Thames Rockets

This was a birthday present from my parents and it was an inspired choice — I’d seen these fast ribs speeding up and down the Thames over the years, but had never taken a trip myself.
So when I turned up on a gorgeous sunny afternoon on the last day in October, I had half an idea of what to expect. I’ve been on ribs before, but not on such a busy waterway as this. Just how fast could we go, with all the other vessels in their way?
After arriving and checking in, we were soon sorted into separate groups for the two 1pm sailings. We’d been issued with lightweight life belts, which fitted easily over our jackets in a waistcoat style.
Then we were beckoned on board into the 12 seater vessel. No seat belts was a slight surprise, but they really are not necessary. Nor are waterproofs — you might think you’ll get splashes at speed, but it just doesn’t happen.
The ebullient Nick gave us the pre-​flight briefing and introduced us to Tony who’d be steering us on our way up and down the river. A steady pace at first until we’d be beyond Tower Bridge, then the throttles would be opened.
As we set off, we soon overtook the other cruise ships and it didn’t take long before we reached Tower Bridge. Nick gave us a final briefing and let us know what to do if the pace was too much!
At first, the increased speed was impressive, but not thrilling. But more was definitely to come!
The pace suddenly went to another level, where it became slightly more necessary to grip onto the handles, particularly when tight turns were made from port to starboard!
Pulses raced, little shrieks of excitement were heard up and down the boat, accompanied by an entertainingly apt rock soundtrack blasting out from the speakers.
As we looked up and down the river close to Canary Wharf, the iconic buildings of central London suddenly seemed very far away, a trick of perspective and the bend of the river.
Soon, it was time to turn back and zip towards the jetty at the London Eye, but as we approached Tower Bridge, it was time for a hugely informative and entertaining travelogue to be delivered by Nick — his stories and historical titbits were excellent, particularly the bridge-​jumping bus.
That was an unexpected bonus and I’d like to thank him for tolerating my occasional contributions too!
All in all, this was an excellent experience from beginning to end. It’s impossible not to disembark from this without a mile wide grin on your face and a heightened pulse (in a good way!)
Top class entertainment and worth every penny.

I took this trip with a group from Tower Millenium Pier. We had a new boat which apparently can beat the pants off the other RIB’s. It was a gentle 15knts to start with, then after got out of the restriction zone, ramped up to 35knts. Dean the captain swerved left to right, the boat was at around 60deg angle from the river when turning left and right and using the swell from a boat just ahead a few small jumps. It was an exhilarating ride, when we turned to come back they played the James Bond theme which was fun. The lady was on the PA system the whole time and gave a few snippets of info. They supplied waterproof jackets and life jackets and the boat was solid and very powerful.

History, a unique way to see London, all while you’re speeding along in the Thames while James Bond music is blaring in the background.
Way better than a standard river cruise. More fun and you go way past where other boats take you to see a part of London living and architecture most people miss.
We had a blast!

+ Hard to exceed my expectations but the 40 minute «Break the Barrier» trip did.
+ Do your best to time it when there isn’t any rain. I can imagine that would kill the mood
+ The speed is really quite something — you look at the other Thames boats and think «how boring for the passengers on board!»
+ Quite expensive but worth it
— Unilocal: I really like the idea of Unilocal website and am adding reviews to help, but it is pretty ridiculous that RIB voyages has sub-​10 reviews. It is one of THE best things you can do in London, I’m sure of that.

SUPER FUN! Adventurous types do this. Get under the bridges and learn the history of the Thames. Little Mike was our guide and made it very enjoyable. Enjoy going fast? Feeling the wind in your hair? listening to the them song of Jame Bond? it’s here.

I’d been to London twice before, so I’d already done all the really «touristy» things. This time, on my third trip, I wanted to make sure I fit in at least one. While walking near the Thames with my friend Thom, we saw these people on a speedboat looking like they were having the time of their lives. «THAT is what I’d like to do before I leave!» I exclaimed.
We set up our reservation easily online, and it was very easy to find as well. We chose a 50-​minute option, and we sped pretty thrillingly downstream to such 80’s hits as «Danger Zone.» (I seriously thought the 3-​year-​old French child sitting in front of us was going to fall overboard at some points. She didn’t.) On our way back to the Eye, our really funny and entertaining tour guide enlightened us with some actually very interesting facts about the city. It’s a touristy thing I will remember for some time to come. :)

A bit of London history, some awesome riverside scenery and that wind-​in-​your-​hair swoosh of zipping along a river in a speedboat: there’s a lot to love about a boat ride with London RIB Voyages. I had the pleasure of sitting in on the company’s Ultimate London Adventure earlier today and had an absolute blast taking in the sights from Parliament to Canary Wharf. Highlights included zigzagging the Thames at what at least felt really really fast, pretending I was a pirate about to pillage and plunder Canary Wharf, laughing and whooping despite myself and listening to the two little kids sitting behind me have the time of their lives.
At £32.50 for adults and £19.50 for children 16 years old and under (with family and group packages available), the 50 minute pleasure cruise was good value. I’d be happy to recommend it to anybody looking for something different to do in town. As a photographer, I thought it was a brilliant opportunity to snap some shots from the river. I’d be happy to go again!