10 Boat Trips in Edinburgh to Build a Day Around

1.Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,022 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $84Our pick

Review of the Loch Ness and Highlands small-group tour from Edinburgh, with Glencoe views, a Loch Ness cruise, guide tips, and practical advice.

“Wow what a great tour all the way around. Martin was the best. Knowledgeable of history and very professional and entertaining. Loved every minute. Would highly recommend Rabbies and hope you are lucky and get our tour guide. Martin is terrific.”

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2.Loch Ness and The Highlands Tour with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,090 reviews · 12 hours · from $67

See Loch Ness, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, and Ben Nevis on a 12-hour small-group tour from Edinburgh with a Loch Ness cruise.

“It was awesome, the guide was really nice and kind, we would like to spend more time in Loch Ness”

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3.Edinburgh Three Bridges Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 442 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Cruise beneath Edinburgh’s Three Bridges, spot seals and puffins, and see Inchcolm Abbey from the Firth of Forth for $27.73.

“Lovely morning on board. Would highly recommend this trip for value for money and a great way to spend a couple of hours.”

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4.Stunning 90-Minute Firth of Forth Sightseeing Cruise Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 237 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $24Best value

Cruise beneath Edinburgh’s famous Forth Bridge, spot seals and seabirds, and add an optional visit to Inchcolm Abbey on this 90-minute trip.

“Good ride. The people were very helpful and the boat was comfortable. We took the last boat out so didn't get to spend time on the island. I would recommend doing that. It is such a picturesque location and the route offers up great opportunity to click photos of the bridges. Also, there are some good alcohol choices on the boat to pick from. Only caveat, uber can be tricky on the way back.”

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5.Loch Ness Cruise, Scenic Walk, Whisky & Glencoe Tour – Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $90

See Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highland waterfalls, whisky country, and Highland cows on a full-day small-group tour from Edinburgh.

“Super road Trip! You see a lot in just one Day. Thank you to our exceptional tour guide/driver/entertainer Perry.”

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6.Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 41 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $92

Review of Edinburgh’s 7.5-hour shore excursion to Royal Yacht Britannia, Holyroodhouse, and Edinburgh Castle, with practical booking advice.

“Really enjoyed our experience overall. Comfy bus. Free time at Edinburgh and Castle was good but Britanica visit was too short. All places worth a visit. Back in plenty of time for our ship.”

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7.Blackness Castle Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Cruise the Firth of Forth from South Queensferry for bridge views, Blackness Castle, Scottish history, wildlife, and a 90-minute sail.

“The bridges are beautiful and thrilling to sail underneath. The cream tea was a delicious bonus. The commentary was good but some inaccuracy and tgtthe captain was lovely but his comments were very hard to hear.”

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8.Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour & Royal Yacht Britannia

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 12 reviews · 8 hours · from $92

See Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyroodhouse, and Royal Yacht Britannia on an 8-hour cruise port tour with coach transport.

“It was a good day in Edinburgh. The Royal Yacht, Britannia was a highlight, but there was not enough time to complete the tour. Free-time on the Royal Mile was good, because the Fringe Festival was beginning and we saw several interesting acts. We could not access Edinburgh Castle because of waiting times, etc. The rest of the tour was by bus in mostly heavy traffic. But we did get a taste of the city.”

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9.Half Day Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $143

Sail beneath Edinburgh’s Forth Bridges to Inchcolm Island on a small catamaran, with Abbey views, helm time, coffee, and tea.

“When I checked the weather for Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth I must confess I was concerned. However, the skipper and his crew were capable and confident under reefed sails - even to allow myself and another aspiring sailor opportunities at the helm. A lovely day on the water with all kinds of weather. For those of you who enjoy sailing - this is a “don’t miss” opportunity.”

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10.Full Day Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $241

Sail beneath the Forth Rail Bridge, visit Inchcolm and Inchkeith, and enjoy an eight-hour small-group sailing trip from Edinburgh.

“Colin and the crew were awesome and very personable! I loved being allowed to sail the boat for a few minutes.”

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