London: Thames Speedboat Cruise Tour from Embankment

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.87 (815 reviews) 92% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/40

Duration1h 10m

GroupUp to 12

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Fast-paced river adventure past London icons with live stories

You’ll feel your heart race as you speed down the Thames past Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and Greenwich. Expect bursts of spray, quick-witted commentary from your guide, and moments where London’s history feels close enough to touch. The mix of adrenaline and riverside stories sticks with you long after you’re back on land.

1h 10m

Step-by-step itinerary

High-speed Thames River cruise tour

Depart from Embankment or Westminster Pier
Pass Tower of London with commentary
Pass HMS Belfast with commentary
Pass Tower Bridge with commentary
Pass Greenwich with commentary
Pass Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
Hear about historic execution site
Cruise along Thames River with commentary
Pass Canary Wharf with commentary
Return to departure point

The Experience

The engine was already rumbling under my seat when I hopped in at Embankment Pier — honestly, I almost missed it because I stopped for a coffee (not my brightest move). The crew handed me a bright orange life jacket and checked if anyone needed a poncho. Our guide, Jamie, grinned and said, “Hold tight — we’ll wake up the Thames.” I could smell the river, that damp stone-and-metal scent, and hear gulls shrieking overhead. Someone’s scarf flew off as we pulled away — everyone laughed except the owner (she got it back at the end).

We shot past the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben so quickly I barely had time to snap a photo before Jamie started telling us about Captain Kidd’s execution spot. It’s weird hearing about pirates while you’re zipping along modern glass towers at Canary Wharf — London’s layers hit different from the water. Spray hit my face right as we passed under Tower Bridge; it tasted kind of brackish and cold. There were moments when we slowed down for commentary near HMS Belfast or Greenwich, and I liked those breaks — you get this mix of adrenaline and then sudden calm, just floating with all these famous buildings staring down at you.

I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did. Jamie had all these little stories about Londoners and pointed out some odd graffiti near the Tower of London (“No one knows who did it — probably someone bored during lockdown”). The wind whipped my hair everywhere and my hands felt numb by the end, but in a good way. If you like your sightseeing with a side of chaos and local banter, this Thames speedboat cruise is pretty much perfect. Still thinking about how quiet everything felt once we stopped — like coming out of a loud gig into an empty street.

What’s included

Your day includes a 70-minute high-speed river cruise along the Thames with live guided commentary on famous London sights like Big Ben and Tower Bridge. You’ll be given a life jacket for safety and a complimentary plastic poncho if rain threatens — just show up at Embankment or Westminster Pier ready for some adventure on the water.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Thames Rib Experience