Invergordon Port Custom Tour
If you wish to see and do other things while in Invergordon we can accommodate that too. We can build custom tours from Invergordon Cruise Port adding any other places, activities or experiences for you.
2026 Invergordon Cruise Port Shore Excursions
Our 2026 Invergordon shore excursions are designed to turn your day in port into a full Highland adventure. As soon as you step off your cruise ship, your Inverness Tours driver-guide will be waiting to welcome you to the Cromarty Firth and whisk you away in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for up to seven guests. In one relaxed day you can discover Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, walk in the footsteps of Outlander at Culloden and Clava Cairns, explore Inverness and Cawdor Castle, or head north to Dunrobin Castle for its famous falconry display. Because our tours are private, we shape the day around your interests, your pace and your ship’s timetable – with plenty of photo stops, stories and comfort breaks along the way. Make the most of your Invergordon cruise stop in 2026 and let the Inverness Tour Guides show you the very best of the Highlands.
How far is Invergordon Cruise Port from Inverness and Loch Ness
Invergordon Port is around twenty-five miles from Inverness. The distance from your ship to Loch Ness is just a little over thirty miles. Urquhart Castle lies a little farther along the loch, so as a result is about forty miles away from the port.
What to do with a day in Invergordon Port
We are not surprised that Invergordon is such a popular cruise port because there is the wealth of things to see and do within easy reach. We have a number of tours from Invergordon Cruise Port offering a wide range of options.
Outlander and Culloden Tour from Invergordon Cruise Port
Our Outlander Tour includes Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns. It also visits a number of other locations. So we ensure you see the best of the city of Inverness with a chance for photos as we pass through. After another photostop at the side of Loch Ness, we head over the hill for the pretty village of Beauly. If time allows there may be an opportunity to pop in to Glen Ord Distillery for a dram.
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Tour from Invergordon Cruise Port
The Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Tour from Invergordon Cruise Ship Port begins with a brief stop in the village of Beauly. Then it’s on over a hilltop road to the main highlights of the tour – Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. Our afternoon is a simple choice. We can visit the pretty village of Fort Augustus and take a waterfall walk at Foyers. Or we can walk in the ancient Caledonian Forest and visit Glen Ord Whisky Distillery.
Inverness & Cawdor Castle Tour (with Fort George) from Invergordon Cruise Port
The Inverness & Cawdor Castle Tour goes firstly to Fort George, the largest military fort in northern Europe. Secondly we enjoy fairytale Cawdor Castle and Gardens. This castle was made famous as a result of Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth. This tour also allows us to enjoy some time in the Highland capital – Inverness. This could be taken as free time, or we are also happy to offer a guided walk for part of your visit. This can be your choice!
Dunrobin Castle and Falconry Tour from Invergordon Port
The Dunrobin Castle and Falconry Tour from Invergordon Cruise Ship Port begins with a stop in historic Tain. Our next visit is our main destination. We will enjoy Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, and the daily falconry demonstration. Returning south we visit the lovely town of Dornoch. It is known for good shops and is famous for the golf course and 13th century Cathedral. Finally we either visit Glenmorangie Distillery, or walk through the woods at the stunning Falls of Shin.
Invergordon History
The castleton on this site was originally called Inverbreakie. The name Invergordon did not appear until the castle was acquired by an outspoken Member of Parliament called Sir William Gordon. He built a planned town nearby and named it after himself. However, the gaelic prefix “Inver” means “at the mouth of”. So he named his town “At the mouth of Gordon”. We think that is so appropriate for an outspoken and immodest MP.
Invergordon Murals
A group calling themselves “Invergordon Off the Wall” launched a community project in 2002. They created about a dozen very large murals around the town in order to highlight the culture and heritage of the area. It has been very successful, creating a visual record of local life. We see local sports; local industry; the lifeboat service; the cultural life of the district; the night the Royal Hotel burned and the Pipe Band on the lawns of Invergordon Castle.
Invergordon Castle
Invergordon Castle had a long history, originally dating from the 1300’s. Fire destroyed the old castle and a new mansionhouse replaced it in 1872. This new house, however, was demolished in 1928, once the owner found himself in financial difficulty.
Invergordon Naval Museum and Heritage Centre
Invergordon has a British Navy history stretching back to the early 19th century. The Naval Museum does a great job of telling this seafaring history. You’ll find the museum easily because of the wall of sea-themed murals. Here we can learn about the crucial role Invergordon played in both World Wars, and hear about the tragic loss of the ship “Natal” in 1915. She blew up in port, with the loss of nearly 400 crew and locals. Inspectors blamed unstable cordite. The famous Invergordon naval mutiny of 1931 is another of the museum’s fascinating stories. The navy base finally closed in 1956.
Invergordon Whisky
Invergordon has had a long relationship with whisky. Even legal stills have a two hundred year track record in the district because Teaninich Distillery was founded in 1817. It had plenty of illicit competition, but it would be the 1830’s before the next legal rival appeared on the scene.
Dalmore Distillery
Dalmore Distillery, established 1839, sits prettily on the shore of the Cromarty Firth, only a couple of miles from Invergordon. Mackenzies bought it in 1867 and as a result Dalmore began using the Mackenzie emblem and motto. So the bottles now carry the instantly recognisable 12-pointed Royal Stag and the perfect motto for a scotch whisky, Luceo non Uro meaning “I Shine not Burn!” We like the distillery tour Dalmore offers, so sometimes find ourselves there if our guests choose to craft a custom tour with us.
Invergordon Distillery
Invergordon distillery was built in 1961 in order to help tackle the unemployment caused by the navy leaving in 1956. It is one of only six grain distilleries in Scotland (as opposed to the malt distilleries). Their Coffey Stills produce some of the finest grain whisky in the world. A company called Whyte and Mackay acquired the distillery in 1993.
Whyte and Mackay
Whyte and Mackay are an old company, founded in 1844 and based in Glasgow. In 1993 the company was owned by “American Brands” but nowadays Whyte & Mackay is owned by Philipinnes-based Emperador Inc.
Why Inverness Tours
Local Knowledge
Inverness Tours has been taking visitors on world-class tours for more than fifteen years. We have been working to make our exclusive tour business the finest of its kind available in Scotland. Our solid (but constantly updated) knowledge is a tool for your use. As a result, you will enjoy the best eating places, the most rewarding visits, and the locals’ choice of “off the beaten track” walks and vistas. We strive to enthral, excite and entertain as we show you the real Scotland.
Inverness Tour Guides
Our Inverness Tour Guides are a hand-picked team. As well as being accredited members of the Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association, they are all well-recognised as being at the top of their fields. We chose them because they are great storytellers, fun to be with, and uniquely qualified to do what they do well. We know you deserve the best team of guides available. See their individual profiles here
Track Record
We have a fabulous back-catalogue of reviews. Over 98% of our hundreds of TripAdvisor reviews are five-star, so we have received their Certificate of Excellence every year, and a placement in their Hall of Fame!