4 Sailing Trips in Scotland to Build a Day Around

1.Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 41 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $92Our pick

Spend about 7.5 hours touring Edinburgh from your cruise port, with a driver-guide, Royal Yacht Britannia, a Holyroodhouse photo stop, and free time at Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Attraction tickets cost extra, and early planning matters.

“This was a good tour with very reliable service if you are interested in round trip transportation to the Royal yacht and the Edinburgh Castle. It would have been improved if there was a guided tour through the highlights of the castle, although that would have incurred a higher tour fee. Our guide did a superb job and was very engaged with all of us during the time we spent together. We were disappointed that the audio system in the bus over modulated (and could not be resolved during the tour) which made it somewhat challenging to understand his valuable comments.”

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2.Half Day Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $143Top rated

Join skipper Colin and Simon for a four-hour catamaran sail from Port Edgar Marina. You’ll pass beneath the Forth Bridges, circle Inchcolm Island, view its 12th-century abbey from the water, and take a turn at the helm or relax with tea and coffee.

“When I checked the weather for Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth I must confess I was concerned. However, the skipper and his crew were capable and confident under reefed sails - even to allow myself and another aspiring sailor opportunities at the helm. A lovely day on the water with all kinds of weather. For those of you who enjoy sailing - this is a “don’t miss” opportunity.”

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3.Full Day Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $241

Join Colin and his crew at Port Edgar Marina for an eight-hour sailing trip beneath the Forth Rail Bridge. Cruise past Inchgarvie and Inchcolm Island, anchor at Inchkeith for lunch, then return to South Queensferry. Coffee and tea are included, but lunch is not.

“Colin and the crew were awesome and very personable! I loved being allowed to sail the boat for a few minutes.”

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4.One Day Private Sailing from Oban Marina with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 6 hours (approx.)

Join skipper Raymond and host-chef Laura McIntosh aboard Yacht Chinwag for a six-hour private sail from Oban Marina. Cruise the Firth of Lorne, watch for dolphins, choose a seafood lunch at anchor or eat ashore, then toast the return sail with local whisky.

“Bucket list item checked off. Absolutely an amazing experience. Raymond and Laura were so welcoming when the brought us aboard “Chin Wag”. Chin Wag is a beautiful boat. We got to help crew her and the sites were amazing. The food incredible. All I need now is to buy my own sail boat. Thanks so much for this experience.”

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