Set out on a thrilling 70-minute speedboat tour along the iconic River Thames in London. This high-speed adventure whisks you past the city’s renowned landmarks, including the Shard and Tower Bridge. With live commentary enriching the experience, you’ll have ample opportunities to capture stunning photos and purchase souvenirs. Suitable for thrill-seekers, this tour operates rain or shine, ensuring an unforgettable journey through the heart of London. But the true excitement lies in what awaits as you board the boat and set off on the waters.

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Key Points

This high-speed boat tour along the River Thames lasts 70 minutes and showcases iconic London landmarks like The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge.
The tour is priced from $89.24 per person and offers a reserve now, pay later option with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The boat has a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, providing a personalized experience with live guided commentary.
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, or children under 15 kg (33 lbs).
The tour operates in all weather conditions, with heated cabin spaces, hot beverages, and experienced skippers ensuring safe navigation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Thames Barrier Speedboat Tour offers a 70-minute high-speed journey along the River Thames, providing visitors a chance to experience the iconic landmarks of London from a unique vantage point.

Priced from $89.24 per person, the tour boasts free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can also opt for the Reserve now & pay later option.

With a maximum of 12 passengers per boat, the tour promises an exhilarating and personalized experience.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this speedboat tour is an excellent way to discover the city’s renowned sights.

Looking for more options in London? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting locations for the Thames Barrier Speedboat Tour include Embankment Pier and Westminster Pier, allowing guests to embark on an exhilarating journey along the River Thames.

During the 70-minute ride, the boat zips past iconic landmarks like The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, and Tower Bridge, with live guided commentary providing historical and modern context.

The highlight is the high-speed navigation under Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier, where boats can make photo stops.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers per boat, ensuring an intimate and thrilling experience.

Experience the Thrill

Though the speedboat tour may seem daunting at first, riders are in for an exhilarating experience reminiscent of a James Bond film. The high-speed navigation through the River Thames offers thrills and excitement as the boat zooms under Tower Bridge and towards the mighty Thames Barrier.

The experience includes:

Live guided commentary on the historical and modern landmarks along the way.
Photo opportunities at various points of interest.
An adrenaline-filled ride that’s sure to leave passengers grinning from ear to ear.
The option to purchase souvenir photos after the tour.

Key Details to Know

First and foremost, it’s important to note that this speedboat tour may not be suitable for everyone.

Pregnant women, those with back or heart problems, and children under 33 lbs (15 kg) aren’t permitted on the tour. Participants must also meet a minimum weight requirement of 15 kg (3 stone).

Arrive 15 minutes early, as late arrivals will miss the trip without refunds. The tour operates in all weather conditions, and disposable ponchos are provided.

With a maximum of 12 passengers per boat, this exhilarating ride along the River Thames promises an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers.

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Suitability and Restrictions

Who’s this speedboat tour suitable for?

The high-speed thrills of the Thames Barrier Speedboat Tour aren’t for everyone. This experience is best suited for adventurous souls seeking an exhilarating ride.

Certain restrictions apply:

Pregnant women aren’t permitted.
Individuals with back or heart problems should avoid this tour.
Children under 33 lbs (15 kg) aren’t allowed.
Passengers must meet a minimum weight requirement of 15 kg (3 stone).

Late arrivals will miss the tour without refunds, so it’s crucial to arrive 15 minutes early.

However, the tour operates in all weather conditions, with disposable ponchos provided.

There's plenty more to explore in London

Arrive on Time, Every Time

Punctuality is paramount when embarking on the Thames Barrier Speedboat Tour. Guests must arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled departure. Late arrivals won’t be accommodated and won’t receive refunds.

The high-speed boats depart promptly, so punctuality is crucial. Once the boat leaves the pier, it won’t return for latecomers. Guests should plan their travel time carefully, accounting for traffic and other delays.

The tour operator provides clear instructions on arrival times and locations. Following these guidelines ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for all. Guests who arrive on time will fully experience the 70-minute thrill ride along the River Thames.

Weathering the Elements

How does the Thames Barrier Speedboat Tour operate in inclement weather? The tour runs rain or shine, as the boats are equipped to handle foul conditions. Disposable ponchos are provided to keep passengers dry. The high-speed boat design and expert navigation ensure a smooth, exhilarating ride, even in rough waters.

Some key considerations for weathering the elements:

Waterproof gear: Passengers should dress appropriately in waterproof clothing and footwear.
Flexible schedule: The tour operates year-round, with departure times adjusted based on tides and weather.
Onboard amenities: Heated cabin spaces and hot beverages help passengers stay comfortable.
Guide expertise: Experienced skippers navigate safely through any weather.

Customer Testimonials and Ratings

Passengers have overwhelmingly praised the Thames Barrier Speedboat Tour, with an impressive 4.9-out-of-5 rating based on 238 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the guides’ expertise, with a 4.8/5 rating, and the thrill of the high-speed navigation, scoring 4.9/5 for the transportation.

While some wished for more information on the sites, most raved about the fantastic experience of seeing London’s landmarks from the river.

With an overall value-for-money rating of 4.7/5, the tour appears to deliver an exhilarating and memorable journey along the Thames.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may not be suitable for people with disabilities. It’s not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, or children under 33 lbs, as the high-speed boat ride could be unsafe or uncomfortable.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

The tour operator does not allow passengers to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. Refreshments are not provided, but guests can purchase beverages and snacks at the departure point before the tour begins.

What Happens if the Tour Is Cancelled Due to Weather?

If the tour is cancelled due to weather, customers will receive a full refund. The tour operator provides disposable ponchos, but the tour may be postponed or rescheduled if conditions are deemed unsafe.

Are Life Jackets Provided, and Are They Mandatory?

Life jackets are provided and mandatory for all passengers on the speedboat tour. The operator ensures everyone’s safety by requiring life jacket use throughout the duration of the high-speed ride along the River Thames.

Can I Take My Pet on the Speedboat Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the speedboat tour. The tour operator enforces a strict no-pet policy for the safety and comfort of all passengers. Guests are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour.

The Sum Up

The Thames Barrier Speedboat Tour offers an exhilarating way to experience London’s iconic landmarks from the water. With high-speed thrills, live commentary, and photo opportunities, this 70-minute adventure is perfect for adventure-seekers looking to explore the city from a unique perspective. Operating rain or shine, this intimate tour is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable experience on the River Thames.