View of Loch Ness from Dores Beach
The Loch Ness Monster – is Nessie real?
The mystery of Nessie has fascinated people for centuries, with new sightings continuing to add to the loch’s legendary reputation.
Get to know Nessie
Few Scottish legends are as famous as Nessie. Whether you go on a boat tour to scan the mysterious depths of the water or prefer to look for her from the shore, stories of this elusive monster are never far away from Loch Ness.
The Loch Ness Monster
© VisitScotland/Tessa Minshull
What does Nessie look like?
The Loch Ness Monster is said to be long, green, and mysterious, with dark humps and a snake-like head gliding through the waters of Loch Ness before vanishing beneath the waves. You'll instantly know that you’ve seen her when you spot perfect circles of disturbed water left in her wake as she swiftly disappears again to the depths of the loch.
How old is Nessie?
Stories of Nessie date back over 1,500 years, with the first recorded sighting by St Columba in 565 AD. In 1933, a Mr George Spicer reported seeing a large creature in the loch when on holiday with his wife: “I am a temperate man, but I am willing to take any oath that we saw this Loch Ness beast. I am certain that this creature was of a prehistoric species.”
Since then, there have been many sightings, and some famous hoaxes too. In the 1970s, an underwater photograph by Dr Robert Rhines gained worldwide attention. Unfortunately, it was later revealed that this was an ingenious hoax.
A Nessie hunter looking through binoculars
© VisitScotland/Tessa Minshull
Operation Deepscan
In 1987, a major sonar search known as Operation Deepscan explored Loch Ness for signs of Nessie. While mysterious underwater objects were detected, no monster was ever confirmed.
In fact, there are all kinds of boating experiences around Loch Ness. If sonar exploration isn’t your thing, have you considered a boating holiday along the Caledonian Canal? It’s the perfect way to unwind at a gentle pace.
Go on a boat tour to spot Nessie from the water
Plan your relaxing boating holiday on a Scottish canal
Where can I see Nessie?
Loch Ness, near Inverness, is famous for its deep waters, dramatic Highland scenery – camera at the ready! If you would rather stay on dry land, visit the Loch Ness Experience in the small village of Drumnadrochit. In this immersive exhibition, you can explore how the real stories of Loch Ness and its monster phenomenon are more fascinating and engaging than any myth...
Spot Nessie at the Loch Ness Experience
The Loch Ness Experience
© The Loch Ness Experience
Explore the surrounding area
Make the most of your time around Loch Ness and explore Urquhart Castle, walk a section of the scenic Great Glen Way and keep watch over the dark waters, or stop by the Caledonian Canal Visitor Centre to continue your monster hunt.
Urquhart Castle
Delve into more than 1,000 years of turbulent history and the myths and tales that surround Loch Ness.
Loch Ness 360° Trail
An epic walking, cycling, running and outdoor activity trail looping the entire circumference of Loch Ness.
The Caledonian Canal Visitor Centre
Learn the story behind the Caledonian Canal, see locks in action, and enjoy a journey through Highland history.
The Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way is a popular and challenging walking route.