Best Things To Do in Loch Ness: 5 Fun Activities

If you’re heading up to the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is likely already on your must-visit list. There are plenty of ways to get there - by car, public transport, or on a guided tour - but once you arrive, the question is what to do. To help you plan, we’ve rounded up five of the best things to do in Loch Ness.

Loch Ness sits right in the heart of the Highlands, making it an easy and rewarding place to visit. If you’re based in Inverness, you can reach the loch in just 20 minutes by car. It’s also a natural stop if you’re travelling between the Isle of Skye and the east coast, so it fits easily into most Scotland itineraries. It’s also the reason why Loch Ness is an included stop on our guided Loch Ness tours and almost all our multi-day tours to the Isle of Skye. 

Surrounded by forests, rivers, hills, and waterfalls, Loch Ness delivers the kind of scenery people dream about when they picture the Highlands. Add to that its worldwide fame as the home of the Loch Ness Monster, and you’ve got a destination that blends myth with dramatic landscapes. 

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You’ll also find plenty of facilities nearby, including cafés, restaurants, petrol stations, accommodation, and visitor centres. The village of Fort Augustus at the southern tip of the loch is especially popular, with boat tours and easy access to the Caledonian Canal. 

Take a Loch Ness Boat Tour 

A boat tour is the classic way to experience Loch Ness and one of the most popular things to do in Loch Ness. Everyone secretly hopes to spot Nessie, and even if the monster stays hidden, the scenery and atmosphere make the cruise unforgettable. 

Boat trips with Cruise Loch Ness usually last around an hour and depart from Fort Augustus. The modern vessels are comfortable and equipped with sonar so you can see what’s happening beneath the surface. On board, you’ll hear stories and facts about the loch, and if the weather allows, you can enjoy the breeze from the open top deck. The lower deck has a bar too - perfect for warming up with a dram of whisky. 

🗓️ Timetable: Daily, all year (running at regular intervals) 

⌛ Duration: Approx. 1 hour 

🎟️ Admission: Adults from £21 (reduced tickets available for children and seniors)

💡 Tip: If you’re joining a Loch Ness day tour from Edinburgh or Glasgow, you can book the cruise as a discounted add-on.