Scotland

Thanks to a continued commitment to outstanding customer service, Loch Ness by Jacobite has been awarded five stars for its cruises and tours by VisitScotland as well as the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and a Gold award for Green Tourism.

For more information, to view an interactive map of the destination points or register as a trade partner, visit www.jacobite.co.uk/trade/

All aboard for the mysteries and myths and stunning scenery of Loch Ness

Loch Ness by Jacobite has helped passengers to experience the mysteries and myths of the world famous Loch Ness for more than 40 years. Their friendly and professional crew entertain more than 100,000 visitors each year with award-winning cruises and tours on board an impressive fleet.

And there are now even more reasons to enjoy the Loch Ness by Jacobite experience, with:

• £1million further investment in the 5-star cruise and tour service.
• An impressive new vessel, the Jacobite Rebel.
• Enhanced on-board experience with live and audio presentations of the Loch Ness story.
• An additional summer departure point from Dochgarroch Lock on the historic Caledonian Canal.

Plus a choice of cruises and tours taking in the very best sights and landmarks including the magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, approximately half way down Loch Ness.

The aim is to help passengers create their own story of Loch Ness and ensure they get the most from what could be a once-in-a-lifetime visit to this beautiful part of the world. Everyone on board can:

• Explore Loch Ness by sailing on its legendary waters.
• Discover the monster, the Scottish history and more.
• Arrive at Urquhart Castle the best way – by boat.
• Experience a five-star voyage – all year round.

There are currently four boats in the fleet, each with toilets on board, and serving a range of light snacks, soft drinks, hot drinks, wines, spirits and local ales. The boats are:

Jacobite Warrior

On board the Warrior, 250 passengers can relax and let the double-glazing and central heating add to their comfort as they enjoy a leisurely cruise on their journey from Clansman Harbour to Urquhart Castle.

Jacobite Rebel

Rebel is the newest addition to the fleet, with a top speed of 12 knots and a passenger capacity of 200. She is equipped with a fully-licensed bar and a comfortable covered saloon, plus an interactive screen and, as with the other boats, there is on-board sonar to help visitors find out what lies beneath in the dark and mysterious depths of Loch Ness.

Jacobite Queen

Regally cruising around Loch Ness twice a day between Tomnahurich Bridge and Urquhart Castle, allowing up to 159 passengers to take in the amazing sights and fascinating history of the famous loch, with a choice of either deck or covered seating. (summer sailing only)

Jacobite Princess

She may be the smallest of the fleet, but the Princess is every inch a five-star, VIP vessel. With a speed of up to 20 knots, she glides gracefully around the loch and can carry up to 12 people.

The Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises and tours are an all-year attraction (although they don't operate on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day). Of course, the tours are subject to weather conditions.

Celebrity Audio Tour Guide

An added attraction this year is Scots actress Karen Gillan. The Scots-born star of Dr Who and Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is “the voice” of Loch Ness by Jacobite in a fascinating on-board audio guide.

She will be particularly heard on board the Jacobite Warrior, along with local storyteller Mr Loch Ness himself, Willie Cameron.

Together they will immerse passengers with tales of everything from the legend that is the Loch Ness Monster, through to the Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie as well as witches, waterfalls and illegal whisky.

The audio guide is as captivating as the surrounding area and is sure to enhance the experience for everyone on board the cruise down the Caledonian Canal, River Ness and Loch Dochfour and onto the expanse of Loch Ness.

Before embarking on a cruise and enjoying the sights and sounds, for ease of access there is good parking facilities as well as coach parking and turning facilities at Dochgarroch Lock. There is more restricted parking facilities at both the Clansman Harbour and Tomnahurich Bridge destination points.

For wheelchair users, the most accessible tour is the Reflection Cruise on the Jacobite Queen. This tour has good access for wheelchairs but, to reach the toilet or snack bar, some steps are involved.

Safety is paramount on all the cruises. Each vessel is fitted with life jackets and open inflatable life rafts. All safety procedures as laid down by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are in place.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the Inspiration, Reflection, Contemplation and Enchantment cruises.

In fact, the team at Loch Ness by Jacobite makes every effort to meet the needs of all passengers.

Of course, Loch Ness is simply overflowing with fascinating myths, turbulent history and tales of a legendary monster. And no visit to the Scottish Highlands is complete without a tour of this world-famous landmark.

There is no better way to experience Loch Ness than being on the loch itself … especially with Loch Ness by Jacobite.