Start your story in Scotland

Escape to a land of deep lochs and emerald glens. Feel the thrum of our vibrant cities and adventure into the undiscovered.

Inspiration for your adventure

Watch waves break against golden sands, step back in time amidst medieval ruins, taste food sourced from nearby fields or connect with locals in our friendly towns and cities. Scotland is the perfect place to lose yourself; plan your holiday now.

Find your dream destination

Listen to the cry of seabirds overhead as you catch a ferry to one of our islands or slow down and take in the rolling green fields and weaving rivers of the countryside. Our towns and cities each have a unique character just waiting for you to discover.

Scotland's islands

Peaceful, beautiful and full of adventure, nothing quite matches the magic of a Scottish island holiday.

City breaks in Scotland

Get to know Scotland on a city break, from our biggest city Glasgow to our newest city, Dunfermline.

Countryside breaks in Scotland

Leave the bustle behind, breathe crisp fresh air, watch the changing seasons unfold, and get lost in nature on a Scottish countryside break.

Scottish Towns

From Melrose and Dumfries to Ullapool and Wick, soak up the historical charm and scenery of Scotland’s towns in all four corners of the country.

Scotland through the seasons

Fall in love with Scotland all year long. Picture autumn days spent wandering through misty hills and forests bursting with colour.  

Uncover Scotland's seasons

Experience vibrant events and festivals

Create an unforgettable memory with your friends and family at one of Scotland’s world-class festivals or events. Dance the night away at your first ceilidh, listen to musicians perform life traditional Scottish folk music, or be part of something special with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. 

Scottish music festivals

Dance to the rhythm of fiddles in grand music halls and feel the bass rippling across festival fields right across Scotland.

Halloween in Scotland

From hair-raising ghost tales to nighttime woodland walks and spooky activities, come and experience the magic of Halloween in Scotland.

Events and festivals in Scotland

Scotland’s events vibrate with energy – live sports, electrifying music and dance, and toasts that honour our legendary national icons.

Find your escape

Write your own story in Scotland. Find the best options for your travel, whether you’re looking to get the most out of a weekend break or find family-friendly options for the whole clan to enjoy. 

Short & weekend breaks in Scotland

Where will a weekend in Scotland take you? Michelin-star dining and city lights to beautiful landscapes and moments to slow down.

Wellness retreats in Scotland

Reconnect with nature and embrace Scotland’s crisp, fresh air, restorative landscapes and the gentle sounds and sights of our tranquil waters.

Family holidays in Scotland

Climb the turret of a medieval castle, dip your toes in the North Sea, or make friends with our furry Highland coos as they graze in green fields.

Farm stays & holidays in Scotland

Experience the best of rural Scotland on a farm holiday at a working farm.

Uncover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect adventure and find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Plan your trip

Do you have questions about how to get here, what the weather is like, or what passport requirements we have? Check out our planning section for everything you need to know. 

Visit our travel planning section

Don’t just take our word for it

Get inspired by those who’ve gone before you and share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

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Subscribe to our newsletter

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See Puffins in Scotland from Edinburgh

Puffin Tour from Edinburgh: Boat Trip & Tantallon Castle Day Tour

A puffin tour from Edinburgh with a small group, boat and castle tickets included. Search for puffins by boat, explore clifftop Tantallon Castle and spend time in North Berwick.

A puffin tour from Edinburgh with a small group, boat and castle tickets included. Search for puffins by boat, explore clifftop Tantallon Castle and spend time in North Berwick.

Keep your eyes on the water: those little wings might belong to a puffin. On this Puffin Boat Trip and Castle day tour from Edinburgh, head to Scotland’s east coast for an approximately two-hour wildlife cruise, with the chance to spot puffins, gannets, seals and other seabirds around the offshore islands.

Back on land, explore Tantallon Castle’s medieval ruins above the North Sea and enjoy time for lunch, the harbour and a wander in North Berwick. Your expert guide adds the coastal history and local stories, while the day’s order follows the tides and boat schedule. Boat and castle tickets are included. This seasonal tour welcomes travellers aged seven and over, with wildlife sightings depending on nature and conditions on the day.

At a glance

  • Duration: 1 day (wildlife, castle & coast)
  • Departs: Edinburgh (time varies with the tides)
  • Group size: Max 16 (small scheduled group)
  • Ages: 7+ (seasonal wildlife tour)
  • Season: 1 May – 30 July (selected departures)
  • Tickets: Boat & castle (both included in the price)

Itinerary

Tantallon Castle: Medieval fortress · North Sea cliffs · Bass Rock views

Explore this imposing medieval stronghold on the cliffs above the North Sea. Walk through its ruins, hear the stories of the powerful Douglas family and look out towards Bass Rock and the offshore islands.

North Berwick: Harbour · Beach · Local cafés

Enjoy time in North Berwick for lunch and a wander. Choose a local café or restaurant, browse the town or stretch your legs beside the harbour and sandy shoreline.

Puffin & wildlife boat tour: Puffins · Seals · Gannets · Offshore islands

Head onto the water towards the offshore islands for the chance to see puffins, seals, gannets and other seabirds while learning about the Firth of Forth’s marine ecosystem.

The crossing is exposed to real North Sea conditions. Bring warm waterproof outer layers and consider carefully whether the boat trip is suitable if you are prone to sea sickness. Puffins and other wildlife are wild animals, so individual sightings can never be guaranteed.

The three parts of the day can run in a different order: the wildlife boat schedule follows the tides, and weather, sea conditions or attraction access can require changes.

Included

  • Wildlife and puffin boat-tour ticket (approx. two hours)
  • Entry to Tantallon Castle
  • Expert Scotland's Wild guide and storyteller for the day
  • Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
  • Coastal scenery, local history, myths and legends
  • Small group, maximum 16 travellers

Not included

  • Lunch and snacks (cafés in North Berwick)
  • Waterproof clothing for the boat trip

Departure

Outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT

Your exact departure time depends on your chosen date because the boat schedule follows the tides. Check the time shown when booking and on your confirmation, and arrive 15 minutes before it. Scheduled tours leave on time. Avoid tightly timed onward travel after the tour.

Check-in: 15 min early · Departs: Varies by date · Back: Varies by date

COVID-19 information

Safe Travels

This business has confirmed that they have implemented, and will ensure ongoing compliance with, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels protocols. The Safe Travels stamp is based on self-assessment and it is not a certification.

From £142 per adult


Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

May — July

Contact details

Experience Scotland's Wild

Strathleven House
West Dunbartonshire
Scotland
G82 3PD

Tour information

Starting

  • Edinburgh

Length

1 Day

Transport

  • Driver guide
  • Minibus

Type

  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Adventure
  • Castles
  • History
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Photography
  • Wildlife

Tour prices


From £142 Per Adult £134 Per Child

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Experience Scotland's Wild

Tour company information

Experience Scotland's Wild

Experience Scotland's Wild is an award-winning, 5 Star Tour Operator that goes above and beyond so every guest has a wonderful time exploring Scotland. We run small-group day and multi-day tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, with no more than 16 travellers on each scheduled tour, plus fully private tours tailored to your group. Expect expert local guides, short Highland walks, castles, standing stones, islands such as Skye, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, and plenty of stories along the way.

Opening times

We run tours all year round
Contact us from 7am to 9pm daily

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Start your story in Scotland

Escape to a land of deep lochs and emerald glens. Feel the thrum of our vibrant cities and adventure into the undiscovered.

Inspiration for your adventure

Watch waves break against golden sands, step back in time amidst medieval ruins, taste food sourced from nearby fields or connect with locals in our friendly towns and cities. Scotland is the perfect place to lose yourself; plan your holiday now.

Find your dream destination

Listen to the cry of seabirds overhead as you catch a ferry to one of our islands or slow down and take in the rolling green fields and weaving rivers of the countryside. Our towns and cities each have a unique character just waiting for you to discover.

Scotland's islands

Peaceful, beautiful and full of adventure, nothing quite matches the magic of a Scottish island holiday.

City breaks in Scotland

Get to know Scotland on a city break, from our biggest city Glasgow to our newest city, Dunfermline.

Countryside breaks in Scotland

Leave the bustle behind, breathe crisp fresh air, watch the changing seasons unfold, and get lost in nature on a Scottish countryside break.

Scottish Towns

From Melrose and Dumfries to Ullapool and Wick, soak up the historical charm and scenery of Scotland’s towns in all four corners of the country.

Scotland through the seasons

Fall in love with Scotland all year long. Picture autumn days spent wandering through misty hills and forests bursting with colour.  

Uncover Scotland's seasons

Experience vibrant events and festivals

Create an unforgettable memory with your friends and family at one of Scotland’s world-class festivals or events. Dance the night away at your first ceilidh, listen to musicians perform life traditional Scottish folk music, or be part of something special with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. 

Scottish music festivals

Dance to the rhythm of fiddles in grand music halls and feel the bass rippling across festival fields right across Scotland.

Halloween in Scotland

From hair-raising ghost tales to nighttime woodland walks and spooky activities, come and experience the magic of Halloween in Scotland.

Events and festivals in Scotland

Scotland’s events vibrate with energy – live sports, electrifying music and dance, and toasts that honour our legendary national icons.

Find your escape

Write your own story in Scotland. Find the best options for your travel, whether you’re looking to get the most out of a weekend break or find family-friendly options for the whole clan to enjoy. 

Short & weekend breaks in Scotland

Where will a weekend in Scotland take you? Michelin-star dining and city lights to beautiful landscapes and moments to slow down.

Wellness retreats in Scotland

Reconnect with nature and embrace Scotland’s crisp, fresh air, restorative landscapes and the gentle sounds and sights of our tranquil waters.

Family holidays in Scotland

Climb the turret of a medieval castle, dip your toes in the North Sea, or make friends with our furry Highland coos as they graze in green fields.

Farm stays & holidays in Scotland

Experience the best of rural Scotland on a farm holiday at a working farm.

Uncover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect adventure and find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Plan your trip

Do you have questions about how to get here, what the weather is like, or what passport requirements we have? Check out our planning section for everything you need to know. 

Visit our travel planning section

Don’t just take our word for it

Get inspired by those who’ve gone before you and share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive Scotland's stories, unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations when you sign up to our email. Your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.