Edinburgh: Three Bridges Firth of Forth Cruise & Wildlife

Summary

Edinburgh’s bridges, wild islands and seal-watching from the water

You’ll board at South Queensferry for a 90-minute cruise along Edinburgh’s Firth of Forth, passing under all three bridges with stories from your local guide. Watch for seals and puffins near Inchcolm Island’s medieval abbey as you breathe in salty air and catch changing Scottish skies—a trip that lingers long after you step back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I stepped onto the boat at South Queensferry with that mix of excitement and “did I remember sunscreen?” you get before something new. The air smelled like salt and engine oil, a weirdly comforting combo. Our guide—Gordon, who had this dry Scottish humor—pointed out the Forth Bridge right away. I’d seen it in pictures but up close it’s… well, it just sits there like it knows it’s famous. Wind whipped around us as we moved under the three bridges—each one so different you almost forget they’re all crossing the same water.

We drifted past Inchcolm Island, with its old abbey poking through the green. Gordon called it “the Iona of the east,” which made me feel like I should know what that means (I googled later). Seagulls circled overhead and someone near me got really excited about spotting a puffin—I missed it but caught a seal lounging on a rock, looking like he owned the place. The sky kept shifting from bright to moody grey; typical Scotland, honestly. Kids pressed against the railings while parents tried not to spill their coffee.

The whole 90 minutes felt both quick and slow—like time stretched out on the water. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for waves slapping the hull and Gordon telling some story about shipwrecks (half true, probably). I still think about that view back toward Edinburgh’s skyline, all hazy and far off. If you want to see those bridges for real—not just in postcards—and maybe get a bit windblown, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Three Bridges and Wildlife Cruise

• Board Forth Boat Tours cruise
• View UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge
• See Edinburgh skyline panoramas
• Observe Inchcolm Island and abbey
• Spot marine wildlife like seals and puffins
• Complete 90-minute scenic cruise

Top questions

How long does the Edinburgh Three Bridges cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Is there wildlife on the Firth of Forth cruise?

Yes, you can spot marine wildlife including seals and puffins during the tour.

Is Inchcolm Island included in the route?

You will pass by Inchcolm Island and see its medieval abbey from the boat.

Are wheelchairs or strollers allowed on board?

The cruise is wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in a pram or stroller.

Does this tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you board at South Queensferry.

Are service animals permitted on this cruise?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the departure point.

What’s included

Your day includes a 90-minute boat cruise departing from South Queensferry with views of Edinburgh’s Three Bridges (including UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge), passing Inchcolm Island and its medieval abbey, plus plenty of chances to spot seals and puffins along the way; wheelchair access is available throughout.