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Loch Ness: Tours & Tickets

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5 Loch Ness Monster Myths and Legends

Scotland's Loch Ness Monster has been the center of myth and tall tales for 1500 years. Though the Highlands are spectacular to see, its famous loch continues to lure visitors in hopes of a chance encounter with this elusive creature of the deep.

What lurks beneath the surface

What lurks beneath the surface

Some say that Scottish lore about mythological creatures living in its waters, such as kelpies, selkies and "water horses," fuels the fire of a monster prowling Loch Ness.

The saint that saved the day

The saint that saved the day

The first encounter was in 565 AD, when St. Columba drove a water beast away with the power of his voice and prevented it from devouring one of his companions in the water.

A grainy picture paints a thousand words

A grainy picture paints a thousand words

Road work along the shore in 1933 seemed to rouse Nessie from the deep, and a year later a black-and-white photo revealed a slender neck and small head emerging above the surface.

Jurassic proportions

Jurassic proportions

Nessie's features ironically resemble a plesiosaurus, a sea reptile that looks like a lizard with flippers and lived in the early Jurassic period 200 million years ago.

Let sleeping monsters lie

Let sleeping monsters lie

Extensive use of technology has yet to find the mythical monster. Though if ever caught, ancient legend predicts a catastrophic end of the region--it's food for thought!

Our insider tips

Getting to Loch Ness

If you're renting a car, take the A82 highway to reach the visitors' center in Drumnadrochit, which is on the northwest shore of Loch Ness. If you're relying on bus service, there are daily departures from Inverness (30 minutes) and Fort Williams (1 1/2 hours).

Loch Ness activities

The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in Drumnadrochit exhibits the history of the region and the hunt for Nessie. The biggest attraction is, of course, a one-hour cruise on Loch Ness, complete with sonar equipment and underwater cameras just in case. Apart from the monster-mania, Urquhart Castle is nearby and worth a visit. Though blown to bits in 1692 and left in ruins, it provides amazing views of Loch Ness from its elevated location.

When to go

Scotland's weather is variable. You could wake up to grey and rain, but then bask in sunshine by lunchtime. May and June are recommendable months to visit, as the weather is generally fine, and the days are long. Consider September, as well, when the crowds are less and fall is in the air.

Good to know

  • When should I visit?
    Hours will depend largely on your means of transportation. Tours of the loch will have limited times.
  • Is it expensive?
    Prices vary by tour or mode of transportation, as well as the activities you plan to do there.
  • Will I need a guide?
    It's not necessary, but for a short visit, a guide can point out the best locations to see.
  • How to get there
    Loch Ness is reachable by car or bus, with many tours passing through from major cities.
  • Additional information
    Be prepared for rain while visiting and pack accordingly! Pay attention to transportation times when planning your visit!

What people are saying about Loch Ness

Overall rating
4.5 / 5
based on 9,268 reviews

Lovely tour,beautiful scenery,very informative

This is a lovely tour with the most breathtaking scenery.Our bus driver was very knowledgeable.However clients need to be aware that there is an extra cost involved if you want to travel on the ferry on the Lochness.This is not advertised.Please carry cash with you,I think it was £15 per adult & £9 per child.Also we were told by email that it would be a short 5 minute walk from our hotel which was The Double Tree Hilton to the pick up point which was the Marriott hotel.When I asked the concierge the night before the tour to direct us she laughed & said the tour operator was mistaken ,it was approximately 15 minutes by car. We hired a taxi.If you are staying around that area give yourself 15-20 minutes to get to the Marriott hotel depending on the traffic.Our bus driver was kind enough to drop us off at our hotel after the tour as it ends quite late

Loch Ness & The Highlands with Hotel Pick-Up from Edinburgh Reviewed by

Great day trip. Excellent driver. Well worth a visit.

Excellent driver (Neil) very friendly and knowledgeable. Great day out, nice weather and locations were very scenic. Overall very well organised. Loch Ness and the Castle were great. Even had the excitement of a Coastguard training exercise (landing a man on our boat) on the boat journey back from Castle Urquhart.

From Inverness: Ultimate Loch Ness Full-Day Tour Reviewed by

It was on a big coach with a group of 17 European teenagers.

I thought I had booked for a small group tour. The big coach driver, Jason was excellent, the guide John was excellent. It was not their fault that teenagers with limited English and limited interest in Scotland’s highlands, basically, “ ruled” the coach.

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, & the Highlands Day Tour Reviewed by

A full day’s outing showing the delights of the Highllands

Packed in a taste of the delights of the Scottish Countryside, Lochs and Castles including a little of the old Scotch ! A highly enjoyable day, albeit a very long one, but excellent for those on a short visit.

Loch Ness, Highlands & Whisky Distillery Tour from Edinburgh Reviewed by

Spectacular scenery with great guide named ROSS.

Saw a lot; did a lot. Ross was a great guide telling us stories about folklore, Scottish history, playing music for us on the long drives & an overall pleasant guy for a 5 day tour.

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & The Highlands 5-Day Tour Reviewed by

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