The Scottish Seabird Centre sits on a rocky promontory above the harbour, an architectural showpiece and the practical starting point for everything offshore. Inside, live cameras let you pan around the gannet colony of the Bass Rock and the puffin nests on Craigleith and the Isle of May. Outside, the boat operators run trips ranging from one-hour circular cruises around the Bass to landings on the rock itself in calm weather.
The Centre is a charity and a serious marine conservation organisation, not just a visitor attraction. The cafe on the upper floor has one of the best harbour views in town.