Edinburgh · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
16 reviewed
The good cruises & boat tours fill up fast, and the best fill first. Ranked below are the 15 standouts, with current prices and what sets each one apart, so you can book before the dates go.
Edinburgh to the Highlands in a 16-seat Mercedes: Glencoe, Loch Ness cruise with sonar, Cairngorms views, and Forth Rail Bridge on return.
“We have a wonderful tour with Shea who gave lots of history and local flavor mixed in. She made excellent recommendations.”
Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh. See five decks, hear stories in 36 languages, and stop for tea on the water.
“It was our second visit.There is lots to see. Staff very informative. A lovely few hours elevators to get to the start. Audio guides available.”
From Edinburgh, see Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Ben Nevis on a small-group day trip with a Loch Ness cruise and top views.
“Absolutely incredible guide (Kieran) had us laughing all day whilst weaving in interesting Scottish history and finding us the perfect picture spots. Awesome day!”
Cruise from South Queensferry to Inchcolm Island for close UNESCO Forth Bridge views, seals, puffins, and calm harbor history.
“Saw some seals sunbathing on a buoy. Lots of information given. Beautiful views of all the bridges. Nice trip”
A 90-minute Firth of Forth cruise from South Queensferry for close-up views of the Forth Bridge, Inchcolm Island, and wildlife spotting.
“This boat ride was an excellent way to see a bit more of the region outside of Edinburgh. Very informative professional and comfortable. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking something to do for an afternoon outside the city.”
Small-group Highlands day from Edinburgh to Loch Ness and Glencoe, with waterfall walk and whisky dram. Optional Loch Ness cruise.
“Great trip. Long day - but goes past quickly with frequent stops. Interesting information about highlands”
Glass-bottom boat to Great Keppel Island from Yeppoon with return ferry and time on 17 beaches. Reef views without snorkel time.
“The guid was very good at explaining all about the tour, think our guide was called Talia .”
See Edinburgh’s Royal Yacht Britannia, Holyroodhouse, and Edinburgh Castle on a timed cruise-day tour with pickup and guide narration. Tickets extra.
“Our guide was very good and it was most important that the tour picked us up at the cruise port, not in Edinburgh. It is important to note that the two main attractions, the Royal Yacht Britannia and the castle, are both on your own.”
90-minute Firth of Forth cruise from South Queensferry for Three Bridges views, Blackness Castle stories, and wildlife spotting.
“Pleasant trip & interesting information throughout. Small bar area for refreshments & courteous staff. Helpful staff to board & leave boat.”
Yeppoon fast-boat tour to Keppel Islands with snorkel gear, SUP, beach lunch picnic, and wildlife spotting. 6 hours, $123.
“The skipper and his 2 deckhands/crew were amazing, super friendly, accommodating nothing was too much trouble. Lunch and morning tea was a nice touch and catered to various dietary needs. It was well worth the money and both my Dad and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Very informative with different beaches we stopped at or went past. An awesome day out on the water. Thanks heaps guys and big ups to running a well oiled ship”
Cruise the Firth of Forth to Inchcolm Abbey with a guided tour, seal watching, and great bridge views from South Queensferry.
Small-group Puffin Boat trip plus Tantallon Castle and North Berwick lunch stop from Edinburgh, with included entry tickets.
“Tour guide, Mark, gave wonderful information on sites and Scotland culture and history. A fantastic tour. He had a great personality and the entire trip was excellent. We highly recommend this trip.”
8-hour Edinburgh shore trip with Royal Yacht Britannia, Royal Mile walking, and optional Edinburgh Castle. Coach, live guide, views included.
“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.”
4-hour catamaran sail from Port Edgar to Inchcolm Island, passing the Forth Bridges. Coffee and tea included, small group.
“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.”
Full-day sailing from Edinburgh’s Port Edgar Marina past the Forth Rail Bridge and islands, with an Inchkeith lunch stop and skyline return.
“Colin and the crew were awesome and very personable! I loved being allowed to sail the boat for a few minutes.”
