Thames Rockets Speedboat Adventure

Thames Rockets is London's most exhilarating sightseeing experience — a high-speed RIB (rigid inflatable boat) adventure down the Thames that combines informative commentary with pure adrenaline. If you're looking for things to do in London that go beyond the ordinary, this is it. The experience starts calmly as your expert guide delivers a witty and genuinely informative tour past the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the iconic South Bank landmarks, giving you a unique perspective of the city from the water.

Then, once you pass Tower Bridge and enter the speed zone in the Docklands, everything changes. The captain opens up the 740-horsepower engines and the boat rockets to speeds of up to 35 knots. Set to a pumping soundtrack, you'll blast past Canary Wharf, under bridges and through the Docklands at breathtaking speed, bouncing over the wake with the wind in your face and spray from the Thames catching the light. It's half sightseeing tour, half theme park ride — and it's absolutely exhilarating. Every passenger disembarks with a grin, and it regularly tops lists of the best experiences in London.

Boats depart from the London Eye Pier on the South Bank, a short walk from Embankment tube station or Waterloo. The ride lasts around 50 minutes and operates year-round, though summer departures are especially popular so book tickets well in advance. The minimum age is typically 10 for the high-speed experience, making it ideal for older children, teens, couples and groups looking for a memorable London adventure. For a more leisurely way to travel the Thames, try the Thames Uber Boat river bus service, or combine your speedboat ride with a visit to the nearby London Eye and SEA LIFE London Aquarium, both just steps from the pier.

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, planning a unique date or simply want the most exciting 50 minutes of your London trip, Thames Rockets delivers an unforgettable rush. Waterproof jackets are provided but you may still get splashed — dress in layers and leave the expensive camera in its case.