Speedboat ‘THE THAMES BEAST’ from Tower Millennium Pier – 40 mins

London’s Thames: A Fast-Paced View from ‘The Thames Beast’

If you’re looking for a quick, adrenaline-pumping way to see London’s most famous landmarks, the Speedboat ‘THE THAMES BEAST’ from Tower Millennium Pier might just be your best bet. This 40-minute thrill ride offers a chance to zip along the Thames River, passing by sights like Tower Bridge, the O2 Arena, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, and more — all while feeling the wind in your hair.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines the excitement of high-speed boating with the opportunity to take in some of London’s most photogenic spots. It’s a unique way to see the city’s skyline, especially if you’re short on time but want a memorable adventure.

However, a consideration to keep in mind is the minimal commentary during the trip — if you’re after in-depth historical insights, you might prefer a more traditional sightseeing cruise or guided tour. This experience is ideal for thrill-seekers, groups of friends, or families who enjoy a bit of speed and fresh air, rather than a detailed narrative.

Key Points

• Fast-Paced Sightseeing: Perfect for those seeking excitement and quick access to London’s landmarks.
• Limited Group Size: With only 12 passengers, it offers a more intimate, personalized ride.
• Flexible Departures: Multiple departure times make it easy to fit into busy schedules.
• Cost-Effective: At around $78.18 per person, it provides a memorable experience without a huge expense.
• Weather Dependence: Weather conditions can affect the trip; a plastic poncho is included if rain strikes.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for most travelers, but children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult and weigh at least 15kg.

An In-Depth Look at the Thames Speedboat Experience

Starting Point and Accessibility

The adventure begins at Tower Millennium Pier, conveniently located on Lower Thames Street and close to public transportation. This ease of access means you won’t need to worry about complicated transfers or long walks. Arriving a little early is recommended, as the small group sizes and limited departure slots mean punctuality is appreciated.

The Itinerary: What’s Included and What to Expect

The 40-minute ride is designed to showcase London’s most iconic sights from a unique vantage point on the water, with limited commentary allowing you to focus on the views and the thrill of speeding through the Thames.

• Stop at Tower of London: While mainly a visual highlight, you’ll get a close-up glimpse of this historic fortress, known for its ravens and royal history.
• Passing Tower Bridge: One of London’s most recognizable landmarks, you’ll see it from below and alongside, feeling the power of the river’s flow as the boat races underneath.
• HMS Belfast & Canary Wharf: The boat passes by the historic warship and the towering financial district, offering a contrast between London’s past and present.
• Greenwich & Cutty Sark: As you speed past this maritime hub, you’ll get an impressive view of the historic ships and the famous Cutty Sark.
• The O2 & Thames Barrier: The ride takes you by the iconic entertainment venue and the impressive flood defense barrier, showcasing engineering feats across the river.
• Back to Tower Pier: The return leg offers a scenic route past the Shard, completing the exhilarating circuit.

The Experience: Speed, Views, and Atmosphere

Guests consistently describe the ride as “the best fun you can have on water,” emphasizing the adrenaline rush and the sense of freedom as the boat accelerates. Multiple reviews mention the boat’s speed, with one reviewer noting it’s “a brilliant way to see a lot of London at a breakneck speed.”

The limited commentary means you’re encouraged to soak in the sights visually, rather than listening to long-winded explanations. This approach is perfect for those who prefer to enjoy the scenery at their own pace, with the thrill of the wind and spray adding to the adventure.

Safety and Comfort

The boat provides lifejackets for all, ensuring peace of mind despite the high speed. When the weather calls for it, a complimentary plastic poncho is included, which helps keep you dry if rain unexpectedly arrives. Travelers emphasize the safety measures and the expertise of the crew, which adds to the overall comfort of the ride.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to 12 passengers, the ride feels exclusive and less crowded than typical large-group tours. This smaller size lends itself to a more personal experience, allowing you to chat with the crew or just enjoy the thrill in relative privacy. It’s a good choice for travelers who dislike noisy, packed tours and prefer a more relaxed, yet exciting, atmosphere.

Pricing and Value

At approximately $78.18 per person, this experience offers good value considering the combination of speed, scenic views, and the intimate group size. It’s a unique way to see major landmarks without the fuss of a traditional cruise or open-top bus. For adrenaline junkies or those seeking a memorable snapshot of London from the water, it’s a worthwhile spend.

Booking and Flexibility

Most bookings are made about 24 days in advance, indicating a healthy demand. Flexibility around departure times and the possibility of alternative dates if minimum passenger numbers aren’t met make booking straightforward. Cancellation up to 24 hours before ensures you can plan without stress, and weather-related cancellations are fully refundable or reschedulable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This speedboat ride is perfect for adventure-loving travelers who want a quick, thrilling way to see London’s landmarks from the Thames. It appeals to those who enjoy a small-group setting and are comfortable with the idea of a high-speed boat. Families with children over 13 (weighing at least 15kg) will find it an exciting outing, but pregnant women or those with serious medical conditions are advised to avoid it.

If you’re a visitor on a tight schedule, this ride offers a swift but immersive experience that packs a punch. It’s also ideal for groups of friends or couples seeking something different from the usual sightseeing options. However, if you prefer detailed historical commentary or are sensitive to rougher waters, you might want to consider a more traditional cruise.

Final words

The Speedboat ‘THE THAMES BEAST’ offers an energetic way to explore London from a fresh perspective. It’s a taste of adventure that combines breathtaking views with the thrill of speed, making it a standout activity on the Thames. While it’s not for everyone—especially those who want a leisurely, narrated tour—it excels at delivering a memorable, adrenaline-fueled experience.

The small group size, the flexible scheduling, and the scenic route make it a compelling choice for visitors who love excitement and want a quick, fun snapshot of London’s most iconic sights. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a different way to see the city, this ride is worth considering.

In summary, if you’re after a lively, intimate adventure on the water that offers impressive views and a rush of adrenaline, this speedboat experience is well worth the price. Just prepare for a splash of wind, water, and plenty of unforgettable photo moments.

FAQs

Is there a minimum age for this speedboat ride?
Yes, children 13 years and under must be accompanied by an adult and need to weigh at least 15kg to participate.

Can I book the ride last minute?
Most bookings are made about 24 days in advance, but last-minute availability depends on group sizes and weather. Early booking is recommended to secure your preferred time.

What if the weather is bad?
The trip is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. A complimentary poncho is provided if rain occurs during your ride.

How long does the experience last?
The actual speedboat ride takes around 40 minutes, providing a quick but action-packed sightseeing session.

Are there any safety measures in place?
Yes, all passengers are provided with lifejackets, and the crew is experienced at managing high-speed watercraft.

What landmarks will I see?
Expect to see Tower of London, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, Cutty Sark, The O2, and the Thames Barrier, among others.

Is it suitable for non-English speakers?
Since the commentary is minimal, language isn’t crucial. The focus is on the views and the experience itself.

Are there options for vegetarian or special dietary needs?
This activity doesn’t include food or drink, so dietary considerations aren’t applicable.

What should I wear?
Bring waterproof clothing if rain is forecast, and dress comfortably for potentially windy conditions.

How do I find the meeting point?
The starting point is Tower Millennium Pier, easily accessible by public transport on Lower Thames Street.

This high-speed Thames adventure is a fantastic, adrenaline-filled way to tick off London’s most famous sights in just 40 minutes. Its intimate setting, combined with the thrill of speed and stunning vistas, makes it a memorable highlight—perfect for those who crave excitement and a dash of water-based fun in the heart of London.