🛥 Your Vessel, Your Rules

Private Boat Hire Edinburgh

Charter your own vessel on the Firth of Forth. Fully customisable itineraries for corporate events, celebrations, proposals, and bespoke adventures. Up to 40 guests.

Exclusive Private Charters

Make the Firth of Forth Your Own

When you hire a private boat with Edinburgh Cruise, the entire vessel, crew, and itinerary belong to you and your guests. No sharing with strangers, no fixed routes, no compromises — just a completely bespoke experience on Scotland's most stunning waterway.

Whether you're planning a corporate hospitality event that will leave clients speechless, a milestone birthday celebration your family will talk about for years, or a marriage proposal so perfect she'll say yes before you even finish the question — our private charter service transforms the Firth of Forth into your personal venue.

Our experienced charter coordinator works with you to design every detail: the route, the timing, the catering, the entertainment, and any special arrangements. From intimate charters for 2 to full-capacity events for 40, every private hire is crafted to exceed your expectations.

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Luxury boat charter
Charter Options

Popular Private Charter Experiences

Every charter is unique, but here are some of the most popular experiences our guests create.

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Corporate Events & Team Building

Impress clients, reward your team, or host a truly unique meeting on the water. Our corporate charters include boardroom-style seating, AV equipment on request, and premium catering. Edinburgh's skyline makes for an unforgettable backdrop for networking. We've hosted teams from tech startups to FTSE 100 companies.

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Proposals & Romantic Charters

Over 200 proposals have happened on our vessels — with a 100% success rate. We'll coordinate timing, champagne, flowers, a photographer, and even a live musician if you wish. Imagine dropping to one knee as the sun sets behind the Forth Bridge. Our team has planned them all, from intimate surprises to elaborate productions.

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Birthday & Anniversary Celebrations

From 30th birthdays to golden anniversaries, a private boat party on the Forth is a celebration like no other. We handle catering, decorations, music, and can arrange bespoke cakes, themed decorations, and surprise entertainment. Your guests will talk about it for years.

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Hen & Stag Parties

Give the bride or groom-to-be a send-off they'll never forget. Cruise the Forth with your closest friends, enjoy drinks and music on the water, and create memories that'll make the wedding speeches even better. We can incorporate games, challenges, and custom playlists into your voyage.

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Photography & Film Charters

Need a unique location for a photoshoot, music video, or documentary? The Firth of Forth offers dramatic backdrops — the three bridges, rugged islands, open seas, and Edinburgh's skyline. We provide flexible positioning, extended time at key locations, and can accommodate equipment and crew requirements.

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Bespoke Adventure Charters

Want to create your own itinerary? Perhaps a fishing trip combined with a scenic cruise, a whisky tasting on the water, a yoga session at sunrise, or a private wildlife expedition. If you can dream it, we can almost certainly make it happen on the Firth of Forth.

Charter Pricing

Private Hire Packages

All prices are for the entire vessel — not per person. Fully customisable to your needs.

Intimate Charter

Up to 12 guests

£350 / 2 hours
  • Exclusive use of vessel
  • Personal captain & crew
  • Custom route on the Forth
  • Complimentary prosecco toast
  • Onboard refreshment bar
  • PA system for music/speeches
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Premium Charter

Up to 30 guests

£650 / 3 hours
  • Everything in Intimate, plus:
  • Canapé & drinks reception
  • Decorations setup
  • Dedicated event coordinator
  • Bluetooth sound system
  • Photography included
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Grand Charter

Up to 40 guests

£1,200 / 4 hours
  • Everything in Premium, plus:
  • Full buffet or sit-down dinner
  • Live music or DJ
  • Bespoke theming & décor
  • Complimentary drinks package
  • Extended hours available
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Additional hours: £150/hour. Catering, entertainment, and special requests quoted individually. All prices exclude VAT.

Your Vessel

The Forth Explorer — Our Charter Vessel

The Forth Explorer is our flagship charter vessel, purpose-designed for private events on the Firth of Forth. With a licensed capacity of 40 guests, she combines spacious comfort with nautical elegance.

Vessel Specifications

  • Length: 22 metres
  • Capacity: 40 passengers + 3 crew
  • Decks: Two — enclosed lower deck with panoramic windows; open upper deck with canopy
  • Facilities: Full galley kitchen, bar, PA/sound system, accessible toilet, climate-controlled cabin
  • Safety: MCA Category 3 certified, full life-saving equipment, AIS tracking

Lower Deck — The Main Salon

The climate-controlled main salon features comfortable seating for up to 40 guests, panoramic windows on both sides, and a flexible layout that can be configured for cocktail receptions, seated dinners, boardroom-style meetings, or party arrangements. The integrated bar serves drinks throughout, and ambient lighting can be adjusted to suit your event's mood.

Upper Deck — Open Air

The open upper deck is the star of the show for scenic cruises, offering 360-degree views of the Forth. A retractable canvas canopy provides shelter from rain or sun, while bench seating and standing space accommodate all your guests during key moments — passing under the bridges, wildlife encounters, or sunset toasts.

Catering Options

Our onboard galley and partnership with Edinburgh's finest caterers mean we can provide anything from simple nibbles to a full sit-down dinner:

  • Drinks-only charter: Full bar service with soft drinks, beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails
  • Canapé reception: Selection of 6–10 handmade canapés per person (from £18/head)
  • Scottish buffet: Hot and cold Scottish-themed buffet with dessert (from £32/head)
  • Formal dinner: Three-course seated dinner prepared by our onboard chef (from £55/head)
  • Bespoke menus: Tell us your vision and we'll create a custom menu to match

📋 How to Book a Private Charter

Contact us with your preferred date, approximate guest numbers, and a brief description of your event. Our charter coordinator will respond within 24 hours with availability, a tailored proposal, and a quote. A 30% deposit secures your booking, with the balance due 14 days before your charter.

FAQ

Private Charter Questions

We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dates during summer (June–September). However, we can sometimes accommodate last-minute bookings on weekday dates. For large events or specific dates (e.g., Hogmanay, Edinburgh Festival), we suggest booking 3+ months ahead.
You're welcome to bring your own decorations, cake, and special items. For food and drinks, we ask that you use our onboard catering and bar service — this ensures food safety standards, licensing compliance, and means we can handle everything seamlessly. We'll work with you to match any specific menu requests.
If weather conditions make sailing unsafe, we'll offer you the choice of a full date change or a full refund. Light rain and moderate wind are normal on the Forth and won't affect your charter — the enclosed lower deck is climate-controlled and comfortable in all conditions. We monitor forecasts closely and will contact you 48 hours before if there's any concern.
Absolutely. We work with a roster of talented local musicians, from solo acoustic guitarists and traditional Scottish ceilidh players to jazz duos and DJ setups. We can also arrange magicians, comedians, and other performers. Entertainment costs are quoted separately based on your requirements. Our PA system and Bluetooth connectivity make it easy to use your own playlists too.

Start Planning Your Private Charter

Tell us about your event and we'll create a bespoke proposal within 24 hours. No obligation, no pressure — just exceptional service.

Request a Quote → Call +44 131 555 0123