Queensferry is a charming seaside town just northwest of Edinburgh, famous for its spectacular bridges and scenic waterways. It’s a perfect base for exploring the Firth of Forth with a boat, offering both iconic views and wildlife encounters. Whether you’re after a quick sightseeing trip, a longer adventure exploring Inchcolm Island, or a specialized birdwatching experience, Queensferry delivers. Some of our favorites include the Edinburgh: ‘Firth of Forth’ Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise for its spectacular bridge views, and the South Queensferry: Birdwatching Cruise with RSPB Guide for wildlife lovers. These tours showcase the natural beauty and engineering marvels of the area, making Queensferry a must-visit spot for boat enthusiasts.
Below, you’ll find a quick summary of the types of boat tours available in Queensferry. From scenic sightseeing cruises passing under the iconic bridges to wildlife-focused trips with expert guides, there’s something for all. Read on for detailed descriptions and insights to help you pick the perfect boat experience.
1. Edinburgh: ‘Firth of Forth’ Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise
At number one, this cruise combines spectacular views of the Three Bridges, Inchcolm Island, and Edinburgh’s skyline in a 1.5-hour ride. The tour begins at either the Forth Boat Tours Ticket Office or an unnamed nearby location, and it offers an engaging combination of scenery, wildlife, and engineering marvels. This cruise is ideal for travelers wanting a quick but rundown of the area’s most famous sights.
What sets this tour apart is its balance of photo opportunities—like the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge—and wildlife viewing, including seals and puffins. The boat glides past Inchcolm Island, famous for its medieval abbey, with plenty of chances to snap pictures of the historic structures and the surrounding marine life. The crew’s knowledgeable commentary makes this tour especially informative, with fun facts about the bridges, islands, and local wildlife.
Guests have raved about the crew’s friendliness and the well-paced itinerary. Many mention that the seals and puffins made the trip memorable, and the views of Edinburgh’s skyline at sunset are breathtaking. At $27 per person, this cruise offers excellent value, especially for those short on time but eager to see the area from the water.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a quick, scenic introduction to the Firth of Forth’s bridges, wildlife, and scenery without a long commitment.
2. Queensferry: Sightseeing Cruise to Inchcolm Island
Number two on our list is the Sightseeing Cruise to Inchcolm Island. This 3-hour trip departs from Forth Boat Tours Ticket Office and takes you under the famous Forth Bridges to explore Inchcolm Island’s medieval abbey and coast defenses. For around $27 per person, this tour combines scenic cruising with an on-land exploration, making it ideal for history and wildlife enthusiasts.
What makes this tour unique is the chance to disembark and explore Inchcolm Island. Once ashore, visitors can wander through the well-preserved medieval abbey, enjoy the rugged beaches, and see wartime defenses. The boat ride itself provides spectacular views of the bridges and the Edinburgh skyline in the distance. The guides do a good job of explaining the island’s history and natural environment, and they’re attentive to wildlife sightings—seals often sunbathe on the rocks, and puffins are sometimes seen nesting nearby.
Guests appreciate the combination of a relaxed boat ride and the opportunity to step onto the island for some light exploring. One reviewer noted, “Walking around the ruins and seeing the seals was just fantastic,” though some mention the trip’s longer duration might be more suited for those with time. The trip’s value hinges on the interest in history and wildlife combined with scenic cruising.
Bottom line: This cruise offers a good mix of history, wildlife, and scenic views, especially suited for those who want a more in-depth experience with Inchcolm’s natural and historic highlights.
3. South Queensferry: Birdwatching Cruise with RSPB Guide
Rounding out our list is the Birdwatching Cruise with RSPB Guide, which typically lasts around 3 hours. This tour starts at Maid of the Forth and takes you past the Inner Forth islands like Inchgarvie, Inchcolm, and Inchmickery, with a focus on spotting seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. It’s especially suited to wildlife lovers and bird enthusiasts.
What makes this trip distinctive is the presence of RSPB experts guiding the cruise. They share detailed insights on the local bird species and marine life, and help you identify seals basking on the rocks or dolphins playing nearby. The boat offers good vantage points for viewing, and the tour is timed during the breeding season for the best bird sightings.
Many reviewers mention the guides’ expertise and their ability to make birdwatching exciting and accessible. One said, “We saw about six seals and a dolphin, which was incredible,” highlighting the quality of wildlife encounters. The tour is great for families or serious birders looking to combine a scenic cruise with wildlife education.
Bottom line: If birdwatching or marine wildlife is your priority, this cruise provides a knowledgeable, engaging experience with fantastic opportunities to see puffins and seals in their natural habitat.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour in Queensferry
Choosing between these options depends on your interests and schedule. If you want a quick, scenic introduction to the Forth Bridges and wildlife, the Edinburgh cruise is ideal. For a longer, more immersive visit with on-shore exploration, the Inchcolm Island trip offers a mix of history and nature. Wildlife enthusiasts should consider the birdwatching cruise, especially during nesting season.
Budget-wise, all three tours are around $27 per person, making them accessible options. The shorter cruise is perfect for a half-day outing, while the longer trips suit travelers with more time to spare. Be sure to check availability and book early, especially in peak seasons when boats fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Queensferry offers a variety of boat tours that showcase the stunning landscapes, impressive engineering, and abundant wildlife of the Firth of Forth. For a quick glimpse of the bridges and seals, the Firth of Forth Three Bridges Cruise is a winner. Want more time and a chance to explore history? The Inchcolm Island trip provides a relaxed day out. For nature lovers and birdwatchers, the birdwatching cruise offers expert insights and great wildlife spotting.
Whichever you choose, plan ahead and book early to ensure your spot. With these options, Queensferry’s waterways become a highlight of your trip, offering memorable views and encounters you won’t forget.