First Loch Ness Monster Sighting of 2025 Reported: 'Some Kind of Dark Mass Under the Water'

A man may have gotten the first glimpse and photo of the Loch Ness Monster this year.

The visitor reported that he was on the shore at Dores Beach in Scotland when he saw something slithering around in the water and took a photo, according to USA Today and SWNS.

Aimee Todd, the Loch Ness Centre's marketing manager, told USA Today that when the image was taken on Jan. 29, the water was calm and conditions were perfect — which is unusual for the winter, when the weather often makes it difficult to spot anything potentially unusual.

"I just thought it was brilliant because it really shows like the wave," Todd added. "And it looks like there is like some kind of dark mass under the water pushing up that wave."

Speaking with SWNS, the center's general manager Nagina Ishaq noted they have had "numerous observations over the years, but this recent sighting has been particularly captivating." 

“This potential sighting is a reminder that the mystery of Loch Ness is far from solved," added Ishaq.

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SWNS reported that the center has reviewed the photo, while Todd said that they have contacted experts, including Alan Mackenna of Loch Ness Exploration.

According to Todd, sometimes visitors think they're getting a glimpse at Nessie, but it actually turns out to be something else, like a seal or even a boat.

As for the future, Todd told USA Today that their center will be holding a search for Nessie — dubbed "The Quest" — again in May, with volunteers monitoring the surface of the lake in 13 different locations for over six hours.

There have been over a thousand Loch Ness Monster sightings since it was allegedly first spotted in the sixth century, the Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register said. But as USA Today noted, Nessie's existence has never been proven.

But Ishaq told SWNS their organization continues to be "committed to solving the mystery of Nessie once and for all."