Maid of the Forth
Edinburgh, Edinburgh and LothianAbout Maid of the Forth
Maid of the Forth Boat Tours run sightseeing boat trips under the iconic Forth Bridges and to lovely Inchcolm Island.
The boat is licensed to carry 225 passengers, and has a fully enclosed and heated lower deck and a open top deck for spectacular views of the Forth Bridges. There is a small bar onboard selling drinks, hot drinks and light snacks and there is a full commentary provided on the trip.
Each sailing stops off at Inchcolm Island, where you have the option of going ashore for 1.5 hours. There are lots of places to explore on the Island, from the 12th Century Abbey to the wartime ammunition tunnel and buildings. Or you can just relax on one of the 2 sandy beaches (one is always sheltered from the wind!!) and let the kids build sandcastles.
There are always friendly Seals to watch from the boat and island, and there are occasionally dolphins, porpoises and even whales spotted. Puffins nest on the island between May and July, and there are always a huge variety of seabirds to see.
The Maid of the Forth has an enclosed and heated lower deck, and also an open air panoramic top deck and is suitable for all ages. It is advisable to always dress warmly as it is always a bit cooler when out on the water than on land. Make sure you bring a picnic or snacks if you are going ashore on Inchcolm Island as there are not any catering facilities on the Island. And remember the buckets and spades! Buggies are welcome although may need to be collapsed to get off the boat at the island (crew are more than welcome to help).
Opening Times
Pricing & Tickets
Adults: £16.00
Kids 5-15 £10.00
Children 4 and under free of charge
Family of 4 £45.00
Family of 5 £50.00
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Maid of the Forth by visiting our attraction tickets section.
FAQs
Contact Details
Unit 2 Hawes Pavillion and Pier, Newhalls Road South Queensferry
Edinburgh
Edinburgh and Lothian
EH30 9TB
Scotland
Tel: 0131 331 5000
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