Ullapool Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to Ullapool, a picturesque fishing village nestled on the shores of Loch Broom in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
This charming port is a favorite stop for smaller and expedition cruise lines like Noble Caledonia and Hebridean Island Cruises, offering an authentic taste of Highland life.
Ullapool's appeal lies in its stunning natural scenery, serving as a gateway to the wild landscapes of the North West Highlands, from dramatic gorges to serene lochs and world-class geological sites.
In This Guide
- Key Ullapool Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Visiting Ullapool Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Ullapool Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Other Cruise Ports in Scotland
- Monthly Pricing
Key Ullapool Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
A short drive from the port is the spectacular Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, where a Victorian suspension bridge offers dizzying views of the 150-foot Falls of Measach.
For geology enthusiasts, a trip to the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is a must; it's an open-air rock exhibition that reveals the fascinating story of the Moine Thrust, where ancient rocks were pushed over younger ones.
A popular full-day excursion is to the world-renowned Inverewe Garden, about an hour's drive south. This lush, sub-tropical oasis is a surprising delight in the northern Highlands, thriving thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream.
Exploring Ullapool village itself, with its whitewashed buildings, small museum, and bustling harbour, is a rewarding sightseeing experience.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
Ullapool is a key point on the famous North Coast 500, one of the world's most beautiful road trips.
A popular drive is north towards the rugged landscapes of Assynt, where you can visit the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt, approximately a 45-minute drive away.
Heading south, the scenic coastal route towards Gairloch (around 1.5 hours) offers stunning views of the Torridon mountains and pristine sandy beaches.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Port Location
Cruise ships visiting Ullapool anchor in the deep waters of Loch Broom and tender passengers ashore.
The tender pier is conveniently located right in the center of the village, adjacent to the ferry terminal and main harbor.
From the tender drop-off point, the entire village is easily explorable on foot, with shops, pubs, cafes, and the local museum all within a few minutes' walk.
No shuttles are required to explore the town itself, making it an incredibly accessible and welcoming port for cruise passengers.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Local Currency
The official currency is the Pound Sterling (GBP), often denoted as £.
While Scottish banknotes are issued and are legal tender throughout the United Kingdom, they may be unfamiliar to those outside of Scotland.
Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and pubs.
ATMs are available in the village for cash withdrawals, but US Dollars and Euros are generally not accepted, so having local currency is recommended for smaller purchases.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Safety Considerations
Ullapool is an extremely safe and welcoming village with a very low crime rate, making it ideal for independent exploration.
The main safety considerations are related to the natural environment and weather.
If you plan a hiking excursion, be sure to wear appropriate footwear, carry waterproof clothing, and inform someone of your route, as weather can change rapidly.
When driving, be cautious on the many single-track roads in the surrounding Highlands, using the designated passing places to allow oncoming traffic to pass.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Weather & Climate
The main cruise season from May to September sees mild but highly changeable weather.
Average summer temperatures range from 12-18°C (54-64°F), but it's essential to be prepared for anything, including sunshine, wind, and rain, often all in the same day.
Packing in layers is the best strategy, including a waterproof and windproof outer layer, sweaters, and comfortable walking shoes.
During calm, damp days, particularly in late summer, be prepared for midges (small biting insects); insect repellent is highly recommended if you plan to spend time near water or in the countryside.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Getting Around
Ullapool village is compact and best explored on foot. All shops, pubs, and attractions within the village are easily walkable from the tender pier.
To explore the surrounding Highlands, options include booking a shore excursion through your cruise line, hiring a local taxi, or renting a car (which must be arranged well in advance).
There are no ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft available.
Public bus services connect Ullapool with other towns, including Inverness, but schedules can be infrequent. The CalMac ferry provides a direct link to Stornoway for those on a longer visit.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Shopping
Shopping in Ullapool focuses on unique, locally-made goods and Scottish specialties rather than mainstream brands.
Key shopping areas are Shore Street and Argyle Street, where you will find a variety of independent shops.
Look for high-quality woolen knitwear, local pottery, art galleries featuring Highland landscapes, and handcrafted jewelry.
Specialty food items like locally smoked salmon and single malt whiskies make for excellent souvenirs. Don't miss a visit to the renowned Ullapool Bookshop for a fantastic selection of books on Scottish history and nature.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Shore Excursions & Tours
Speyside Whisky Tour
Scenic Routes is your gateway to bespoke Speyside whisky tours, delivered with warmth, professionalism and deep local insight. Founded by myself, David, over 10 years ago Inverness, I have now decided the time is right to step back from the physical aspect of touring. I have in place a small team
Culloden, Loch Ness + More
Your guide worked at Culloden Battlefield for many years where he taught Highland History and demonstrated how weapons were used at that time. He has a wealth of knowledge in the local area as well as the battle itself. You will be accompanied onto the field of Culloden with an expert on the 18th Ce
Loch Ness, Culloden, Clava and whisky/gin tour from Inverness.
Private tour exclusive to your group. An experienced Local in a Kilt will guide you on a wonderful tour of Inverness and the surrounding area, Loch Ness, Highland Cows, Whisky, Gin, Battlefields, Ancient Cairns and if you are lucky a private bagpipe solo. You will enjoy learning about the local cul
loch Ness, Clava Cairns, Culloden, COO,S, DRAMS & Outlander sites
HISTORIC AND SCENIC TOURS Whether you are looking for DAY tours from Inverness or simply trying to take in as many of the beautiful sights as possible on your Highland adventure, our .loch Ness, Clava Cairns culloden battlefield, coo,s and drams and outlander sites from from INVERNESS .its is sure
Private Highland Whisky Tour including 10+ Single Malt Tastings
Tour with a knowledgeable and passionate born and bred Scottish Highlander who will entertain you with stories and anecdotes about growing up and living in in the Scottish Highlands. Private whisky tastings from at beautiful locations throughout the day. Chocolate paired whisky tastings showcasing
The Outlander Tour Clava, Culloden, Urquhart, Loch Ness & Beauly
Come join us for an adventure where you are personally guided around the highlands by a born and bred highland lass and fully qualified experienced tour guide Join us as we venture South taking in Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle (Urquhart Castle if closed) Loch Ness, Wardlaw Mauso
Full-Day Private Tour of the Isle of Skye (from Inverness)
Skye This day long excursion takes us via Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, beautiful Glenmoriston and onward through historic Kintail, the scene of a Jacobite battle. Past the Five Sisters Peaks and down into Lochalsh, we are soon “over the sea to Skye,” pausing for a photograph of Eilean Donan Castle a
Cawdor Castle & Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns Inverness
So you only have Half-of day and don't want the hassle of hiring a car. No problem jump on board and explore the true inspiration behind the famous Outlander books from the Magical stones to the gallant Jacobite's battle again King George II troops at Culloden moor 16th April 1746 . Then discover th
Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Outlander Sites & More from Inverness
Discover top Highlands attractions, including Loch Ness and sites featured in the Outlander series, with this small group tour from Inverness. Visit the local sites with your local guide around the Inverness area, from the famous Loch Ness to Outlander sites Clava Cairns, Culloden and more and learn
Full-Day Outlander Experience (inc Invergordon Cruise Port)
Embark on an exclusive journey through time, unveiling ancient sites, pivotal battlefields, and iconic castles that encapsulate the essence of Scottish Highland culture. This private tour starts 4000 years in the past at Clava Cairns. This is a mystical site of worship, burial, and sacrifice. Comp
Private Whisky Tasting in Inverness
Whether you are new to whisky or a seasoned expert, you all be greatly welcome to come and try Scotlands famous drink. We have over 250 bottles to purchase and we can tailor your whisky tasting to suit.
Inverness to Edinburgh Private Transfer with Tour on the way
This is a private transfer in one of our comfortable Mercedes Benz minivans collecting you from your hotel or airport of arrival and transporting you and your luggage to your preferred destination and also incorporating a tour on the way. The vehicles we use can take a maximum of 6 standard suitcase
North Day Tour: Dunrobin Castle, Glenmorangie, Dornoch and More
You will be booking the whole vehicle for your own private tour with your party. Take in the natural beauty of the land at Millionaire’s View, Black Rock Gorge and at Falls of Shin. Delve into the history of Dunrobin Castle, its Gardens and has a viewing of a live Falconry Show, Take time for cultur
Guided EBike Tour of Inverness
Discover the sights and sounds of Inverness and the surrounding areas by bike with one of our tour guides. Our cool electric bikes do the work while you can enjoy the journey (you still have to pedal!). We lead you on a journey through parkland, besides the river, out to the sea and over some island
2 Hour Private Walking Tour in Inverness City Centre with a Guide
Take a walk with Cath, a local to the area and an experienced and qualified tourist guide, around her beautiful city of Inverness. A Walk Inverness tour contains lots of local history, beautiful scenery, architecture, and romantic (yet sometimes bloody) tales that have, over time, shaped Inverness i
Inverness PRIVATE Full Day Tour of Local Attractions
The Itinerary listing for this Tour is simply a number of suggestions we have from the many attractions available... As this is a PRIVATE Tour we can help to create a special day for you. There is no better way to see and hear about the views, culture and history en route to various Highland Attract
Inverness to Loch Ness and Highlands Private Tour
Explore wild and beautiful Scottich Highlands on Loch Ness Private Tour from Inverness. Following pick up from your hotel we will drive around Loch Ness where you can look out for Nessie before stopping to admire Urquhart Castle and taking some photos. You will then visit the Caledonian Canal Centre
Inverness Outlander Tour
The popular novels and TV series, Outlander has brought great attention to many iconic landmarks across Scotland. This tour visits the must-see Outlander destinations in and around the Inverness area. These include; Culloden Battlefield – The site of the last battle of Jacobite Rising. Clava Cair
Private Scottish Highlands Full-Day Tour with Pickup
Highland Highlights Tour – All the Must-Sees in One Day See the best of the Scottish Highlands in just one unforgettable day! Perfect for first-time visitors, this private tour covers every must-see sight without the rush. What you’ll experience: • Legendary Loch Ness • Historic Urquhart Castle
Over The Sea to (secret) Skye
The journey to Skye takes us through many majestic landscapes. Travelling the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness, we’ll head north west at Invermoriston, passing the Five Sisters of Kintail before descending through the site of The Battle of Glen Shiel towards Loch Duich and our first glimpse of the wes
Visiting Ullapool Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Ullapool Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
Showing 8 ships in the area
No ships scheduled in port today.
Other Cruise Ports in Scotland
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Ullapool
Prices are approximately the same throughout the year. Overall cruises that visit Ullapool are rather expensive compared to other itineraries. Look at the chart below for the average cost per day by month.
