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Wildlife on Firth of Forth boat trips

gannet in flight

the Scottish Seabird Centre in East Lothian

Bass Rock on the Firth of Forth

puffins perched on a rock

Take a boat trip to the islands in the Firth of Forth like Bass Rock, Craigleith and Inchcolm to see beautiful wildlife such as seals and puffins.

Explore the Firth of Forth islands on a boat trip and you can enjoy an unforgettable trip to see wildlife such as seals, puffins and gannets

There are several options for taking boat trips out into the Firth of Forth. Head to the charming seaside resort of North Berwick in East Lothian, where you should pay a visit to one of the region’s top attractions, the fantastic and informative Scottish Seabird Centre.

You can watch seals and nesting seabirds on live streaming cameras, or get closer to them by taking a boat trip out to the island of Craigleith, home to nesting puffins in spring and summer, or dramatic Bass Rock. This volcanic island is graced by 100,000 gannets which come to breed each year and can be seen through much of the year.

Take an exhilarating ride with Seafari Adventures, who operate from Newhaven Harbour on Edinburgh's waterfront. Powerful twin engine craft can cruise at speeds of over 40 knots so you are guaranteed excitement across the water, as well as the chance of seeing sea life such as seals and even dolphins or minke whales.

Head to South Queensferry on the west side of Edinburgh for a sightseeing cruise on the Maid of the Forth. See marine wildlife like seals and terns as well as taking in unrivalled views of the Forth Rail Bridge. Sailings stop off at Inchcolm Island, where you can get off the boat and explore, although be wary of the gulls that are the stars of the island - during the breeding season they are very protective of their young chicks. Whichever Firth of Forth island you visit, you are sure to have a memorable day out.