Dundee is a city that packs a surprising punch. Known for its innovative architecture like the Victoria and Albert Museum, lively waterfront, and a burgeoning arts scene, Dundee offers a variety of ways to explore its unique character. For those seeking adventure, the Boat Seafari Adventure (click here) offers an adrenaline-fueled tour with close encounters with bottlenose dolphins and seals. If you prefer a more relaxed but equally enriching experience, a visit to the Dundee Botanic Garden (click here) allows you to wander through lush, global plant collections. Photography lovers might enjoy the Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour (click here), capturing iconic sights like HMS Unicorn and the V&A Dundee. And for family fun and interactive discovery, the Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (click here) offers a self-guided treasure hunt. Whether you’re after high-speed thrills or quiet culture, Dundee’s tours have something to offer.
Quick Overview
This list features seven top-rated tours in Dundee, each offering a different way to experience the city. From speedboat adventures to self-guided audio walks, the options balance excitement, cultural insight, and family-friendly fun. To help you decide, I’ve included details about what makes each tour stand out, including reviews, highlights, and practical tips.
1. Boat Seafari Adventure
At number 1, the Boat Seafari Adventure is a favorite for its exhilarating approach to exploring Dundee’s Tay Estuary. This 1-hour speedboat tour offers a breath of fresh air—literally—as you zoom past bridges, lighthouses, oil rigs, and the iconic new V&A Museum. Your boat is high-powered, making the ride lively and exciting, especially if you’re looking for a quick thrill in Dundee.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to spot native wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins and grey seals—something no other tour in Dundee offers with such immediacy. The small-group setting (limited to 12) ensures a personal experience. The live commentary from your driver/guide adds context, making it not just a boat ride but an informative adventure. Several reviews highlight how close people got to dolphins—“Fabulous, would never have guessed there were so many dolphins so close to the harbour,” said one reviewer.
This tour is perfect for adventure seekers or anyone wanting a quick, fun way to see Dundee from the water. Waterproofs are recommended, especially if splashes are part of the fun. While it’s short, the value for money and sheer excitement make it a standout choice.
Bottom Line: An ideal quick thrill for those wanting a unique view of Dundee’s waterfront with wildlife sightings.
2. Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket
Choosing a more peaceful pace, the Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket earns its spot at number 2. For just around $7, you bypass waiting in long lines and head straight into the Dundee Botanic Garden, a 27-acre space that boasts plants from all over the world.
Once inside, you get the freedom to explore at your leisure. The gardens feature geographical plantings, a glasshouse, and an arboretum, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed walk. The gardens are well-maintained, and the staff are friendly, which increases the visit’s enjoyment. Many visitors note how beautiful and relaxing the space is, with one saying, “The gardens are beautiful and well maintained. Kids loved the play area.” It’s also family-friendly, with lots for children to spot outdoors.
The main perk here is saving time—pre-book your ticket and avoid the queues that can form during peak hours. It’s suitable for nature lovers, families, or anyone wanting a quiet nature escape. The admission fee is modest, and the experience is straightforward, making it good value for a half-day activity.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, scenic escape perfect for nature enthusiasts and families wanting a calming walk through Dundee’s botanical treasures.
3. Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour
For those who want to capture their Dundee experience, the Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour is a charming choice. This 1.5-hour guided photography session takes you around some of Dundee’s most iconic spots, including HMS Unicorn, V&A Dundee, and the Riverside Walk. It’s perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers eager to get professional-quality photos with Dundee’s backdrop.
The tour is led by a photographer guide who will direct you, ensuring you look your best and get creative shots. The tour is tailored to your interests—whether you want candid moments or posed shots in front of Dundee landmarks. The experience is more than just photos; it’s a way to see the city through a lens, with interesting stories about each location. The reviews praise the tour for its quality and friendly guide, with one reviewer noting, “Loved having my photos taken in front of Dundee’s iconic sights.”
This tour ranks high for photo enthusiasts or anyone wanting keepsakes from their trip. It’s relatively short but packed with picture-perfect opportunities. The main consideration is that it’s a photo session, so if you’re looking for a full city tour or outdoor activity, this may not be ideal.
Bottom Line: A unique way to immortalize your Dundee visit with professional photos at some of the city’s best spots.
$89.42 per person
4. Made in Dundee: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Number 4 on our list, the Made in Dundee: A Self-Guided Audio Tour, offers an insightful look at the city’s lesser-known stories and local secrets. This audio guide is perfect if you prefer exploring at your own pace, with the flexibility to pause and revisit spots as you wish. The tour covers iconic landmarks like Desperate Dan’s statue, the McManus Museum, and Slessor Gardens.
The narration provides fascinating details about Dundee’s cultural icons and famous residents, including the story behind Desperate Dan and Mary Slessor. The tour’s value is enhanced by its focus on hidden stories and local character, giving you more depth than a typical city walk. Reviewers appreciate the easy download process and how it enriched their understanding of Dundee—one called it “a great way to learn about Dundee beyond the surface.”
Ideal for history buffs, independent travelers, or families, this tour offers flexibility and depth. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy Dundee without a guide, though it requires a phone and headphones. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with self-guided explorations and want a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: A highly informative and flexible way to discover Dundee’s stories at your own pace.
5. Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass)
For a fun, interactive, and family-friendly experience, the Dundee Tour App (click here) offers a self-guided treasure hunt. With over 100 destinations and challenges, this 4-hour adventure helps you discover Dundee’s lesser-known spots through a series of quizzes and games.
Designed for kids and adults alike, the app encourages exploration beyond typical tourist stops. It’s an excellent choice for avoiding crowds and making sightseeing into a game. The cost per group is very reasonable, and it’s ideal for those who prefer flexibility over structured tours. Reviewers mention it as kid-friendly and engaging, with one noting, “It made exploring fun for the whole family.”
The app guides you through the city’s hidden corners while teaching you about local history and culture in a playful way. It’s best suited for active travelers, families, or groups who enjoy interactive experiences. Since it’s app-based, it requires a compatible device and some familiarity with smartphone navigation, but it rewards you with a memorable, customized adventure.
Bottom Line: A lively, flexible activity perfect for families and curious explorers who want to turn sightseeing into a game.
6. Aberdeen: St. Andrews, Dundee Private Shore Excursion
Number 6 offers an 8-hour private day trip that takes you from Aberdeen to explore some of Fife’s most iconic sights. The tour includes Dundee’s nautical museums, the St. Andrews Cathedral, and the famous Old Course. It’s tailored for travelers who want a personalized, flexible experience with a private guide.
Your day begins at Aberdeen’s port, traveling via coach for a scenic ride through the Scottish landscape. In Dundee, you’ll visit key sites including Discovery Point and the Waterfront, gaining insights into the city’s maritime past. The St. Andrews portion includes walking tours of the historic town and visits to the university and golf course—perfect for golf fans or history lovers.
This private tour is highly customizable, making it suitable for families, history enthusiasts, or golf fans eager to see St. Andrews’ legendary course. The reviews stress the comfort of private transport and the depth of local knowledge. The main challenge is the price, which reflects its private, all-day nature.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a flexible, personalized day exploring Dundee, St. Andrews, and the surrounding region.
7. Scottish History & Heritage: Personalised Private Tour
Rounding out the list, the Scottish History & Heritage: Personalised Private Tour is a truly bespoke experience. It’s ideal for travelers with specific interests—whether in family roots, Scottish culture, or historical sites—who want a guide to craft a custom itinerary. The tour can span from 1 to 3 days, allowing for in-depth exploration.
Led by a qualified historian, the guide tailors stops based on your interests, from Scotland’s Highland scenery to local castles and behind-the-scenes cultural sites**. The flexible nature means you can focus on what matters most to you, making it perfect for heritage travelers or those with a specific passion for Scottish history. The expert guidance ensures a richer understanding of the regions visited.
While the pricing depends on your itinerary, the personalized approach offers great value for travelers looking for an authentic, immersive experience. It’s best suited for adventure travelers, history buffs, or those celebrating family heritage.
Bottom Line: A truly customizable tour, offering deep dives into Scottish history and culture with an expert guide.
How to Choose the Right Dundee Tour
When selecting your perfect Dundee experience, consider your interests, budget, and time availability. Families might prefer the Hidden Gems Game for fun exploration, while history enthusiasts could enjoy the personalized private tour or the self-guided audio. Adventure seekers will love the speedboat ride, but those seeking tranquility might opt for the Botanic Garden.
For practical booking tips, check availability early, especially for popular tours like the Boat Seafari or Photoshoot Tour. If you only have a few hours, the self-guided audio or the hidden gems app provides flexible ways to enjoy Dundee without missing out.
To sum it up, Dundee offers a diverse range of tours tailored to different tastes—whether you’re after thrills, culture, or relaxation. Two standout options are the adrenaline-pumping Boat Seafari Adventure and the culturally rich Self-Guided Audio Tour, both providing memorable ways to experience the city. To ensure you don’t miss out, booking early, especially in peak seasons, is always a good idea.
Enjoy your Dundee adventure, and happy exploring!