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

Experience London from the water in a way few visitors do — with a 20-minute high-speed ride along the Thames. Starting from Tower Millennium Pier, this adrenaline-pumping tour takes you past some of London’s most famous landmarks like Tower Bridge, The Shard, HMS Belfast, and the Tower of London. For just over half an hour, you’ll combine the thrill of a speedboat with entertaining commentary, making it a memorable way to see the city’s skyline. Priced at $50.95 per person, it’s a short but exhilarating experience that packs in plenty of sights and laughs.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are its unique perspective — zipping past the city’s landmarks at full throttle — and the friendly, safety-conscious crew who manage the thrills with professionalism. We also love how it’s flexible enough to fit into a busy day with various departure times. One possible consideration is that the ride is quite fast and bumpy, which might not be suitable for everyone—especially if you’re pregnant or have serious medical conditions.

This experience is perfect for adventure-seekers and families with kids, especially those who enjoy a bit of risk coupled with sightseeing. If you’re after a peaceful cruise or detailed historical commentary, this may not be your best choice. But if you want to add a splash of excitement to your London trip, this ride will definitely deliver.

Key Points

• High-speed thrill: Zipping past iconic landmarks at full throttle gives you a rush like no other.
• Unique perspective: See London’s skyline from the Thames in an exhilarating way.
• Entertaining guides: The skippers mix humor with informative commentary, making the ride fun and educational.
• Short and sweet: The 20-minute duration fits easily into a busy sightseeing day.
• Great for families and thrill-seekers: Suitable for most ages, with some safety considerations.
• Excellent reviews: Consistently rated 5 stars by travelers who loved the fun, safety, and value.

A Deep Dive into the Thames RIB Blast Experience

From Tower Pier to London’s Landmarks in 20 Minutes

When we think about London, often the first image is of historic sites, bustling streets, or maybe a leisurely river cruise. But this speedboat tour from Tower Millennium Pier offers something quite different: a quick, heart-pumping ride that makes the city’s sights come alive with motion and speed. It’s a perfect blend of sightseeing and adventure that appeals especially to those craving a bit of adrenaline.

You’ll meet your crew at Tower Pier, conveniently located just a short walk from Embankment station, ready to launch into 20 minutes of pure fun. After a safety briefing and a quick introduction, you’ll hop aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB), a vessel designed for speed and agility. The boat holds a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate and lively atmosphere.

The Landmarks You’ll See

During this swift ride, you’ll zip past some of London’s most photogenic and recognizable sights. We loved the way the boat whips past Tower Bridge, with its iconic twin towers and sweeping bascules, giving you an up-close view that’s impossible from land. The boat also passes The Shard, the city’s tallest building, and the historic HMS Belfast, giving you a sense of London’s layered history.

Other highlights include a stop near the Tower of London, where the boat’s quick pace makes it feel like part of a James Bond chase scene — just with less danger. You’ll also cruise past the location where executions once took place over 400 years, including that of the infamous Captain Kidd, adding a dash of dark history to your adventure. The route also covers Canary Wharf, the modern financial hub, and the View from The Shard, offering a stunning contrast between old and new.

The Experience: From Thrills to Laughs

What makes this tour special is the alternation between high-speed bursts and slower cruising. During the fast sections, the boat accelerates aggressively, whipping wind and spray into your face — a real thrill. Between these bursts, your guide slows the pace to deliver comic commentary and share amusing stories about London’s history and landmarks.

Reviewers frequently mention how friendly and professional the crew is, with one noting, “Billy and his mate were great, explaining safety rules and what to expect, then we were off.” The combination of safety and fun creates a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy the ride without worry. Many reviews mention the James Bond theme music playing during the high-speed sections, adding a fun, cinematic touch.

The Logistics: What You Need to Know

Departure times are flexible, with options throughout the day, making it easy to fit into your London itinerary. The meeting point at Tower Millennium Pier is accessible and well-signposted, and the entire experience is mobile-ticketed, so you can just show your phone.

The ride lasts around 20 minutes, giving just enough time for a quick thrill without overstaying your welcome. The price of $50.95 is quite reasonable for such a unique experience, especially considering the high value of seeing London from the river in such an exciting way. Keep in mind, the tour does not include hotel transportation, so plan to arrive at Tower Pier on your own.

What to Consider Before Booking

The main consideration is the speed and splashing — expect to get wet, especially in rainy weather, for which a complimentary plastic poncho is provided. Also, this activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with serious medical issues, as the ride involves fast turns and abrupt accelerations.

Children must weigh at least 15 kg (about 2.36 stone) and are welcomed if accompanied by adults. Several reviews highlight how well the crew manages safety and fun, making it suitable for most ages, but families with very young kids or those sensitive to motion might want to consider this.

The Authenticity and Value of the Thames RIB Blast

What truly sets this experience apart is the combination of excitement and sightseeing. While many London sightseeing options involve slow cruises or big buses, this offers a dynamic, viewpoint-driven adventure. The cost of just over $50 delivers a memorable highlight that many travelers describe as “worth every penny” in reviews.

The 20-minute duration may seem brief, but many say it’s just enough to satisfy their craving for adventure and provide stellar photos of the London skyline. The friendly guides and safety measures give confidence, especially since reviews frequently highlight the crew’s politeness and professionalism.

The reviews paint a picture of genuine fun—from “fantastic trip,” to “high-speed fun,” to “a blast,” the common thread is that this tour offers value for money and a unique way to explore London’s riverside landmarks.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a quick, exciting highlight that combines sightseeing with adrenaline, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suitable for families, first-time visitors, and adventure lovers. Those who enjoy music, humor, and a bit of risk will find this a highlight of their London trip. It’s less suited for travelers seeking detailed historical commentary or a serene river cruise, but for pure fun and stunning city views, it hits the mark.

The Sum Up

Adding a speedboat ride to your London visit offers a refreshing contrast to more traditional sightseeing. For just about half an hour, you’ll experience breathtaking vistas at full throttle, with the safety of an attentive crew and the fun of comic commentary. It’s a great value experience for those craving excitement, memorable photos, and a different view of London’s timeless landmarks.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family wanting a shared adventure, or someone looking for a unique story to tell, this tour hits the right notes. It’s short enough not to disrupt your plans but intense enough to leave a lasting impression. Just be prepared for some splashes and a bit of speed — this is a ride that turns sightseeing into a lively, joyful experience.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?
The ride lasts approximately 20 minutes, offering a quick but exhilarating glimpse of London’s riverside landmarks.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll pass by Tower Bridge, The Shard, HMS Belfast, the Tower of London, Canary Wharf, and the location of historic executions, including Captain Kidd.

Is there a safety briefing?
Yes, the crew provides safety instructions before departure, and life jackets are supplied. The team is known for being safety-conscious and professional.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children 13 and under can participate if accompanied by an adult. They must weigh at least 15kg (about 2.36 stone).

What should I wear?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing — it can be rainy, and splash-proof gear (like the provided poncho) is available. Expect to get wet.

Are there departure times available throughout the day?
Yes, you can choose from various departure times to suit your schedule.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women or those with medical issues?
No, due to the high-speed nature and sudden turns, it’s not advised for pregnant women or those with serious medical conditions.

What is the price?
The tour costs $50.95 per person, which many reviews consider good value for a unique and fun experience.

What if my plans change?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance aren’t refunded.

If you’re craving a burst of adrenaline paired with iconic views, this Thames speedboat ride offers a lively, memorable way to see London. It’s perfect for those who want to add some fun to their sightseeing and aren’t afraid of a little splash and speed.