Edinburgh · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
A shortlist rather than a catalogue: 14 cruises & boat tours that earn their slot, with what each costs and what the people who went said about it afterwards.
Small-group day tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands, with a Loch Ness cruise plus scenic photo stops.
“We have a wonderful tour with Shea who gave lots of history and local flavor mixed in. She made excellent recommendations.”
A 50-minute Loch Ness cruise from Clansman Harbour with sonar for Nessie, plus iconic views of Urquhart Castle.
“It’s was a lovely day with snow when we visited. It’s worthy. Just a suggestion, would you please include transportation (yes, you can incorporate additional fees for that) from Inverness city centre to the cruise point and retune as well. People without private transport, specially travelling by bus, is really challenging. Other than that it’s was fantastic.”
A 1.5-hour Three Bridges sightseeing cruise from South Queensferry, with Forth Bridge views, Inchcolm Island, and marine wildlife.
“We liked the boat and the staff were friendly and helpful. The views were great and the weather was perfect.”
One-hour Loch Lomond sightseeing cruise from Balloch with live commentary, Ben Lomond views, Inchmurrin and Lennox Castle ruins, and drinks.
“It was a really lovely trip. Beautiful scenery and we were lucky with the weather. The only fault for me was that we struggled to hear the voiceover from our seat at the back of the boat on the top deck.”
Small-group Loch Ness and Highlands day tour from Edinburgh: Glencoe walks, Ben Nevis views, Loch Ness cruise, and scenic photo stops.
“I had a perfect day, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the British countryside and the Western Highlands. It was an unforgettable journey. The tour guide was also very nice, good at communication, and actively guided and answered questions. The overall experience was excellent.”
Sail 1.5 hours from Queensferry under the Forth Bridges, spot seals and puffins, and get the option to land on Inchcolm Island.
“A brilliant trip, with seals and dolphins spotted, our only regret was not getting a ticket to visit Incholm island which looks incredible!”
Cruise from Queensferry to Inchcolm Island on the Maid of the Forth, see seals and monastic ruins, and sail under the Forth bridges.
“Good. Plenty of time ashore. Well organised getting passengers on and off the boat.”
A 90-minute cruise from South Queensferry for close-up views of the UNESCO Forth Bridge, plus chances to spot seals and puffins.
“Fairly priced and great scenes, there is an additional charge to go to the island but it is optional, still see a decent amount without getting off the boat”
Cruise under the Forth Bridges to Inchcolm Island. Explore Abbey ruins and wartime defenses, spot wildlife, then sail back to Queensferry.
“This is a great place to go on a warm sunny day! It was beautiful walking around the island and checking out the various ruins and wildlife (mainly birds). Enjoyed the pre-recorded audio on the ride, and we saw about six seals and from a distance, a dolphin. Also enjoyed the three bridges and hearing their history.”
90-minute Firth of Forth cruise from South Queensferry. See the Forth Bridge up close, Inchcolm Island, and seals with Scottish history.
“The sightseeing cruise was a great experience and one I’d highly recommend. We sailed with two young children (4&6 year old) and they both had a great time. There was plenty going on to keep them amused which is always a challenge! The commentary during the cruise was very informative.”
One small-group day from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands, with waterfalls, whisky time, and optional cruise.
“It's a big day out. We had Cameron as our driver, guide, encyclopedia. It was a fun day out with Cameron. We had a nice group of 7 on our bus and we all had a fun day. Saw lots. Enjoyed the experiences. Nessy was on holidays so we did not spot her on the cruise on the lake. That was also a fine trip.”
Royal Yacht Britannia, Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle in one cruise day with pickup, narration, and separate ticket add-ons.
“A great day with our guide and driver Graeme who was brilliant. After visiting the Royal Yacht (a fascinating audio guided tour) we headed to the castle and Royal Mile. The castle was fully booked so we walked down the Royal Mile, grabbed lunch in Deacon Brodie's Tavern and looked in St Giles Cathedral which was superb. We were then picked up at the castle and treated to a further tour round the centre of Edinburgh by Graeme before being dropped back to catch the shuttle back to the ship. We can thoroughly recommend this tour to anyone.”
1.5-hour cruise from South Queensferry to Blackness Castle and the Forth Bridge, with live commentary and seal and puffin spotting.
“It was worth it, even though the weather wasn't great, the views were wonderful.”
Cruise-day Edinburgh shore excursion with a coach tour, Royal Yacht Britannia, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle, in 8 hours.
“David was great - funny and lots of info. Free time in Edinburgh should be longer. Tour can start earlier than 9:30am.”
Every kind of day out in the city, and the best of each.
