London: Thames Speedboat Tour from Tower Bridge Pier

Summary

Fast river ride past Tower Bridge & Canary Wharf views

You’ll feel your heart race as you blast down the Thames by speedboat from Tower Millennium Pier, skimming past landmarks like Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf. Expect laughter, wind in your face, live commentary from your guide, and quick glimpses of London’s riverside history — all packed into twenty minutes that’ll leave you buzzing long after you step back onto dry land.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure if a speedboat tour on the Thames would be more touristy or thrilling — but standing at Tower Millennium Pier, clutching my life jacket and hearing the engines rev, I started to grin like a kid. Our guide (I think his name was Jamie?) handed out ponchos with a wink — “just in case you want to stay dry.” The air smelled faintly of river and city grit, and I could see the Shard’s glass catching bits of sunlight through the clouds.

We set off slow at first, gliding past the Tower of London and HMS Belfast. Jamie pointed out where old executions happened — not exactly light conversation, but it made me look at those ancient stones differently. Then suddenly, throttle time. The RIB’s engines roared and honestly, my stomach dropped in the best way as we shot under Tower Bridge. Wind slapped my face, water sprayed (the poncho was a good call), and Canary Wharf’s glass towers came up fast. I tried to shout something to my friend but all you could hear was laughter and engine noise.

The whole thing only lasted about twenty minutes but it felt longer — maybe because I kept noticing little things: cold metal under my hands, a seagull dodging our wake, Jamie grinning like he’d done this a thousand times but still loved it. On the way back toward Tower Pier, everything looked sharper somehow. Maybe it was just adrenaline or maybe London really does look different from the river when you’re going full tilt. Either way, I still think about that view under Tower Bridge sometimes — weird how fast things go by.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Speedboat tour along the Thames

• Suit up for speedboat ride
• Depart from Tower Millennium Pier
• Pass Tower of London
• Pass HMS Belfast
• Pass under Tower Bridge
• Speed towards Canary Wharf
• Return at full throttle to Tower Pier

Top questions

How long is the Thames speedboat tour from Tower Millennium Pier?

The tour lasts approximately 20 minutes round-trip.

Is live commentary included on this speedboat cruise?

Yes, there is live commentary on board during the ride.

Are life jackets provided for this London speedboat tour?

Yes, life jackets are included for all passengers.

What landmarks will I see during the Thames speedboat trip?

You’ll pass sights like the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and The Shard.

Is pickup included for this River Thames speedboat experience?

No hotel pickup is included; tours depart from Tower Millennium Pier.

Are children allowed on this speedboat tour?

Children 13 years & under must be accompanied by an adult; minimum weight is 15kg.

What should I wear for the London RIB Blast tour?

Dress for the weather; complimentary plastic ponchos are provided if needed.

What’s included

Your trip includes a high-speed river cruise departing from Tower Millennium Pier with live commentary throughout. You’ll get a life jacket for safety (and a plastic poncho if rain threatens), plus plenty of local stories as you zip past some of London’s most famous riverside sights before circling back to where you started.