Scotland · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Scottish Boat Trips: The 15 Best Sailings

34 tours  ·  from $25

The lochs are deep, cold and best seen from the water, and the sea trips add puffins and seals. The 15 below range from a forty-minute cruise on Loch Ness to a full day among the islands, each priced and clear on sailing times.

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise - Callander and Loch Lomond scenery
Boat Tours in Edinburgh, Cruises & Boat Tours, Edinburgh Tours, Loch Ness Tours, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

1.Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,022 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $84Our pick

Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking guide such as Jim, Kenny, Shea, or Andrew. Stop at Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Spean Bridge, and Pitlochry, then cruise Loch Ness. Expect stunning scenery, local stories, regular breaks, and a very long day on the road.

“Kenny was the best guide, he played local music for the area on our ride. Extremely informative, great driver and host.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness - Clava Cairns and the Outlander connection
Boat Tours in Inverness, Castle Tours in Inverness, Cruises & Boat Tours, Inverness Tours, Loch Ness Tours, Outlander Tours, Outlander Tours in Inverness, Scottish Castle Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness

2.Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,384 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) Top rated

Spend about nine hours exploring the Highlands around Inverness with a Scottish guide such as Iain, Karen, Emma, or Torquil. Cruise Loch Ness, visit Urquhart Castle, stop in Beauly for lunch, walk Culloden Battlefield, and see the Outlander-linked Clava Cairns. Transport, the cruise, and castle entry are included.

“We had an incredible experience on our tour from Inverness to Loch Ness, Outlander sites, and Urquhart Castle all thanks to the wonderful team of Iain and Tony. Iain was our driver and main guide, and he was outstanding. His commentary throughout the day was informative, engaging, and full of wit. He brought Highland history and folklore to life and added personal touches that made the journey feel both intimate and immersive. His deep knowledge of the area and easygoing nature made the tour an absolute pleasure. Tony was behind the scenes making sure everything ran smoothly from timing the cruise to coordinating stops and keeping the group comfortable and…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Loch Ness & the Highlands Day Tour from Glasgow Including Cruise - What the guides add to the experience
Cruises & Boat Tours, Glasgow Tours, Loch Ness Tours, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Loch Ness & the Highlands Day Tour from Glasgow Including Cruise

3.Loch Ness & the Highlands Day Tour from Glasgow Including Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,211 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $83

Travel from Glasgow in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, and the Highlands. Enjoy a 50-minute Loch Ness cruise, scenic photo stops, and lively guiding from drivers such as Maggie, John, James, and Cameron. Bring lunch money, walking shoes, and patience for a very long day.

“Our tour to Loch Ness was thoroughly enjoyable, with a journey that offered breathtaking scenery throughout. Our guide was attentive and ensured we paused at all the picturesque spots for photo opportunities and convenient pit stops, which were much appreciated. The only drawback was the length of the journey, which limited the time available at each stop. As multiple tour buses tended to arrive simultaneously at popular locations, this occasionally led to congestion. As a result, purchasing food became challenging, and at times, we had to forgo it altogether.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch - Loch Dochfour is the bridge to the main event
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Inverness, Cruises & Boat Tours, Inverness Tours, Loch Ness Tours, Tour Reviews

Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch

4.Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,158 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $42

From Dochgarroch Lock, you’ll cruise the Caledonian Canal, Loch Dochfour, and Loch Ness for two hours. Live guides such as Malcolm, Kieran, and Peter share history, jokes, and Nessie tales while you watch for Urquhart Castle, Bona Lighthouse, Aldourie Castle, and a wartime aircraft crash site. Indoor seating, outdoor decks, snacks, drinks, and whisky are available.

“Interesting experience on Loch Ness. Be prepared for cold temperatures this time of year and dress accordingly. Your guide was most informative.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views - Who will enjoy this cruise most
1-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Inverness, Castle Tours in Inverness, Cruises & Boat Tours, Inverness Tours, Loch Ness Tours, Scottish Castle Tours, Tour Reviews

Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views

5.Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,102 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30

From Clansman Harbour, cruise Loch Ness aboard a catamaran with indoor seating, an open-air deck, Wi-Fi, sonar, and an onboard bar. Listen to commentary on Nessie, local history, and the loch as you approach Urquhart Castle. Guide Kieran has been praised for his lively humor, though castle access is not included.

“Extremely well organized , great scenery of Loch Ness and amazing views of the Urquhart castle from the boat . Highly recommend .”

Check availability →Read our full review

Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle visit from Inverness - Meeting the coach at Inverness Bus Station
Boat Tours in Inverness, Castle Tours in Inverness, Cruises & Boat Tours, Inverness Tours, Loch Ness Tours, Scottish Castle Tours, Tour Reviews

Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle visit from Inverness

6.Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle visit from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 572 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $78

Travel from Inverness Bus Station by air-conditioned coach to Dochgarroch Lock, cruise Loch Ness, and step ashore at Urquhart Castle. You’ll have time for the castle ruins and Loch Ness Centre, with guides such as Linda, Kieran, and Katie often leading the day. Expect striking views, local stories, and a tightly timed four-hour outing.

“We chose this tour due to having a free day but wanting to spend all day. The tour guide was on time, friendly and knowledgeable about Loch Ness. The boat ride was fun and the scenery was beautiful. Well worth it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Cruise Day Tour from Glasgow - The 16-seat Mercedes minicoach from Glasgow
Castle Tours in Glasgow, Cruises & Boat Tours, Glasgow Tours, Loch Lomond Tours, Scottish Castle Tours, Stirling Castle Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Cruise Day Tour from Glasgow

7.Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Cruise Day Tour from Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 566 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $98

Leave Glasgow in a 16-seat Mercedes minicoach for Stirling Castle, the Trossachs, Callander, and Loch Lomond. Castle admission and a one-hour cruise are included. Guides such as Cameron, Maggie, Nick, and John are known for lively history, local stories, music, and flexible photo stops. Expect a full 9-hour day with scenic roads, a relaxed lunch break, and limited free time at each main stop.

“The tour of Stirling Castle, the Trossachs and Loch Lomond cruise was a wonderful experience for our family. The tour bus was comfortable. The commentary knowledgeable and engaging. This tour provided the perfect means to see sites more easily. Thank you for such a nice day.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Three Bridges Cruise - South Queensferry, Hawes Pier, and the first practical hurdle
Boat Tours in Edinburgh, Cruises & Boat Tours, Edinburgh Tours, Tour Reviews

Edinburgh Three Bridges Cruise

8.Edinburgh Three Bridges Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 442 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

From South Queensferry, cruise beneath the Forth Bridge and past Inchcolm Island, with live or recorded commentary on local history, engineering, and wildlife. You can remain aboard for the full 90 minutes or, when scheduling allows, pay extra to land on the island and explore its medieval abbey. Enclosed seating and a bar are available.

“The boat tour was fun, with lots of facts about the area and wildlife, and of course the bridges. The staff were friendly and had lots of extra stories and fun facts to offer as we sailed. Getting off at Incholm Island was the highlight, the Abbey had so much to see, plus walking to the war area was great too. Going through that tunnel and then the views from the top, amazing. Would absolutely recommend the boat tour with the island stop!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Fort William Seal Island Cruise - Passing the Caledonian Canal entrance
Cruises & Boat Tours, Fort William Tours, Tour Reviews

Fort William Seal Island Cruise

9.Fort William Seal Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 422 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $52

Cruise from Fort William’s Town Centre Pier across Loch Linnhe, with views of Ben Nevis, the Caledonian Canal, local industry, seabirds, and Seal Island. The crew provides lively commentary, slows near the seals, and sells hot drinks, snacks, and alcoholic beverages onboard. The boat carries up to 80 people and welcomes dogs.

“It was a very relaxing way to enjoy Loch Linnhe and learn about local history and sights. I especially enjoyed watching the seals. Our guide and Skipper along with the rest of the crew were very friendly and full of wonderful information!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Stunning 90-Minute Firth of Forth Sightseeing Cruise Adventure - A close look at the Forth Bridge
Boat Tours in Edinburgh, Cruises & Boat Tours, Edinburgh Tours, Tour Reviews

Stunning 90-Minute Firth of Forth Sightseeing Cruise Adventure

10.Stunning 90-Minute Firth of Forth Sightseeing Cruise Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 237 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $24Best value

From Hawes Pier in South Queensferry, you’ll cruise beneath the red Forth Bridge, view the newer road and rail bridges, and pass Inchcolm Island. The crew provides commentary on bridges, islands, wildlife, and North Sea industry. Inchcolm landing passes may be available separately. A bar, food, and restrooms are on board.

“We messed up our reservation & these folks were so kind & helpful in getting everything back on track. The trip on the boat was fantastic!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boat Seafari Adventure - Searching for bottlenose dolphins
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

Boat Seafari Adventure

11.Boat Seafari Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 192 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $52

Set out from Broughty Ferry with SaltDog Marine for about an hour on the Tay Estuary. A local guide, often Ian, gives live commentary as you search for bottlenose dolphins, grey seals, seabirds, and fine views of Dundee. The speedboat carries a small group of up to 10 people, with several departure times available.

“A well informed, safe and excellent trip that I would recommend to others, and at a reasonable cost.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Loch Ness Cruise, Scenic Walk, Whisky & Glencoe Tour - Edinburgh - The Hermitage and its Highland waterfall
Boat Tours in Edinburgh, Cruises & Boat Tours, Edinburgh Tours, Glencoe Tours, Loch Ness Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh, Whisky & Distillery Tours, Whisky Tours in Edinburgh

Loch Ness Cruise, Scenic Walk, Whisky & Glencoe Tour – Edinburgh

12.Loch Ness Cruise, Scenic Walk, Whisky & Glencoe Tour – Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $90

Spend about 12 hours crossing the Highlands from Edinburgh with stops at the Hermitage, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Tyndrum, and Kilmahog. The day includes scenic walks, a distillery visit, optional Loch Ness cruise, Highland cows, and stories from guides such as Cameron, Harris, Richie, Pete, and Magnus. Expect a comfortable ride, many miles, and limited hiking.

“Richie as our Scotland's Wild tour guide was the most fantastic experience ever. My husband and I did the 1-day Loch Ness/Hermitage/Glen Coe tour. What a kind man and amazing human. Please promote him, pay him more, give him whatever whiskys he wants, as he deserves the world. Also, the small van is a more more enjoyable experience than the large 40+ buses from another tour company we did, so that is a major sustain. Please book Scotland's Wild - this was everything we could ask for in a tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Gaskan cruise – Golden Eagles!

13.Gaskan cruise – Golden Eagles!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Set out from Glenfinnan on a 2.5-hour Loch Shiel cruise in English with a guide and captain. Hear about the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Bonnie Prince Charlie, local geology, and nearby landmarks while watching for golden eagles, red deer, and birds of prey. The intimate boat carries up to 30 people and returns to the pier.

“We only went on the trip to see the Eagles. Not a single sighting of any wildlife except seagulls, very disappointed.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting! - Stop 2: Glenfinnan Monument from the water
Cruises & Boat Tours, Harry Potter Tours, Tour Reviews

Glenaladale Cruise – Great for wizard spotting!

14.Glenaladale Cruise – Great for wizard spotting!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $41

Set out from Glenfinnan at 10:40 a.m. for a two-hour Loch Shiel cruise with guides such as Ali and Stewart. You will see the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Monument, and St. Mary and Saint Finnan Church from the water, with binoculars, blankets, drinks, and wildlife spotting available onboard.

“The crew members are very entertaining. Despite the terrible weather we had a good time. They are very on time”

Check availability →Read our full review

Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness Sightseeing Cruise - Crossing into Loch Ness
Boat Tours in Inverness, Cruises & Boat Tours, Inverness Tours, Loch Ness Tours, Tour Reviews

Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness Sightseeing Cruise

15.Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 59 reviews · from $30

Cruise from Dochgarroch Lock along the Caledonian Canal and into Loch Ness, watching for Aldourie Castle, Bona Lighthouse, and Nessie on the onboard sonar. Visit Urquhart Castle for about an hour, then return by coach with a guide. The boat portion lasts about 50 minutes, while the full outing takes roughly 2.5 hours.

“This tour was exactly as described. The cruise left on time and was lovely. The bus left a little early and everyone was waiting for us. Leave a bit of time to find the bus. It will be well above the building.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Cruises & Boat Tours

★ 5.0ULLAPOOL PORT Cruise Ship Tour, Ardvreck Castle, Rocks & MoreFrom $2035 reviews
★ 5.0Half Day Sailing TripFrom $14311 reviews
★ 5.0Full Day Sailing TripFrom $24110 reviews
★ 5.0One Day Private Sailing from Oban Marina with Lunch7 reviews
★ 5.0Outlander Shore Trip from Invergordon Cruise Terminal3 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Outlander Experience (inc Invergordon Cruise Port)16 reviews
★ 5.0Invergordon Cruise Tour Loch Ness and Culloden5 reviews
★ 4.5Invergordon Cruise Excursion PRIVATE Tour9 reviews
★ 5.0Invergordon Cruise Ship Tour Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch, Distillery3 reviews
★ 5.0Private Tour of Glasgow Distilleries and a Loch Lomond Cruise13 reviews
★ 5.0Fort William Speed Boat Adventure 60 minutesFrom $6111 reviews
★ 5.0Greenock Cruise Excursion- Lochs and Castle Tour. Entry fees Inc.From $19827 reviews
★ 5.0Invergordon cruise excursion Small Group Dunrobin Castle & MoreFrom $17610 reviews

Keep browsing

Isle of Skye Tours64Orkney Tours18Hebrides Island Tours15Scottish Islands Tours9Shore Excursions23
Scroll to Top

Explore the country

Pick a glen, a distillery or a castle.

Castles and battlefields

Castle ToursEdinburgh CastleStirling CastleEilean DonanCulloden

Whisky and the table

Distillery ToursSpeysideIslayGin TastingsFood Tours

Glens and lochs

The HighlandsLoch NessGlencoeLoch LomondThe Cairngorms

On foot and after dark

Walking ToursVault WalksHistory ToursOld Town WalksCycling Days