You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

The Pirate's Riddle: An Outdoor Treasure Hunt

38 Reviews 4.95 out of 5 stars Based on 38 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 97% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

The puzzles are similar to those you would find in an escape room. Instead of escaping a room you will be working through a story and ultimately discovering some facts about Scotland's pirates and pirate myths.
We are different to most other treasure hunts because we provide a physical bag and the entire game is played using a combination of objects along with permanent features of the city.
You will only need your phone to contact the game master if you're stuck or need help. You'll need a phone with internet (preferably Whatssapp) for this.
This is a small business and a work of passion created by some local tour guides that love games.

What's Included

  • Pirate equipment and puzzles
  • Game master

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Nelson Monument
    32 Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, UK

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    An adventure on Calton island to find Captain Kidd’s hidden treasure.

    A mystery friend from the past has left you a letter. He claims to have found the long lost treasure of Scottish pirate William Kidd and is willing to share his findings with whoever solves his riddle. Could you and your team be the ones to solve it?

    Gather your team and get to the shores of Calton Island. You will be given the treasure map and a pirate kit. Along with your team you will have to solve the Pirate’s Riddle to get access to the treasure chest and then find the key to open it. This game is full of puzzles, surprises and tidbits on pirate Kidd, his legacy and some of the prominent sea men connected to the area.
    It takes around 2.5-3 hours and it finishes where it starts.

    The duration is an estimate as it varies a lot between groups. This is a challenging game but you can ask the game master for help at any time. You'll need a phone with internet access. If you take longer than 4 hours you may be asked to return the kit. The game finishes very near where it starts.

    We recommend it for older children 12+ and groups. Come prepared to walk :)

    Additional Info

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Pirate’s Riddle: An Outdoor Treasure Hunt?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-136744P3

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.95
    38 reviews

    Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 38 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    37
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    1
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

    Similar Tours & Activities

    Edinburgh - Magical Harry Potter Highlights & Wizards Tour

    Enjoy a fully-guided tour of Old Town Edinburgh and its must-see highlights. Explore the city streets with our local guide discovering the heart of the …More

    Enjoy a fully-guided tour of Old Town Edinburgh and its must-see highlights. Explore the city streets with our local guide discovering the heart of the...

    2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
    5.0 (1)
    from
    $67

    Hadrian's Wall and The Borders Tour from Edinburgh with Admission

    * Includes entrance to Vindolanda Roman Army Museum (or Homesteads Roman Fort should Vindolanda be closed). Travel through 2,000 years of history as you visit …More

    * Includes entrance to Vindolanda Roman Army Museum (or Homesteads Roman Fort should Vindolanda be closed). Travel through 2,000 years of history as you visit...

    10 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
    4.8 (655)
    from
    $120

    Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour Including Admission

    *Includes tour and tasting at Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery. Fancy sampling a wee dram o' whisky and exploring the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands? Combine …More

    *Includes tour and tasting at Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery. Fancy sampling a wee dram o' whisky and exploring the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands? Combine...

    10 hours Free Cancellation
    4.9 (594)
    from
    $134

    Harry Potter's Edinburgh Tour and House of Illusions Experience

    Experience the magic of Edinburgh with our fun Potter-head guide, and see the places that inspired JK Rowling to create her wizarding universe. Then immerse …More

    Experience the magic of Edinburgh with our fun Potter-head guide, and see the places that inspired JK Rowling to create her wizarding universe. Then immerse...

    3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
    5.0 (22)
    from
    $80

    Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

    Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting

    The Port of Leith Distillery is a remarkable new landmark in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith. This is the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery …More

    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    The Port of Leith Distillery is a remarkable new landmark in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith. This is the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery...

    1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
    4.9 (1,015)
    from
    $34

    Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

    Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure into the heart of the Scottish Highlands where the legendary Loch Ness await. Experience a day packed with incredible …More

    Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure into the heart of the Scottish Highlands where the legendary Loch Ness await. Experience a day packed with incredible...

    12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
    4.8 (6,920)
    from
    $67

    The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

    A chocolate experience to remember! Fully indoors and perfect come rain or sunshine! See and touch the fruit of the chocolate tree, and learn all …More

    A chocolate experience to remember! Fully indoors and perfect come rain or sunshine! See and touch the fruit of the chocolate tree, and learn all...

    1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
    5.0 (4,835)
    from
    $38

    Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

    Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. There is …More

    Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. There is...

    1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
    4.9 (6,182)
    from
    $56

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Pirate equipment and puzzles
    • Game master

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name