The 8 Boat Tours in Edinburgh That Earn Their Price

1.Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,022 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $84Our pick

Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking guide such as Jim, Kenny, Shea, or Andrew. Stop at Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Spean Bridge, and Pitlochry, then cruise Loch Ness. Expect stunning scenery, local stories, regular breaks, and a very long day on the road.

“Kenny was the best guide, he played local music for the area on our ride. Extremely informative, great driver and host.”

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2.Edinburgh Three Bridges Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 442 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

From South Queensferry, cruise beneath the Forth Bridge and past Inchcolm Island, with live or recorded commentary on local history, engineering, and wildlife. You can remain aboard for the full 90 minutes or, when scheduling allows, pay extra to land on the island and explore its medieval abbey. Enclosed seating and a bar are available.

“The boat tour was fun, with lots of facts about the area and wildlife, and of course the bridges. The staff were friendly and had lots of extra stories and fun facts to offer as we sailed. Getting off at Incholm Island was the highlight, the Abbey had so much to see, plus walking to the war area was great too. Going through that tunnel and then the views from the top, amazing. Would absolutely recommend the boat tour with the island stop!”

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3.Stunning 90-Minute Firth of Forth Sightseeing Cruise Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 237 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $24Best value

From Hawes Pier in South Queensferry, you’ll cruise beneath the red Forth Bridge, view the newer road and rail bridges, and pass Inchcolm Island. The crew provides commentary on bridges, islands, wildlife, and North Sea industry. Inchcolm landing passes may be available separately. A bar, food, and restrooms are on board.

“We messed up our reservation & these folks were so kind & helpful in getting everything back on track. The trip on the boat was fantastic!”

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4.Loch Ness Cruise, Scenic Walk, Whisky & Glencoe Tour – Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $90

Spend about 12 hours crossing the Highlands from Edinburgh with stops at the Hermitage, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Tyndrum, and Kilmahog. The day includes scenic walks, a distillery visit, optional Loch Ness cruise, Highland cows, and stories from guides such as Cameron, Harris, Richie, Pete, and Magnus. Expect a comfortable ride, many miles, and limited hiking.

“Richie as our Scotland's Wild tour guide was the most fantastic experience ever. My husband and I did the 1-day Loch Ness/Hermitage/Glen Coe tour. What a kind man and amazing human. Please promote him, pay him more, give him whatever whiskys he wants, as he deserves the world. Also, the small van is a more more enjoyable experience than the large 40+ buses from another tour company we did, so that is a major sustain. Please book Scotland's Wild - this was everything we could ask for in a tour.”

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5.Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 41 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $92

Travel from your cruise port into Edinburgh for a 7.5-hour guided day with Royal Yacht Britannia, a Holyroodhouse photo stop, Edinburgh Castle, and Royal Mile free time. The air-conditioned coach and driver-guide handle the transport, but attraction tickets and lunch cost extra. Guides on different departures have included Connor, Adam, David, Robert, and Graeme.

“Unfortunately our cruise line cancelled our stop in Edinburgh due to weather so we were not able to do the tour. Timberbush quickly sent a message that they heard of the cancellation and responded shortly after that they were providing a full refund. We were hoping to get 1/2 back if anything so we were more than appreciative. We hope to get to Edinburgh again one day as it was one of stops we were most looking forward to. If we do we will definitely book a tour with Timberbush again.”

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6.Blackness Castle Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Set out from Port Edgar Marina on a 90-minute cruise through the Firth of Forth. You’ll pass beneath or near the Three Bridges, view Blackness Castle from the water, hear stories tied to Outlander, Outlaw King, and Kidnapped, and watch for seals, porpoises, and seabirds. Indoor and outdoor seating are available.

“What a waste of money and an embarrassment for Scottish tourism. £48 for 2 for the 'pleasure' of: uncomfortable seating, and a serve yourself 'cream tea' which consisted of a dry scone served in a polystyrene box, a paper cup of tea with the bag left in, hardly enough cream for one side of the scone and a tiny packet of jam. The incessant awful droning bagpipe music drowned out the sound of the tour guide's commentary which made it pointless. To add insult to injury, my complaint was fobbed off with a cheeky response by the tour operator. What a disappointment for visitors to Scotland if this is the…”

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7.Half Day Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $143

Set out from Port Edgar Marina at 12:45 pm for a four-hour sail beneath the Forth Bridges and around Inchcolm Island. Skipper Colin and Simon welcome you aboard a luxury catamaran, serve tea and coffee, and let everyone take a turn at the helm or simply enjoy the views. You see Inchcolm Abbey from the water, with Edinburgh across the Firth of Forth.

“When I checked the weather for Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth I must confess I was concerned. However, the skipper and his crew were capable and confident under reefed sails - even to allow myself and another aspiring sailor opportunities at the helm. A lovely day on the water with all kinds of weather. For those of you who enjoy sailing - this is a “don’t miss” opportunity.”

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8.Full Day Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $241

Set sail from Port Edgar Marina with Colin and the crew on an eight-hour trip beneath the Forth Rail Bridge. Cruise past Inchgarvie and Inchcolm Island, anchor at Inchkeith for lunch, then return by South Queensferry. Tea and coffee are included, but you bring or buy lunch.

“Colin and the crew were awesome and very personable! I loved being allowed to sail the boat for a few minutes.”

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