forth bridge boat tours

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Boat Trips on the Firth of Forth

Sail or motor.

Nothing says you’re on holiday like a boat trip. There’s something special about seeing the sights from the water, especially when it’s a boat trip on the Firth of Forth to view something as impressive as the Forth Bridges.

You can go out by sail or motor, daytime or evening, staying aboard or landing. Regular boat trips depart from Hawes Pier and the nearby Port Edgar Marina.

Boat Trips from Hawes Pier 

Hawes Pier lies directly below the Forth Rail Bridge and directly opposite the Hawes Inn. The pier was erected c1817, and Robert Stevenson advised on the lighting arrangements in the lighthouse.

The Maid of the Forth and Forth Boat Tours operate from Hawes Pier and offer a variety of tours to suit all tastes.

Forth Boat Tours operate all year round and sail from both Hawes Pier and a dedicated pontoon in Port Edgar Marina. 

Boat Trips from Port Edgar Marina

Port Edgar Marina is in South Queensferry.

Forth Boat Tours, Edinburgh Marine Academy, Edinburgh Boat Tours and McIntosh Charters operate from here. 

Maid of the Forth

• Three bridges sightseeing tour
• Inchcolm island landing trip
• High-speed safari adventure

Evening Tours

• 5 bridges cruise
• Folk music cruise
• Fizz on the Forth
• Jazz cruise

Forth Boat Tours

Three Bridges Cruise

Inchcolm Island Cruise & landing

Blackness Castle Cruise

Boat & Bridges Tour

Forth Valley Pass

The Falkirk Wheel Cruise

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Cruise

Outlander Experience

Stirling Old Town Jail Cruise

New Lanark Heritage Site Cruise

Vintage Bus & Train Cruise

Rosebank Distillery Cruise

Edinburgh Marine Academy

Edinburgh Marine Academy RIB Trips

• Tours of the Three Bridges and Islands of the Firth of Forth
• North Berwick, Eilie and Dunbar
• Learn to drive experiences

McIntosh Tours (Yachts)

Sail the Forth Estuary (including Inchcolm Island) – be as hands-on or off as you choose!

Edinburgh Boat Charters

Skippered sailing experiences on their yachts. Scheduled trips, private and corporate charters. Larger groups can be accommodated on multiple yachts and high-speed RIBs.

A fully accessible powerboat experience and the chance to take the helm as skipper. 

Forth Bridges Trail

About the Bridges

More See & Do

Explore North & South Queensferry & the Local Area

3 Bridges Sightseeing Tour 1.5 hrs

Magnificent views of the three bridges and amazing wildlife

Explore our captivating 90 minute sightseeing cruise, set against the stunning backdrop of all three Forth Bridges and journey towards Inchcolm Island.  Immerse yourself in the awe inspiring magnitude of the Forth Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing, all enhanced by informative commentary sharing the rich history and significance of this remarkable region.

Puffins come to the area to breed and that these charming little characters typically reside in the area from mid April to late June during their nesting season.  These delightful birds are best spotted near Inchcolm as the glide a long the water, and dive for their food.

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• Daytime Cruises
• Evening Cruises
• Special Events
• Inchcolm Island
• Contact and Info
• Online Booking
• Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

3 Best Firth of Forth Boat Tours in Scotland (2024)

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Looking for the best Firth of Forth boat tours in Scotland?

You’ve come to the right place!

There are 3 main boat tours (often called the 3 bridges tour) that take you across the Firth of Forth in Edinburgh, and I’ve compiled them here with my rankings on which one is best.

How should I know?

As someone who has lived in the UK for 10 years and visited Edinburgh dozens of times, I know that one of the coolest things to do is hop on one of these Firth of Forth boat tours to see the Forth Bridge – and I’ve done all 3 myself!

Make sure to book in advance to guarantee yourself a space, and let’s get straight down into the best boat tours of the Firth of Forth!

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best Firth of Forth boat tour is this 1.5 hour Firth of Forth Sightseeing Cruise .

Click here to check prices and availability.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

1. Fun 1.5 hour Firth of Forth Sightseeing Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 128+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Fully stocked bar on board for purchasing drinks and snacks
• Expert commentary during the cruise
• Restroom on board

This tour is my top pick for the best Firth of Forth tour in Edinburgh.

Not only do you get to cruise under this incredibly impressive bridge with expert commentary in the background, but you’ll also get some stunning views of Edinburgh and Fife from the top deck of the boat.

You can spot wildlife from the boat (bring your binoculars!), including seals and puffins when the season is right.

This is the only 5/5 star Firth of Forth boat tour, and while the others are also highly ranked, this is truly the best one.

2. Edinburgh Three Bridges Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 320+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Get out of crowded Edinburgh on the Three Bridges tour , taking you to see some of Edinburgh’s hidden gems as you cruise your way to Inchcolm Island.

You can spot medieval abbeys, colonies of sea lions and seals, and plenty of gorgeous scenic views of Edinburgh.

And of course, one of the main events, seeing the Forth Bridge which is UNESCO listed and a must-see for visitors to Edinburgh.

You’ll learn the history of all 3 of the bridges, as well as enjoy guided narration of the history of the island, the bridges, and Edinburgh as you cruise along.

3. Award winning Blackness Castle, Three Bridges Cruise with Cream Tea

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 28+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Three bridges go over the Firth of Forth, and they look amazing from the land.

But it’s even more impressive when you’re on a boat, looking up at them from below.

And even more so when you’re enjoying cream team with the view!

This boat trip takes you on the Firth of Forth, and you’ll see Blackness Castle, Limekilns village, and the Forth Road and Queensferry bridges.

It’s a great way to learn about the local and Scottish history from your guide and maybe even see some cool marine animals like birds, porpoises, and seals.

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Forth Boat Tours

Sightseeing boat tours of the Firth of Forth and the world-famous Forth Bridges. Daily sailings from Queensferry

No Visit to Scotland is complete without a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The Firth of Forth is simply overflowing with myths, turbulent history and fascinating marine wildlife. 

Join Forth Tours on a boat tour on board one of their fleet of superb vessels. Our boat tours depart from South Queensferry,  which is only a short distance from Scotland's bustling Capital City of Edinburgh.

The tour includes magnificent views of the new Queensferry Crossing, opened in September 2017, the bridge is 2.7 kilometres (1.7 miles); at opening, it is the longest triple tower cable-stayed bridge in the world and is the tallest bridge in the UK. Standing alongside is the Forth Road Bridge and the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Forth Railway Bridge.

In addition, take in the beautiful panoramas of the Edinburgh skyline, the Kingdom of Fife and the historic island of Inchcolm with its medieval abbey.  As part of the tour we stop at the island to drop off and pick up visitors.

For your comfort relax onboard in the heated observation lounge or on the outside decks and listen to the guided commentary while you enjoy a drink from the bar.

During your tour, you will find plenty of opportunities to see a wide variety of marine wildlife including seabirds, porpoises and seals.

Tour Duration

Tour departure point.

• Departs from Edinburgh

Transport and Parking

• On Public Transport Route
• Coach Parking
• Public Parking Nearby

Accessibility

• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility
• Licensed Bar
• Cafe or Restaurant

Payment Methods

• Credit Card
• Coastal Location
• Sea/Loch View

Awards & Schemes

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Forth Boat Tour

• 9.10 / 10 7 reviews | 96 travellers
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the service starts
• X (Twitter)

Make the most of your time in Edinburgh admiring one of the most emblematic feats of civil engineering on this boat tour of the bridges of the   Firth of Forth .

At your selected time, make your way to  Hawes Pier  in  South Queensferry . Here you'll board a boat ready for your tour of one of  Scotland's must see areas , the  Forth of Firth .

During the hour and a half long cruise, you'll get to admire one of the symbols of Scotland  and an emblem of civil engineering: the  Forth Bridge . This masterpiece has been an important landmark since its construction in the late 19th century, when it was the largest piece of engineering in the UK to date. We'll cruise under the  impressive structure  and admire its architecture as we learn all about it thanks to the recorded commentary on the boat.

Our boat tour will also take us to see the  Forth Road Bridge . Open by Queen Elizabeth II in 1964, this road bridge connects the towns of  South Queensferry  and  North Queensferry  across the Forth. The third of the Forth bridges that we'll see on our cruise is the  Queensferry Crossing , the tallest bridge in the United Kingdom.

At the end of our  boat tour of the Forth bridges , we'll return to the original departure point.

More Information

1 hour 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with recorded commentary in English.

90 minute boat trip.

Recorded commentary in English on board the boat.

When to book?

You can book up until 11 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Varies according to the attraction included. This must be indicated in the reservation.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• Printed material is avoided.
• No single-use plastics are used.
• The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
• The activity helps the conservation of biodiversity.
• No printing of documentation required.

Forth Boat Tours Show more

Corporate name: Forth Boat Tours

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Hawes Pier.

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Visit the Forth Bridge World Heritage site and take a walk through history… “doon the ferry" EST.2013

• Grand Rapids/Muskegon
• Saginaw/Bay City
• All Michigan

Harbor Princess makes nostalgic return to Charlevoix for fall color boat tours

• Published: Sep. 17, 2024, 7:01 p.m.

The Harbor Princess is the newest fleet member of the Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company.

• Tanda Gmiter | [email protected]

CHARLEVOIX, MI - The Harbor Princess cruise boat will motor over to Charlevoix next month for a nostalgic homecoming that’s designed to offer new fall color tours from the water.

The Harbor Princess normally does day cruises and sunset trips out of Petoskey, where it’s part of the Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company fleet. But from Oct. 3-13, it will be making Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix its home port while its crew offers daytime autumn color trips, kids-themed trips, and evening sunset cruises in this picturesque spot.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online here.

“Northern Michigan is renowned for its spectacular fall colors, as the area transforms into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows that attracts visitors from across the country,” the cruise boat company said. “This year, visitors can board the Harbor Princess for a picturesque cruise and take in the stunning fall foliage of Northern Michigan in a truly unique way.”

The Harbor Princess will do color tours, sunset cruises and kid-friendly cruises in the Charlevoix area in October. Little Traverse Ferry Co.

So why is the return of the Harbor Princess to the Charlevoix area such a celebrated homecoming? It’s because that’s where this historic boat started her Great Lakes journey nearly 70 years ago.

The Princess used to be known as the Emerald Isle and it was tailor-built in 1955 to run the Charlevoix to Beaver Island route, bringing islanders and vacationers back and forth between the island and the mainland port.

“The Harbor Princess invokes nostalgia in many locals and visitors who remember her as the Emerald Isle, so we’re excited to bring her home and offer guests the opportunity to experience this little piece of Northern Michigan history against the backdrop of the breathtaking fall foliage our area is known for,” said Chris Chamberlain, the captain and fleet owner.

The Harbor Princess has double decks as well as covered seating areas. The trips come with some perks, too. The kids-themed cruises offer free cider and donuts. The other color tours and sunset cruises will offer a spiked cider drink for purchase.

These trips will come with a side of history. The captain will narrate parts of the cruise, even tossing in a little shipwreck lore if you ask.

If You Go: Fall Color Tour Details

Date/Time: October 3-13. Check the website here to view the schedule and make a reservation.

Departure Location: 103 Bridge Park Drive in Charlevoix .

Tickets: Prices range from $10-$37 depending on the passengers’ age and cruise selected.

Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company's newest boat is the Harbor Princess.

Cruise With History

The Harbor Princess arrived in Northern Michigan to join the Little Traverse Bay Ferry fleet last summer. People familiar with tour boats that ply the Great Lakes know that vessels can change hands and change names several times over the decades they are on the water. The same is true of the Princess. This boat has a pretty cool history that includes two well-known islands and Michigan’s biggest city.

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Built for the Beaver Island Boat Company, the 65-foot vessel could carry up to 125 passengers and nine vehicles between that remote island in northern Lake Michigan and Charlevoix, its mainland port. It was later bought by the Arnold Transit line to ferry people, horses and other cargo between Mackinac Island and mainland docks in the Straits of Mackinac. Its most recent incarnation under Chamberlain and his team was as the Diamond Jack, a dinner and river cruise boat in Detroit.

After heading north to St. Ignace, where it spent a stint in dry dock for a little refurbishing last year, the boat left as the Harbor Princess and joined the ferry company in Petoskey last summer for its next chapter on the water.

“The Harbor Princess carries a rich history that unfolds with every voyage,” Chamberlain said. “From her beginnings as the legendary Emerald Isle, tailored specifically for the Charlevoix to Beaver Island route, to a Mackinac Island ferry for Arnold Line, then as the beloved Diamond Jack touring the heart of Detroit. Her journey is a special testament of maritime history around the state of Michigan.”

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• Three Bridges Cruise
• Inchcolm Island Cruise
• Blackness Castle Cruise
• Boat & Bridges Tours
• Forth Valley Pass
• The Falkirk Wheel Cruise
• Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Cruise
• Outlander Experience
• Stirling Old Town Jail Cruise
• New Lanark Heritage Site Cruise
• Rosebank Distillery Cruise
• Vintage Bus & Train Experience
• Coaches & Tours
• Private Boat Charter
• Corporate Events
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Inchcolm Island Cruise Explore Inchcolm island

• Our Cruises

Duration 3 hours – Relax onboard our Inchcolm Island Cruise with friends and family and listen to the guided commentary while you enjoy a beverage or snack from the bar.

Take in the spectacular views of Inchcolm Island, the Three Bridges, the beautiful panoramas of the Edinburgh skyline to the south and the Kingdom of Fife to the north, Inchcolm Island with its medieval abbey, and the islands of Inchgarvie, Inchkeith, and Inchmickery.

And don’t forget to look out for the marine wildlife including seals and puffins!

Explore Inchcolm island’s historic Abbey

Inchcolm Island is known as the ‘Iona of the east’ and has one of the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. Inchcolm Island is also a haven for wildlife and is well-known for its wartime coastal defences.

(You must purchase a landing pass to land on Inchcolm Island. You will be on the island for a minimum of 90-minutes)

Wildlife & the sights!

On your Three Bridges Cruise look out for the marine wildlife including many seabirds, seals, puffins, and watch out for the occasional porpoise.

Enjoy the sea breeze and views from the outside decks. If the weather is less inviting, the observation lounge has fantastic views. A guided commentary means you won’t miss a thing wherever you sit. And, of course, you will get to see the Three Bridges as you have never seen them before.

Make a day of it! – View all

Check out our exclusive joint ticket options.

Our exclusive network of partners, and the exclusive discounts we can offer, really do allow you to see and do more on your days out! So why not come and explore the area along the Firth of Forth, the city of Edinburgh and beyond.

(Please note that money off at these great attractions applies only when you purchase a Forth Boat Tours ticket).

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• Cruise Timetables

Hawes Pier South Queensferry, EH30 9TB OR Port Edgar Marina South Queensferry, EH30 9SQ

Please check our timetable to confirm departure point