Loch Ness below wooded hills.
Inverness

Cruise Loch Ness

Cruises and speedboat trips on Loch Ness from Fort Augustus, run by a local family since 1968, from a gentle 50-minute cruise to a high-speed RIB ride.

Welcome

At the southern end of Loch Ness, where the Caledonian Canal climbs through its flight of locks at Fort Augustus, a local family has been taking people out on the water since 1968.

More than a million and a half passengers have sailed with them since, and the business is still run from the village.

There are two ways to see the loch. The Daily Discovery is a relaxed fifty-minute cruise, running all year, with commentary on the loch, its history and, of course, its monster; dogs are welcome aboard. For more of a thrill, the Loch Ness Quest speedboats run from spring to autumn, racing across the water for an hour or an hour and a half, taking in Urquhart Castle.

The loch is long, deep and dark, walled by steep hills, and it is best seen from the middle. In summer there are evening cruises too. Book ahead on the company's own site.

The Daily

Arrives at 5am every day.

A free morning email to see what’s on this week, catch up on what’s happening in Scotland and find somewhere new to go.

The Daily for 31 October, from Scotland with love. A ring of standing stones set among mist and autumn birch
Close byLoch Ness ViewpointThe viewpoint at Fort Augustus where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness, looking down the length of the loch from its south-western end.1 min by roadSee itA sign reading Loch Ness, Welcome to Fort Augustus on the stony shore, the loch running north between wooded hills.
Before you go

Cruises run all year; the office is open daily, 9am to 4pm.

The Daily Discovery cruise is £22 for adults and £15 for children, and dogs are welcome; the Loch Ness Quest speedboat trips run from April to October. Book on the company's own site.

From
Fort Augustus, by the Caledonian Canal.
Cruise
50 minutes, £22 adults.
Speedboat
60 or 90 minutes, April to October.

Opening hours

Monday
11.30am–3pm
Tuesday
11.30am–3pm
Wednesday
11.30am–3pm
Thursday
11.30am–3pm
Friday
11.30am–3pm
Saturday
11.30am–3pm
Sunday
11.30am–3pm

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Where it is

From the pier by the Caledonian Canal in Fort Augustus, PH32 4BD.

Close byFort Augustus.
  1. Fort AugustusFort AugustusThe locks at the south end of the loch.Under a mile 1 min by road
  2. Station Road at The LovatStation Road at The LovatUnder a mile 1 min by road
  3. Caledonian CanalCaledonian Canal2 miles 3 min by road
  4. Invermoriston FallsInvermoriston FallsFalls and Telford's bridge up the shore.6 miles 9 min by road
  5. Ruined stone tower of Urquhart Castle seen through autumn foliage on Loch NessUrquhart CastleThe castle ruin on the loch.17 miles 23 min by road
Directions
The Lovat at dusk: white front, slate roof and dormers, lit lamps and the glowing bay window, a planter on the drive.Fort AugustusThe Lovat HotelPlace to stay · 0.2 miles
A sign reading Loch Ness, Welcome to Fort Augustus on the stony shore, the loch running north between wooded hills.AttractionsLoch Ness Viewpoint0.3 miles
Winding hill track above forestry and a distant loch under cloudy skiesAttractionsSuidhe Viewpoint2.2 miles
Café counter with espresso machine, blue tiled wall and world map muralCafeGlen Rowan Cafe6.4 miles
The tall roofless stone walls of Invergarry Castle among trees under a bright sky.AttractionsInvergarry Castle8.1 miles
AttractionsWell of the Seven Heads8.9 miles
Lichen-covered gravestone inscribed "Sacred to the memory of Jane, spouse of Thomas Fraser of BalnainAttractionsBoleskine Burial Ground15 miles

Recommend to a friend

Stay nearby

Places to stay near the boat, and when each is next free.

The Lovat at dusk: white front, slate roof and dormers, lit lamps and the glowing bay window, a planter on the drive.The Lovat Hotel
  • A hotel
  • In Fort Augustus
  • Under a mile from Cruise Loch Ness
Check datesGlen Affric Estate, Inverness-shireGlen Affric Estate
  • Sleeps 24
  • In Cannich
  • 15 miles from Cruise Loch Ness
Check datesLog cabin porch with lantern-lit door, snow falling on the wooden walkwayEagle Brae
  • To stay
  • In Struy
  • 18 miles from Cruise Loch Ness
Check datesFrom above, Aquila's turf-roofed log cabin and wrap-around deck on the edge of the ridge, the glen stretching away in autumn colour.Aquila at Eagle Brae
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Struy
  • 18 miles from Cruise Loch Ness
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in InvernessAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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