Edinburgh: Tantallon Castle & Puffin Boat Trip Small Group

Tantallon Castle and a Boat Full of Puffins: One Day on Scotland's East Coast

You spend the morning exploring Tantallon Castle's clifftop ruins with a knowledgeable guide, then break for lunch in the seaside town of North Berwick. The afternoon is a boat trip searching for puffins and seals off the Scottish coast. Entry to the castle and boat tour are included, as is transport in a small group of no more than 16 people, so you avoid the crowds and get back to Edinburgh by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tantallon Castle, Lunch, Puffin Boat Trip

• Explore Tantallon Castle
• Have lunch in North Berwick
• Take boat trip to see puffins

The experience

Most people visit Edinburgh and never leave the city center. You'll drive out of it. The road curves east toward the coast, and within an hour the landscape shifts: the castle sits on cliffs so steep and sudden they look almost unreal, and the guide walks you through the ruins while the North Sea churns below. Tantallon's been standing there since the 1370s, and the stones still hold their shape even though the walls are open to the sky now. Your guide knows the history (the sieges, the families, the why of it all), and you get time to actually walk around instead of being herded through.

Then you drop into North Berwick, a proper seaside town with fish and chips shops and a harbor that still works. Lunch is on your own, so you can sit somewhere quiet or grab takeaway and eat on a bench facing the water. After that comes the part people actually book for: the boat. You're looking for puffins, but seals show up too, and the water's rough enough that you feel like you're actually out there, not on some sanitized tour boat. The group stays under sixteen people, which means you're not packed shoulder-to-shoulder with a hundred others all trying to get the same photo. The boat goes out in all weather. They mean that literally, so bring layers and a waterproof jacket that actually works.

The whole day runs from morning until late afternoon, and you're back in Edinburgh by evening. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters because Scottish weather doesn't cooperate, and the driver knows the route well enough that you don't spend the day lost. One thing: they're strict about nut allergies on the vehicle, so don't pack anything with nuts in it, even if you think it's sealed. It's a safety thing for other travelers and the guide.

What’s included

• Tantallon Castle entry tickets.
• puffin boat tour entry.
• an experienced, knowledgeable guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• small group capped at 16 visitors.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (12 to 15 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Experience Scotland's Wild

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Scotland's east coast and wildlife without arranging your own transport, buying separate tickets, or navigating the timing yourself: the fixed itinerary and included entry fees mean you just show up and spend the day exploring.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 15 years). Under 12: they can't be included in the booking.

How long is the full day trip?

The tour runs from morning until late afternoon, with roughly an hour each at Tantallon Castle and North Berwick, and a boat trip lasting around an hour or more depending on wildlife sightings and sea conditions.

Is lunch included?

No. You have free time in North Berwick to buy lunch at local restaurants or shops. The stop is built in so you're not rushed.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather. Bring waterproof clothing, layers, walking shoes, and a hat and gloves if you have them. The boat goes out regardless of conditions.

How many people are on the tour?

Groups are capped at 16 people maximum, keeping it smaller than most coach tours.

What wildlife might we see?

Puffins are the main target, but seals and other seabirds are common sightings. Wildlife presence varies by season and sea conditions.

Is the boat ride rough?

The boat operates on the open sea, so expect movement and waves. It's not a smooth harbor cruise. Dress warmly and bring seasickness medication if you're prone to it.

Can I bring my own food?

No food products containing nuts are allowed on the vehicle due to severe allergies among clients and guides. Other food is fine for personal snacks.

Do I need walking boots?

Walking shoes or boots are recommended because Tantallon Castle has uneven surfaces and the terrain is rough. Wear something with good grip.

Is there parking or public transport from Edinburgh?

The tour includes pickup and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to arrange your own travel to the meeting point.

What's included in the price?

Entry to Tantallon Castle, entry to the puffin boat tour, an experienced guide, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle are all included. Lunch in North Berwick is not.