London: Thames Sunset Speedboat Ride & Seasonal Drink

Summary

Sunset speedboat adventure on the Thames with laughter and city lights

You’ll board near the London Eye as dusk settles over London, then rocket down the Thames past landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf with a small group and lively guide. There’s music, laughter, splashes of river spray—and a seasonal drink to finish as city lights flicker on around you.

What’s the experience like?

Everything felt sharper as we stepped onto the dock by the London Eye — like the city was holding its breath for us. The river looked almost glassy, just streaks of orange and grey from the sky above. Our guide (I think his name was Jamie?) handed out lifejackets with this grin that said he’d done this a hundred times but still loved it. I could smell river water and something faintly metallic, or maybe that was just nerves. Twelve of us in total, all strangers at first, shuffling into our seats and making those awkward little jokes you do when you’re about to do something slightly mad together.

The speedboat pulled away and suddenly Parliament and Big Ben were right there — closer than I’ve ever seen them from the water. Jamie kept up a running commentary, but not in that “tour guide voice” way; more like your mate who happens to know weird facts about St Paul’s Cathedral (“They say it survived the Blitz because of a lucky wind,” he said). We zipped past Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard catching the last bit of sunlight. At one point I tried to snap a photo of Tower Bridge but fumbled my phone because we hit a wake and everyone started laughing — even the skipper joined in. There’s this moment after you blast through Canary Wharf where everything goes quiet for half a second except for the wind and your own heart thumping.

I didn’t expect to actually feel so… light? Maybe it was just being out there with strangers-turned-friends, or maybe it was bouncing over the Thames at 30 knots while London slid by in gold and blue shadows. When we slowed back down near HMS Belfast, Jamie handed out these little cups of something seasonal (mine tasted like spiced apple) and we all toasted each other without saying much. The sun had dipped behind the skyline by then — all those famous buildings just silhouettes now. Walking back towards Waterloo afterwards, hair still damp from spray, I caught myself grinning for no real reason. That feeling stuck around longer than I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Thames speedboat river tour

• Step on-board at London Eye Pier
• Take to the river with 12 passengers
• See Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
• View St. Paul's Cathedral
• See Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
• Spot The Gherkin
• See The Shard
• Pass Tower of London
• Hear facts from comic guides
• Zoom at 30 knots around Canary Wharf
• Sail past HMS Belfast
• Return to London Eye Pier

Top questions

Is this Thames speedboat experience suitable for kids?

No, this experience is strictly for adults over 18 years old. ID may be required at boarding.

Where does the London sunset speedboat ride start?

The tour boards at London Eye Pier on the South Bank of central London.

How many people are on each speedboat tour?

Each boat carries up to 12 passengers for an intimate small-group experience.

What landmarks will I see during this Thames Rockets ride?

You’ll pass Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, HMS Belfast, and more.

Is there a guide on board during the speedboat tour?

Yes—an expert local guide provides commentary and keeps things lively throughout your ride.

Does this experience include drinks?

A seasonal drink is included once you return to Tower Bridge area before heading back toward London Eye Pier.

Are lifejackets provided for this Thames speedboat ride?

Yes—all passengers are given lifejackets before departure for safety.

Can wheelchair users join this tour?

The boats can’t accommodate wheelchairs onboard; guests must be able to sit unaided with carer assistance if needed to board down steps.

What’s included

Your evening includes expert commentary from a local guide and professional skipper as you rocket along the River Thames in a small group (max 12), all safety gear including lifejacket provided at boarding near London Eye Pier, plus a seasonal drink served after your high-speed adventure before returning riverside.