What Can I Expect

Are you ready to rock the Thames Rockets on a ‘Break the Barrier' ride? Prepare to go warp-speed right from the word go, all the way up to the Thames Barrier. These Rocket boats are pretty cool. They're rugged and highly agile vessels that bounce along the water with ease, at speeds of up to 35mph.

The bright red Thames Rocket boats set off from Bankside pier just beside Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre. To begin with, all seems calm, as you cruise gently away from the pier, admiring the various buildings and landmarks as you go…

...until you reach the high speed zone. Now it's full throttle for a bouncing, jostling and pure thrills trip. You'll soon see why these boats are known as the Thames Rockets. They certainly go like one!

But the mad thing is you don't get wet. Well, maybe a bit of spray, but nothing like ‘soaked to the skin' that you might expect from a rocket tour like this. That's because the boat lies pretty low in the water (and partly because the skippers are boat driving aces!), so you get all the scream-out-loud exhilaration, without feeling soggy at the end of it all.

All Thames Rocket Break the Barrier passengers will be kitted out with stylish fleece-lined waterproof sailing jackets and buoyancy aids. If it looks like it's going to be choppy or chilly out there, you can also get goggles and waterproof trousers too, so a bit of London drizzle certainly won't stop play on these tours - in fact it makes it even more exciting.

You'll travel along the river on your Thames Rocket just as far as the Thames Barrier, having hooned it past the likes of Greenwich with its Cutty Sark, the O2 and loads more besides. Going so fast on a boat on the river is sure to make you feel like you've broken the speed barrier (and maybe the sound barrier with your screams!). 

When Is It Available

• Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year
• Dates and session times are subject to availability

Off Peak (November to February)

• Friday 15:00
• Saturday 13:00, 14:00, 15:00
• Sunday 14:00, 15:00

Peak (March to October)

• Friday 15:00, 16:00
• Saturday 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00
• Sunday 14:00, 15:00, 16:00

Suitable For

• Minimum age 10
• Under 15's must be accompanied by an adult
• There are no weight restrictions although the maximum chest size for lifejackets is 54"
• Participants will need to be able to climb onboard and sit on an individual seat for the duration of the trip
• All boats can experience unpredictable movements that can aggravate existing medical conditions
• Not suitable for passengers with heart problems, current or historical neck or back problems
• Without exception pregnant passengers CANNOT travel
• Due to access at Bankside Pier this experience cannot accommodate wheelchair users

Ticket Options

• Child vouchers are valid for 10-14 year olds
• Adult vouchers are valid for ages 15+
• Charters are valid for up to 12 participants on an exclusive basis

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome to watch the speedboat depart/arrive

Anything Else