UK Speedboat Tours: Our Top 15

1.High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,971 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $90Our pick

Board at the London Eye Pier for a 50-minute Thames Rockets ride with an entertaining guide, music, landmark commentary, and speeds up to 30 knots. Expect a slower sightseeing run through central London, followed by a short, thrilling burst around Canary Wharf and the Docklands.

“This was a fun boat ride but not what we were expecting. We were hoping to get a little wet and do some super 8 turns and that was not the case. It was a super-hot day, so we were excited to get a little wet and that was not going to happen on this boat. So, if you are looking for that, this may not be the tour for you. However, if you are looking for a fun, fast, upbeat boat ride then this would be the ride for you. The ride was very fun we got to see all the bridges and get some history behind them it…”

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2.Speedboat Cruise Tour: Embankment OR Westminster Pier -70 minutes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 777 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $102

Join Thames Rib Experience near Embankment or Westminster for a 70-minute RIB ride with a safety briefing, life jacket, and poncho if needed. Hear lively commentary from guides such as George, Kane, Scott, or Julian while passing Parliament, Tower Bridge, Greenwich, the O2, and the Thames Barrier.

“Lots of fun. A unique way to see london sights and get a bit of thrill also. The speed was exciting for all four of us.”

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3.Iconic Sights of London: High-Speed Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 773 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $67

Thames Tigers takes you from Tower Bridge Quay to Greenwich and back in a 12-person RIB. Expect fast runs, sharp turns, Tower Bridge photos, Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and witty commentary from guides such as Henry, David, Helen, or Debbie. Life jackets and carbon offsetting are included.

“We expected this to be a half decent trip out, but it exceed all expectations. When we booked we had great communication with Debbie who gave us fantastic directions and advice for ensuring we got there on time and easily on the day. Debbie and crew were fantastic and really friendly and the whole trip was just full of fun and adrenaline. By far the best way to sightsee; and the guided tour on board was witty and fresh. Well worth the money and next time we are in London its on top of the list to do again. Easily a 5* attraction when you put it up against other…”

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4.River Thames Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 713 reviews · from $80

Board Thames Rockets beneath the London Eye for a 50-minute Thames ride with an English-speaking comedian guide such as Max, Jeff, Ross, or Bill. Expect landmark commentary at a gentler pace, then music, fast turns, and speeds up to 30 knots toward Canary Wharf. Life jackets are provided.

“Geff our host was excellent very natural and funny. Obviously loves what he does. Our skipper was great too. Great fun and felt safe. Would definitely recommend even on a very windy day”

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5.Thames High-Speed Zone Speedboat in London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 567 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Join a small group of up to 12 for a 45-minute Thames Rockets RIB ride from central London. A professional skipper and comic-style guide combine landmark commentary, classic British music, wave jumps and high-speed runs toward the Thames Barrier.

“Fantastic ride. Very friendly staff. Excellent commentary from Ross. Brilliant ride. Highly recommended.”

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6.45-Minute Speedboat Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 489 reviews · 45 min · from $77

Board at Westminster or Embankment Pier for a 45-minute Thames RIB ride. A guide points out the London Eye, St. Paul’s, Tower of London, and Tower Bridge before the skipper opens the throttle toward Canary Wharf with film music, sharp turns, and a maximum of 12 passengers.

“So much fun! Super informative in the beginning… And then the boat ride was thrilling and fast! The pier was easy to find, and it was safe and very well organized.”

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7.Torquay Coastal RIB Seafari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 410 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $51

Join Torquay Watersports for a one-hour RIB ride from The Pavilion, with guides such as Greg, Glen, and John sharing local facts as you speed past Thatcher Rock and Ore Stone. Expect sea views, seabirds, and possible encounters with seals, dolphins, or porpoises.

“I can't even describe how amazing that adventure is. You could see dolphins and seals. Strongly recommended. We'll be back, definitely.”

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8.Speedboat Tour Through Heart of the City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 387 reviews · from $66

Meet Debbie, Dave, or another Thames Tigers skipper at Tower Bridge Quay for a 45 to 50-minute Thames ride. Hear short commentary past St. Paul’s and the Tower of London, then hit 35 mph toward Greenwich and the O2. Waterproof gear and shock-absorbing seats are provided.

“One of the best activities we’ve done. Would thoroughly recommend”

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9.70-Minute Thames Barrier Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 308 reviews · 1h 10m · from $99

Board at Embankment or Westminster Pier for a 70-minute Thames RIB ride to the Thames Barrier. Expect landmark views, live English commentary, tight turns, music, and high-speed runs beneath Tower Bridge. Boats carry no more than 12 people, with lifejackets and ponchos supplied.

“Been to London many times, this is probably my favourite thing I’ve done. Absolutely no hesitation in booking again next time I visit London.”

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10.Speedboat Sightseeing: Embankment OR Westminster Pier -45 Minutes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 288 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $79

You’ll ride a high-speed RIB from Embankment or Westminster Pier, hearing London stories through the slower central stretch before speeding toward Canary Wharf. Guides such as Justin, Ed, Cain, and Dennis have led trips, with the crew handling lifejackets and safety. Expect music, sharp turns, cold wind, and a small group of up to 12.

“What an amazingly experience and great tour leaders James bond on the thames 👌👌👌 Definitely coming back”

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11.Speedboat ‘Tower RIB Blast’ from Tower Millennium Pier – 20 minutes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 227 reviews · 20 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Board a high-speed RIB at Tower Millennium Pier for a 20-minute Thames run past the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, The Shard, and Canary Wharf. Expect safety instructions, live commentary, music, sharp bursts of speed, and a maximum group of 12. Children must weigh at least 15kg.

“We paid for the ride , travelled across London which took 1 hour, on arrival we was informed the trip was cancelled- still waiting for a refund.”

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12.Thames Rockets Sunset London Speedboat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 225 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $76

Board at London Eye Pier for a 50-minute sunset ride with up to 12 passengers. Expect guided sightseeing past Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard, HMS Belfast, and Canary Wharf, followed by high-speed turns at up to 30 knots. Guides have included James, Stacey, AJ, and Ed.

“Great fun! AJ’s driving was excellent and Sandy was terrific! Perfect sized tour and great sightseeing. The speed part was amazing!”

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13.Speedboat ‘Ultimate Tower Blast’ from Tower Millennium Pier – 40 minutes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 191 reviews · 40 minutes (approx.) · from $79

Board a small RIB at Tower Millennium Pier for a 40-minute Thames ride with live commentary, loud music, and high-speed runs toward the Thames Barrier. You will pass the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the Shard. The boat carries no more than 12 people.

“The fast bits were the best. The sights from the rib were great especially canary wharf. The skipper was very friendly.”

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14.30-Minute Raptor RIB Ride Activity in Torquay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 182 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $58

Join Torquay Watersports at Torquay Marina for a fast 30-minute RIB ride around Torbay. Expect sea caves, coves, islands, wildlife, local commentary, sharp turns, and possible water spray. Riders must be at least 10 or 11 and tall enough to keep both feet flat on the floor.

“Great views, excellent hosts with clear commentary. Felt safe and crew were competent. I would recommend to anyone wanting a good thrill ride educational experience.”

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15.Padstow: Guided RIB Sealife Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 165 reviews · 2 hours · from $60

Set out from Padstow on a two-hour, small-group RIB safari with an English-speaking guide and skipper. You may see dolphins, seals, porpoises, whales, sunfish, puffins, and seabirds while covering about 25 miles of coast. Expect fast, bouncy travel and possible spray.

“Loved it! We’ve done it before, was perfect weather this time, lots of dolphins and a couple of seals. We missed our first trip due to a puncture, but padstow sealife safari kindly rebooked for us even though we were outside the 24 hour cancellation. Also were very understanding of my late arrival! Highly recommend”

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