9 Firth of Forth Cruises, Compared

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

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

Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, stopping at Glencoe, Loch Ness, Spean Bridge and Pitlochry. A 50-minute Loch Ness cruise is included. Your English-speaking driver-guide handles the long scenic drive with local stories, history and practical breaks. Expect an early start, a full day on the road and lunch at your own expense.

“This is the second time we've been on a highlands tour and we were extremely impressed this time around. Andrew, our driver, was full of wit, knowledge, and superb driving skills! We brought our 2 young daughters with us, which can always prove to be a challenge for staff and guests alike, but Andrew kept them entertained and included in the fun. This guy deserves a raise! Cheers!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.‘Firth of Forth’ Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,383 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $27

From South Queensferry, take a 90-minute Firth of Forth cruise beneath the Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, and Queensferry Crossing. Hear English commentary, watch for seals and seabirds, and see Inchcolm Abbey from the water. You can buy a separate landing pass to explore the island, though access is not suitable for wheelchair users.

“Well worth the money ,pre recorded audio guide was very informative with some very interesting facts and not just about the bridges . Pilot slowed the boat down to have a look at a seal laid down on a floating buoy . Just over 90 minutes thoroughly enjoyable .”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Loch Ness and The Highlands Tour with Cruise

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

Ride north from Edinburgh in an air-conditioned 16-seat minicoach, stopping for Highland views, Glencoe photos and about 90 minutes at Fort Augustus for Loch Ness, lunch or a cruise. The English-speaking driver-guide brings the route to life with Scottish history and stories. Guides vary, with Craig, Duncan and other experienced names among those who lead it.

“Absolutely incredible guide (Kieran) had us laughing all day whilst weaving in interesting Scottish history and finding us the perfect picture spots. Awesome day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Maid of the Forth 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 723 reviews · from $24Best value

Sail for 1.5 hours from Hawes Pier beneath the Forth Bridges and around Inchcolm Island. Your skipper points out local landmarks and wildlife, while you take in views of the Edinburgh and Fife coasts from the open top deck or indoors. An optional Inchcolm Island landing is available with the appropriate ticket.

“Just what we expected - pretty water views of the river and an informational narrative.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Sightseeing Cruise to Inchcolm Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 577 reviews · from $28

Sail from Hawes Pier aboard the Maid of the Forth, with English audio commentary, views of the Forth bridges and a chance to spot seals and seabirds. On Inchcolm, you have about 1.5 hours to explore the medieval abbey, wartime fortifications, visitor centre and shore. The landing fee is extra.

“Thoroughly enjoyed my trip and the abbey was amazing. Nice to see the island is kept to a high standard. Highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Edinburgh Three Bridges Cruise

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

Sail from South Queensferry for about 90 minutes beneath the Three Bridges, with views of the Forth Bridge, Inchcolm Island and its abbey, and a chance to spot seals or puffins. Crew commentary covers local history and wildlife. The island landing pass costs extra, so check your departure details if you want time ashore.

“To reach Hawe's Brae from the Dalmeny rail station, you've got a lovely climb down a long, steep, slippery set of broken, muddy stairs to the harbor. And that means a hike back up later. But it is WELL worth this to experience Graham's narration along the Three Bridges tour, which is absolutely fascinating. Antone provided brilliant live commentary and the wind and sea did their part to make this a genuinely thrilling ride.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Sightseeing Cruise to Inchcolm Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 274 reviews · 3 hours · from $27

Sail from Queensferry beneath the Three Bridges, with onboard commentary and a chance to spot seals, puffins or dolphins. Spend at least 1.5 hours on Inchcolm exploring its medieval abbey, wartime defenses and shore paths. The £27 fare does not include the island landing fee, so budget extra before you go.

“Lovely cruise and sightseeing throughout! Got to see some seals too. Informative and friendly staff!Highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Sail for about 90 minutes from Hawes Pier in South Queensferry, passing beneath the Forth Bridge and viewing the other two bridges, Inchcolm Abbey and small Forth islands. The crew shares local history, and you may spot seals or seabirds. Inchcolm Island landing passes cost extra and depend on availability. There is a bar and food onboard.

“Trip was really good and went smooth. Easy for adult s and children. Stunning views. A lot of history facts were told. Recommend!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Leave Edinburgh at 8:00 am for a full-day drive through the Highlands, with a woodland waterfall walk, a whisky stop, time at Loch Ness and views of Glencoe and Rannoch Moor. The cruise costs extra, and the distillery visit is not a formal tour. Group size is described as up to 8 in one place and 16 in another, so check before booking.

“What a great adventure! Matt was amazing. So friendly nice and knowledgeable, felt like a private tour with an old friend. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review