Open to general traffic, subject to normal motorway restrictions
Due to essential maintenance the EAST Footpath/Cycleway is CLOSED except during weekends . please use the WEST Footpath/Cycleway.
There are roadworks in both directions.
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
- Three Bridges & Inchcolm Island cruise
- Blackness Castle & Three Bridges cruise
- Three Bridges Bus & Boat Experience
- Three Bridges Cruise & Holyrood Distillery Tour
- Three Bridges & the Falkirk wheel
- Forth Sea and Train Adventure
- Three Bridges & Hopetoun House
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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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
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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.
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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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Visit the Forth Bridge World Heritage site and take a walk through history… “doon the ferry" EST.2013
- 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
- Vintage Bus & Train Experience
- Coaches & Tours
- Private Boat Charter
- Corporate Events
- Gift Vouchers
- Explore Area
See & Do More Vouchers
- Photo Gallery
- Sustainability
- Terms & Conditions
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
IMAGES
COMMENTS
The Falkirk Wheel. View the three bridges on a Forth Boat Tours cruise and travel on the Falkirk Wheel with an Original Tour ticket. Book Now. Forth Valley Pass. The Forth Valley Pass is the perfect ticket to explore the Forth Bridge on a Three Bridges Cruise, The Falkirk Wheel and Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway. Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway.
Relax onboard your 1.5 hour sightseeing cruise of this UNESCO World Heritage site and listen to the guided commentary while you enjoy a beverage or snack from the bar. Take in the spectacular Three Bridges, the beautiful panoramas of the Edinburgh skyline, Inchcolm Island with its medieval abbey, and look out for the seals and marine wildlife.
1.5 hour Sightseeing Cruise. Cruise under all the Forth Bridges and view amazing wildlife. Embark on a breathtaking 90-minute sightseeing cruise with us and sail beneath all three iconic Forth Bridges, heading towards the captivating Inchcolm Island. Experience the unparalleled beauty and impressive engineering of the Forth Bridge, the Forth ...
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.
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 ...
The best Forth Bridge Cruises & boat tours are: Edinburgh: 'Firth of Forth' Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise. Queensferry: Sightseeing Cruise to Inchcolm Island. Queensferry: 1.5-Hour Maid of the Forth Sightseeing Cruise. Queensferry: Sightseeing Cruise to Inchcolm Island.
The boat leaves from a pier just under the Fourth Bridge so it's a great place to take a picture of this magnificent and iconic bridge. Read more. Written October 15, 2020. ... Thank you for contacting Forth Boat Tours. For our Three Bridges & Inchcolm Island Cruise you can park at Hawes Pier, South Queensferry. Park on the hill going out of ...
Blackness Castle is a historic fortress located on the Firth of Forth, near the village of Blackness, Scotland. The castle was built in the 15th century and played an important role in the history of Scotland. It was as a strategic stronghold during various conflicts, including the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite Uprisings.
Edinburgh, Scotland. Highlands Private One Day Tour of Scotland. 1. from $782.27. Per group. South Queensferry, Edinburgh. 1.5 hour Firth of Forth Sightseeing cruise. 171. from $23.47.
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 ...
As part of the tour you will stop at Inchcolm Island to drop off and pick up visitors. Explore the island when you purchase a landing pass from the on board bar. Cruise along and discover the magic of the Forth Bridge, the Forth Road suspension bridge, and the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world, Queensferry Crossing.
Traveling over the Forth Bridge is always an enjoyable experience but cruising underneath the mighty structure is even more memorable. This sightseeing cruise takes you out onto the Forth of Firth for excellent views of Edinburgh and Fife from the boat's top deck. As you cruise, you'll learn all about local history and perhaps spot wildlife including seals and puffins.
1. Three Bridges Cruise. 4.5 out 5.0 (250+ reviews) - Run by Forth Boat Tours. This one and a half hour boat trip goes from South Queensferry and will guide you past all three of the magnificent Forth bridges giving amazing views of them from all angles. The boat trip gives commentary on the history of the area as well so if you don't know ...
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.
May 5, 2024 - An acclaimed family owned visitor attraction and Edinburgh's Premier Boating Attraction. Voted Best Activity Day Out in Scotland and Best Hidden Gem UK & Ireland. There is only one way to explore T...
Visit the Forth Bridge World Heritage site and take a walk through history… "doon the ferry"EST.2013 Queensferry Tours Inchcolm Tours Tweets by 4thBridgesTours. ... "doon the ferry"EST.2013 Queensferry Tours Inchcolm Tours Tweets by 4thBridgesTours. Skip to content. Guided walking tours of Queensferry & Inchcolm Island Home;
Welcome to the Offers page of Forth Boat Tours. We are your premier destination for unforgettable boat excursions on the majestic Firth of Forth. ... From the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Forth Bridge to the historic Inchcolm Island and its medieval abbey, these tours provide an insight into Scotland's captivating past. ...
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Inchcolm Island Cruise. 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 ...
The boat leaves from a pier just under the Fourth Bridge so it's a great place to take a picture of this magnificent and iconic bridge. Read more. Written October 15, 2020. ... Thank you for contacting Forth Boat Tours. For our Three Bridges & Inchcolm Island Cruise you can park at Hawes Pier, South Queensferry. Park on the hill going out of ...
Weir on river Iset. The weir on the Iset river was the beginning of Yekaterinburg. It was built in 1723 by the orders of Vasily Tatishchev (see the nearby monument to him and his successor Georg de Gennin) to provide power to the iron works established here. Today the low dam, which separates the city pond from the historical square, is a ...
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