South Queensferry is a fantastic spot for boat tours because of its prime location right on the Firth of Forth, offering stunning views of iconic bridges, historic islands, and marine wildlife. Whether you’re after a quick sightseeing trip or a full-day sailing experience, this charming town provides a variety of options that showcase Scotland’s maritime charm. Our favorite is the Stunning 90-Minute Firth of Forth Sightseeing Cruise Adventure, which offers a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, wildlife spotting, and cultural insights—plus the chance to see the Forth Bridge from a fresh perspective.
For those looking to escape the crowds and see lesser-known sights, the Edinburgh Three Bridges Cruise is a smart choice. If you’re interested in a more immersive sailing experience, options like the Half Day Sailing Trip and the Full Day Sailing Trip provide opportunities to get out on the water and explore the coast. And if history and scenery are your focus, the Blackness Castle Cruise combines castle views with a scenic Forth cruise. Lastly, for cruise enthusiasts arriving via a Scotland cruise ship, the Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia offers a comprehensive day exploring both land and sea highlights.
1. Stunning 90-Minute Firth of Forth Sightseeing Cruise Adventure
At number one, this 90-minute cruise delivers a compact yet comprehensive taste of the Forth. It takes you out onto the Firth of Forth, with stunning views of the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that looms impressively overhead. What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to cruise underneath the bridge, offering a perspective few get from land. The boat’s top deck provides excellent panoramic views of Edinburgh and Fife, making it perfect for photography or just soaking in the scenery.
The cruise also includes a visit to Inchcolm Island, home to a well-preserved medieval abbey and scenic coastal views. If you’re interested, there’s an option to disembark and explore Inchcolm more closely—just ask about landing passes. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting seals, puffins (seasonal), and seabirds, with commentary from the crew about local history and natural life. The reviews highlight how enjoyable and informative this cruise is, with many praising the comfortable boat, friendly staff, and stunning views. The price of about $24.79 per person makes it a great value for a memorable half-day outing.
Bottom line: This cruise offers a perfect introduction to the Forth’s engineering marvels and natural beauty, ideal for travelers wanting a balance of scenery and history in a short trip.
2. Edinburgh Three Bridges Cruise
Second on our list is the Edinburgh Three Bridges Cruise, which navigates the waters around Inchcolm Island and the famous Three Bridges, including the Forth Bridge. For about $27.45, this 1 hour 30-minute tour provides a fresh perspective on Edinburgh’s surroundings, especially if you prefer a cruise with less time commitment but plenty of scenic highlights.
This tour is a great escape from the busy land and offers views of the medieval Inchcolm Abbey, marine wildlife like seals and puffins, and panoramic views of the city skyline. It’s especially appealing if you want to combine wildlife spotting with iconic engineering sights. The reviews praise the friendly narration and the spectacular views of the bridges and bay. The tour departs from South Queensferry, making it an easy addition to a day exploring the area or a quick trip from Edinburgh.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a short, scenic cruise that blends wildlife, history, and iconic bridge views without a hefty price tag.
3. Half Day Sailing Trip
Number three is the Half Day Sailing Trip, which lets you experience sailing on the only catamaran on Scotland’s East Coast. For about $135.72, this 4-hour tour is ideal for those who want a more active, hands-on experience on the water. During this trip, you’ll sail past and around Inchcolm Island, with opportunities to see the historic Abbey and enjoy the fresh sea air with included coffee and tea.
What makes this trip stand out is its intimate sailing experience. Unlike larger sightseeing boats, this tour offers a more personal connection with the boat and the water. The reviews note the expertise of the crew and the chance to sail the vessel, which appeals to maritime enthusiasts and those eager to learn sailing skills. This trip suits anyone comfortable on the water and eager for an adventurous, memorable half-day.
Bottom line: Best suited for active travelers or sailing enthusiasts wanting an authentic experience with scenic views and a chance to participate.
4. Full Day Sailing Trip
The Full Day Sailing Trip is perfect if you want to spend a whole day on the water, exploring the Forth and its islands. For $241.05, this 8-hour tour is a comprehensive sailing adventure that includes sailing under the Forth Rail Bridge, stopping at Inchcolm Island for a lunch and sightseeing. It’s tailored for both beginners and experienced sailors, with opportunities for everyone to get involved.
This trip offers a relaxed pace, with time to enjoy scenic views, wildlife sightings, and historic sites. The guide, Colin, is praised for his personable approach, and guests appreciate the flexibility of the itinerary. The cruise allows you to see the skyline, anchor at Inchcolm, and enjoy a sea voyage that combines adventure and relaxation. The reviews mention how much guests loved the experience of sailing and taking part in boat handling.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers with a full day to spare, and those who want a hands-on, immersive sailing experience with plenty of scenic stops.
5. Blackness Castle Cruise
Number five is the Blackness Castle Cruise, which combines scenic cruising with historic sights. For around $27.43, this 1 hour 30-minute voyage takes you past the famous Blackness Castle, featured in films and TV series like Outlander and Outlaw King. You’ll also see the Limekilns village—a location linked to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Kidnapped—as well as the Three Bridges.
This cruise is great for history and film buffs, with the fabulous castle views from the water and storytelling about the area’s past. Marine wildlife such as seals, porpoises, and seabirds are often spotted along the route. The reviews highlight how fascinating the scenery and informative the commentary are, with many praising how thrilling it is to sail underneath the bridges.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers interested in castle vistas, film locations, and marine wildlife with a moderate time commitment.
6. Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia
Finally, the Edinburgh Shore Excursion offers a full-day experience blending landmarks and maritime history. For about $87.18, this 7.5-hour tour is tailored for cruise passengers who want a comprehensive taste of Edinburgh’s highlights. It includes a visit to Royal Yacht Britannia, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Edinburgh Castle, with free time for lunch and exploration of the Royal Mile.
This tour is ideal for those wanting to maximize their time ashore, with a comfortable coach and a well-paced itinerary. The Royal Yacht Britannia is a highlight, and many reviewers praise the informative guide and the convenient pickup from the cruise port. While some attractions are on your own, the tour provides a rich overview of royal and historic sites.
Bottom line: Best suited for cruise travelers who want a structured, comprehensive day tour of Edinburgh and its royal connections.
$87.18 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Boat Tour or Cruise
When selecting the right boat experience in South Queensferry, consider what matters most: Are you after a quick scenic hop or a full-day sailing? Budget-wise, options range from about $24.79 for a short sightseeing cruise to over $240 for an immersive full-day adventure. Think about your interests—wildlife sightings, historic landmarks, or sailing skills—and match the tour accordingly. For example, if you’re keen on history and castles, the Blackness Castle Cruise might be your best pick. If you want an active day on the water, the full-day sailing is hard to beat.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, and check the weather forecast—Scotland’s weather is famously unpredictable. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, the Edinburgh Shore Excursion offers a hassle-free way to see the highlights without worry.
Final Thoughts
From quick scenic cruises to full-day sailing adventures, South Queensferry offers options for all kinds of travelers. The Stunning 90-Minute Firth of Forth Sightseeing Cruise is a top pick for its balance of scenery and value. Meanwhile, the Full Day Sailing Trip delivers a more immersive experience for maritime enthusiasts. For a taste of history combined with beautiful views, the Blackness Castle Cruise is ideal.
Whatever your interests and schedule, these boat tours promise memorable moments on the water, with plenty of opportunities to see the iconic bridges, wildlife, and historic sites. Book early, dress warmly, and prepare for some of the best views Scotland has to offer.