Set sail with the 6 best scenic cruises in Edinburgh!
My go-to way of getting around is by car, but every now and then, it’s good to trade the road for the open sea. Cruising might just be one of Edinburgh’s most underrated experiences, yet it’s hands down one of the best ways to soak in the city’s sights.
Whenever friends from abroad visit, a cruise is always on my list of recommendations. Even my parents make it a tradition to set sail once a year—whether it’s a scenic ride down the Water of Leith or a trip to Inchcolm Island for a refreshing change of pace.
If you’re looking for something different to do in the city, I can’t recommend these top cruises enough. Time to set sail and enjoy the view!
Re-Union Canal Boats
Waterwitch
– Media from reunion_canal_boats
Address: Bainfield Dr, Edinburgh Quay Two
Contact Details: +44 771 674 5978
Cruise Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Mondays to Fridays: £157.50 per person for 2 hours, £236.25 per person for 3.5 hours
Saturdays and Sundays: £189 per person for 2 hours, £315 per person for 3.5 hours
Hop aboard the Waterwitch, a charming canal boat that offers a relaxing two-hour cruise along the Union Canal. With 40 feet of comfortable seating, it can handle small groups of up to 8 people.
I once brought a few friends from the US on this cruise, and they were completely captivated. The helmsman’s storytelling added so much to the experience, sharing fascinating history about the canal and Edinburgh, and making the cruise even more fun.
Tips:
- No need to worry about the facilities. There’s a toilet on board, and tea and coffee are provided. Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks, as crockery and glasses are available for use.
- A skipper and crew will guide your journey, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you might even get the chance to take the helm yourself—under supervision of course!
The Lochrin Belle
– Media from reunion_canal_boats
Address: Bainfield Dr, Edinburgh Quay Two
Contact Details: +44 771 674 5978
Cruise Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Admission Fee:
£225.75 per person for 1 hour, £315 per person for 2 hours, £420 per person for 3 hours, £525 per person for 4 hours
For a much shorter cruise, I recommend hopping aboard the Lochrin Belle. The cruise takes you from Edinburgh Quay to Harrison Park and back, which can run anywhere between an hour and 4 hours, depending on your itinerary.
The longer cruises will take you along the Union Canal and out to Herniston and back, with the option to enjoy afternoon tea on board. The cruise is also a popular option for people who love private hires and dinners aboard the boat, so take your pick!
Tips:
- You’re welcome to bring your own alcoholic drinks, but keep in mind that the skipper’s priority is everyone’s safety. If asked to pause drinking at any point, it’s best to follow instructions to ensure a smooth trip.
In rare cases, the skipper may need to end the cruise early if necessary. Also, note that there is a £40 corkage fee per trip if you’re bringing your own booze.
- The boat is wheelchair-friendly, with a ramp, lift, and an accessible toilet. If you need to use the lift, give the office a heads-up when booking so they can have everything ready for you!
Forth Boat Tours
The Three Bridges Cruise
– Media from forth_boat_tours
Address: Hawes Pier, South Queensferry
Contact Details: +44 131 331 3030
Cruise Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 4:30 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £16 per person
Child: £10.40 per person
Senior: £14.40 per person
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £52 per family
Dog: £1 per pet
If you want a proper look at the Three Bridges and a bit of Scottish sea air, the Three Bridges Cruise should be on your radar. This 1.5-hour cruise takes you along the Firth of Forth with a guided commentary, so you’ll get all the history while cruising.
You’ll get views of Inchcolm Island, Edinburgh’s skyline, and the iconic bridges while you grab a drink from the bar and sit back. I took my cousins on this cruise, and they were awestruck by the sheer scale of the Forth Bridge up close!
Tips:
- If you’re visiting with a carer, they can enter for free. Just make sure to add them to your booking and bring along the necessary documentation when you arrive. It’s a smooth process, and you’ll be all set to enjoy the site together.
- Got a furry friend you want to bring along? No worries, they’re welcome aboard! Just note that there’s a small charge of £1 per pet, so you can enjoy the trip with your four-legged companion without any hassle.
The Inchcolm Island Cruise
– Media from forth_boat_tours
Address: Hawes Pier, South Queensferry
Contact Details: +44 131 331 3030
Cruise Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 4:30 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £16 per person
Child: £10.40 per person
Senior: £14.40 per person
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £52 per family
Dog: £1 per pet
Landing Pass: £8 per person
If you’re after a cruise that’s more than just a pretty view, the Inchcolm Island Cruise should be at the top of your list. This 3-hour adventure takes you past the iconic Three Bridges, and you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city and the Kingdom of Fife.
Inchcolm Island is the real gem here, though, as it’s home to a medieval abbey so well-preserved, you’ll swear you’ve stepped back in time. It’s the kind of place where history isn’t just something you read about but you can actually feel under your feet.
Tips:
- You’ll need to buy a landing pass to step foot on the island, so be sure to grab one when you board the cruise.
Once you’re there, you will have a minimum of 90 minutes to explore the island, which gives you plenty of time to take in the views, wander through the medieval abbey and soak up the atmosphere.
You can purchase landing passes from this page.
- Arrive at the pier at least 20 minutes before the departure to avoid any last-minute rush. If you’re heading to Inchcolm Island, this is especially important, as missing the boat means you’ll have to wait for the next one, which may take a few hours.
Maid of the Forth
Safari Three Bridges and Three Island Trip
– Media from maidoftheforth
Address: Hawes Pier, Newhalls Road, Queensferry, South Queensferry
Contact Details: +44 131 331 5000
Cruise Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Operating Hours:
Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £32 per person
Child: £28 per person
For an exhilarating experience, hop aboard a high-speed Rib for a 1-hour wildlife-watching cruise on the Seafari Three Bridges and Three Island Trip. During the cruise, you’ll zoom past the three Forth bridges and explore nearby islands.
The islands on this tour include Inchgravie, Inchcolm, and Inchmickery. You’ll get an up close look at the local wildlife while enjoying the thrilling speed of the boat and learning fascinating facts from expert skippers and guides (a pretty quick but wild adventure!).
Tips:
- There’s a free car park along the seafront, plus plenty of street parking along Hawes Brae. However, the town can get crowded on weekends and sunny days, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to snag a spot and head over to the pier.
If that’s full, don’t worry—there’s more free parking up at the Forth Bridges View Point car park or the Ferry Muir shopping centre near the Forth Road Bridge.
- There are separate ladies’ and gents’ toilets near Hawes Pier, and you’ll find more onboard the Maid of the Forth. However, if you’re looking for baby change or accessible facilities, your best bet is to pop into one of the local cafes or restaurants nearby.
Sightseeing Cruise
– Media from maidoftheforth
Address: Hawes Pier, Newhalls Road, Queensferry, South Queensferry
Contact Details: +44 131 331 5000
Cruise Duration: 90 minutes
Operating Hours:
Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £18 per person
Child: £10.50 per person
For another spectacular way to see the Forth, hop on the Sightseeing cruise, a 90-minute trip that takes you beneath all three of the legendary Forth Bridges without breaking too much of the bank.
I still remember taking my parents for a short trip here. A curious seal bobbed alongside the boat, and we heard gulls screech overhead as we passed beneath the mighty Forth Bridge. It’s history, nature, and a wee bit of fresh sea air.
Tips:
- While wheelchairs can’t be taken up the ramp onto the boat, they do their best to assist those who can manage the short ramp with handrails.
Folding wheelchairs and walkers are welcome on board, and if you’re unsure about accessibility, feel free to drop by the pier when the vessel is docked to check if it’s a good fit for you.
- Need a closer look at the stunning views? You can rent binoculars right at the bar inside the boat. You’ll also find it well stocked with hot drinks, beer, and a selection of snacks and sweet treats in case you get famished on board.