Wetwheels Edinburgh Speedboat Adventure

I received a complimentary trip in return for this blog - my reviews are always an honest account of my experience.

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Today, I'm thrilled to share with you an unforgettable experience I had in South Queensferry, Scotland, where I hopped aboard a wheelchair accessible speedboat with the amazing team at Wetwheels. Strap in (literally!) and get ready for a wild ride full of laughter, splashes, and pure excitement. You can watch the video, or read on for more.

As a wheelchair user, I never imagined being on a speedboat, feeling the wind in my hair, and experiencing the open waters. Thanks to Wetwheels, I got that experience! Their commitment to making boating accessible for everyone is fantastic, and the team are very knowledgeable about accessibility issues.

On the day of the trip, I rolled up to the marina, feeling a little nervous if I’m honest. I shouldn’t have worried; the Wetwheels team greeted me with warm smiles and contagious enthusiasm. Alan and Logan kitted us out in waterproofs and buoyancy aids, before leading us to the boat. This did involve a rather steep slope down onto the floating pontoon - trust me to book in at low tide when the slope is at its steepest! That said, Alan and Logan guided me down the ramp perfectly. Alan took my wheelchair handles and reversed me down, while Logan attached a strap to the front of my chair, taking some of the weight. I’m normally quite unsure about others being in control of my chair, but I felt completely comfortable.

Getting on the boat

There’s a metal ramp to facilitate getting on to the boat, and I easily wheeled on. They made sure everything was set up to accommodate my wheelchair comfortably, and my chair was secured with straps. It was clear from the get-go that safety and fun were their top priorities. The boat can take three wheelchair users, plus around 12 other passengers - this makes is a fantastic option for a big family day out, or perhaps even a birthday celebration!

Once I was settled in, we cast off and ventured out into the waters. The iconic Forth Bridge loomed overhead, providing a stunning backdrop for our aquatic adventure. The skipper, Alan, was a pro at navigating the waters, and Logan was an entertainer extraordinaire. With humorous anecdotes, he kept us all in stitches throughout the journey. Laughter is truly the best medicine, especially when it comes with a dash of adventure!

Logan wasn't just all fun and games, though. He also shared fascinating insights about the local history and wildlife. We even saw seals! They’re not guaranteed to be around, but it was a fantastic bonus.

Now, let me warn you, things were about to get wet and wild. Captain Seafarer decided to crank up the speed, and that's when the real fun began. We hit the throttle, and the boat leaped forward like a playful dolphin. My wheelchair might have been anchored, but my spirit was soaring high!

Taking the wheel

Before long, we were encouraged to take the wheel ourselves. I could wheel right up into the cabin, and the steering wheel was adjusted to the right height. My chair was secured again, and off we went. With a little bit of instruction it wasn’t long before I was speeding along, having the time of my life! It’s a lot easier than I expected. The steering is very light, and there’s also a computer screen linked up to a camera, allowing you a good view ahead if you’re not able to see out of the window - though I could see fine.

Kirsty took the wheel next. Turns out she’s a bit of speed demon to be honest! Though I have to stay, my steering is better. We both had a good run at it each and decided we want to win the lottery and buy a speedboat immediately (still waiting for that win!)

Next, we were taken up to look at Inchcolm Abbey. Inchcolm island itself is inaccessible for wheelchair users, but we got a great perspective from the water. It was around there that we saw some seals too! They were relaxing on the rocks, enjoying a rest. We didn’t get too close, making sure they felt safe and happy. We just snapped a quick bit of video and on we went.

The trip lasted around 1hr 30mins, but the memories will last a lifetime. As we returned to the marina, I couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. Wetwheels provided a fantastic accessible adventure.

So, if you ever find yourself in South Queensferry, be sure to book a ride with Wetwheels. It's a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and excitement, all in the safe and welcoming hands of their fantastic crew.

Whether you're a wheelchair user or not, Wetwheels proves that the power of adventure knows no bounds. It's a reminder that there's magic in embracing new experiences, breaking free from limitations, and making memories that light up your heart.

Good to know

There’s a left hand transfer accessible toilet at the Port Edgar marina. There’s also a shower with a flip-down shower seat.

Wetwheels is a fantastic charity with 7 speedboat locations around the UK. You can find out more about them on their website. You can also donate via the website too, to help keep their fantastic wheelchair accessible speedboat adventures going.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep smiling, keep wheeling! Happy boating, my fellow adventurers 🌊⚓🚤