The Water of Leith, a meandering river stretching for 24 miles, flows through Edinburgh's city center, providing visitors with picturesque vistas and delightful walking paths. Additionally, the Water of Leith is a favored destination for cruises, offering a distinctive viewpoint of Edinburgh's landmarks and attractions, such as the Royal Botanic Garden, Dean Village, and the historic Leith port.
Edinburgh's Leith port is a thriving cultural hub that boasts a dynamic arts scene, chic bars and restaurants, and centuries-old edifices dating back to the 14th century.
Just a few miles from Edinburgh lies the expansive Firth of Forth estuary, encompassing several islands, including Inchcolm Island, which is home to a striking 12th-century abbey. Taking a cruise on the Firth of Forth presents visitors with stunning coastal panoramas, encounters with marine wildlife, and the chance to see the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Forth Bridge, spanning the estuary.
Docked in Leith, visitors can explore the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former vessel of Queen Elizabeth II, with a cruise on the yacht affording the opportunity to learn about the royal family's global travels and discover the yacht's luxurious interiors.
Moreover, Edinburgh is home to several other rivers, including the North Esk, South Esk, and Almond rivers, where visitors can revel in awe-inspiring views and engage in outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and canoeing.
The best time to book Edinburgh cruises depends on your preferred season, budget, and itinerary. May-September offers warm weather and outdoor festivals, while April and October are cooler with fewer crowds and lower prices. Book in advance to secure your preferred itinerary and cabin category and consider researching for early booking discounts.
Edinburgh sightseeing cruises vary in duration depending on the itinerary. Cruises around the Water of Leith or Edinburgh's harbor typically last 1 to 2 hours, while those heading to the Firth of Forth for landmarks like the Forth Bridge and Inchcolm Island can range from 2 to 6 hours. Check with the cruise provider for the exact duration and itinerary of their Edinburgh sightseeing cruises.
Edinburgh is not a coastal city, so it doesn't have a port for ocean-going cruises. However, several departure points for cruises explore the nearby rivers and estuaries. The most common tour is the Three Bridges Boat Tour which departs from Waterloo Place. Another boat cruise lets you explore Loch Ness and the scenery around Fort Augustus, Glencoe and the Caledonian Canal. It ends at Waterloo Place.
Some of the key landmarks that you can explore on the Edinburgh boat trip include the Royal Botanic Garden, Dean Village, The Forth Bridge, Loch Ness, Sterling Castle, Inchcolm Island, Queensferry, areas of Leith, and so on.
Edinburgh cruise costs vary depending on factors like cruise type, duration, itinerary, and operator. Sightseeing cruises on Water of Leith or Edinburgh's harbor typically range from £30 to £40 per person, while longer cruises to landmarks like Inchcolm Island or Forth Bridge can cost between £40 and £80 per person.
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