London: 70-Minute Thames Barrier Speedboat Tour
Who This Trip Suits
Seventy minutes in a 12-seat RIB from Embankment or Westminster Pier, past the Shard, St Paul’s, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, then at speed past Canary Wharf and Maritime Greenwich to the Thames Barrier and back. It is the longest speedboat run on GetYourGuide’s London list, run by Thames RIB with live commentary and the James Bond theme on the speakers, and rated 4.8 from 367 reviews.
Guests describe “fantastic fun” for the whole family and “really exhilarating” speed. One felt the commentary stuck to naming the landmarks; this is a ride first and a history lesson second.
Practical points from the listing: choose Embankment or Westminster Pier when you book, and arrive 15 minutes before departure, since a missed boat is not refunded or rebooked. Life jackets and plastic ponchos are provided. The minimum weight is 15 kg (3 stone), and up to 12 people ride in each boat. It is not suitable in pregnancy or with back or heart problems. Photos of your ride are sold afterwards.
The price is from US$86 a person (checked October 2026), with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. The speedboat page compares all six Thames rides.
About This Experience
Feel like James Bond for the day as you experience London at high speed.
Highlights
- Enjoy an exhilarating James Bond-style ride along the River Thames
- See London's old and modern landmarks, such as The Shard and St. Paul's
- Navigate under the Tower Bridge, all the way to the Thames Barrier
- Listen to an informative commentary and buy photos of your experience
- Choose your departure Pier - EMBANKMENT or WESTMINSTER
What's Included
- ✓ River Thames sightseeing tour round-trip
- ✓ High-speed RIB ride through London Docklands
- ✓ Live commentary
- ✓ Safety briefing
- ✓ Qualified professional staff, crew, and skippers
- ✓ Mandatory lifejackets
- ✓ Plastic ponchos
Not Included
- Photos and souvenirs (available for purchase after tour)
- Tips
Good to Know
- You must agree with the local operator's terms and conditions to take part -
- Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time at the correct Pier location, failure to arrive will result in missing the trip and no reschedules or refunds will be offered
- There is a minimum weight of 15 kilograms (3 stone).
- There is a maximum number of 12 passengers per boat
- The operator reserves the right to alter your booking date or time up to 15 minutes before departure if the minimum number of passengers has not been reached. There is a minimum number of 6 to 8 passengers per boat.
- Any person with any heart or back problems or those who are pregnant cannot travel
- At least one adult over 18 must be on board with any children 13 and under
- THAMES RIB EXPERIENCE operates in all weather conditions and disposable ponchos will be provided on all trips in need
