Exploring London’s iconic landmarks from the River Thames can be an exhilarating experience. The River Thames Speed Boat Tour promises just that – a 50-minute adventure cruising at speeds up to 30 knots past sites like the London Eye and Tower Bridge. Narrated by a witty comedian, this tour offers stunning photo opportunities and an unforgettable way to discover the city’s rich history. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, the tour’s thrilling pace and unique perspective may just change how you see London.

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Key Points

This 50-minute speed boat tour cruises the River Thames at speeds up to 30 knots, offering views of iconic London landmarks like the London Eye and Tower Bridge.
The tour is narrated by an award-winning comedian, providing entertaining anecdotes and enhancing the experience with an onboard sound system.
Passengers can enjoy a 15-minute photo stop to capture stunning views, with full safety briefings and life jackets provided.
The tour is suitable for infants aged 6 months and older, but not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users.
With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 673 reviews, the tour offers an excellent value-for-money sightseeing experience on the River Thames.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The River Thames Speed Boat Tour is a 50-minute activity that allows visitors to cruise the River Thames at speeds up to 30 knots.

The tour starts at the Thames Rockets, Boarding Gate 1, Waterloo Millennium London Eye Pier.

Tickets cost between €57.01 and €71.26 per person, a savings of up to 20%.

The tour is conducted in English and features an award-winning comedian who provides entertaining anecdotes and historical narration.

While the tour is suitable for infants as young as 6 months, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users.

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Highlights of the Experience

Cruising at speeds up to 30 knots, the River Thames Speed Boat Tour offers an exhilarating experience for visitors.

During the 50-minute journey, thrill-seekers will see iconic London landmarks like the London Eye, Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. An award-winning comedian provides entertaining narration, sharing historical anecdotes.

Thrill-seekers will see iconic London landmarks as an award-winning comedian provides entertaining narration during the 50-minute journey.

The onboard sound system enhances the experience, and a 15-minute photo stop allows guests to capture the stunning views.

With full safety briefings and life jackets provided, the tour is suitable for ages 6 months and up, though pregnant women and those with back problems should avoid it.

Itinerary Details

Main sites passed during the River Thames Speed Boat Tour include the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Cleopatra’s Needle, Somerset House, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London Bridge, The Shard, HMS Belfast, Tower of London, and Tower Bridge.

Guests will experience 7 minutes of high-speed cruising where the boat can reach speeds up to 30 knots.

There’s also a 15-minute photo stop on the River Thames for sightseeing.

The tour provides an excellent opportunity to see many of London’s iconic landmarks from a unique perspective on the water.

Age and Participant Restrictions

The River Thames Speed Boat Tour is suitable for infants aged 6 months and older, though children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for:

Pregnant women, due to the fast-paced nature of the boat ride.
Individuals with back problems, as the high-speed maneuvers may cause discomfort.
Wheelchair users, as the boarding and seating arrangements may pose accessibility challenges.

A minimum of 8 passengers is required for each sail, and if there are fewer, the tour may be rescheduled.

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Safety Measures

Though the River Thames Speed Boat Tour offers an exhilarating high-speed experience, the operators prioritize passenger safety.

All participants receive a thorough safety briefing before boarding the vessel. Life jackets are mandatory and provided to ensure protection in the event of an emergency.

The speedboat is equipped with cutting-edge navigational and safety systems, and the experienced captains are trained to handle any situation.

Plus, the tour is only operated in suitable weather conditions to mitigate risks.

Safety is the top concern, allowing guests to enjoy the thrilling ride with peace of mind.

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Guidance and Narration

Enhancing the tour experience, the award-winning comedian guide provides entertaining anecdotes and insightful historical narration throughout the journey.

Their humorous yet informative commentary brings the sights and stories of the River Thames to life:

Highlighting iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Tower Bridge, the guide shares fascinating facts and trivia.
Weaving in witty one-liners and amusing observations, the guide keeps passengers engaged and entertained.
Expertly balancing educational elements with lighthearted banter, the guide ensures an enjoyable and memorable experience for all.

The onboard sound system further enhances the immersive experience, creating a lively and dynamic tour.

Music and Ambiance

Onboard, the dynamic sound system complements the guide’s captivating narration, immersing passengers in the vibrant atmosphere of the River Thames.

Upbeat music resonates, accentuating the pace of the speedboat as it zips past iconic landmarks. The audio creates an energetic ambiance, elevating the overall experience.

Passengers can easily hear the guide’s historical anecdotes and witty commentary, seamlessly blending with the rhythmic beats. The combination of sights, sounds, and storytelling transports guests on an unforgettable journey, making the most of the limited 50-minute tour duration.

The seamless integration of music and narration heightens the excitement and engagement for all aboard.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Passengers have overwhelmingly praised the River Thames Speed Boat Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 673 reviews.

The River Thames Speed Boat Tour has received overwhelming praise, boasting an impressive 4.9 out of 5 star rating from 673 reviews.

Highlights from the customer feedback include:

The guide quality rated 4.9/5, with reviewers praising the entertaining anecdotes and historical narration.
The transportation aspect, including the speed and sightseeing, received a 4.9/5 rating.
Customers rated the value for money at 4.6/5, indicating the tour provides a highly enjoyable experience.

Sample reviews praise the tour as "fantastic," "amazing," and "worth every penny," emphasizing the fun and memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Any Onboard Refreshment or Snack Service Available?

The tour does not mention any onboard refreshment or snack service. Passengers should plan to bring their own food and drinks for the 50-minute duration of the speed boat tour.

Can I Request a Specific Departure Time for the Tour?

Yes, customers can request a specific departure time for the tour, subject to availability. The tours run regularly throughout the day, so customers should check with the operator to see if their preferred time slot is open.

Are There Any Photo Opportunities Besides the 15-Minute Sightseeing Stop?

The tour offers photo opportunities throughout the journey, not just during the 15-minute sightseeing stop. Passengers can capture landmarks like the London Eye and Tower Bridge as the boat speeds along the River Thames.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a fixed 50-minute experience, with a dedicated 15-minute sightseeing stop for photos along the River Thames. Additional time cannot be added to the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Personal Flotation Device Instead?

Unfortunately, participants aren’t allowed to bring their own personal flotation devices. The tour operator provides all necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, as part of the experience. Bringing outside gear isn’t permitted for safety reasons.

The Sum Up

The London: River Thames Speed Boat Tour offers an exhilarating way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks at high speeds. With a 15-minute photo stop, live narration, and a 4.9-star rating, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure on the water. Safety measures and age restrictions ensure a secure and enjoyable journey for all participants.