Forth Boat Tours

What Forth Boat Tours does

Forth Boat Tours is a privately held, family-owned boat tour operator established in 2006 and headquartered at Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland. The company runs a fleet of three vessels — Forth Belle (29m, 215 passengers), Queensferry Belle (26.2m, 215 passengers), and Forth Princess (24m, 103 passengers) — offering scheduled cruises year-round on the Firth of Forth. Core products include the 90-minute Three Bridges Cruise (views of the Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, and Queensferry Crossing), the 3-hour Inchcolm Island Cruise (with landing access to a 12th-century abbey), and the 90-minute Blackness Castle Cruise, supplemented by special event cruises (Fish & Chips Friday, Boogie on the Boat) and combo tickets bundling cruises with Falkirk Wheel, Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway, Stirling Old Town Jail, and Rosebank Distillery.

The company's revenue model combines per-cruise ticket sales (typically £20-£30 per adult with a 10% online discount), onboard café/bar spend, gift vouchers (£10-£500, 12-month validity), and a private hire division covering corporate events, weddings on Inchcolm Island, and scattering of ashes ceremonies. Distribution is direct-to-consumer through a FareHarbor-powered online booking system, phone, and ticket kiosks at Hawes Pier and Port Edgar Marina, supplemented by the Edinburgh City Pass, trade rates for coach/tour operators, and education group bookings with free teacher places. An extensive partner ecosystem spans Historic Scotland sites, ScotRail, Inner Forth Bike Bus, multiple hotels (Orocco Pier, Holiday Inn Express Dunfermline, Dakota), and restaurants.

Operational footprint is geographically constrained to the Firth of Forth and South Queensferry, with year-round sailings (daily April through October) supported by Bronze Green Tourism accreditation for environmental practice. The company holds a TripAdvisor 5/5 rating across approximately 968 reviews and a Certificate of Excellence. No institutional investors, M&A activity, or external funding are referenced in the source data; ownership remains with the founding family, and Alastair Baird serves as Sales & Marketing Manager.

Name

Forth Boat Tours

Legal name

Forth Boat Tours

Website

https://forthtours.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Forth Boat Tours is a family-owned Edinburgh boat tour operator running three vessels (533-passenger capacity) on the Firth of Forth, offering sightseeing cruises, private charters, weddings, and combo tickets with major Scottish attractions for tourists, groups, and corporate clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Boat Tour Services

NAICS

Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (4872)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Sightseeing & Scenic Boat Tours (Harbor, Sunset, Dolphin/Whale Watching) (THAJAJAA)

Keywords

• Boat tour cruises
• Sightseeing cruise services
• Private boat charters
• Wildlife sightseeing tours
• Wedding venue cruises

Headquarters

HQ city

Edinburgh

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Cruise Ticket Sales: Primary revenue stream from selling tickets for various cruises including Three Bridges Cruise, Inchcolm Island Cruise, and Blackness Castle Cruise. Revenue is one-time per transaction per cruise.
2. Private Charter & Events: Private boat charter services for corporate events, weddings, celebrations, and special occasions. Bespoke packages tailored to specific event requirements.
3. Onboard Food & Beverage: Café/bar refreshments including selection of spirits, bottled and draught beers, teas, coffees, and light snacks sold on all vessels.
4. Combo Tickets & Landing Passes: Revenue from combo tickets bundling cruises with partner attractions (Falkirk Wheel, Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway, Stirling Old Town Jail, Rosebank Distillery) and landing passes for Inchcolm Island.
5. Gift Vouchers: Gift vouchers sold in increments of £20, £40, £60, £80, £100, or any custom amount, valid for 12 months from purchase date.
6. Special Event Cruises: Premium-priced special events including Fish & Chips Friday Cruise (£30) and Boogie on the Boat (£20) with entertainment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Forth Boat Tours operates scheduled sightseeing cruises on the Firth of Forth from South Queensferry, Edinburgh, using a three-vessel fleet (combined capacity 533 passengers). Core products are the Three Bridges Cruise (90-min UNESCO World Heritage site tour), Inchcolm Island Cruise (3-hour cruise with 12th-century abbey landing), and Blackness Castle Cruise, supplemented by special-event cruises, combo tickets bundling cruises with partner attractions, and a private-hire division for corporate events, weddings, and life-event charters.

Product overview

Forth Boat Tours operates a fleet of three vessels (Forth Belle, Queensferry Belle, and Forth Princess) offering boat cruise experiences on the Firth of Forth from South Queensferry, Edinburgh. The core product portfolio centers on three main cruise types: the Three Bridges Cruise (90-minute UNESCO World Heritage sightseeing tour), the Inchcolm Island Cruise (3-hour cruise with island landing), and the Blackness Castle Cruise (90-minute castle-focused cruise with optional tea packages). These are complemented by special event cruises (Fish & Chips Friday and Boogie on the Boat disco cruises) and combo ticket packages that bundle the Three Bridges Cruise with partner attractions (Falkirk Wheel, Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway, Stirling Old Town Jail, Rosebank Distillery, Edinburgh City Pass). The company also operates a private hire division offering corporate events, weddings on Inchcolm Island, and scattering of ashes ceremonies across its vessels. Additional services include group bookings for education and coach/tour operators, gift vouchers in various denominations, and See & Do More discount vouchers for partner attractions and local businesses. The business uses FareHarbor as its online booking platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Inchcolm Weddings by Forth Boat Tours: Wedding services offered on Inchcolm Island, allowing couples to arrive by sea and get married in one of Scotland's most historic buildings.

Products and services

• Three Bridges Cruise 90-minute sightseeing cruise offering views of the Three Bridges (Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, Queensferry Crossing), Edinburgh skyline, and marine wildlife including seals and puffins. Suitable for tourists, families, and small groups visiting Edinburgh. Does not include landing on Inchcolm Island. Kids under 5 free; 10% online discount applied.
• Inchcolm Island Cruise 3-hour cruise sailing beneath all three bridges and visiting Inchcolm Island, where passengers can explore the 12th-century Inchcolm Abbey ('Iona of the East'). Landing passes purchased separately; kids under 7 free for landing. 90-minute minimum island stay before return. 10% online discount applied.
• Blackness Castle Cruise 90-minute cruise to view Blackness Castle ('the ship that never sails'), with views of the Three Bridges. Optional Afternoon Tea, Cream Tea, or Prosecco afternoon tea upgrade available (must book 3 days in advance). 10% online discount applied.
• Boogie on the Boat Cruise 2-hour evening disco cruise featuring music from through the decades, departing from Hawes Pier, South Queensferry. Adults only (21+), no outside alcohol permitted, minimum 60 passengers required to sail. £20 per person; non-refundable tickets.
• Fish & Chips Friday Cruise 90-minute evening cruise departing at 18:45, featuring Scottish fish and chips while taking in views of the Three Bridges, Edinburgh skyline, Inchcolm Island, and marine wildlife. £30 per person; minimum 20 passengers required; advanced booking essential. Excluded from 10% online cruise discount.
• The Falkirk Wheel Cruise (Combo Ticket) Combo ticket bundling the Three Bridges Cruise with a trip on The Falkirk Wheel (world's only rotating boat lift), plus 20% off Kelpies tours. Attractions can be visited on different days; valid year-round, 12 months from purchase.
• Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway Cruise (Combo Ticket) Combo ticket combining the Three Bridges Cruise with a steam train ride on the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway, offering a scenic 10-mile round trip along the Forth Estuary. Flexible tickets valid April–October; pre-booking required via SRPS website.
• Stirling Old Town Jail Cruise (Combo Ticket) Combo ticket including the Three Bridges Cruise plus entry to Stirling Old Town Jail (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award winner), allowing visitors to explore Scotland's historical past. Weekend sailings November–March; daily April–October.
• Rosebank Distillery Cruise (Combo Ticket) Combo ticket combining the Three Bridges Cruise with a tour and tutored tasting at Rosebank Distillery (Scotland's newly restored distillery), including two single malt whiskies, plus 20% off Kelpies tours. Valid year-round with pre-booking required.
• Edinburgh City Pass (Combo Ticket) 2025 Edinburgh City Pass bundling free entry to multiple Edinburgh experiences including three boat trips by Forth Boat Tours, distributed via the myscottishpass.com channel partner.
• Private Boat Charter Exclusive private charter of Forth Belle, Queensferry Belle, or Forth Princess for events, celebrations, and gatherings of various sizes, set against the UNESCO World Heritage surroundings of the Firth of Forth. Bespoke packages with onboard catering and entertainment options; enquired via [email protected] or 0131 331 3030.
• Corporate Boat Hire Corporate entertainment and hospitality packages including sunset cruises, cruise lunches, and team away days, tailored to specific event requirements for groups large and small. Suitable for staff development, team building, and corporate hospitality.
• Inchcolm Island Weddings Wedding packages held on Inchcolm Island, accessible only by boat. The 12th-century Inchcolm Abbey offers three ceremony venues: Refectory (up to 100 guests), Dormitory (up to 90 guests), and Chapter House (up to 20 guests). Operated under the sub-brand Inchcolm Weddings by Forth Boat Tours.
• Scattering of Ashes & Celebration of Life Cruises Private charter services for scattering ashes or celebrating life, accommodating small intimate gatherings to larger extended family events, with options for catering and entertainment.
• Gift Vouchers Gift vouchers available in fixed increments of £20, £40, £60, £80, £100 or any custom amount between £10 and £500, valid for 12 months from purchase. Available as monetary value vouchers or for specific cruises.
• Education Group Packages Special education tour rates for school trips, college excursions, and university outings, including FREE Education Landing Passes to Inchcolm Island. One teacher or adult leader travels free with every ten students. Enquiries handled via [email protected].
• Coach & Tour Operator Packages Group bookings service for parties of 15 or more passengers, including bespoke packages tailored to group needs with onboard audio commentary. Trade rates available for coach and tour operators.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5/5 rating from approximately 968 TripAdvisor reviews
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Falkirk WheelcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCombo ticket partnership allowing cruise passengers to also experience the world's only rotating boat lift. Includes Three Bridges Cruise plus Original Tour ticket on the Falkirk Wheel. 20% off Kelpies Tour included. Valid year-round, 12 months from purchase.
• Bo'ness & Kinneil RailwaycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCombo ticket combining Three Bridges Cruise with steam train ride. Flexible tickets valid April-October. Pre-booking required via SRPS website.
• Stirling Old Town JailcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCombo tickets include Three Bridges Cruise plus access to Stirling Old Town Jail (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award winner). Weekend sailings November-March, daily April-October.
• Rosebank DistillerycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRosebank Distillery Reawakening Tour combined with cruise. Includes guided distillery tour and tutored tasting of two single malt whiskies. Valid year-round with pre-booking required.
• The Kelpies & Helix ParkminorGTM or Marketing Partner20% discount on Kelpies Tour tickets with Forth Boat Tours cruise purchase. Guided walking tours available to experience the world's largest equine sculptures from inside.
• Royal Yacht BritanniaminorGTM or Marketing Partner10% off admission for up to 4 people with Forth Boat Tours ticket. Valid until 31 December 2026. Top-rated visitor attraction in Edinburgh.
• Orocco Pier HotelminorGTM or Marketing Partner10% discount on flexible standard rates for Forth Boat Tours customers. Located on South Queensferry historic high street with views of Forth Bridge.
• Holiday Inn Express DunfermlineminorGTM or Marketing Partner15% off hotel stays for Forth Boat Tours customers. Located 18 miles from Edinburgh. Use promo code from See & Do More voucher.
• Dakota HotelminorGTM or Marketing Partner15% off hotel stays for Forth Boat Tours customers. Glamorous hotel offering perfect rest following any wedding or event.
• Thirty Knots Bar & RestaurantminorGTM or Marketing Partner20% off food from main menu, Monday-Thursday. Located beneath Forth Bridge in South Queensferry. Informal restaurant with outdoor terrace and stunning water views.
• Outboard at Port Edgar MarinaminorGTM or Marketing Partner20% off food, Monday-Friday. Located beneath Forth Road Bridge at Port Edgar Marina.
• FareHarborcoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline booking system provider powering forthtours.com bookings. Charges 6% service fee for all online bookings. Used for cruise reservations, special events, and private charter inquiries.
• Edinburgh City PassminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorForth Boat Tours three incredible boat trips included in 2025 Edinburgh City Pass offering free entry to multiple city experiences.
• Historic Scotland (Linlithgow Palace, Stirling Castle, Dunfermline Abbey)minorGTM or Marketing Partner10% off entry to Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle with Forth Boat Tours ticket. FREE entry to Dunfermline Abbey. Valid April-October 2026.
• ScotRailminorStrategic or Co-development Partner20% off adult tickets on Three Bridges Cruise for ScotRail customers. Dalmeny station is 600m from Hawes Pier ticket kiosk. Partnership promotes sustainable travel.
• Inner Forth Bike BusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainable travel partnership. Cyclists receive 10% off all cruise tickets. Bike Bus runs every Sunday until September 2026, connecting 8 locations around the Forth.
• Bright Bus ToursminorGTM or Marketing PartnerComplimentary upgrade from 1 to 2 days on all city and Britannia tours for Forth Boat Tours customers.
• Walking Tours in ScotlandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUse code 'forthtours' for 10% discount off any tour across Scotland. Daily tours with local expert guides in Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews, Stirling, Inverness, Aberdeen & Oban.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Maid of the Forth: Direct competitor operating sightseeing cruises on the Firth of Forth from South Queensferry. Operates in the same waters viewing the same Three Bridges and targeting the same Edinburgh tourist segment, including Inchcolm Island landings.
• Ullswater 'Steamers': Lake District heritage vessel sightseeing cruise operator running a multi-vessel fleet. Direct comparable on small-vessel scenic cruise experience, multi-stop ticket model, and tourism-channel partnerships.
• Sweeney's Cruises: Scotland-based boat tour operator running Loch Ness cruises. Comparable to Forth Boat Tours in Scottish scenic cruise positioning, group bookings, and tourism-season dependence.
• Jacobite Cruises: UK sightseeing cruise operator famous for Loch Ness cruises, with comparable business model of short-duration scenic boat tours, onboard F&B, wildlife-themed commentary, and tourism-channel partnerships.
• City Cruises York: Sightseeing cruise operator running tourist boat tours on the River Ouse in York. Closest UK comparator for short-duration city-tied scenic cruises, group bookings, and online ticketing-driven direct-to-consumer model.
• Windermere Lake Cruises: England's largest lake sightseeing cruise operator with multi-vessel fleet. Comparable in operating short-duration scenic cruises with wildlife viewing, onboard refreshments, ticketing via kiosk, and group bookings.
• Caledonian Discovery: Scottish hotel-barge operator cruising the Caledonian Canal and lochs. Comparable in Scotland-based scenic vessel tourism, group bookings, and partnership with regional attractions.
• The Majestic Line: Scotland-based small-ship cruise operator offering multi-day itineraries on Scottish lochs. Comparable in fleet-based Scottish scenic cruising, premium per-guest pricing, and tourism-channel distribution.

Others

• The Falkirk Wheel / Scottish Canals: Operator of the Falkirk Wheel rotating boat lift and a core combo-ticket partner for Forth Boat Tours. Adjacent comparable in Scottish water-based visitor attractions and partner-distribution model.

Broad incumbents

• Edinburgh City Pass: Multi-attraction tourism pass that bundles Edinburgh experiences including Forth Boat Tours. Comparable in the Edinburgh tourist customer journey though broader in portfolio — distribution partner and indirect competitor for share-of-wallet.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ForthTours
• Instagraminstagram.com/forth_boat_tours

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Forth Boat Tours