For visitors who find a standard river cruise too gentle, the Tower RIB Blast is the opposite: a fast rigid inflatable boat that leaves from Tower Millennium Pier and covers the sights at speed. The booking page describes a high-speed sightseeing cruise of about twenty minutes, with live commentary on board, passing the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, Execution Dock, Canary Wharf and the Shard before returning to the pier. It carries a 4.8 rating from 273 reviews, and the trip is capped at twelve travellers plus crew. The pier is on Lower Thames Street, EC3N 4DT, beside the Tower of London, about a ten-minute walk from Tower Hill station, and guests should arrive fifteen minutes before departure. A life jacket is provided, and a complimentary plastic poncho is handed out if the weather requires it. It is short, loud and wet in places, and it suits people who want an adrenaline-tinged introduction to the river.
Check the restrictions carefully. The operator says children aged thirteen and under must be accompanied by an adult, children fourteen and over may travel without an adult at a parent or guardian's discretion, and children must weigh at least 15 kilograms. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, and pregnant travellers and those with heart or back complaints or other serious medical conditions cannot travel. There is no height restriction listed. Wear secure shoes and clothes you do not mind getting damp, and leave loose items on shore or well secured.
Booking terms are fairly flexible. Cancellations made at least twenty-four hours before the trip receive a full refund, though changes after booking may incur a £35 admin fee, and no refund or reschedule applies if you miss the departure. If a trip does not meet the minimum passenger number, you may be contacted twenty-four hours ahead and offered another time or date. Hotel pickup is listed in the inclusions, but the pier is easy to reach on your own, so confirm details before relying on it.
This is a good complement to a Tower of London morning or a Tower Bridge visit, since the pier is next door. It works well for teenagers, groups of friends and couples who want something lively, and less well for those who prefer a seated, narrated cruise with a longer route.
The honest caveat is the length
Twenty minutes is short, and the experience is about the ride more than the commentary. For a calmer alternative that covers more of the central river, look at the standard Thames cruises, and for the best of both, do a cruise one day and the speedboat on another.
What to expect
The experience
A fast RIB ride from Tower Millennium Pier past the Tower, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the Shard, with live commentary, life jacket and a poncho if needed.
Best time
Any departure on a calm, dry day for the best photographs; the pier is beside the Tower of London.
How long
About twenty minutes, arriving fifteen minutes before departure.
Tips
Check age, weight and medical restrictions, wear secure shoes and clothes that can get damp, and note changes after booking may incur a fee.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Teenagers, friends and couples who want a fast, fun river ride.
- Families
- Possible for children who meet the age and weight limits and enjoy speed.
- Couples
- A lively alternative to a standard cruise.
- Pair with
- The Tower of London, Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast.
- Time needed
- About an hour including arrival.
Good questions
Where does the speedboat leave from?+
Tower Millennium Pier, Lower Thames Street, EC3N 4DT, next to the Tower of London and about ten minutes' walk from Tower Hill station.
How long is the trip?+
About twenty minutes. Arrive fifteen minutes before departure.
What sights do I pass?+
The Tower of London, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, Execution Dock, Canary Wharf and the Shard.
Are there age or health limits?+
Children must weigh at least 15 kilograms, under-fourteens need an adult, and pregnant travellers and those with heart or back complaints cannot travel.
What is the cancellation policy?+
Full refund up to twenty-four hours before the trip, though changes after booking may incur a £35 admin fee.
