Invergordon makes an excellent base for exploring the Scottish Highlands by boat. The area’s coastal scenery, fascinating castles, and legendary Loch Ness are best enjoyed from the water or with a boat tour. Whether you’re after a guided exploration of Dunrobin Castle, a whisky tasting cruise, or a Loch Ness adventure, Invergordon offers a variety of options that combine scenery, history, and local culture. Among my favorites is the Invergordon Cruise Excursion to Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch and more, which offers a full day of Highland sights with expert guides. It’s perfect if you want a rich, educational experience with plenty of photo opportunities.
For those seeking a more tailored experience, the Invergordon Cruise Excursion – Castle, Whisky and History Tour provides a private, personalized day exploring castles, distilleries, and scenic viewpoints. And if Outlander fans want to walk where Jamie and Claire did, the Invergordon cruise excursion to Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden is a perfect mix of filming locations, ancient sites, and Loch Ness.
Quick Overview
This list covers a range of boat and land-based cruise options. From full-day educational trips to private tours tailored to your interests, each offers a different way to experience the Highlands. Some tours focus on castles and historic sites like Dunrobin Castle, while others provide ** Loch Ness** sightings, Outlander filming locations, or whisky tastings. All are highly rated, with reviews praising guides and scenery alike.
1. Invergordon Cruise Excursion to Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch and more
This tour is a favorite for its comprehensive itinerary and rich storytelling. Over approximately 6 to 7 hours, you’ll explore Dunrobin Castle, one of Scotland’s most picturesque castles, with its stunning gardens and falconry displays. The journey also includes visits to Beauly Priory, a 13th-century monastic site, and the Old Town Jail in Dornoch, along with a stop at Millionaires Viewpoint—a scenic spot with sweeping Highlands views. The highlight is discovering the region’s history, from medieval monks to brave Scottish clans.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable, kilted guide who shares stories from the area’s past, making history feel alive. The reviews are glowing, with many saying it’s the highlight of their Scotland trip, praising the guide’s storytelling and the scenic stops like Beauly Priory and Dunrobin Castle. The price of around $187.71 includes all the scenic stops and activities, making it a good value for a full day.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rounded, educational, and scenic experience with a friendly guide, this tour is an excellent choice.
2. Invergordon Cruise Excursion – Castle, Whisky and History Tour
At number 2, this private tour offers a more personalized day exploring the Highlands. Starting with the Scenic Millionaires Viewpoint, you’ll then visit Dunrobin Castle (note that from November to April only the outside can be seen), and the Loch Fleet Nature Reserve—a haven for seals and birdlife. The star of this trip is the Glenmorangie Distillery, where you can sample some of Scotland’s finest whisky, making it ideal for whisky lovers.
What makes this tour stand out is the flexibility and customization—your guide adjusts the itinerary based on your interests. Reviewers mention the entertaining guide George and the ability to include golf stops or other sights. The itinerary is perfect for those who want a blend of history, scenery, and whisky tasting, with a price around $198.75 for roughly 7 hours of private exploration.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers looking for a tailored, intimate experience with a focus on Scottish whisky and scenic highlights.
3. Invergordon cruise excursion to Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden
This tour is ideal for Loch Ness enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Departing from Invergordon, it offers a full day (8-9 hours) of exploring Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, and the charming city of Inverness. You’ll get a chance to spot Highland cows, walk along the Loch’s shores, and learn about the last major battle on Scottish soil.
The tour includes stops at Robertson’s farm shop to see Highland cattle and at Culloden, where the final Jacobite uprising took place. The guide provides a vivid narrative, making history accessible and engaging. With a price of about $191.93, it’s a good value for those wanting a comprehensive Highlands experience on a comfortable day trip. Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s storytelling and the efficient itinerary.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting to see Loch Ness and Culloden in one trip, with plenty of photo stops and historical insights.
4. Invergordon cruise excursion to Loch Ness and Outlander Sites
Fans of the TV series Outlander will love this 7-hour tour that combines historic sites with filming locations. You’ll visit the Clava Cairns, a 4000-year-old burial site that inspired the stones Claire touched, then explore Culloden Battlefield, where the series’ climactic battle unfolds. The tour continues with Loch Ness, offering chances to spot Nessie and enjoy spectacular views.
What makes this trip special is the behind-the-scenes stories about the series and the opportunity to walk where Jamie and Claire once did. The tour is intimate, with reviews mentioning the entertaining and knowledgeable guides like Sarah and Allan. Price-wise, it’s a great pick for Outlander fans who want to enjoy the show’s Scotland.
Bottom Line: If you love Outlander, this tour delivers a memorable mix of scenic, historic, and TV-inspired sites.
5. Invergordon Cruise Tour Loch Ness and Culloden
This private group tour is ideal for those seeking a customized experience. With up to 7 people, you’ll explore Urquhart Castle, Clava Cairns, and Culloden Battlefield. The tour emphasizes flexibility, allowing the driver-guide to adapt the day to your interests, including a visit to the Singleton Distillery for whisky tasting.
Reviews highlight the expertise of guides like Alistair and George, who bring a wealth of local knowledge. The tour’s private nature makes it perfect for families or small groups wanting a more relaxed, tailored day. Its price, around $1163 for the group, reflects its exclusivity and customization options.
Bottom Line: Best for groups wanting a flexible, private Highland tour, with a mix of castles, historic sites, and whisky.
6. Invergordon Cruise Ship Tour Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch, Distillery
This 8-hour tour offers a bit of everything: sweeping views at Struie Hill, the Falls of Shin for salmon watching, and the highlights of Dunrobin Castle with its falconry display. You’ll also visit Dornoch, a charming town with a cathedral and shops, and finish with a visit to the Glenmorangie Distillery for a whisky tasting.
Guide John and others have rave reviews for their friendly professionalism and storytelling. It’s a flexible tour that balances scenic spots with cultural stops, priced at about $1163.39 for groups up to 7.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting diverse sights in a single day, including castles, waterfalls, and distilleries.
7. Invergordon Cruise Excursion PRIVATE Tour
Finally, the private tour offers ultimate flexibility. You can customize your entire day, choosing from sites like Clava Cairns, Culloden, or the Glenmorangie Distillery. It’s ideal for those with specific interests or limited time.
Guides are praised for their local expertise and ability to tailor the itinerary. The tour costs around $880.40 for up to 7 people, making it a good value for those who prefer exclusivity and a customized experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups seeking a personalized day with full control over the sights.
How to Choose the Right Boat & Cruise Tour in Invergordon
When selecting your tour, consider your interests and budget. Are you a history buff wanting to walk through Culloden and tour castles? The Invergordon Cruise Excursion to Dunrobin Castle offers a full, guided day with scenic highlights. If whisky tasting appeals, the Castle, Whisky and History Tour combines scenic stops with a distillery visit.
For Outlander fans, the Loch Ness and Outlander Sites delivers show-related locations with scenic beauty. Those wanting a more private experience should consider the private tours, which are customized to your preferences.
Think about your time constraints, interest level, and how much you want to spend. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak cruise season, to secure your preferred date and tour.
To sum it up, Invergordon offers a diverse array of boat and land-based tours that suit different interests—be it castles, whisky, Loch Ness, or Outlander sights. For a comprehensive Highland experience, the Dunrobin Castle and Sutherland Region trip stands out for its blend of scenery and culture. If you prefer a tailored day, private tours like the Castle, Whisky and History or private Highland excursions give you control and flexibility.
Whatever your interest, early booking will ensure you secure a spot on these popular trips. With such a variety, you’re bound to find an excursion that makes your visit to Invergordon truly memorable.