Thames Speedboat Cruise London: 50-Minute High-Speed River Tour

Race the Thames at full throttle and see London's landmarks from the water

A 50-minute speedboat cruise on the Thames River in London takes small groups of up to 12 passengers from London Eye Pier past Big Ben, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and other major landmarks at speeds up to 35 mph. Your guide shares London's history as the boat accelerates through central London and out toward Canary Wharf and the Docklands, with lifejacket and professional skipper included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Thames River Speedboat Adventure

• Board at London Eye Pier
• Enjoy small group speedboat ride
• Listen to guide's London history tales
• View Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
• See St. Paul's Cathedral
• Pass Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
• Spot The Gherkin and The Shard
• Zoom past Tower of London and Tower Bridge
• Speed around Canary Wharf and Docklands
• See HMS Belfast museum ship
• Disembark at London Eye Pier

The experience

You board at London Eye Pier and step onto a modern speedboat built for 12 people: small enough to maneuver closer to the riverbanks than larger tour boats can reach. The guide kicks off with stories about the city's history as the boat moves at a steady pace past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, then St Paul's Cathedral and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre come into view. The Shard, the Gherkin and Tower Bridge pass by as the skipper points out each one, and you get a clear angle on them from the water that land-based tours don't offer.

Then the throttle opens. The boat accelerates to 30 knots (35 mph) and the ride shifts from sightseeing to adrenaline. You bounce across the wake as the speedboat carves around Canary Wharf and the Docklands, then swings past HMS Belfast, the former Royal Navy battleship now moored as a floating museum. The whole experience runs 50 minutes from start to finish, so you're back at the pier with time to visit the SEA LIFE London Aquarium or the London Dungeon, both within steps of where you disembark.

Lifejackets are provided and fitted before you leave the dock. The professional skipper handles all the speed and navigation. Your job is to hold on, take photos and feel the river move under you in a way no other London tour delivers.

What’s included

• Lifejacket and professional skipper.
• live guide in English sharing London's history.
• 50-minute Thames River cruise from London Eye Pier with views of Big Ben, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe, The Shard, Canary Wharf and HMS Belfast.

Options for this experience

2 options

Off PeakGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 16:00

PeakGuide in English · 9 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 18:00

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 18:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (1 to 14 years)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Thames Rockets

Is this one for you?At 50 minutes, this cruise fits into a free afternoon or a morning between other plans without eating your whole day. If you want high-speed thrills mixed with actual London landmarks instead of a slow, narrated boat ride, the speedboat's acceleration and small-group maneuverability deliver both.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 14 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What landmarks do I actually see on the Thames speedboat cruise?

The cruise passes Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, The Shard, the Gherkin, Canary Wharf, HMS Belfast and other major London sights from the water. You see them from angles only the river offers.

How fast does the speedboat actually go?

The boat cruises at a steady pace for the first part of the route while your guide talks, then accelerates to 30 knots, about 35 miles per hour, for the high-speed section around Canary Wharf and the Docklands.

How many people travel on the speedboat?

Groups are limited to 12 passengers, which keeps the boat small and maneuverable enough to get closer to landmarks and riverbanks than larger tour boats can reach.

Do I need to bring anything or wear anything special?

Lifejackets are provided and fitted before departure. Wear clothes you don't mind getting splashed in, especially during the high-speed section. Bring a camera or phone secured in a waterproof pocket if you want to photograph the landmarks.

What's included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes the 50-minute speedboat ride, lifejacket, a live guide in English who shares London's history, and a professional skipper. Food, drinks and gratuities are not included.