High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London provided by Thames Rockets
High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London
High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London
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99% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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High-speed Thames River cruise in London
Duration:
50m
Taking Covid-19 safety measures
Group size:
12
Wheelchair accessible
Ticket type:
Mobile
Free cancellation
- Duration:50m
- Taking Covid-19 safety measures
- Group size:12
- Wheelchair accessible
- Ticket type:Mobile
- Free cancellation
About
If you’re looking for an exhilarating way to see London’s riverside sights, then opt for a high-speed RIB cruise on the Thames River. In a rigid inflatable boat, soar past the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Shakespeare’s Globe while listening to a high-octane soundtrack. Once you reach Tower Bridge, your skipper accelerates to speeds of 35 miles-per-hour (55 km-per-hour) and performs sharp turns guaranteed to increase adrenaline levels. Ideal for thrill-seekers, this experience also offers multiple departure times.
Know before you go
- Duration: 50m
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Awards
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2022
Available languages
English
Highlights
- An unconventional sightseeing experience ideal for thrill seekersÂ
- Cruise past the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Shakespeare's GlobeÂ
- Experience high-octane maneuvers and learn about London history
What to expect
Depending on the start time selected at checkout, make your way to the London Eye Pier to board your RIB. Following a safety briefing, set sail on the Thames River and pass the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare's Globe, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Once you pass Tower Bridge, speed restrictions are lifted and your skipper is free to accelerate to speeds of 35 miles per hour (55 kilometers per hour). Feel exhilarated as your skipper performs maneuvers such as hairpin bends and figure eights.
During slower periods of sailing, listen to commentary that reveals the history of London’s riverside. The tour concludes back at your original departure point.
Awards
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2022
Know before you go
- Duration: 50m
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Available languages
English
Cancellation policy
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Highlights
- An unconventional sightseeing experience ideal for thrill seekersÂ
- Cruise past the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Shakespeare's GlobeÂ
- Experience high-octane maneuvers and learn about London history
What to expect
Depending on the start time selected at checkout, make your way to the London Eye Pier to board your RIB. Following a safety briefing, set sail on the Thames River and pass the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare's Globe, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Once you pass Tower Bridge, speed restrictions are lifted and your skipper is free to accelerate to speeds of 35 miles per hour (55 kilometers per hour). Feel exhilarated as your skipper performs maneuvers such as hairpin bends and figure eights.
During slower periods of sailing, listen to commentary that reveals the history of London’s riverside. The tour concludes back at your original departure point.Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 6918ULA
Important information
Inclusions
- Professional skipper
- Expert guide
- Lifejacket
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Duration
50m
Departure details
- London Eye Waterloo Pier, London SE1 7PB, UK The London Eye Pier is located directly underneath the London Eye, the ‘Boat ticket sales and entrance’ is on the right hand-side. Please do not queue at the ticket office as you have already pre-booked tickets, head straight down onto the floating pontoon towards Boarding Gate One.
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children under 14 years must be accompanied by an adult, minimum age is 6 months
- All seats must be pre-booked with the supplier, refer to voucher for further details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
Inclusions
- Professional skipper
- Expert guide
- Lifejacket
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Departure details
- London Eye Waterloo Pier, London SE1 7PB, UK The London Eye Pier is located directly underneath the London Eye, the ‘Boat ticket sales and entrance’ is on the right hand-side. Please do not queue at the ticket office as you have already pre-booked tickets, head straight down onto the floating pontoon towards Boarding Gate One.
Duration
50m
Return details
- Returns to original departure point
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children under 14 years must be accompanied by an adult, minimum age is 6 months
- All seats must be pre-booked with the supplier, refer to voucher for further details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
Travel safe during COVID-19
Last updated: 4 Mar 2022
A note from High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London
One way, contactless check-in.
Outdoor attraction, passengers sit in pairs forward facing, side by side.
Handrails and lifejackets sanitized regularly.
What you can expect during your visit
- Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
What you can expect during your visit
- Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
- Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Itinerary
- You'll start atLondon Eye Waterloo PierLondon SE1 7PB, UKThe London Eye Pier is located directly underneath the London Eye, the ‘Boat ticket sales and entrance’ is on the right hand-side. Please do not queue at the ticket office as you have already pre-booked tickets, head straight down onto the floating pontoon towards Boarding Gate One.See address & details
- Pass byThames RocketsThames RiverHouses of ParliamentBig BenSt. Paul's CathedralShakespeare's Globe Theatre30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)The View from The ShardTower of LondonTower BridgeCanary Wharf
- You'll return to the starting point
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,848 reviews
Excellent
1,810
Very good
27
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
8
Virginia B
Ipswich, UK33 contributions
May 2022
The experience was bought for my birthday in January 2022. We booked it in May to go with a concert we were seeing in London the day before. Wow! It was an amazing end to our weekend. Our guide was Geoff (with a G!) and Brad was the 'driver'. We cruised up gently, with Geoff making it relaxing, funny and informative, even getting the whole boat to sing happy birthday to me, Lauren and Adam who also had birthdays. Geoff was hilarious and took photos of us, leaving some very funny selfies on my phone as a homecoming surprise! When the boat took off, it was really fast and a really adrenalin thrill - jumps up and down and tips from side to side - not for the fainthearted! They also played the Bond theme which was really cool. I would do it again - combines thrill and fun with a genuine fear factor (in a good way) We all got back safely. (life jackets are provided with safety talk)
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
teacher_jones
Leeds, UK235 contributions
We took our 2 x 7 year olds on the 50 minute trip this morning using vouchers given to us for Virgin experiences and I'm so pleased we chose to use them on this.
I've been recommending it to my friends since leaving the boat. It's so well organised, from checking in, to giving out life jackets and the safety instructions.
Our guide Max really knew his stuff and when the speed kicked in, our skipper Mike drove the boat to the music making it a really exhilarating experience.
We didn't get wet which I was concerned about but one of my little ones did find it cold on his face so I'd take a gaiter next time just for a heads up to anyone else.
All 4 of us can't wait to do it again. We will be back.
I've been recommending it to my friends since leaving the boat. It's so well organised, from checking in, to giving out life jackets and the safety instructions.
Our guide Max really knew his stuff and when the speed kicked in, our skipper Mike drove the boat to the music making it a really exhilarating experience.
We didn't get wet which I was concerned about but one of my little ones did find it cold on his face so I'd take a gaiter next time just for a heads up to anyone else.
All 4 of us can't wait to do it again. We will be back.
Written 26 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CKoriginal
Leicester, UK5 contributions
Oct 2021
What a fantastic experience! We were in London celebrating our 20 year anniversary and had booked this instead of a river "cruise" and we are so glad that we did. We got a whistle stop tour of the sights up and down the Thames and a high speed adrenaline rush ride at the same time. Hats off to the crew - Richard who gave us a rollercoaster ride at high speed and Geoff, who looked after us all, made us laugh, was informative, chatty, funny, welcoming and made us feel special. The weather was awful, the rain at one point was stinging my face as we went speeding down the Thames and after we got off it felt like I had been in the Thames instead of on it but it didn't make any difference to how enjoyable the whole experience was, we absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone. We will be going to London next year for another theatre trip with friends and we will be making sure to factor in another speed boat ride with friends in tow.
Written 31 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lucy_forsyth
7 contributions
Jun 2021
I booked this experience through Virgin after being cancelled on very last minute by another company for my boyfriends birthday. I spoke to them on the phone and they were more than helpful and advised they have lots of availability and reassured me that they won't cancel last minute. In regard to Covid-19, masks are worn on the pier but not the boat and you only sit with your group but the boat does fill (up to 12 people).
On arrival on the day, we were greeted by the loveliest man called Geoff (with a 'G') who was an absolute delight. He explained everything from start to finish and made such an effort to speak to everyone on board. He kept the whole experience really fun and interesting with facts about London you wouldn't know, as opposed to the standard tour guide stating the obvious buildings. As it was my boyfriends birthday, he got everyone to sing Happy Birthday and played songs through the speakers dedicated to him, prior to then playing the playlist which was perfectly thought out and each song is associated to the trip and James Bond of course! We did not stop smiling and laughing!
Geoff and Nick were great fun and such lovely, comedic people, we can't recommend this trip enough for those wanting a tour on the Thames with a twist and bit of excitement! Can't wait to return in the future! Thank you so much!
On arrival on the day, we were greeted by the loveliest man called Geoff (with a 'G') who was an absolute delight. He explained everything from start to finish and made such an effort to speak to everyone on board. He kept the whole experience really fun and interesting with facts about London you wouldn't know, as opposed to the standard tour guide stating the obvious buildings. As it was my boyfriends birthday, he got everyone to sing Happy Birthday and played songs through the speakers dedicated to him, prior to then playing the playlist which was perfectly thought out and each song is associated to the trip and James Bond of course! We did not stop smiling and laughing!
Geoff and Nick were great fun and such lovely, comedic people, we can't recommend this trip enough for those wanting a tour on the Thames with a twist and bit of excitement! Can't wait to return in the future! Thank you so much!
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SerenaJo
4 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
This was a fantastic experience!!
We started with a slower cruise down the Thames with Brad piloting the boat while Joey gave a very informative and fun talk about the sights along had river.
The passengers were actively encouraged to be part of the talk, which made it even more enjoyable.
As we got to a safe point on the Thames the throttle opened up, the nose of the boat raised up and we sped off.
The ride was an exhilarating and really fun experience, I would highly recommend this.
The guys on shore and on the boat were all very professional, friendly, helpful, and made the experience as good as it was.
We are already planning to do another of the Thames Rocket boat experiences.
We started with a slower cruise down the Thames with Brad piloting the boat while Joey gave a very informative and fun talk about the sights along had river.
The passengers were actively encouraged to be part of the talk, which made it even more enjoyable.
As we got to a safe point on the Thames the throttle opened up, the nose of the boat raised up and we sped off.
The ride was an exhilarating and really fun experience, I would highly recommend this.
The guys on shore and on the boat were all very professional, friendly, helpful, and made the experience as good as it was.
We are already planning to do another of the Thames Rocket boat experiences.
Written 8 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michelle1530
London, UK4 contributions
I booked this for my partners birthday which was for 3 adults and a 10 year old. This was a surprise for my partner and we all loved every minute of the 50 minute trip. Jaz was our host along with Adam driving the boat and what made the trip even more special was they got everyone to sing Happy Birthday which was a lovely touch. What made the experience even better was the informative points of interest and facts along the way and that combined with Jaz being very entertaining made for a brilliant, fun morning. I’d hugely recommend for anyone to do and we all came off the boat at the end of the trip wanting to do it again. Loved the music playing as well especially when we went along at high speeds. Felt like we were in a James Bond film. Thanks Thames Rockets you made our Sunday and my partners birthday trip out!
Written 19 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nicole R
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
If you haven’t done this before you should definitely do it! We went on the 25th august and we had Brad and Bill, they were amazing to us all and made the trip a lot more enjoyable than it already was. Bill was hilarious and gave us a good understanding about the city before we did the high speeds. The soundtrack on the boat was also amazing I’ve never seen such a happy group of people until now. I definitely recommend doing this boat ride whilst the sun is setting it was incredibly beautiful! Even though we were second to the last ride of the day Bill and Brad still kept their enthusiasm. Highlight of our trip for sure. Even playing happy birthday music for my partner as well which im sure he was impressed about🤣🤣
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
847nicole
Newbury, UK32 contributions
Feb 2022
4 adults celebrating a birthday on the only sunny day in Feb half term, and a day before storm Eunice hit! How lucky were we?! And I cannot recommend this experience highly enough! From the moment we arrived on the jetty at Waterloo, a lovely lady warmly welcomed us, kitted us up with lifejackets and the option to add one of their jackets to ward off the wind chill, and attentively kept us informed of procedure.
And we hadn't even sat down in our seats on board Boat 2 when guide'Magic Jeff' began what was the funniest interaction with passengers and witty commentary that we'd ever heard on any experience! He really should be on stage! I laughed so much I was hoarse by the time we disembarked! I have been on a different Rib experience from Tower Bridge before, but this amazing crew: Jeff/Geoff(?) and 'Magic Nick' the skipper made this a far superior experience. Once we'd set off, he got us singing happy birthday to the 2 passengers celebrating, offered to take photos for any of us who wanted with Tower Bridge in the background and built up the excitement for when the throttle was opened and the boat sped across the waves, tipping left and right dramatically, all to the accompaniment of high octane, popular music! You could even hear the squeals and laughter above the high winds and music, as passengers thrilled at the ride! On the return journey, Jeff gave a fantastic commentary of landmarks, peppered with fascinating details, all coloured with his wonderful wit, charm and referencing passengers' retorts. That continued as we disembarked. The 4 of us were smiling for ages afterwards, and are still laughing and talking about it! Well done team Thames Rockets! We will be back!
And we hadn't even sat down in our seats on board Boat 2 when guide'Magic Jeff' began what was the funniest interaction with passengers and witty commentary that we'd ever heard on any experience! He really should be on stage! I laughed so much I was hoarse by the time we disembarked! I have been on a different Rib experience from Tower Bridge before, but this amazing crew: Jeff/Geoff(?) and 'Magic Nick' the skipper made this a far superior experience. Once we'd set off, he got us singing happy birthday to the 2 passengers celebrating, offered to take photos for any of us who wanted with Tower Bridge in the background and built up the excitement for when the throttle was opened and the boat sped across the waves, tipping left and right dramatically, all to the accompaniment of high octane, popular music! You could even hear the squeals and laughter above the high winds and music, as passengers thrilled at the ride! On the return journey, Jeff gave a fantastic commentary of landmarks, peppered with fascinating details, all coloured with his wonderful wit, charm and referencing passengers' retorts. That continued as we disembarked. The 4 of us were smiling for ages afterwards, and are still laughing and talking about it! Well done team Thames Rockets! We will be back!
Written 19 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bev
Oxfordshire, UK3 contributions
Oct 2021
We booked this for 5pm on Friday 22nd October 2021 for the whole family (3 kids aged 12, 9 and 7) and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Richard, our driver, was not afraid to put the throttle down and make the experience memorable and Joey, our guide, was very funny and friendly making the whole cruise a great memory to take away. My daughter wants a speed boat now! :)
Written 25 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MattCullen
Antrim, UK20 contributions
Booked this last minute boat trip and both my Mum and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We were on Nathan and Geoff’s boat which was great! Geoff took the time to welcome everyone individually and kept us entertained during the lower speed part of the tour. The high speed part was great - just what we needed on a roasting hot day in London and was a lot of fun! Highly recommend!
Written 16 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
nanaandpapax12
Burlington, MA17 contributions
We have tickets for the Eye for 15:00. Are we safe with time booking rib boat tickets for 16:00?
Kevinthedipper
Bury St. Edmunds, UK5 contributions
While we didn't do The Eye before our boat ride, we did need to be at the Thames Rocket pier 15 minutes before ropes-off , for a safety briefing & fitting life jackets. The pier is right next to The Eye.
Hi! This cruise does sound like fun. Can four-eyed people enjoy this ride without fear of glasses flying off and drowning thereby leaving us two-eyed with blurry vision for the rest of our trip?
Bev
United Kingdom5 contributions
Hahaha the guy across from me remained suitably 4 eyed the whole trip!
Hi, I have a birthday party of 12 turning 13 year old and her friends around 16-17 children in total Obviously I would be the only Parent coming, is that acceptable or is there a slower one which you would recommend?
Thanks
Hi, I have a birthday party of 12 turning 13 year old and her friends around 16-17 children in total Obviously I would be the only Parent coming, is that acceptable or is there a slower one which you would recommend?
Thanks
Vicki Frost
Peak District National Park, UK4 contributions
Does this trip suit all age groups? Will age 6 be okay? Thank you
Sinead C
1 contribution
Hi Vicki, yes a 6 year old would be fine, we had an 8 year old on the boat and he adored it. Its such a great activity for a family. My friend who introduced me to it, took her 80 year old mother on it last week for her birthday and she loved it!
Hi there, trying to book this tour for 20 Aug at 2.15pm x 2 adults. As I live in Northern Ireland, the payment page won't accept post code. Can you advise? Have also tried Google pay but won't let me do it either.
Sharon Freebury
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK19 contributions
Try going through travel zoo , that’s where we booked at a discount too
Hello. Will your boats be operational in March?
RAK
1 contribution
As far as I know they are. Check the website.
kimsoso
Paranaque, Philippines1 contribution
We are a family of 11 person can it be accomodated it one boats ? Limited to 9 pax only can be booked here then purchase another what if we cannot get the same slot Time For the rest of the 2 pax if we book 1st the 9 pax ?
Ciderwithrosie69
Bridgwater, UK57 contributions
The high speed boats taken 12 people so if you book online in advance for one time slot you should all be on the same boat - might be worth contacting them direct though to make sure
poshFiona57
Cardiff, UK22 contributions
Are you able to just turn up without booking first?
Naomi H
London, UK95 contributions
I don't think you can. Since the boats only seat 8 people, they get booked up fairly quickly. I would advise calling/visiting the site first. I was luck enough to get a booking on the day, but I wouldn't guarantee that would be the case every time.
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
By: Thames Rockets
russellastuart
00Thames Rockets is a blast!
What an awesome ride! The Thames Rockets is a MUST DO London adventure. Conveniently paced at the foot of the Londo…
richardbX2336LL
00Great experience
We enjoyed our 50 minute Thames Rockets experience. The booking process was simple. Staff were friendly and helpful…
Mark H
00Fantastic trip - Highly Recommended
I have never laughed and learnt so much in such a short space of time. We had Bill as our tour guide, he had an ent…
hughesy362009
00Fabulous & Fun
Didn’t think we would make it due to travel disruption.we had so much fun on this ride.Joey and Phil were a blast.t…
Victoralfredo R
00WOOOOHOOOOO
Soooo much fuunnnn. So very unexpected. So very informative. The staff so cool and friendly. I traveled with my two…
Pauline C
00Great fun! Good value for money!!
Efficient well run experience. Staff super friendly and good fun. We had Geoff & Rob - hilarious!! We did the 50 mi…
T9820RDsaraho
00Brilliant Fun!
Brilliant fun! Kids loved it - music was great- lots of twists and turns and great for sight seeing too- Geoff and …
Mcmepag
005 stars isn’t enough
Ed and Nathan a great experience on the rocket boat trip Fun, speed and excitement Totally great experience, as …
ABH20-22-June
00What a ride!!!
Absolutely brilliant fun. Took friend as part of 70th celebration and she loved it - you’re never too old for this …
Aar0n01
00Amazing experience
Robbie and Nathan were amazing. Would definitely recommend this. A very fun and interesting experience.
geh06
00Superb!
Was brilliant for thrill seekers! Worth every penny. Chris was a great skipper, bill made it extra special!
86adeg
00Thrills, Spills, Laughs and Facts
Superb high speed boat ride past all the London riverside sights.Only 12 people in the boat (the maximum), and a re…
danmathiassen
00Amazing experience great staff
Amazing experience, the staff were great a really fun thing to do if in London great views. I would highly recommen…
NickT2010
00Great way to see the city of London!
Had an amazing time seeing the sites of London on Thames Rockets. The team was so nice, funny and added to the over…
martin_hunt17
00Amazing
Was amazing from start to finish Stacey and mark were great Stacey was so funny , really enjoyable trip.
Frequently Asked Questions about High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London on Tripadvisor
- High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London price starts from HK$453.34. Discover and book High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London on Tripadvisor
- High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London on Tripadvisor
- High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London is hosted by Thames Rockets. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Thames Rockets on Tripadvisor. Discover and book High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London on Tripadvisor