Edinburgh · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
11 reviewed
This is the shortlist we’d hand a friend the night before: the 11 cruises & boat tours worth booking, each with its price, its verdict, and the one thing to know first.
Small-group day trip from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands with a Nessie cruise, scenic stops, and expert narration.
“We have a wonderful tour with Shea who gave lots of history and local flavor mixed in. She made excellent recommendations.”
1.5-hour Firth of Forth cruise from South Queensferry, with UNESCO bridge views, Inchcolm stop, and chances to spot seals and puffins.
“brilliant trip.perfect weather,very friendly staff and captain ,just a superb trip.”
Small-group day trip from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Ben Nevis. Cruise Loch Ness, chase Nessie, and learn Highland history.
“My wife and I have done numerous excursions in many countries and we agreed this one was the best! We loved the small group approach of Rabbie’s tours and our guide, Sean, was absolutely awesome! He was extremely knowledgable and very witty which made our tour super fun! (hi to Sean’s mum as we’re told you read his reviews frequently)”
Cruise the Firth of Forth from South Queensferry for 90 minutes, with UNESCO Forth Bridge views, seals and puffins, and optional Inchcolm Island.
“We met wonderful people on the boat. It was a nice tour (1 hr). Dress warm in layers it gets cold. Of course you can go inside. We loved hearing the bridges histories and seeing them from the water vantage point. We saw two seals. Each tour we had after referred to the bridges and it like our secret that we knew so much them because of this tour 😊”
90-minute cruise from South Queensferry to the Forth Bridge and Inchcolm Island. English commentary, wildlife spotting, onboard bar.
“Trip was really good and went smooth. Easy for adult s and children. Stunning views. A lot of history facts were told. Recommend!!!”
Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands sights, plus whisky and a scenic walk from Edinburgh, in a small group with an optional Nessie cruise.
“We had a magnificent day! Richie, our guide and driver, was upbeat, informative, funny and very entertaining. He drove us all around the beautiful Highlands while keeping us abreast of relevant Scottish history. Our van was comfortable and we felt safe. It was an excellent experience. I would absolutely recommend this company and Richie to anyone looking to learn more about Scotland.”
Cruise shore day in Edinburgh with Royal Yacht Britannia, a Holyroodhouse photo stop, and time at Edinburgh Castle, plus expert driver-guides.
“Our driver left without us. He mixed up passengers and thought we had canceled. We were there an hour early waiting. We had to take and pay for are own transportation to the city where the tour guide met us. But by then our first tour was mostly over and we paid in additional fee for this tour). Wasted $. Next they crammed us on a small bus. We were so uncomfortable we took an uber back to the ship. So we paid double for all of our transportation and really only saw Edinburg castle. Total waste of our money and our day. Never again!”
Cruise the Firth of Forth from South Queensferry for 90 minutes, with jaw-dropping Three Bridges views and Blackness Castle history.
“Pleasant trip & interesting information throughout. Small bar area for refreshments & courteous staff. Helpful staff to board & leave boat.”
8 hours in Edinburgh by coach with Royal Yacht Britannia, Royal Mile walking time, wynds, Holyrood, and optional Edinburgh Castle entry.
“Our guide was very knowledgeable, and knew his way around the narrow streets. He was able to show us things most groups would have missed. He gave us the perfect amount of time at each of our stops. Very pleasant day trip.”
Half-day catamaran sailing from Edinburgh to Inchcolm Island, under the Forth Bridges, with coffee and tea and a view of 12th-century Abbey.
“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.”
A full day sail from Edinburgh to South Queensferry, passing the Forth Rail Bridge and islands of the Forth, with lunch stop on Inchkeith.
“Colin and the crew were awesome and very personable! I loved being allowed to sail the boat for a few minutes.”
