Embark on a journey along the beautifully scenic and meandering river Thames, with one of the best London Thames River cruises!
A trip to London isn’t fully complete without learning more about the historic Thames, a crucial route for trade and transportation dotted with iconic landmarks and numerous bridges!
Experience the charm of London from the Thames with our top 3 river cruises. Enjoy sightseeing, indulge in afternoon tea, or savor a delightful dinner as you glide along the iconic river. Dive deeper into our diverse selection of Thames River cruises below – one of the most memorable things to do in London!
| Activity Type | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing cruise | From 18€ | 1 - 2 hours |
| Afternoon Tea Cruise | From 80€ | 1 hr 30 min |
| Dinner Cruise | From 153€ | 3 hours |
Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!
List of Thames River sightseeing cruises
1 – Westminster to Greenwich cruise by Thames River Sightseeing
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (10752 reviews)
“Very entertaining and pleasant ride and the explanations (in English) were very entertaining and interesting. There is also an app to get information about the sights in other languages.” Brigitte, Getyourguide
Explore the delights along the river Thames with the Thames River Sightseeing which includes cruising past some of London’s top cultural highlights such as the Tate Modern art gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the impressive 310-meter Shard skyscraper!
Sit up on the outer deck and take in the refreshing breeze coming straight off the river. The journey will take you to the fascinating area of Greenwich, celebrated for its Royal Observatory, large green park and a historic bustling market dating back to the 1700s.
Don’t forget to take a look at the Cutty Sark, a clipper ship from the 19th century that was formerly used for transporting tea!
Our review
The boat deck offered some great panoramic views for soaking up the sights of London! The live guide kept us entertained, providing plenty of historic facts and background knowledge along the route. Thanks to the skip-the-line ticket everything was super smooth and we didn’t have to queue for boarding!
2 – Westminster to Tower of London cruise by Thames River Sightseeing
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (113 reviews)
“The narrator was so informative and the view from the boat was beautiful!!!” Patricia, Tiqets
For those looking for a slightly shorter river cruise, but still jam-packed with a high density of major sights, hop on board the Thames River Sightseeing tour to the legendary Tower of London! The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight featuring a white tower built by William the Conqueror dating to the 11th century! The tower is also world famous for being home to the Crown Jewels!
During this fascinating river journey, guests can hop on or off at Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier, or St Katharine’s Dock. Cruise past the London Eye, the London Dungeon, the National Theatre and the HMS Belfast and learn more about the rich history of the capital!
Our review
The live guide was engaging and we enjoyed learning more facts about iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Awesome views and photographs of Tower Bridge. All the crew staff were super friendly and made the experience a relaxing part of our day out in London.
3 – River sightseeing cruise by The London Eye
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (802 reviews)
“The boat ride was good fun, very full but still the lovely staff made it a great experience. Must be done at least once.” Sarah, Viator
After embarking on a trip in the extraordinary London Eye, get a river’s eye view of the big wheel during The London Eye river cruise which will take you down the Thames to the Tower of London.
Highlights include watching the lively atmosphere along the Southbank with views of the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the open-air Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the iconic Oxo Tower.
Snap some photos of the grandiose dome of St Paul’s Cathedral with its famously unique double-shell design before arriving at the Tower of London, home to ravens, beefeater guards and royal treasures!
Our review
Highly recommended for all ages. The guided commentary consisted of a good balance between historical background facts, compelling storytelling and humor. It was beautiful passing under the London bridges and gazing up at the London Eye from the water. Great views of the stunning St Paul’s Cathedral.
4 – Hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise by City Experiences
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)
“It very good experience. The commentator was very good man and very updated with latest news too. He was very funny man making Very good jokes.” Rousa, Tiqets
With boats departing every 30 minutes, this 24 hour ticket hop-on hop-off cruise is ideal for those looking for a flexible schedule!
If you want to avoid messing around on the tube, this City Experiences river cruise is an ideal way to transport yourself to some of the best major landmarks whilst soaking up the incredible views of the river.
Hop on the boat as many times as you please in 24 hours so you can really get to know the animated atmosphere along the banks of central London! Enjoy a live guide on board who can fill you in with lots of interesting facts along the way.
Our review
It was great to have the option of a hop-on hop-off boat as we could get off at the London Eye and explore the beautiful Jubilee Gardens and the Sea Life London Aquarium. I loved watching how the light along the river really changes throughout the day.
5 – River cruises from Westminster Pier by Thames River Boats
The Thames River Tours cruise from Westminster to Kew is undoubtedly one of the best London Thames River cruises for those wanting to see a large stretch of the river! From the Houses of Parliament, meander past Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury that dates back to the 13th century!
Pass by the towering Art Deco chimneys of Battersea power station and the green park areas of Wandsworth and Bishops Park as you meander along the Thames.
Sit back and relax as you pass under impressive bridges such as Chelsea or Albert Bridge and admire the mix of charming riverside houses, boat clubs and small river islands.
Our review
It was lovely to get a contrast from the hustle and bustle of busy Westminster and travel down the river to pass by some more tranquil areas such as the edge of the London Wetland Center. We loved seeing the iconic glass greenhouses such as the Victorian Palm House at Kew!
6 – River cruises from Kew Pier by Thames River Boats
With a collection of over 50,000 living plants, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew are a great starting point for a Thames River Tours cruise.
Before embarking on your riverboat look around and discover the Temperate House (the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world), the Treetop walkway or the historical Queen Charlotte’s Cottage!
From the Kew Pier, travel along the river to see the major sights of Westminster such as the London Eye and Houses of Parliament. Or instead opt for a trip towards Hampton Court in Richmond, a superb example of 16th-century Tudor architecture with the oldest surviving hedge maze in the world!
Our review
We selected the cruise from Kew to Hampton Court. It was great to stop off and explore the Henry VIII apartments and Tudor style Great Hall at the Palace. Passing through Richmond was very pleasant with lots of riverside pubs and restaurants and elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings.
7 – Hop-on hop-off Uber boat cruise by Thames Clippers
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (1081 reviews)
“I am new to the city but honestly, I got to see all the key monuments while beating the excessive crowds by boarding the Thames Clippers.” Brantley, Headout
Roam around plenty of London river sights thanks to the efficient Thames Clippers boats! The boats run across a wide circuit divided into three zones (the West Zone, the Central Zone and the East Zone). Choose your itinerary stops and explore areas such as Vauxhall where you can check out the Battersea Power Station, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens or glimpse the MI6 headquarters!
Alternatively, why not get off at London Bridge city, where you can gaze up at the famous Shard (the tallest building in the United Kingdom), delve into the gourmet treats of Borough Market or discover contemporary artists at Tate Modern?
Good news is that the boats run from early morning until late at night!
Our review
The coffee from the onboard bar was very tasty. The boats are frequent and the speed powerful. A scenic and fast way of traveling around the city especially with the River Roamer Hop On Hop Off Pass. Amazing views and helpful staff on board.
8 – Thames River sightseeing cruise by Viscount Cruises
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (62 reviews)
“a great way to see some of the iconic buildings and bridges of London – highly recommend” Everly, Tripadvisor
On a river trip with Viscount Cruises travelers can pass by more than 44 London landmarks starting off at Westminster and continuing along to Greenwich.
During cold weather, there is interior seating available in the heated saloons with panoramic windows for optimal river views. Pass by Embankment Pier and look out for Westminster Bridge, the South Bank cultural center and Shakespeare’s Globe. Capture some extraordinary photos as you go under Tower Bridge with its intricate Gothic and Victorian-style design!
Finish off your cruise in Greenwich, an area dotted with historical buildings such as the Old Royal Navy College and the Royal Observatory founded in 1675!
Our review
We could download an interesting audio guide on our phones to listen to during the cruise to help us learn more about the key landmarks on route. The option of a 2 day river pass was useful since we were visiting London for multiple days allowing unlimited access to the boats!
9 – Thames River sightseeing cruise by Terrible Thames
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)
“Fabulous experience…so much fun and energy from the guys…. loads to laugh at and learn about London, tremendous for kids and bigger kids (aka adults) thank you!!” Lain, Tripadvisor
The Terrible Thames boat rides are the best London Thames River cruises for those in search of some engrossing storytelling regarding the darker and more gruesome historic tales of the Thames! Learn more about important historical figures who have left their mark on London’s history from Henry VIII and Queen Boudicca, to the notorious Jack the Ripper!
Expect plenty of entertainment and wit along with lots of unusual facts and gory anecdotes that you wouldn’t experience on a typical London tourist sightseeing trip!
This river cruise certainly makes a memorable day out for all the family!
Our review
The actors were brilliant and really brought the stories and facts to life! A fantastic way to get the kids engaged in sightseeing and curious about the past of London. The dialogue is fast paced and also includes a bit of audience participation which was hilarious! Classic family fun!
List of Thames River brunch and lunch cruises
1 – Thames River lunch cruise by City Experiences
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (1019 reviews)
“Great value for money, food was very good, staff were friendly and the commentary was great. Very relaxing and enjoyable experience.” Stephen, Headout
Soak up the breathtaking views of London from the river as you tuck into a delicious two course lunch! The City Experiences lunchtime cruise is the perfect romantic experience for couples or a memorable way to celebrate with friends and family during your trip to London.
All diners have access to the views as you meander along the river but book in advance to reserve a window seat.
When you have finished dining, head up onto the panoramic deck for 360-degree views of the river and take some excellent snapshots of top sights like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and the Tower of London! Get a a close up shot of Big Ben and some interesting angles as you go under London Bridge.
Our review
A relaxing dining experience with an informative commentary detailing the sights as we passed along the riverbanks. The service was excellent and the food was very good. The crew was professional and attentive, assuring an enjoyable day out!
2 – London lunch cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise
Enjoy the sights of the Thames during the daylight with the lunchtime Thames Dinner Cruise experience.
Guests will be served a scrumptious 2-course meal while watching the activity on the riverbanks and the historic mix of river architecture pass by!
The cruise can cater to several special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and Halal alternatives which must be pre-booked in advance!
Starting at the Tower of London, head along until London Bridge and pass the famous Millennium Bridge, taking in the sights of the Southbank and Westminster!
Our review
A unique dining experience that is a lot more special than any static restaurant. The roasted supreme of chicken was very moist with delicious dauphinois potatoes and vegetables. We also enjoyed the lemon meringue tart. The commentary was interesting and we learned some new facts!
3 – London bottomless brunch cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise
This fun-loving brunch cruise organized by Thames Dinner Cruise promises an unforgettable experience with plenty of glasses of Prosecco and tasty snacks!
Relax as your glass is refilled and tucked into your individual brunch box (both vegetarian and vegan options are available upon pre-booking)! During the cruise guests can boogie along to the DJ party playlist, watching out for major landmarks along the Thames such as Big Ben, the London Eye and London Bridge!
This lively brunch cruise is perfect for birthday celebrations or sophisticated bachelor/ette groups for both Londoners or visitors alike!
Our review
What a treat to sail down the Thames with a glass of fizz! The atmosphere was super enjoyable with friendly vibes and great tunes playing! We spotted lots of London sights that we recognized up on the top deck. We particularly liked the salmon and cream cheese bagel and Italian pasta salad.
4 – Halal Lunch Cruise by Halal Tourism Britain
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a 2 course lunch menu on the Halal Tourism Britain river cruise for some tasty food accompanied by great central London panoramas!
Enjoy waiter’s service to your table as you gaze out of the large panoramic boat windows!
After you have your finished tea or coffee, guests can stroll around on the open air deck and spot some classic British landmarks such as the glorious dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, the 21 meter tall Cleopatra’s Needle obelisk, The Golden Hinde (a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon ship) or the gigantic Shard!
Our review
An excellent way to spend midday in London! We savored the delicious leek and mushroom creamy chicken dish and it was fun to cruise past Southbank and the City of London. We got some excellent photo opportunities of the Houses of Parliament and the tour duration was the perfect length for dining and appreciating the views.
List of Thames River afternoon tea cruises
1 – Afternoon tea cruise by City Experiences
Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 (1722 reviews)
“Great activity for people who want to explore London by boat. Got amazing glimpses of the city from the Thames whilst enjoying a traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and petit four” Dana, Getyourguide
The City Experiences Afternoon tea river trip is one of the best London Thames River cruises for those who love a good selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked cakes, scones laden with sweet fruit jam and clotted cream and a refreshing cup of classic British tea!
Listen along to the onboard commentary whilst sipping on your tea and learn more facts about the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard and much more!
Put your feet up after a long morning of sightseeing and allow yourself to be mesmerized by the calm waters of the Thames and the interesting array of different architecture along the banks!
Our review
A delicious selection of egg and cucumber sandwiches and plenty of sweet treats. The panoramas were amazing and we appreciated the unlimited refills of tea and coffee during the trip. Couldn’t feel more British than savoring a scone whilst cruising past Big Ben!
2 – Afternoon tea cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (1303 reviews)
“First off, this cruise is very enjoyable, but add in finger foods and unlimited tea and we have ourselves a mighty winner.” Omar, Headout
Packed with tea time treats that will delight those with both a savory and a sweet tooth, the Thames Dinner Cruise afternoon tea experience is a wonderful way to enjoy the Thames highlights.
From Tower Pier, journey along through the Millennium Bridge and Blackfriars arriving at the heart of Westminster. Highlights include spotting the London Eye, Big Ben, St Paul’s and the HMS Belfast!
Feast on mini sandwiches, pastries and scones whilst listening along to the educational and entertaining commentary provided on board.
There are also options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and Halal requirements!
Our review
The tables were well presented with generously laid out portions. Booking was very quick and hassle free. During the cruise, the staff were very friendly and accommodating. The commentary helped give us a broad overview of the different London neighborhoods as we passed by!
3 – Afternoon tea cruise by River Thames Cruises
Spend a relaxing afternoon in the spacious and comfortable boat of River Thames Cruises and treat yourself to a traditionally British afternoon tea served onboard. Expect all the classic afternoon tea trimmings such as finger sandwiches, sultana scones and lots of pastries!
When you have had your fill of cups of tea, head up on deck to experience the fresh breeze running straight off the river and observe the bustling riverbanks of central London.
Make sure to keep an eye out for impressive London landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Golden Hinde, Tate Modern, Southwark Cathedral, St Paul’s, Big Ben and more!
Our review
A very satisfying afternoon tea occasion. For those who already have a feel for central London, it was nice having a river cruise without an overhead commentary so we could have a good chat over the scones and soak up the breathtaking cityscape views.
4 – Afternoon tea cruise by Halal Tourism Britain
Gather a group of friends or family and join Halal Tourism Britain for an afternoon tea experience along the river. Snack on traditional scones with clotted cream, cakes and expertly prepared Halal sandwiches during your ride.
As the boat cruises from Tower Pier up to the Houses of Parliament, keep a look out for the London Eye, The Globe Theatre, St Paul’s, Big Ben, Cleopatra’s Needle and the Tate Modern Gallery.
Guests can enjoy unlimited cups of tea and coffee to wash down the tasty afternoon tea treats. Sit back and enjoy the iconic sights of London flying past before your very eyes!
Our review
The boat crew was very helpful and made us feel right at home from the start of the cruise. Lovely warm scones and a good selection of freshly prepared sandwiches. Even though we weren’t at a direct window seat, the views were great and we enjoyed sitting up on deck after our tea.
List of Thames River evening cruises
1 – Thames River evening cruise by City Experiences
Rating: ⭐️ 4.0/5 (388 reviews)
“Really was impressed with this little cruise. A nice way to end our trip to London. Nice drinks, nibbles and atmosphere. The music by Patrick Phelps was brilliant. Would highly recommend.” Mandy, Viator
Fancy seeing the twinkling lights along the riverbanks of the Thames and illuminated major landmarks? Embark upon the Evening river cruise with City Experiences for a unique journey combining live jazz music and the magical London sunset!
Sip on sparkling wine to celebrate the occasion and dig into some delicious canapé snacks. Get some fresh air out on the upper floor deck as the boat passes by Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.
Watch the lights dance off Tower Bridge and watch that dreamy sunset glow encapsulate the city!
Our review
The bubbly upon arrival was fantastic and then there was an open bar to purchase further drinks. We loved the live singer on board who created a really warm and special atmosphere. A highlight of any trip to London!
List of Thames River dinner cruises
1 – Dinner dance cruise by City Experiences
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (1187 reviews)
“It was a wonderful way to spend an evening in London. The service was excellent. The music was great along with the female singer. The dancing was so much fun.” Linda, Getyourguide
Spice up your evening in London with an abundant 4 course meal and a live cabaret performance with popular musical songs from the West End.
This City Experiences evening dinner cruise is one of the best London Thames River cruises for those looking to get into the swing and have a bit of a boogie on deck. Kick the evening off with a welcome glass of sparkling wine upon arrival and watch the sun go down over the capital.
During the trip, guests can take some excellent photos of London’s illuminated modern landmarks such as the massive O2 arena, the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the City Hall, as well as post card classics such as the Houses of Parliament and St Pauls!
Our review
The music and singer were fantastic! The food was delicious and it was lovely to sit and watch the lights of the city go by whilst sipping on our after dinner tea and coffee. The tables were well presented and the ambiance felt cosy and intimate. A lovely way to spend a special evening!
2 – Dinner cruise with live jazz by City Experiences
Rating: ⭐️ 4.2/5 (153 reviews)
“It was a fantastic experience! The food was good, the service was good, the sprits were good, the jazz band was good, the weather was good, the selection was fantastic and one you will never forget!” Tiziana, Getyourguide
Combine the stunning sights of London’s riverbanks with an appetizing 3 course meal whilst relaxing to the chilled-out melodies of the ChiJazz quintet with a repertoire ranging from classic jazz to more contemporary pop songs.
The cruise takes place on the newest addition of the City Experiences fleet, the Millennium Diamond. This boat is a state-of-the-art vessel with a huge open deck and a modern dining salon.
Enjoy a complimentary glass of fizz upon arrival and allow yourself to be mesmerized by the illuminated glow of London at night!
Our review
A great cruise for jazz and food enthusiasts! The open deck area was very spacious and provided an excellent vantage point for observing the city. The staff were friendly and we managed to take some excellent photos before the dinner.
3 – London dinner cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (391 reviews)
“This dinner boat cruise was amazing! My husband and I have a lovely time aboard this beautifully decorated boat. The food was very tasty and the staff were incredible. The sites to see were breathtaking.” Melinda, Google
For those looking for a fun filled evening combining live entertainment and the sightseeing panoramas of London by night, the Thames Dinner Cruise offers a four course set meal with a live professional performer and after-dinner dancing opportunities!
Enjoy popular songs from West End musicals and feel good party tunes as you sail along the Thames! Thames Dinner Cruises caters to vegetarians, vegans, gluten or dairy-free or Halal alternatives.
The boat has floor-to-ceiling windows around the dining area ensuring you can glimpse the sights passing by as you savor your dinner!
Our review
This dinner cruise is a very special way to spend a birthday or anniversary occasion. The sparkling wine upon arrival was lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed the burrata salad and warming tomato soup. We would definitely repeat the experience.
4 – Murder mystery dinner cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)
“I had a blast! Good food and fun experience!” Thomas, Getyourguide
Get involved in an interactive murder mystery on the Thames Dinner Cruise involving plenty of clue solving and detective work! Put your brains to the test and prepare for the unexpected during this fun ‘who done it’ game experience!
Enjoy a 3 course meal on board and then head up to the upper deck to take in the views of London at night! From the banks of Westminster, the soaring Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to the modern skyscrapers and docklands of Canary Wharf, this dinner cruise offers plenty of spectacular views and entertainment.
Our review
A hilarious theatrical evening spent in good company. The murder mystery entertainment was fun and kept us on our feet and we loved taking some fresh air on deck for photo opportunities when going under London and Tower Bridge.
5 – Dinner cruise by River Thames Cruises
During the River Thames Cruises evening experience, guests can enjoy a delicious four course dinner full of British inspired dishes. Sip on a complimentary glass of sparkling wine upon boarding the boat and unwind from a busy day!
A live band on board provides fun dinner entertainment and there is a dance floor for those ready to party! Travel all the way to the Thames Barrier passing by the legendary sights of Greenwich, the City Hall and the modern O2 Arena.
Our review
What a sophisticated evening full of freshly prepared fine food and great wine. The live band were full of energy and they really lit up the experience. The boat crew were very helpful and ensured everything about the trip ran smoothly!
6 – Dinner cruise with Elvis Tribute by City Experiences
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)
“Awesome. Elvis was good, food was good, cruise the best we have done (and there are quite a few), service pleasant, good atmosphere.” Corina, Getyourguide
Transport yourself back to the golden age of rock and roll with the City Experiences Thames river cruise including a spectacular three course dinner and a live Elvis impersonator tribute band!
Kick your evening off to a celebratory start with a complimentary drink of sparkling wine on the upper deck before tucking into a freshly prepared dinner menu in the salon below. Get grooving and get your hips swaying to the timeless hits full of nostalgia and electrifying charisma!
In addition to the Elvis entertainment, feast your eyes on the views of London at night as the boat passes the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the South Bank.
Our review
The Elvis tribute had a fantastic stage presence and really managed to captivate the whole audience during the meal! It certainly felt quite immersive and the diners felt truly part of the action. An evening of pure enjoyment for all!
7 – Dinner cruise by Golden Tours
For fabulous views of London by night and an outstanding four course meal, hop on board the Golden Tours dinner cruise!
Guests will be serenaded by a two-set live singer performance with the option to hit the dance floor after the meal or head upstairs on the open deck to breathe in the fresh nighttime breeze coming straight off the river.
As the boat sails down the river towards the Thames Barrier, keep your camera ready to capture the twinkling lights of the riverbanks and impressive landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Big Ben!
Our review
The atmosphere on board was fantastic with everyone joining in on the dance floor during the return journey back to Westminster. The cruise was extensive and we got to see a lot of main sights such as the Tower of London, St Paul’s, Canary Wharf and Greenwich.
List of Thames River speedboat tours
1 – Speedboat tour by Thames Rockets
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (527 reviews)
“Fantastic experience! Something to do absolutely if you visit London! The staff on board was really nice and good at their job! Recommended to everyone!!!” Valentina, Getyourguide
Zoom from the London Eye to Canary Wharf with the ultra dynamic Thames Rockets experience.
Speed under the bridges of London such as the magnificent Tower Bridge and look up at the city monuments as you propel across the waters to the docklands.
Enjoy the commentary provided by a comedian guide who will have you smiling with endless jokes and storytelling about the history of London. Traveling at 30 knots per hour, this speedy vessel will make you feel invincible! Soak up the refreshing and exhilarating breeze of the Thames first hand.
Our review
Make sure you wrap up warm with weather appropriate clothing! It was extremely fun when the boat started going super fast. The captain and guide made the journey very enjoyable and we loved the feel-good music playing on the onboard sound system.
2 – Speedboat tour by Thames Tigers
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (663 reviews)
“We had such a fun trip. The tour guide was knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. Would highly recommend it!” Julie, Viator
Travel all the way from the Tower of London to Greenwich on the speedy Thames Tigers rib boat experience! Stop off at Greenwich to take a peak and learn a few facts about the famous Cutty Sark tea clipper ship and the impressive Royal Observatory before swerving past the magnificent O2 arena and heading back into central London!
With a maximum of 12 passengers on board, this tour is an intimate and exhilarating way to discover the heart of the Thames River! Listen along to your enthusiastic guide who will share snip bits of history and anecdotes through the journey.
Our review
What a blast of a ride! We had a real adventure along the Thames and it was great to pass through some of the different London neighborhoods. The boat was clean and comfortable and all the kids on board were absolutely loving it. A fabulous way to see London from another perspective.
3 – Speedboat tour by Thames Rib Experience
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (340 reviews)
“Fantastic experience! Something to do absolutely if you visit London! The staff on board was really nice and good at their job! Recommended to everyone!!!” Valentina, Getyourguide
For fans of high speed rollercoasters and sensational adrenaline kicks, there’s no better option than the dynamic Thames Rib Experience which allows you to blast through the river Thames on an exciting speedboat rib!
Get into the mood for adventure with some James Bond theme tunes playing on the loudspeakers as you zoom past iconic London sights and listen along to the entertaining commentary that will help orientate you along the way!
With a maximum of 12 passengers on board, this rib experience can guarantee some fast-paced exhilarating river action! See London as you have never seen it before and soak up the unparalleled city views!
Our review
We would definitely recommend wearing warm and comfortable clothing! The rib experience was a great team bonding experience, everybody on board was having a ball! We enjoyed every minute from start to finish, from the interesting facts and explanations of the cheerful guide to the super speedy accelerations!
4 – ThamesJet speedboat ride by City Experiences
Get ready for a thrilling rush of excitement with the City Experiences speedboat ride through central London. Feel like you are on a top secret MI5 secret mission as you wizz past major city monuments such as the Shard, St Pauls and the London Eye.
This fast paced river cruise operates during the summer months and don’t worry if you get slightly splashed because passengers are provided with protective waterproof jackets!
Feel your heart pumping with some epic river turns and twists as you propel across the Thames!
Our review
The crew made us feel really safe and there was a good safety briefing before we set off. We loved the bumpy parts of the boat ride and the guests were shrieking in excitement. A great way to see a lot of London landmarks in just 50 minutes. What a ride!
List of Thames River private small boat tours & boat rental companies
Escape the crowds with our curated selection of private cruises in London. Indulge in luxurious yacht experiences for tranquility or rev up the excitement with high-speed power boats among friends.
For an exclusive touch, charter a houseboat or yacht for a day on the Thames, offering a unique and sophisticated way to enjoy London’s iconic waters. The perfect way to relax and create some long lasting memories!
1 – Tate Boat
For those who want to explore both the modern art collections in the Tate Modern (located inside the former Bankside Power Station on the South Bank) and the huge collection of British masterpieces at Tate Britain (situated at Millbank on the North Bank), opt for the Tate Boat that connects the two galleries!
On average a typical journey between the two galleries takes around 25 minutes!
2 – Cruise London
For large birthday events, weddings and celebrations, Cruise London offers a private party boat charter with two spacious indoor decks and an outer garden deck. The boat can cater for up to 245 guests should you be looking for a large venue capacity!
Cruise London can personalize and tailor your river cruise to suit your preferences with special drinks, food menu and in-house entertainment options.
3 – Thames Luxury Charters
Thames Luxury Charters offers a large and elegant fleet of private charter vessels with a capacity of up to 620 guests if you are planning a huge celebration!
Their famous boats include the Dixie Queen, a replica 19th-century paddle steamer that frequently docks at Tower Pier or the smaller Edwardian built in 1985 by Sir Richard Branson.
4 – Thames Limo
For an intimate romantic dinner, private sightseeing tours or small and select birthday parties, Thames Limo offers private sunset Thames cruises or daytime private river cruises to Hampton Court Palace in a luxurious Venetian water limousine!
The Venetian water limousine adorned with a Union Jack on its hull mixes British character with Italian style finesse!
5 – Out on the Thames
With Out on the Thames guests can customize their river itinerary when hiring a choice of three large party boat vessels. The MV Hurlingham has a capacity for 150 guests with a DJ booth and dance floor!
For sightseeing tours, groups can hire out the 200-guest capacity M.V. Chay Blyth, a traditional British passenger boat! Alternatively, experience the historic MV Viscount Boat built in 1907 with a large open front deck.
6 – Diplomat Cruises
If planning a romantic proposal whilst in London, consider the luxury VIP yachts available at Diplomat Cruises! They also offer sightseeing cruises with personal guides or dinner cruises with private chefs or buffet catering.
For those who like a bit of fast paced action, their high speed cruises on a private Sunseeker Superhawk promise excellent London panoramas and Bollinger.
7 – Capital Pleasure Boats
Capital Pleasure Boats tick all the boxes for large scale private club nights, birthday discos to graduation parties. With the choice of 4 party boats based at Temple Pier in Central London, the Capital Pleasure Boats can hold from 40 to up to 240 passengers.
Relax on the sundeck, show off your moves on the dance floor, or dine in the central heated saloon areas!
8 – Westminster Party Boats
Westminster Party Boats provide private chartered events boats that can travel between Gravesend and Kew. They accommodate a wide range of group sizes from just 2 guests up to 220.
With over 30 years of experience organizing and hosting events on the River Thames, the Westminster Party Boats can find the right boat for your occasion.
How to book Thames River cruises in London?
Many companies are offering Thames River cruises and there are also many travel websites selling the same tours online. Certain websites may offer discounts, so prices may vary from one website to another.
To ensure that you find the best deal for your river cruise, use the Tourscanner search engine to thoroughly compare offers, reviews, and prices!