Loch Ness monster sightings in 2026 have already broken last year's record, with nine in-person reports so far this year, according to the official Loch Ness monster sightings register. That number exceeds the total for all of 2025, and with more than four months remaining in the year, the tally could climb further.
Including webcam footage, the total rises to 11 sightings in 2026. The latest addition to the register came from Oscar Gray, an Australian tourist who reported seeing the creature on July 21 while visiting Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness.
New Sighting at Urquhart Castle
Gray said he was standing at the shoreline when he saw a dark green, flat-topped head emerge from the water well out from the shore. He then observed two humps of the same colour following the head, which he believed to be the creature's body. He also noticed ripple lines about 500 metres behind the humps, creating decent white waves that he attributed to a tail moving through the water.
According to a spokesperson for the sightings register, Gray reported that after the tail swished water over its head, the creature submerged and he did not see it again for the rest of the day. He did manage to capture a photograph of the encounter, which has been officially added to the register.
Previous Sightings This Year
The 2026 sightings have been building steadily. In June, a mysterious green mass was captured on camera near Urquhart Castle by a tourist on a Jacobite Cruises boat tour, sparking fresh speculation about the creature's existence. Earlier in the year, the Loch Ness monster was reportedly spotted twice within a few days in April.
The increase in sightings has drawn attention from enthusiasts and sceptics alike, though no definitive evidence of the creature's existence has been produced. The official register continues to document each reported encounter, maintaining a detailed record of claims.
Impact and Outlook
With the current pace, 2026 is on track to become one of the most active years for Loch Ness monster sightings in recent history. The register's spokesperson confirmed the latest sighting, noting that Gray's report included both a detailed description and photographic evidence.
As the year progresses, further sightings could push the total even higher, potentially setting a new annual record. The register remains open to new reports, and tourists and locals are encouraged to document any unusual activity on the loch.
