Queensferry: Firth of Forth Blackness Castle Cruise

Nestled along the picturesque Firth of Forth, the Queensferry Blackness Castle Cruise offers a captivating way to explore the area’s natural beauty and historic landmarks. This 1.5-hour sightseeing tour departs from South Queensferry, providing passengers with stunning views of the iconic Three Bridges, the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge, and the imposing Blackness Castle. With the chance to spot marine wildlife and learn from engaging live commentary, this family-friendly adventure promises a memorable experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Queensferry Blackness Castle Cruise might just be the perfect way to discover the hidden gems of this remarkable region.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Edinburgh.

Key Points

• 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise along the Firth of Forth, departing from South Queensferry and featuring iconic landmarks like the Three Bridges and Blackness Castle.
• Cruise offers opportunities to spot marine wildlife like seals and puffins, with knowledgeable crew providing commentary on the local ecosystem.
• Accessible features, including wheelchair-accessible boarding and designated seating areas, make the cruise inclusive for passengers of all abilities.
• Flexible starting and drop-off points, as well as convenient cancellation policies, provide traveler convenience and booking flexibility.
• Highly rated by customers, with an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on reviews praising the breathtaking scenery and informative live commentary.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Cruise Overview and Pricing

The Queensferry Castle Cruise offers a 1.5-hour sightseeing tour along the Firth of Forth, with prices starting from $26.43 per person.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

The cruise departs from South Queensferry and showcases the Three Bridges, Blackness Castle, and the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge.

Live onboard commentary enhances the experience, and visitors may spot marine wildlife like seals and puffins along the scenic route.

With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on customer reviews, the Queensferry Castle Cruise promises an enjoyable and memorable sightseeing adventure.

Itinerary and Highlights

Departing from South Queensferry, the Queensferry Castle Cruise embarks on a captivating 1.5-hour journey along the Firth of Forth.

Guests will be treated to live onboard commentary as they take in the stunning scenery, including:

1. The iconic Three Bridges, spanning the estuary.
2. The impressive Blackness Castle, featured in the hit series "Outlander".
3. The UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge, a true engineering marvel.

Throughout the cruise, passengers may spot various marine wildlife, such as seals and puffins, adding to the overall enchanting experience.

Starting and Drop-off Locations

Forth Boat Tours, located at the Hawes Pier, is the primary starting point for the Queensferry Castle Cruise.

Passengers can also board the cruise at the Forth Bridge. The cruise concludes at one of two drop-off locations: the Hawes Pier or the Forth Boat Tours office in Port Edgar Marina.

The choice of starting and drop-off points provides flexibility for travelers, allowing them to conveniently join and disembark the cruise.

Whether starting from the pier or the bridge, passengers will enjoy the scenic route along the Firth of Forth, taking in the impressive sights of Blackness Castle and the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge.

Participant Information

Participants for the Queensferry Castle Cruise can include adults aged 16 to 99, children aged 5 to 15, and infants 4 and younger.

The cruise offers a diverse range of options to accommodate various age groups:

1. Adults (16-99): Enjoy the scenic views and live commentary while exploring the Firth of Forth.

2. Children (5-15): Discover the fascinating history and wildlife along the way, creating cherished family memories.

3. Infants (4 and younger): Experience the journey with their loved ones, though note that the cruise doesn’t provide specific amenities for infants.

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Important Information

The meeting point for the Queensferry Castle Cruise is the Forth Boat Tours office at the Port Edgar Marina.

Passengers should come prepared for the weather, as they’ll want to dress appropriately in weather-appropriate clothing. Unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed on the cruise, although assistance dogs are permitted.

The cruise has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 6 reviews, with customers praising the positive experiences.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option available, the Queensferry Castle Cruise is a convenient and highly-rated way to explore the Firth of Forth.

Customer Reviews

Passengers have overwhelmingly praised the Queensferry Castle Cruise, with the experience earning an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating from 6 reviews.

Travelers have highlighted several standout aspects of the tour:

1. The breathtaking scenery along the Firth of Forth, including the iconic Forth Bridge and Blackness Castle.

2. The informative and engaging live commentary provided by the crew, enhancing the overall experience.

3. The smooth and efficient organization of the cruise, from the convenient departure location to the punctual schedule.

Marine Wildlife Sightings

Along With the breathtaking scenery, many passengers on the Queensferry Castle Cruise report catching glimpses of the diverse marine wildlife inhabiting the Firth of Forth. From playful seals basking on the rocks to graceful puffins soaring overhead, the cruise offers an opportunity to observe these captivating creatures in their natural habitat. The following table highlights some of the common marine species sighted during the cruise:

Animal	Frequency
Seals	Very Common
Puffins	Common
Dolphins	Occasional
Whales	Rare
Otters	Rare

With the knowledgeable crew providing engaging commentary, passengers can learn about the delicate ecosystem and the importance of preserving the Firth of Forth’s marine life.

Accessible Features

Wheelchair-accessible features and other inclusive amenities make the Queensferry Castle Cruise an enjoyable experience for passengers of all abilities.

The cruise is equipped with:

1. An accessible boarding area and ramp for smooth embarkation.
2. Designated seating areas on the main deck for passengers using wheelchairs or mobility aids.
3. Onboard restrooms designed for accessibility, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the journey.

These thoughtful accommodations, combined with the stunning views and informative commentary, create an inclusive and memorable sightseeing experience along the picturesque Firth of Forth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Audio Guide Available for the Cruise?

Yes, the cruise offers a live onboard commentary, providing passengers with an informative and engaging audio guide throughout the 1.5-hour sightseeing tour along the Firth of Forth.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the Firth of Forth sightseeing cruise. However, they’re not allowed to consume alcohol brought from outside. The cruise provides refreshments for purchase onboard.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities on the Cruise?

Yes, the cruise has onboard restroom facilities for passengers’ convenience. Cruise-goers can use the facilities during the 1.5-hour journey along the scenic Firth of Forth.

Is the Cruise Vessel Wheelchair Accessible?

The cruise vessel is wheelchair accessible. Passengers requiring accessibility can board the boat with ease, and the crew is available to assist as needed to ensure a comfortable sightseeing experience for all guests.

Can We Disembark at Any Point Along the Route?

No, passengers cannot disembark at any point along the cruise route. The 1.5-hour sightseeing tour departs from and returns to the same location in Queensferry, without any stops for passengers to get off the boat during the journey.

Recap

The Queensferry Blackness Castle Cruise offers a delightful sightseeing experience along the scenic Firth of Forth. With stunning views of the iconic bridges, historic Blackness Castle, and opportunities to spot marine wildlife, this 1.5-hour tour provides a family-friendly adventure. Flexible booking options and high customer satisfaction make it an excellent choice for exploring the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage region.

You can check if your dates are available here: