Our most recommended things to do in Inchcolm

Edinburgh: 'Firth of Forth' Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise

1. Edinburgh: 'Firth of Forth' Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise

Your boat tour will depart from the South Queensferry, which is only a short distance from Scotland's bustling capital city of Edinburgh. Your tour will include magnificent views of the "three bridges", including the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Forth Railway Bridge. In addition, you can 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 you will stop at the island to drop off and pick up visitors. Cruise along and discover the magic of the red railway Forth Bridge, the Forth Road suspension bridge, and the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world, Queensferry Crossing. 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 both see and photograph a wide variety of marine wildlife including seabirds, porpoises and seals.

Queensferry: Sightseeing Cruise to Inchcolm Island

2. Queensferry: Sightseeing Cruise to Inchcolm Island

Upon arrival at Hawes Pier, you will collect your boarding passes and pay for your landing passes to enable you to land on Inchcolm Island from the Maid of the Forth ticket office. Making your way down the pier you will board the Maid and set sail for Inchcolm, cruising underneath the iconic Forth rail bridge, a world Unseco heritage site. You will enjoy views of both the Fife and Edinburgh coastline, sailing past the Haystack seal colony and arriving at Historic Inchcolm Island. Here you will enjoy 1.5 hours to explore all the island has to offer, the Abbey, world war fortifications, visitor centre, and gift shop. There is something for everyone to enjoy on Inchcolm.

Queensferry: 1.5-Hour Maid of the Forth Sightseeing Cruise

3. Queensferry: 1.5-Hour Maid of the Forth Sightseeing Cruise

Your tour will begin as you visit the booking office and gift shop to collect your boarding pass. From there, you will make your way onto Hawes Pier to board the boat and embark on your sightseeing cruise. Once the boat has departed Hawes Pier, there will be a brief safety message played to all passengers before the audio commentary begins. The journey then starts with the boat heading under the Red Forth Rail Bridge before continuing past the historic Inchgarvie Island towards Inchcolm Island. You can listen as the skipper points out seals, puffins, and other wildlife that can be found throughout the cruise. Once around Inchcolm Island, you can watch carefully for sunbathing seals on the Haystack before the cruise continues back under the Red Rail Bridge towards the Forth Road Bridge and the recently opened Queensferry Crossing. Once under these majestic bridges, the boat will cruise back to Hawes Pier where you will be free to disembark.

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What people are saying about Inchcolm

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,230 reviews

The overall experience was great as we enjoyed scenic beauty, old forts and beautiful views.

Trip was good. Safe. Informative. Installed Voice guide had good sound system.

Took my 5 year old. Making memories and building interests for a lifetime

Me and my family with two kids enjoyed it. Overall, great day out/ trip

Very informative & calm trip. Enough room to move about