If you haven’t head of the gorgeous freshwater loch before, you’ve surely heard of Nessie – the folkloric creatures said to live in Loch Ness.

Regardless of whether you believe it or not, it’s a fascinating place to visit. Beautiful scenery, and the interesting history involved with it makes it one of the top tourist destinations of the area.

However, if you really want to make the most of your trip we recommend you take a group tour there. We have all the top boat trips of Loch Ness right here, so let’s hop right in!

Best Loch Ness Boat Tours From Edinburgh

	Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour From Edinburgh	Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis From Edinburgh	2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness and Highlands Tour From Glasgow
Departure Point:	2 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW	The bus stop directly outside Deacon's House Cafe	Variety available
Departure Time:	Contact tour operator	Contact tour operator	Contact tour operator
Duration:	12.5 hours	12.5 hours	2 days
Includes:	Transportation by air-conditioned bus, services of an expert guide, live onboard commentary, Loch Ness boat cruise	Local guide, transport on an air-conditioned midi-coach, Loch Ness boat cruise	Transportation to visit Glencoe, Dunkeld, Culloden, English-speaking guide, 1 nights bed and breakfast accommodation, boat tour to Urquhart Castle
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Loch Ness Boat Tours From Edinburgh & Glasgow

1. Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour From Edinburgh
2. Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis From Edinburgh
3. 2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness and Highlands Tour From Glasgow
4. Loch Ness, Glencoe, & the Highlands Day Tour From Edinburgh
5. Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise

Loch Ness Boat Tour Reviews

1. Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour From Edinburgh

If you’re on the hunt for one of the best tours of the Scottish Highlands, it’s hard to beat this first one. The Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour is a complete experience that packs a lot in for constant adventure and exploring!

Not only that, but it’s fully customizable so you get to see what you’re most interested in. Start out in the morning by meeting with your guide and rest of your group to board the coach waiting for you.

Make sure you have some comfortable walking shoes and clothing for the rain (as this is never unheard of, no matter the time of year). The air-conditioned coach is very comfortable, clean, and with large windows perfect for viewing the gorgeous scenery as you trek on.

You’ll first head for the Highlands, and learn from your guide/driver all about the legendary Loch Ness Monster and its cultural importance throughout Scottish history.

Their commentary is highly-engaging and entertaining, and make up a big part of why this trip is so much fun!

Visit Kilmahog, where you’ll get to see their famous (and adorable) Highland Cows, and grab a cup of coffee for the energy you’ll surely need. Then, head up the road to Glencoe and take a brief stop for some Highland panorama photo ops!

At this point, it’s time for lunch, and you’ll go to the Fort William area for a delicious meal. You get to pick where to eat, and your guide will offer up some great recommendations depending on what you’re looking for. You can even learn about the kilt’s history here, if that’s something that catches your interest.

Finally, the crew will head out to Loch Ness, where you’ll get to choose whether or not you visit the magnificent Urquhart Castle and board a boat while keeping an eye out for Nessie.

If you prefer, you can chill at the pier with a cup of Joe while taking in the beautiful views. Afterward, check out the charming village of Pitlochry for some snacks!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

2. Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis From Edinburgh

Next up, we have yet another fascinating 12.5-hour tour all over the Scottish Highlands! Check out the Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenco Highlands & Ben Nevis tour for a fantastic time! The title really sums it up quite well, and if you’re new to Scotland then this one is a must-do!

Wake up early to meet your guide and the rest of your group, because you’ve got a packed day ahead of you! Make sure to bring rain gear and good walking shoes or boots, because it is typically a pretty wet and windy area.

Board the air-conditioned mini-coach, which seats up to 34. Usually the groups aren’t that large, but you do have the extra space to stretch out. Along the way, your guide/driver will provide a fun and fascinating commentary on the area as you travel through.

They’ll tell you a bit about the places you’re going to see, just to give you a bit of background as well. Not to worry, though – once you arrive, you’ll receive a more in-depth lesson on the landmarks.

Pass the legendary Stirling Castle, where you’ll learn about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce (particularly interesting for those Braveheart fans), and the brutal battles fought here.

The castle itself is one of the biggest and most significant in Scottish history, and is a great symbol of the country’s independence.

Arrive at Callander town, which is a tourist hot spot located on the River Teith, and was actually Scotland’s first planned rural town. Drivethrough Loch Lomand and the Trossachs National Park, where you’ll learn of the famous Highlander, Rob Roy MacGregor.

Various blockbuster films have used this area as a film set, such as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and James Bond Skyfall.

Head to Fort William, home to Ben Nevis, which is by far the tallest mountain in all the British Isles. Next, you’ll come to Loch Ness’ south bank, where you’ll find yourself in Fort Augustus. Charming little coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants are here and you’ll grab a delicious bit to eat or cup of café.

Stroll along the Caledonian Canal, then take a Loch Ness 1-hour boat cruise or hang out on shore. This is the highlight for many, offering unmatched views! Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for a potential Nessie sighting!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. 2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness and Highlands Tour From Glasgow

Perhaps the tours we’ve covered so far sound interesting to you, but you’re looking for something a bit longer. Maybe you want to see the Scottish Highlands more up-close and personal. If so, then this next tour is for you: check out the Glasgow: 2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness and Highlands Tour!

As you could probably deduce from the title, this tour lasts for 2 days. We can’t recommend this one enough, as it has everything planned and covered for you. If you were to book everything separately, it would cost so much more! Not only that, but it’s great for just about any age!

Start off in Glasgow to board the spacious, ultra-comfortable coach that allows you for plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the view. Head towards Stirling, as your guide tells you all about the area and the battles that happened on these grounds.

Then, enjoy a woodland walk in the Highlands of Dunkeld. Check out the beautiful Drumochter Pass, enjoying the sky-high peaks of the Cairngorm National Park.

After all that walking, you’re sure to sleep well. Your bed and breakfast is located on the shores of the breathtaking Loch Ness. You get to choose from either a single room, twin room, or double room – all with their own private bathrooms. Wake up and enjoy a delicious traditional breakfast before exploring Loch Ness!

If you’d like, you can participate in a boat tour heading to Urquhart Castle or hang out on shore and enjoy the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition. Then, head over to Great Glen and Ben Nevis – all of the Isle’s highest mountain. Learn all about the Massacre of Glencoe and the slaughter of the MacDonald clan as you visit Glen Coe.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Loch Ness, Glencoe, & the Highlands Day Tour From Edinburgh

Are you interested in seeing some of the best Scotland has to offer, in just one tour? If so, do yourself a favor and check out the From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, & the Highlands Day Tour.

You’ll get to learn and see first-hand some of the most important historical sites, going back in time hundreds (if not thousands) of years with some stories!

Start out early in the morning, where you’ll head to the Royal Mile in Edinburgh to meet your group and guide. The coach will pick you up, which has plenty of room, cushioned seats, and big windows for prime viewing.

Your guide will let you know what to expect for the tour, and you’ll head towards the Highlands. On the way, you’ll get to see the famous Forth Bridges which have spanned 3 centuries if you can believe it!

Not to mention, there’s no other in the world that look like them. Then, your mouth will start watering when you take a break to enjoy some fresh home baking in the hospitable town of Pitlochry.

After you’ve had your fill, head to the Cairngorms National Park, which holds a whopping quarter of the country’s native forest. After your walk, take a breather at Loch Ness. No need to walk around – just relax and take in these majestic views. You can choose to stay on shore or hop on a boat for a “monster-spotting” cruise on the way to Urquhart Castle.

Next, visit Glen Coe – an area that has quite the brutal yet interesting history. Your guide will tell you all about the infamous MacDonald Clan massacre in 1692, and you may even catch site of a native red deer or golden eagle!

Then, pass by the gorgeous city of Stirling, with its famous castle. This area also packs quite the shocking history, with stories of bloody battles, William Wallace, and more.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise From Dochgarroch

Now, we have something a little bit different for you on this tour. If you are interested in exploring Scotland but have a packed schedule, this is just the tour for you. The Dochgarroch: Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise packs a lot of excitement and beauty in!

Not only that, but there are various departure times so you get to choose which one works best for your day. Just make sure to get there at least 15 minutes before boarding, as they’re on a tight schedule. There is parking available on-location so it’s quite easy to get there.

Once you arrive to your meeting point, you’ll get to board the cruise which you’ll notice is a great experience right from the get-go. The guides are very professional, kind, funny, and obviously very well-educated on the area.

The boat is the perfect size for traveling through the canals yet still allows for open deck seating on the second level and indoor seating with large windows just in case it starts raining.

Not only that, but it comes with a bar if you’re in the mood for a drink while taking in the beautiful views. With free wi-fi on board, you can also make sure to stay in contact with friends and family back home, or post videos and photos in real-time of your adventure.

There’s a wide array of delicious Scottish snacks on board, too! They seem to have everything covered, and if you have any questions, there’s always someone willing to help.

You’ll head all the way to Urquhart Castle from Dochgarroch Loch on the Caledonian Canal. The guide will tell you and your group captivating stories of the history of the area and its significance present-day.

Keep watch just in case Nessie makes an appearance – everyone is sure to be talking about her, too!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Edinburgh and Glasgow Tour Guide

Getting There

Edinburgh and Glasgow are just 48 miles away from each other, meaning that you could probably decide which one to fly into going off of which flights are cheaper. Edinburgh is slightly more centrally-located but if a flight from your city is significantly less expensive to Glasgow then do that.

Most big cities in the US offer direct flights to Edinburgh, and many on the east coast offer directs to Glasgow, as well. Most major European airports include direct flights there, and the flights are typically quite short. For US to Scotland flights, check out WestJet, Virgin Atlantic, United, Norwegian, Delta, American, KLM, and Air France, among others.

Getting Around

Getting around Edinburgh is a breeze, put easily. This is great, because much of the year is wet and can get a bit chilly. Not only that, but its relatively small size and fresh air makes it nice to stroll around if the weather is right.

Bus – The vast majority of the city’s attractions are located right in the city center, so if you’re near the Royal Mile you won’t need to do much more than perhaps hop on a bus every now-and-then. Buses run 24 hours a day, and make it really easy to get from the city center to the outskirts of town and vice-versa.

You won’t have to wait more than a few minutes for a bus, either, as Edinburgh boasts various bus companies. However, the two you’re likely to utilize are either Lothian or First. They share bus stops, though make sure you pay attention to bus numbers and tickets (make sure they associate). If you aren’t staying close to the city center, you may want to go ahead and purchase a Lothian day-ticket.

Tram – To get to/from the Edinburgh airport, there’s the ultra-helpful tram. With 1 route and 15 stops it’s not very comprehensive, but with a city of this size it really doesn’t need much more.

Taxis – Taxis in Edinburgh are much nicer than what we’re used to in the US. They’re spacious, actually comfortable, if not a bit high-class. These black cabs can fit a whopping 5 people aside the driver without the need to squash in.

Glasgow is pretty similar in this regard – it’s compact and easy to get around. It’s very walkable, and most attractions are located in the city center.

Subway – The subway is very helpful, running around the city center, west, and southside of the city. It comes every 4 minutes, and to go through every one of its 15 stations takes less than half an hour. If there for more than a few days, we recommend grabbing their Subway Smartcard to save a bit of cash.

Train – Glasgow Central Station connects to Glasgow from the south, and Glasgow Queen Street Station operates to the north and connects to Edinburgh as well. It’s very comfortable and easy to fall asleep on if you aren’t watching the beautiful scenery outside!

Bus – Operating over a whopping 80 routes across the city, there are all kinds of tickets to select from. Day tickets are perfect if you’re going to stay briefly, but weekly tickets can save you some money if you’re staying longer than that. If you need an easy way to get to/from the airport, check out First Bus which takes just 15 minutes to get from the airport to the city center.

Taxi – Hop into a Glasgow cab, and you may just make a friend with these friendly drivers. Running 5-seaters and 6-seaters, they’re spacious and easy to flag down.

Where to Stay

There are a lot of great neighborhoods to stay in Edinburgh, but it all depends on what your priorities are. Everywhere you turn, there is beautiful architecture, history, and friendly people.

Leith – If you’re into good food, then look no further. Once the neighborhood full of immigrants from around the world, you can imagine the varied cuisine offered in Leith. Leith Walk has a bit of a hippie vibe going on, while Leith Docks features beautiful apartments, royal yacht, and more. There are all kinds of grocery stores and eateries from all kinds of countries, and you have to check out their Saturday market.

We recommend the Malmaison Edinburgh, Mayfair House, or Hermitage Guest House for those on a tight budget.

Stockbridge – If you’re traveling with the entire family, we recommend staying in this former village that became part of the city. This is a way to see the authentic Edinburgh locals know, with all kinds of cafes, restaurants, and pubs. This is the trendiest part of the city, located very close to the center with a bit of a hipster vibe.

For luxury, check out The Raeburn. Nira Caledonia is a gorgeous option with period features and lovely garden.

Old Town/Royal Mile – If it’s your first time in Edinburgh, you just have to stay here. It’s reportedly the most haunted part of the city, which is really saying a lot considering the entire city is one of the most haunted in the world. The architecture is breathtaking, and the history is rich. The Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, tons of free museums, bars, pubs, restaurants, and so much more is here. It’s very walkable, with charming cobblestone streets.

Check out the Radisson Blue, Apex Grassmarket Hotel, or Ibis South Bridge.

New Town – Built after the great fire of 1824, it sits in the shadow of the Edinburgh Castle and features the beautiful Princes Street Gardens, along with plenty of high-fashion bars and eateries on George Street. The gorgeous Georgian architecture that lines these streets is stunning, and you can expect many luxury hotels here.

Glasgow is quite similar, and most of the best hotels are located in the city center.

Central Glasgow – If it’s your first time, this should be your top choice. The top attractions are all here, such as the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis. Thanks to the 2 major train stations and Buchanan Street Bus Station all being located here, you can easily get to any other part of the city (or other cities) from here.

Try the Ibis Styles Glasgow Centre West, Grasshopper Hotel, or Hotel Indigo Glasgow.

George Square – If you’re a history buff, George Square is another top neighborhood to consider staying in. Dating back to the late 18^th-century, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. However, it is a bit more expensive. The Z Hotel and Native Glasgow are our top options and perfect for walking to all hot spots.

Merchant City – If you want to go shopping and sightseeing, consider staying just south of George Square, in Merchant City. Argyle Street and Ingram Street are located here, and are considered the best places for shopping in the city. The Fraser Suites are great for families, while the Moxy Glasgow Merchant City is stunning and high-end.

Restaurants and Eating Out

Edinburgh is known for having delicious meat and shellfish, but there’s a ton of different cuisine in the city you have to try.

Aizle – Focused on local, seasonal ingredients, this neo-bistro has a kind of countryside vibe with beautiful plants hanging from the ceiling. This food is as fresh as it gets, and is conveniently located in the Kimpton Charlotte Square in the heart of the city. Their set 6-course menu changes all the time, and is a great way to sample some native gems.

Fhior – This Scandi-style location means “true” in Gaelic and uses foraged ingredients and local produce to create their 7-course and 10-course menus. This is the perfect date night spot, and will get you out of your flavor comfort zone. They even hand you a mysterious envelope to take home afterward!

Timberyard – This hipster-esque location serves up delicious drinks and desserts, and is usually booked for months ahead. However, service is attentive and the trendy warehouse spot uses wood-burning stoves to cook their Scandic-influenced bites.

Greenwoods – If you want to stay full all day long, grab some breakfast or brunch in the city center at Greenwoods. Offering traditional English breakfast with a twist, it’s relatively new and has some great vegetarian and vegan options as well.

Café St. Honoré – Incredible food with friendly service is waiting for you at this little quirky place. This charming bistro offers traditional French cuisine with some traditional Scottish ingredients and dishes as well. We highly recommend the smoked trout with horseradish!

Glasgow has a lot of traditional and international options, but all we’ve tried are delicious.

Julie’s Kopitiam – For mouthwatering comfort food, head to this Malaysian restaurant located on Pollokshaws Road. Great service, reasonable prices, and delicious tamarind pork! This is the perfect place for a cold, rainy day.

Kimchi Cult – For something quick and flavorful, check this Korean-style fast food joint out. Located in the West End, it’s affordable and something different. Try the kimchi cheese fries!

The Ubiquitous Chip – Opened back in 1971, they’ve remained true to their contemporary Scottish cuisine. From venison haggis to halibut, it’s upscale without being pretentious. Their friendly staff, beautiful courtyard, and amazing food has made it one of the city’s most beloved restaurants.

The Finnieston – This rustic location may just have the best fish and chips ever, if not the best ambiance in Glasgow. This Scottish seafood restaurant and premium gin bar is a great way to spend an evening or afternoon.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Edinburgh has a pretty nice nightlife, and is more than just pubs. Though you would be remiss to not visit the pubs, too!

Frankenstein – Housed in a 19^th-century church, it’s one of the city’s oldest bars, offering a relaxing atmosphere that welcomes you in. It’s a place you have to visit at least once, though you’re sure to come back for more once you see their enormous TV with black-and-white movies on, or the massive Frankenstein that comes out of the ceiling every hour with smoke and flashing lights galore!

Three Sisters – Oh man, this place is a blast. If you want to hang with friendly locals and grab a good beer, this is the place to be. It’s a hot spot for both locals and tourists, thanks to its inviting beer garden and cheap drinks. Try to catch one of their food festivals or watch a sports game on the large projector screen!

Ensign Ewart – Yet another oldie, this traditional bar has been around since 1680 if you can believe it. If you’re coming back from Edinburgh Castle, you have to stop by for a Scottish whiskey. Live music is common here, and will surely transport you back in time.

Beer & Skittles – Located in New Town, it’s an interesting place that shows sports matches on its various TVs, has plenty of billiards, and fruity cocktails. In the US, that may be a weird combination but here it’s one of the most popular places to be. Try their Skittle Tipple: a vodka infused with skittles!

Tonic – With some of the best DJs in the city, this chill lounge features interesting cocktails, delicious food, and a great place to head with a date or friends.

Why Not – This one is a bit more high-energy, with a large dance floor, LED room, and massive outdoor patio.

The Hive – Yet another high-energy spot, it’s filled with university students and many tourists. There are also fantastic DJs that come here – many top international artists. The drinks are cheap and the vibes are good.

Glasgow is notorious for being loud and wild, but that’s not always the case. Sure, if that’s what you’re looking for, you can find it quite easily. However, there are plenty of smooth places made for sipping a fine cocktail over interesting conversation.

Kelvingrove Café – This beautiful bar is easy to spend hours in, with inventive cocktails like their “Death on the Nile”. Made with gin, Violette, and orange liqueur topped with prosecco, it’s a bit upscale yet inviting.

The Finnieston – We mentioned it already for its delicious fish and chips, but it’s also a hot drinking spot. Their gin-based cocktail menu works perfectly with their comfortable booths and stunning brick interiors.

Blythswood Square – If you want the most upscale location to drink a few cocktails in, this is it. The luxe bar serves you incredible drinks in magnificent glassware making for some great photo ops.

Café Gandolfi – Located above their café, grab a martini with a plate of smoked haddock and just enjoy the vibe.

Weather

In Edinburgh you can expect it to be generally quite wet. However, summers are cool and partly-cloudy. This makes it the highest tourist season, though it typically doesn’t get above 72 degrees. Winter can get cold, with a lot of rainfall. Due to this, we recommend always packing along layers – especially a waterproof outer layer.

Attractions

Edinburgh seems like 2 different cities put together, with the Old Town and New Town. However, most attractions are located along the Royal Mile and all are easy to access.

Edinburgh Castle – Undoubtedly the entire country’s most famous landmark, it’s been occupied by humans since at least the Iron Age. This mighty stronghold was once the residence of Scottish monarchs, sitting 443 feet above sea level. Now, it serves mostly as a museum with its Scottish National War Memorial, National War Museum, and Crown Jewels.

Palace of Holyroodhouse – The Queen’s official Edinburgh residence was built in 1678 and has been the location of many important ceremonies and court sessions over the centuries. The Great Gallery is quite fascinating, and if traveling with children you have to let them dress up in the Family Room costumes!

Arthur’s Seat/Salisbury Crags – At 82 feet tall, Arthur’s Seat is the highest point in all of Holyrood Park. That and the Salisbury Crags are both very easy to climb and one of the best ways to see the city.

Royal Yacht Britannia – Hop on board, and learn about the history of this yacht that’s served the Royal Family for over 40 years. The Royal Apartments are absolutely beautiful, and you will enjoy some tea and cakes in the Royal Deck Tea Room.

National Museum of Scotland – Only just over 10 years old, it’s a wonderful way to see and learn about Scottish history. Its 16 galleries hold more than 8,000 artifacts, including Dolly the Sheep: the first cloned mammal. There are many other medieval artifacts, pieces of art, and more.

Camera Obscura – Learn about local history and see optical illusions in this pinhole camera located in a gorgeous Victorian rooftop room. Having been around since 1853 for entertainment, it still captivates us today.

St. Giles Cathedral – Almost 1000 years old, St. Giles Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is the city’s main church. Known for its 161-foot-tall central tower and 8 arched buttresses, they create an enormous crown which is amazing in photos.

Glasgow also has a ton to offer, from amazing architecture and history, to art and music, to vast parks and open spaces.

Glasgow Cathedral – This is the most important building int eh city, constructed in the 12^th-centruy. With pristine attention to detail, it features clear lines and a massive crypt which holds the tomb of St. Mungo – founder of the bishopric. While it is free, donations are always welcome.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – If not for the art and artifacts, at least come here from the impressive architecture! Opened in 1901, it holds a large collection of British and international paintings, like Van Gogh’s portrait of Alexander Reid or Dalí’s Christ of Saint John of the Cross.

George Square – We mentioned it before, and we’ll say it again: George Square is beautiful and is dominated by the gorgeous Town Hall and its massive tower completed in 1890.

Necropolis – This one is beautiful, if not a bit ominous. Known as the “city of the dead”, this Victorian Gothic garden cemetery covers an immense 37 acres and is known as one of the most haunted places in the world.

Riverside Museum and Tall Ship – This museum is unlike any other we’ve seen, with exhibits from model ships, trams, and horse-drawn carriages. The Tall Ship is docked right outside, and you can even explore this 3-masted wonder.

Glasgow Tower – As the country’s tallest building, it stands over 400 feet tall and offers some of the best views of the city a full 360 degrees.

Tips

1. Always be prepared for rain. Even in the summertime, it’s not unheard of for it to start raining down. If coming during the summer months, a lightweight waterproof outer layer should do just fine.

2. Bring your stretchy pants. With all that fish and chips and gin, you may want to break out those pants so you’ll be able to walk home comfortably.

3. Be prepared for minges. These little flying insects love to bite any exposed bit of skin, and like to hang out in the Scottish Highlands. If you see any nearby, try to keep your eyes and mouth closed!

4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Scottish locals are some of the friendliest, most hospitable people around and always seem eager to help out a newbie with recommendations or directions.