Thames Rockets
High-speed RIB speedboat tour blasting down the Thames at 35 mph — sightseeing, comedy guides and pure adrenaline
High-speed RIB speedboat tour blasting down the Thames at 35 mph — sightseeing, comedy guides and pure adrenaline
Thames Rockets puts you aboard a rigid inflatable boat with 880 horsepower beneath you and some of London's best comedy guides beside you. The first half is a gentle sightseeing cruise past Parliament and the Tower; the second half opens the throttle to 35 mph as you blast downriver with a specially curated music soundtrack.
Running since 2006, Thames Rockets were the first speedboat tour operator on the Thames and have held the number-one spot in their TripAdvisor category for over a decade. Small group sizes — typically twelve passengers — mean every seat gets a front-row view of the skyline.
Thames Rockets is not a cruise — it is a two-act show on water. The first twenty minutes take you downstream at a gentle pace while your guide points out the Houses of Parliament, the Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe and the Tower of London. The commentary is fast, funny and packed with historical detail, delivered by guides recruited from the comedy and acting circuit.
Once you pass Tower Bridge, the tone changes. The music kicks in, the engines roar, and the boat accelerates to 35 mph on the open stretch of the Thames towards Canary Wharf and the Docklands. You will get wet — waterproof jackets are provided, but spray from the wake is part of the experience. The combination of sightseeing and speed is what sets Thames Rockets apart from conventional river tours.
The sightseeing leg covers the most famous mile of riverfront in London. From the London Eye Pier you pass the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Lambeth Palace and the MI6 building on the south side. Crossing to the north bank, you will see Somerset House, the OXO Tower, Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge before reaching the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
After the speed section, the boat circles back past Canary Wharf and the old Greenwich dockyards. On a clear day you can see the Thames Barrier in the distance, and the Cutty Sark sits at the waterfront on the return leg.
Thames Rockets depart from Boarding Gate 1 at the London Eye Pier on the South Bank. Arrive at least fifteen minutes before your departure time to check in and collect your waterproof jacket. The boats run rain or shine — cancellations only happen in severe weather or very high tides.
Children must be at least three years old to board, and anyone under fifteen needs an accompanying adult. The Break the Barrier experience is recommended for ages ten and over. There is no storage on the boat, so travel light or leave bags with a member of your group on the pier. Pushchairs and large luggage cannot be taken aboard.
Prices vary by season — book online for the best rates and to secure your preferred departure time
The rear seats catch the most spray when the boat accelerates. If you want to stay drier, grab a seat towards the front of the RIB.
Check-in and waterproof jacket collection takes a few minutes. Late arrivals risk losing their slot with no refund available.
Phones, hats and sunglasses can fly off at speed. Use a zip pocket or leave valuables in a bag on shore with a friend.
Golden-hour light makes the landmarks look their best and the river is quieter. Evening Thames Lates trips offer the city lit up after dark.
The departure point is right next to the London Eye and the South Bank restaurants. Book a post-ride dinner at one of the riverside spots.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
