About Cruise Loch Ness
Cruise Loch Ness is a family-run boat tour operator based at the Caledonian Canal in Fort Augustus, at the southern tip of Loch Ness. Operating since 1968, they are one of the longest-established cruise companies on the loch, offering a range of boat experiences from gentle scenic cruises to high-speed RIB adventures across the deepest freshwater lake in the British Isles. Their canalside base in the charming village of Fort Augustus provides a picturesque starting point where the canal locks descend directly into the loch.
The fleet includes traditional passenger cruises with heated cabins and open decks, fast speedboat tours that cover more of the loch in less time, and RIB (rigid inflatable boat) adventures for those wanting an adrenaline-fuelled ride across the water. All trips include commentary on the history, geology, and legends of Loch Ness and the Great Glen, and the southern departure point offers views and perspectives that differ significantly from the more popular Inverness end. Private charters are available for special occasions and group bookings.
What sets Cruise Loch Ness apart is the Fort Augustus perspective. Most visitors approach the loch from the Inverness end, but departing from the south gives access to the quieter, wilder stretches of water where the loch is at its deepest and the surrounding hills feel closest. The variety of vessel types means there is something for every taste, from a relaxing afternoon cruise to a white-knuckle speedboat blast, all run by a crew with decades of experience on these waters.
