The 4 Best Sailing Trips in Scotland

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 the cruise port, with stops at Royal Yacht Britannia, Holyroodhouse, and Edinburgh Castle. Your driver-guide handles the transport and commentary, while attraction tickets must be pre-booked separately. Guides such as Connor, David, Adam, and Graeme have earned special praise for their stories and care.

“The tour was well done in terms of the guide being very descriptive about the historical information relevant to the areas we were in.”

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2.Half Day Sailing Trip

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

Set out from Port Edgar Marina at 12:45 pm for about four hours aboard a luxury catamaran with skipper Colin and Simon. Sail beneath the Forth Bridges, pass Inchcolm Island, and view its 12th-century Abbey from the water. You may take a turn at the helm, or simply enjoy the Edinburgh skyline 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

Set out from Port Edgar Marina with Colin and the Edinburgh Boat Charters crew for an eight-hour sailing trip beneath the Forth Rail Bridge. Visit the inner islands, anchor at Inchkeith Island for lunch, and return to South Queensferry. Tea and coffee are included, but you bring or buy lunch.

“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.)

Set sail from Oban Marina aboard Chinwag with skipper Raymond and host-chef Laura. You can help steer, watch for dolphins, eat a seafood platter at anchor, or go ashore for lunch. The six-hour private trip ends with a whisky dram and a relaxed sail toward Kerrera.

“We love Scotland, having been first attracted by the Coos, but then wonderful, genuine and friendly people. Laura and Raymond McIntosh brought that to the next level. Both are talented sailors and Laura a particularly talented chef. The day was a complete joy, sailing the waters around Oban and feasting like royalty. If they have an open date, book it!”

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