Invergordon is the main cruise port for the Scottish Highlands, receiving ships from major lines throughout the season from April to October. You typically have 6 to 10 hours ashore. That is enough time to see a remarkable amount of the Highlands if you plan well. Here is how to make the most of it with a private shore excursion from Invergordon.
Where is Invergordon?
Invergordon sits on the Cromarty Firth, around 30 minutes north of Inverness by road. It is well positioned for the major Highland attractions: Loch Ness to the south-west, whisky distilleries to the north and west, Royal Dornoch and Dunrobin Castle to the north, and the scenic Black Isle and Beauly valley nearby. The port is modern and well-organised, and we meet you at the terminal building.
Option 1: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
This is the most popular choice and for good reason. The drive from Invergordon to Loch Ness takes around 45 minutes through attractive Highland scenery. At the loch, you can visit the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle perched above the water, take a boat cruise, or both. On the return journey, we pass through Inverness for a brief walk along the River Ness and past the castle. The whole excursion fits comfortably into 5 to 6 hours.
Option 2: Whisky distillery tour
The Highlands around Invergordon are rich in whisky. Glenmorangie in Tain is just 20 minutes north. Glen Ord near Muir of Ord is 40 minutes west. Dalmore, currently closed for renovation, is expected to reopen with a stunning new visitor experience. A whisky-focused excursion can include one or two distillery visits combined with a scenic drive through the surrounding glens.
See our guide to the best whisky distilleries near Inverness and our dedicated Invergordon whisky shore excursion.
Option 3: Golf at Royal Dornoch
Royal Dornoch is around 40 minutes north of Invergordon and is regularly ranked among the finest links courses in the world. We handle the transfer, wait while you play, and return you to the port in good time. You can combine a round at Dornoch with a visit to nearby Dunrobin Castle, a fairy-tale turreted house overlooking the sea.
Option 4: Castles and history
The region around Invergordon is rich in history. Dunrobin Castle, 30 minutes north, is one of Scotland's most striking stately homes with its French-style turrets and seaside gardens. Cawdor Castle, 45 minutes west, has its famous Macbeth connection and beautiful grounds. Culloden Battlefield, just south of Inverness, tells the story of the last Jacobite rising in 1746.
Our castles and Highland history tour combines several of these into a single day.
Option 5: Highland scenery drive
For a quieter day, we take the scenic route through the Black Isle, across to Beauly and into Glen Affric, often described as the most beautiful glen in Scotland. On the Black Isle, a stop at Chanonry Point offers one of the best chances in Britain to see bottlenose dolphins from the shore. This is a relaxed option for nature lovers who prefer landscape and wildlife over visitor attractions.
Timing your excursion
We coordinate with your ship's arrival and departure times. Your driver-guide meets you at the port terminal and has you back well before the ship sails. A typical excursion runs 7 to 8 hours, which is enough for a substantial day out. We build in a time buffer so there is never any rush at the end.
Why book a private excursion?
A private shore excursion from Invergordon means no large coach groups, no fixed itineraries and no waiting for 40 other passengers. You set the pace and the priorities. Your local driver-guide knows the roads, the history and the best stops. You travel in a comfortable Mercedes V-Class, and the door-to-port service means the logistics are handled entirely.
Chauffeur services from Inverness extend across the Highlands. Get in touch to plan your Invergordon day.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Loch Ness from Invergordon?
Loch Ness is roughly 45 minutes by car from Invergordon port. That makes it comfortably achievable within a standard 6 to 8 hour shore excursion, with time for Urquhart Castle, a boat cruise and a stop in Inverness on the way back.
Can you guarantee I will be back for the ship?
Yes. We plan every cruise excursion with a generous time buffer and monitor your ship's schedule throughout the day. We have never missed a sailing. Your driver-guide manages the timing so you can relax and enjoy the day.
How many people can you take?
Our Mercedes V-Class accommodates up to 7 passengers in comfort. For larger groups, we arrange additional vehicles so everyone travels together in the same style.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Cruise days at Invergordon are busy and our vehicles are in high demand. We recommend booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead, and earlier for peak season sailings in July and August.
Can you combine multiple stops?
Absolutely. Loch Ness plus a whisky distillery, or a castle visit followed by golf, are both popular combinations. We tailor the route to fit your interests and your available time ashore.
Related reading
Invergordon Shore Excursions · Loch Ness Tour from Inverness · Golf at Royal Dornoch · Castles and Highland History · Best Whisky Distilleries near Inverness
