The speedboats use two piers on opposite sides of the River Thames for these tours. You could be setting off from the London Eye Pier on the South Bank right next to the London Eye, or launching from Bankside Pier, which is adjacent to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

These are sightseeing tours rather than thrill rides, so getting you wet is not the aim of your outing on the Thames. Occasionally at fast speeds you may experience a small amount of spray, but certainly not a soaking! 

You should arrive at the pier at least 15-minutes before your departure time. Please make sure to be there on time, as the boats run to a tight schedule and can’t be kept waiting for late arriving passengers.

The ‘Break the Barrier’ tour has a minimum age of 10 years,  as you will be going at high speeds. On all other tours there’s no minimum age and we have child tickets available for children up to 14 years old. All children onboard must be accompanied by an adult.

The Thames tours are operated by RIBs, that’s to say Rigged Inflatable Boats. They are light, rugged, stable and powerful - that’s why many lifeboat services use them. They’re also bright red, so you can’t miss them out on the water!

These powerboats sit low in the water, so it’s rare for passengers to feel ill onboard. In the unlikely event that you do, the onboard crew will look after you and get you onto land as soon as they can if it’s agreed you can’t continue with the trip.

A bit of rain doesn’t cancel these sightseeing sailings! You will be kitted out in full waterproofs if necessary, so the rain won’t detract from your tour of the Thames.

There are car parks near Bridge Pier and the Millenium Pier, but please be aware both locations are within the London Congestion Charge Zone. It’s  probably better to travel by public transport and both piers are easily accessible by train/underground/bus.

Unfortunately, the operators are not able to accommodate passengers who are or think they might be pregnant for these Thames tours. Once little one arrives, you’ll all be able to come as a family!

If you think a tour on a speedboat might aggravate an existing medical condition such as a bad back, it’s best not to travel.

Of course! You should be able to get some really good shots of all the big London landmarks you’ll go past, with the added bonus of having the unusual perspective of viewing them all from the water.

Yes we do. You can book a private Thames speedboat charter for up to 12 of you to enjoy your very own exclusive Thames tour lasting 50-minutes.They’re available all year round from 10am to dusk.

Yes. Lifejackets are a legal requirement for all passengers onboard. They are comfortable and fully-adjustable, with versions suitable for children and adults.

All Thames tours by speedboat take place on the River Thames in central London. Depending on the tour chosen, departures are from:

• Bridge City Pier near Tower Bridge
• Millenium Pier near the London Eye