Venue Description

Forth Bridges Sightseeing Boat Trips and Inchcolm Island Ferry Our spectacular sightseeing boat trips depart daily from the Hawes Pier in South Queensferry, Edinburgh and we offer 1½ hour sightseeing cruises where you can get unrivalled views of the magnificent Forth Bridges from our open top deck. Our daily boat trips to Inchcolm Island are consistently voted as of the best things to do in Edinburgh every summer. There is an abundance of marine wildlife to be seen such as Grey Seals, Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and the occasional sightings of porpoises, dolphins and even Minke whales. Our daily sailings all stop off at Inchcolm Island where you have the option of getting off the boat and spending 90mins exploring the magnificent Inchcolm Abbey and Island before boarding the boat again and returning to South Queensferry. We also offer a range of evening cruises with either a Jazz band, Folk band or Disco and along with our well stocked ships bar and optional BBQ Ribeye Steak supper make for a great night out. The Maid is also available for charter for any private events that you wish to hold in a unique setting, from birthday parties, staff nights out to corporate presentations / conference facilities please get in touch and we can see what we can do for you.

Accessibility

We unfortunately do not consider ourselves to have disabled access due to the nature of our boat trips. We cannot wheel scooters or wheelchairs onto our vessel, but do assist those that are able to self transfer onto the boat where possible. It is best to call our office on 0131 331 5000 to discuss any mobility issues you have with our experienced staff, who can advise of the suitability of our trips. Passengers can be wheeled down the pier to the boat and helped to transfer to the boat. They must be able to negotiate a short ramp with handrails, then two shallow steps to access the rear observation lounge on the boat. The bar, forward saloon and toilet areas are access by stepping over a 30cm threshold through double doors. There are 15 steep but wide metal stairs to access between the upper and lower decks on the boat. These have handrails on both sides. As the river Forth is tidal there can be great variation as to how far down the pier the boat will dock. Please call our office if you require further information regarding this. To access Inchcolm island there is either the 15 internal stairs to climb on the boat or 20 stone steps on the pier (depends on tide). On the island there are wide gravel paths in the main visitor areas, but the more outlying areas have grass paths which can be muddy, and some steep steps. The abbey itself has a lot of uneven flooring and steep stone staircases to access the upper levels.

Awards List

Repeatedly received trip advisor certificate of excellence.

Toilets

There are no accessible public toilets near us. Our vessel has standard toilets for both men and women, but are accessed over a 30cm threshold once on the boat.

Staff

Many of our staff have experience of dealing with disabilities, either themselves or through friends and families, and as such will do their best to advise and help where possible.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

All dogs including assistance dogs are welcome both on the boat and on Inchcolm island.

Other assistance dog facilities

A water bowl is available on the boat and at the visitor centre on Inchcolm island.