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Invergordon Cruise Port: Complete Docking & Terminal Guide

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I’ve worked as a Tour Guide and Pier Co-Ordinator in Invergordon Port for over 15 years now. I’ve taken nearly all of the tours and now I co-ordinate all the tours, guides and drivers on the pier.

Make your visit to Invergordon plain sailing with guidance from someone who knows

If you are coming to Invergordon on a cruise ship then check out this guide for all you need to know in advance of your visit.

I’ve shared everything relating to the port, getting around, the town and more and you will find links to plenty more resources too.

Invergordon is a busy cruise port thanks to having some of the deepest water in the UK right alongside the town. That means no tender boats are needed and the port can accommodate even the biggest cruise ships.

Invergordon Cruise Port is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands with easy access to Loch Ness, Inverness and a wealth of fantastic places to visit from castles to countryside.

Invergordon Cruise Port Quick Facts

Port Depth13.5 metres
Tender Boats?No – all ships at all quays berth alongside
Ships At OnceUp to 3
Walk to Town5-10 minutes from Service Base Pier, shuttle bus from Saltburn Pier and Quay West
Cruise SeasonApril to October
Distance to Inverness26 miles

Invergordon Cruise Port Location & Geography

  • Invergordon Cruise Port is located in the Cromarty Firth, a sheltered inlet of the North Sea. It’s location makes it able to cope with ships in all weathers.
  • The entrance channel is half a mile wide, and passes between two sandstone headlands known as The Sutors
  • Invergordon is a busy port dealing with oil and gas work, renewable energy project and of course cruise ships. On your way in you will probably cruise very close to some oil rigs!
  • 25 miles North of Inverness
  • 98 miles South of John O’Groats
  • On the East Coast of Scotland

It is part of Ross-Shire, which is in the Highlands of Scotland. The Highlands make up one-third of Scotland’s landmass.

Invergordon Cruise Port Location Map

Why Cruise Ships Choose Invergordon Cruise Port

  • The fact that no tender boats is required is a great advantage for cruise ships
  • The water depth means the port can easily accommodate ships of 4,000 passenger
  • Gateway to top Highland attractions (30 miles from Inverness)
  • Reliable in bad weather (gets diverted ships from other ports)
  • Can handle 3 ships simultaneously

Cruise Schedule & Ship Statistics

  • Season runs April-October (typically 118+ ship calls annually)
  • First ship: early April
  • Last ship: mid-October
  • Largest ships: Queen Mary 2, MSC Preziosa (4,000 passengers + crew)
  • Link to current season schedule on Port of Cromarty Firth website

Invergordon Cruise Port History


Early Development and History of the Port

Invergordon has been a trading harbour since the mid-1700s. After becoming a naval base in 1912 Invergordon was very well used as a naval base in both world wars. All the largest naval ships were here and many facilities were built in Invergordon to entertain those working on the ships. There were several cinemas, a theatre, and various sporting complexes.

Invergordon had a large aluminum smelter built in the 1970s. It promised a wealth of jobs for the locals. However, within 10 years the smelter had closed due to the high running costs. It was a traumatic experience for the town. A large grain distillery was also built – at the time the largest in Europe. The distillery still operates today. If you wander through Invergordon you may be able to get a whiff of it!

Recent Developments and Renovations

More recently Invergordon has become a busy cruise ship destination offering a wide range of shore excursions. The port can accept the largest cruise ships thanks to a deep section of water beside the shore and a deep channel running through the Cromarty Firth.

Cruise ships visiting the Cromarty Firth will likely pass several oil rigs. These are not drilling for oil but are either stored or waiting to go back out to the North Sea oil fields. There are also several businesses that support the energy industry in the Cromarty Firth, including Technip which specialise in laying underground pipelines.

In 2023 it was announced that Invergordon had been chosen as a green port. This means there will be extra investment and opportunities relating to renewable energy projects for the area.

There had been plans for a cruise ship terminal to be built. Given the green port focus, this now seems less likely.

Invergordon Cruise Port Weather

Here is the current weather and the weather for the next few days in Invergordon.

Invergordon Cruise Port Tide Times

Invergordon Cruise Port Wildlife

We are lucky to have plenty of wildlife in the Cromarty Firth – there is always something to see!

Marine Life

  • Dolphins live at the entrance to the Cromarty Firth. Some cruise ships offer dolphin spotting trips to see them. Your best chance of spotting them on a cruise ship is to look for them when entering/leaving the Cromarty Firth. The narrow area between two headlands is a good spot to see them.
  • Seals are found at the opposite end of the firth. They are often spotted hauled out on rocks or sandbars, enjoying the sunshine. We always have a look for seals when we are out on tours.

Birdlife

There is plenty of birdlife, including a large number of seabirds:

  • Terns are common around the cruise port. These feisty birds are great parents and will vigorously defend their nests when they have chicks.
  • Oystercatchers are often seen along the shoreline. These black and white birds with an orange beak make a shrill peep peep.
  • Herons can also be seen along the shoreline, standing still until they spear a small fish with their long beak. There are plenty of Grey herons along the shore line.
  • There are also wading birds and large numbers of geese. For the later port calls in Quay West in 2025 the geese choose the pier as their overnight roosting spot!

In the summer months, an Osprey lives in Cromarty Firth. Look out for it if you are heading to Inverness – it lives near the Cromarty Causeway, the long bridge you cross to get to the other side of the Cromarty Firth. These amazing birds migrate from Africa to here to breed.

Walking Trails

There are some nice walks in the area:

Saltburn Woods

  • Saltburn Woods is a popular walk with cruise ship guests. This small community woodland is also loved by locals and dog walkers. There are some nice benches for views and fairy gardens to look out for as well. Head out to the right when you exit the port and keep going. Keep the sea on your right hand side. When you get to Kintyre House Care Home you will see the woods alongside.

Invergordon to Alness Route

  • There is a walking route that runs between Invergordon and Alness. This route is popular with locals, cyclists, and joggers. It offers some nice views across the Cromarty Firth. There is a very nice farm shop with cafe and toilets just before you get into Alness, making it ideal for a stop before returning back along the shore. Dalmore Distillery is also open and we are looking forward to their visitor centre opening in 2026.

Where Your Ship Will Dock

Service Base

  • This pier is alongside the industrial area of the port.
  • Nearly all the ships will dock there in 2026.
  • It is a concrete pier that the ships moor alongside.
  • It is a 5-10 minute walk to Invergordon town from the ship.

Saltburn Pier

  • 1-mile long wooden pier
  • Used for smaller ships on days when there are two ships in
  • Cannot walk into Invergordon as guests are not allowed to walk along the pier
  • The free shuttle bus runs throughout the day to take passengers into town and back

Quay West

  • Deep water berth near wind turbine area
  • Only for liners that need extra depth – Queen Mary 2 for example
  • Guests cannot walk into Invergordon
  • Free shuttle bus into Invergordon Town

How to Know Where Your Ship Docks

Approaching Invergordon Cruise Port – What To Look Out For

Entering The Cromarty Firth

  • Dolphin spotting opportunity – Bottlenose dolphins at firth entrance. These are the largest Bottlenose Dolphins in the UK.
  • Entrance through narrow channel between The Sutors
  • Look for concrete defense structures on headlands left over from the Second World War.
  • The pilot joins at the entrance to the Cromarty Firth.
  • You will pass close to oil rigs as you cruise through the Cromarty Firth.
  • Pass Saltburn Pier (mile-long wooden structure)
  • Pass Admiralty Pier (historic 1914 naval base pier)

Invergordon Cruise Port Facilities

At the Cruise Berth

  • Tourist information point – staffed by local volunteers
  • Free toilets
  • Small gift shop (whisky, Nessie items and much more)

Coach Park Details (for Ship Organised Excursions)

  • Located separately and in the opposite direction from the shore visitor exit
  • This area is open with no shelter. It is exposed to weather (can be windy)
  • There is no seating, shelter or toilets in the coach park.
  • Coaches cannot generally run their engines while they are parked which means coaches can get really hot in warmer weather (yes we do get it!)

Getting Off Your Ship – Complete Directions

For Ship-Organised Excursions

  • Check your ticket for the meeting point. Many ships meet on board to get stickers with tour numbers before leaving the ship. Your ticket will also have the meeting time.
  • Turn LEFT once you exit the ship secure area from the gangway
  • Follow signs to coach park – walk past a big green building on your right.
  • Wait for your coach number announcement
  • Do NOT arrive before your boarding time as you won’t be able to board.
  • Staff will direct you to your coach
  • Do not enter in the parking area, follow the walkways to ensure you stay safe and away from moving vehicles

Check out my video below to see the route and see pictures of the route

invergordon cruise port ships excursions

Invergordon Cruise Port

Taking a Ship-Organised Tour

If you are taking a ship-organised tour then you need to turn left when you exit the gangplank and walk to the coach park. Follow the signs for ship excursions.

invergordon cruise port coach park walk

Then walk to the coach park. You won’t be allowed into the coach park until your coach is boarding. This is to keep you safe and minimise the number of people in an area where vehicles are moving around.

There is no cover or seating in this area or the coach park.

For Private Tours (Not Ship-Organised)

  • Turn RIGHT when you exit the secure area after the gangway.
  • Follow green-marked pathway. This will wind around a small dock passing the Tourist Information, toilets and a shop.
  • Exit through security gate
  • Taxis: May be in small car park on right
  • Private tour guides: Meet outside security gate (follow their instructions)
  • Cross pedestrian crossing for town access

Walking to Invergordon Town

From the Service Base Pier

  1. Turn RIGHT from the exit of the secure area at the end of the gangway.
  2. Follow green pathway past the Tourist Information, toilets and shop.
  3. Pass through security gate
  4. Cross road at pedestrian crossing
  5. Walk straight up King Street
  6. When you see the pipe band mural you’ve reached High Street
  7. Walk time: 5-10 minutes

See below for pictures of the route and a video of the route.

invergordon cruise port shore visitors

This is the shop. It’s small but there is an awful lot packed in – everything from Nessie items to whisky, jewellery, and clothing.

invergordon cruise port shop

This is the information point. During the morning some volunteers provide help to visitors. There is also a handy electronic timetable showing the local bus and train times.

invergordon cruise port shop

Invergordon Scotland

Getting from Invergordon Cruise Port to Invergordon High Street

From Quay Qest

  1. Exit the secure area at the end of the gangway
  2. Walk to end of pier
  3. Find grey temporary building (tourist info)
  4. Board the free shuttle bus
  5. Bus drops off near the town centre
  6. Total time: 10-15 minutes including shuttle (at peak times there may be a wait for a shuttle)

From Saltburn Pier

  • Guests have to take the shuttle bus from beside the ship (pier is 1 mile long, no walking)
  • Shuttle drops you in town center
  • Follow instructions from crew

IMPORTANT NEED-TO-KNOWS

Tender Boats Question

  • NO tender boats required at Invergordon
  • All docking locations accommodate ships alongside
  • Major advantage over other Scottish ports
  • Less affected by weather
  • Faster disembarkation/embarkation

Key Port Facts

  • Industrial working port (busy with energy sector work)
  • Vehicles moving around – stay alert
  • Security gates separate port from public areas
  • Follow marked pathways and signs
  • Respect working port environment

Weather Considerations

  • Port is very sheltered
  • Rarely cancelled due to weather
  • Sometimes receives diverted ships from other ports
  • Coach park can be windy
  • Bring layers for unpredictable Scottish weather

GETTING TO INVERNESS FROM THE PORT

Brief overview with link to detailed transport guide

Quick Options:

  • Stagecoach 925 bus – Direct from port, tickets at kiosk (45 min)
  • Train – From Invergordon station, 10 min walk to town (1 hour)
  • Taxi – Pre-book recommended (45 min, £50-70)
  • Ship’s shuttle – Check if offered

[Link to full “Invergordon to Inverness Transport Guide”]

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT

Before You Disembark

  • Check which berth you’re at (ship’s daily program)
  • Understand shuttle vs walking situation
  • Note last tender/shuttle time back
  • Bring small bills/card for purchases
  • Download offline maps

For Independent Travelers

  • Public transport fills quickly (book ahead if possible)
  • Have taxi numbers as backup
  • Ships won’t let you board ship excursion buses (even if you offer to pay)
  • Allow extra time for return journey
  • Weather can delay transport

Port-Specific Tips

  • Volunteer info desk has free maps and local knowledge
  • Small shop has good Scottish gifts
  • Free WiFi at some cafes in town
  • ATMs available in town (2 locations)
  • Most shops take contactless payment

QUICK REFERENCE – AT A GLANCE

Distance from Port:

  • Invergordon High Street: 5-10 min walk (or shuttle)
  • Train station: 10 min walk from High Street
  • Inverness: 45 min by bus/car, 1 hour by train

In the Port Complex:

  • Free shuttle buses (2025+)
  • Tourist information
  • Toilets (free)
  • Small shop
  • No ATMs (in town instead)

What to Bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Layers (weather changes quickly)
  • Small bills/contactless card
  • Camera (for dolphins, scenery)
  • Ship ID card for re-boarding

RELATED RESOURCES

invergordon cruise port regal princess
Cruise ship berthed at the Service Base seen from renewable energy pier

All My Invergordon Cruise Port Articles

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