High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London

Imagine zooming along the Thames, gliding past Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge at speeds of up to 35 mph. That’s exactly what this high-speed Thames River speedboat tour offers—an adrenaline-packed splash of excitement combined with some of London’s most famous sights. With over 3,800 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, this tour has a reputation for being one of the most fun and memorable ways to see the city from the water.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances thrilling speed with informative commentary. Plus, with a small group limited to just 12 passengers, it feels more like a personalized adventure rather than a crowded boat ride. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this is purely a high-speed thrill ride—you won’t get wet or experience the super-8 turns you might expect from a more extreme speedboat. This makes it perfect for those seeking a quick adrenaline hit but not a full-on splashing splash fest.

If you’re someone who loves iconic landmarks, fun stories, and a bit of a rush, this tour suits you perfectly. Families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a different perspective on London should definitely consider it. Just keep in mind that this experience is non-refundable and requires pre-booking, so it’s best to plan ahead.

Key Points

• Thrilling speed and sightseeing combined for an exciting river experience
• Small groups ensure an intimate, personalized adventure
• Expert commentary and British songs add to the fun atmosphere
• Great value for the length of the ride and the exclusive small-group setting
• Perfect for families, solo travelers, and thrill seekers
• Not suitable for pregnant travelers or very young children under 6 months

Starting at the renowned London Eye Pier, this tour kicks off with a bang—literally. As the modern speedboat roars to life, you’ll immediately feel the rush of acceleration that makes this experience so special. The professional skipper and expert guide ensure safety and entertainment, sharing lively commentary about the landmarks you pass along the way.

One reviewer, Faridah, called it “an AMAZING experience,” highlighting how her 6-year-old son kept saying it was “the best ride ever,” and even adults loved the adrenaline. The boat navigates past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, offering close-up views that are hard to beat from land. The commentary enhances the experience, making the landmarks more memorable—especially as the guide shares fun facts and historical tidbits.

Passing under Tower Bridge, you’ll feel the thrill of the boat’s quick turns and wave jumps, which reviewers describe as “whooping and cheering” moments. When the speed increases to up to 35 mph, the wind and the rush make it clear why this tour is often called “sightseeing like no other.” Some mention how the small, maneuverable vessel allows the boat to get closer to the banks and landmarks than larger tours, giving you a better perspective and photo opportunities.

The tour begins at the London Eye Pier, where you’ll be greeted by your friendly crew and guided through a quick safety briefing. You’ll then suit up in a waterproof lifejacket—though many reviews note you might not get too wet, it’s good to be prepared. The boat itself is described as modern and high-spec, with a capacity limited to just 12 passengers, which means you won’t be squeezed in with strangers. This ensures a more relaxed and engaging experience.

Once on board, the skipper—whose skills are highly praised—fires up the engine, and the adventure begins. The initial quiet cruise is filled with fascinating stories and British tunes, setting a lively mood. You’ll cruise past Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tower of London, and the iconic London Eye, with many reviews mentioning how close and personal the views are—think about how the vessel can get into tighter spots than larger boats.

During calmer stretches, the guide shares engaging tales of London’s history, adding a layer of educational fun. When the throttle is yanked back, the boat accelerates, and the high-speed thrill takes over. Expect sharp turns, wave jumps, and even some playful “bank to bank” maneuvers that make this ride a rollercoaster on water. As the boat slows down, you can catch your breath and take photos of the city skyline, all while soaking in the sights like the Shard and Canary Wharf.

The return leg offers a leisurely cruise back to the pier, with many travelers noting how the boat’s agility allows for closer views of landmarks like the floating Royal Naval Museum and the Titanic-themed ship. This part of the journey is perfect for capturing photos and reflecting on the London skyline with a fresh perspective.

Your ticket includes the professional skipper, an expert guide, and a lifejacket, ensuring safety and entertainment go hand-in-hand. It’s a short but action-packed 50-minute adventure that provides excellent value, especially considering the small group size.

However, note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your way to the London Eye Pier. The tour is suitable for most travelers—most can participate—and children over 6 months are welcome with an adult. Pregnant visitors are explicitly advised not to take part, given the high-speed nature of the ride.

Since the experience is non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled, plan accordingly. Most travelers find that the provided times are flexible enough to fit into their London schedules. Remember, all seats must be pre-booked, so avoid last-minute surprises.

Many reviews underscore the personalized nature of the tour. One reviewer, Amy, called it a “nice little thrill ride,” emphasizing how much she enjoyed the entertainment and the speed. Another, Jeannine, loved how the guide was “very friendly, engaging, and funny,” adding that the combination of sightseeing and humor made it particularly memorable.

Sofia, the guide praised by multiple reviewers, is noted for her hilarious storytelling and contagious enthusiasm. The boat driver, John, earned rave reviews for his excellent skills and making sure the boat stayed safe while performing fun maneuvers. The combination of knowledgeable guides and skilled skippers resulted in an experience that many called “fun from start to finish.”

Reviewers also mention how the music during the ride adds to the vibe, with some even comparing the experience to a scene from a James Bond film—fast, exciting, and a little bit glamorous. The boat’s ability to get closer to landmarks like Tower Bridge and Big Ben means photo opportunities are plentiful, and you’ll get a different view of London’s skyline from the water.

This high-speed Thames tour is ideal for adventure-seekers, families with kids who are comfortable with a short adrenaline rush, and visitors eager for a unique perspective of London’s iconic sights. It’s perfect if you want a memorable highlight that combines sightseeing, storytelling, and thrills—all in one short outing.

It’s also a great choice if you’re seeking a small-group experience that feels intimate and personal. If you’re someone who loves speed, fun, and a good story, this tour will likely leave you with plenty of great memories—and maybe even a few screams of delight.

This Thames speedboat adventure offers a fantastic mix of excitement and sightseeing. The small group setup, expert guides, and close-up views of London’s most famous landmarks make it stand out from more traditional river cruises. The fact that it’s highly rated across thousands of reviews speaks to its popularity and consistency in delivering fun.

While it’s not suitable for pregnant travelers or those looking for a leisurely, splash-filled experience, it excels as a quick, adrenaline-pumping way to see London from a different angle. The combination of fast speeds, entertaining commentary, and photos of iconic sites makes it well worth considering for your trip.

If you’re looking for an experience that’s a little out of the ordinary, provides plenty of laughs, and leaves you feeling exhilarated, this speedboat tour hits the mark. Whether it’s your first visit to London or a repeat trip, it’s a memorable way to start or end your day in the city.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 6 months accompanied by an adult can participate. However, pregnant women cannot join for safety reasons.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 50 minutes, making it a perfect quick thrill without taking up your whole day.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Just wear weather-appropriate clothing; waterproof jackets are provided, but it’s good to have comfortable shoes and a camera for photos.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, you can select your preferred start time when booking, making it flexible to fit your schedule.

Is there any chance of getting wet?
Most reviewers say you won’t get too wet, as the ride is designed more for speed and fun rather than splashing, but a waterproof jacket is recommended.

What landmarks will I see?
Expect close-up views of Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, Globe Theatre, and the London Eye, among others.

Is the tour refundable if I change my mind?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.