Queensferry is a fantastic place to enjoy boat tours and cruises, thanks to its stunning views of the iconic Forth Bridges, historic Blackness Castle, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re after a leisurely scenic ride, a wildlife spotting adventure, or a trip brimming with history, Queensferry offers a variety of options. Among our favorites are cruises that take you under the famous bridges, explore Inchcolm Island’s ancient abbey, or watch seabirds and seals in their natural habitat. These tours deliver not just sightseeing but memorable experiences you won’t forget.
If you’re a history enthusiast, the Firth of Forth Blackness Castle Cruise offers up-close views of the well-preserved fortress featured in Outlander and Outlaw King. For nature lovers, the Birdwatching Cruise with RSPB Guide provides a close look at puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and seals. Meanwhile, families or those seeking a classic experience might enjoy the Queensferry: Maid of the Forth 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise, which balances stunning scenery with engaging commentary.
1. Edinburgh: ‘Firth of Forth’ Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise
At number 1, this 1.5-hour cruise offers incredible views of the Three Bridges, Inchcolm Island, and the Edinburgh skyline. It’s ideal for those who want a quick, engaging introduction to the area’s most famous sights. Starting from Fife, the cruise provides a perfect blend of scenic views and wildlife spotting, particularly seals and puffins. The cruise’s highlight is getting up close to the UNESCO Forth Bridge, a marvel of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the trip, you’ll visit Inchcolm Island, known for its well-preserved medieval abbey—an excellent photo stop—and enjoy scenic views along the way. The crew is praised for sharing interesting facts about the bridges and islands, making it not just a pretty ride but an educational one. With a very high rating of 4.7/5 from over 2,100 reviews, travelers find it to be a “perfect” experience, especially the wildlife and the friendly staff. The price of around $27 per person makes it a good value, especially considering the unforgettable views and wildlife encounters.
Bottom Line: This cruise is perfect for a short, scenic experience with a mix of engineering marvels, wildlife, and stunning city views. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but want a memorable boat trip.
2. Queensferry: Sightseeing Cruise to Inchcolm Island
At number 2, this 3-hour cruise from Queensferry takes you directly to Inchcolm Island, home to Scotland’s best-preserved monastic ruins. The journey offers excellent Forth Bridge sightseeing along the way, making it a good choice for those wanting a bit more depth and history. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the Abbey and relax on the beaches, all while enjoying stunning views of the bridges and wildlife.
The trip’s standout feature is the opportunity to walk around one of Scotland’s most significant monastic sites, with the added bonus of spotting seabirds and seals. The crew provides detailed commentary about the area’s history and ecology, earning a 4.8/5 rating from 577 reviews. Many highlight the high standard of the island’s upkeep and the peaceful atmosphere. Costing roughly $28 per person, it offers excellent value given the length and depth of the experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs and nature lovers who want time on land and water, this cruise combines scenic beauty and cultural interest in a relaxed three-hour trip.
3. Queensferry: Maid of the Forth 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise
Ranking third, the Maid of the Forth offers a popular 1.5-hour cruise under the Forth Bridges, recently voted as one of Edinburgh’s top attractions. Departing from Queensferry, this trip balances scenic views of the bridges with insights into the area’s history and wildlife. The boat allows you to see the Forth Bridge, the Edinburgh skyline, and the scenic coastlines of Fife, all with engaging onboard commentary.
One of the unique features is the option to land on Inchcolm Island and explore its historic ruins, adding an extra layer to the experience. Guests rave about the friendly crew and the “fantastic photo opportunities.” The cruise’s high rating of 4.7/5 from over 700 reviews reflects its popularity. Costing about $24 per person, it offers good value for such a scenic and informative trip.
Bottom Line: This cruise suits travelers seeking a shorter, well-rounded experience with the flexibility of landing on Inchcolm Island. It’s especially good for those wanting to combine scenic views with a touch of history.
4. Queensferry: Firth of Forth Blackness Castle Cruise
Number 4 is a 1.5-hour cruise focusing on the Blackness Castle, a fortress famously seen in Outlander and Outlaw King. This trip offers a close-up view of the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge as well as Blackness Castle, along with the scenic shoreline. The onboard commentary shares stories about the castle’s role in Scottish history and films, making it an engaging choice for those interested in historical landmarks.
While the small number of reviews (13) makes it a less-tested option, the consistent description of unrivalled views and the opportunity to spot marine wildlife like seals and puffins** give it appeal. The price is comparable at around $27, and the cruise is suited for history enthusiasts wanting a focused trip highlighting the castle and bridges.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history and film fans who want a shorter, more focused cruise with stunning views and the chance to learn about Blackness Castle’s role in Scottish history.
5. South Queensferry: Birdwatching Cruise with RSPB Guide
Finally, the 3-hour birdwatching cruise in South Queensferry offers a different kind of adventure. Led by an RSPB guide, this trip is perfect for avid birders and wildlife lovers. You’ll sail past the Inner Forth islands like Inchgarvie, Inchcolm, and Inchmickery, spotting species such as puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and seals.
The commentary from knowledgeable RSPB staff makes the trip educational and engaging. The boat is well-equipped for wildlife spotting, and the scenery of the Scottish coast is an added bonus. With a high rating of 4.8/5 from multiple reviews, this trip emphasizes close encounters with seabirds and marine mammals. The cost varies, but the focus on wildlife makes it especially valuable for those interested in nature photography or birding.
Bottom Line: Best suited for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to spend more time observing wildlife in a relaxed, scenic setting.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour in Queensferry
When selecting a cruise, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. For a quick overview of the Forth Bridges, the Maid of the Forth offers an engaging, shorter experience. If you’re into history and castles, the Blackness Castle Cruise is ideal. For wildlife and bird lovers, the Birdwatching Cruise with RSPB Guide provides a longer, more immersive experience.
Budget-wise, all options are fairly similar, with prices ranging from around $24 to $28, making them accessible. Think about booking early in the season for the best chances of wildlife sightings or sunny weather. If you’re pressed for time, the shorter cruises still deliver plenty of stunning views, but if you love nature or history, the longer trips are well worth the extra time.
In summary, Queensferry offers a broad spectrum of boat experiences—from quick sightseeing rides to in-depth wildlife adventures. For those seeking spectacular views of the bridges, the Edinburgh: ‘Firth of Forth’ Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise and Maid of the Forth are excellent choices. History buffs will enjoy the Blackness Castle Cruise, while nature lovers should consider the Birdwatching Cruise. Whichever you pick, these tours promise a memorable way to see the Forth area from a different perspective. Book early, and enjoy the ride!