High Speed Thames Barrier RIB Tour

We do not allow mothers at any stage of pregnancy to join any of our experiences for safety reasons.

We recommend caution if you have a bad back. While we are not medical experts, if you're confident you're fit for the trip, we will ask you to sign a short medical disclaimer before departure.

There are no weight restrictions. However, all passengers must wear a lifejacket, which can accommodate a chest size up to 155cm.

For this experience we recommend passengers be 10 years or older due to the high speed nature.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guests aged 15-16 require a minor disclaimer form completed by a parent or guardian before departure.

Seasickness is very rare on Thames Rockets as our boats sit low in the water and offer a smooth ride.

Please book in advance to avoid disappointment as availability on the day is limited.

We will zoom past landmarks like Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and The O2. The journey doesn’t stop at Greenwich – we’ll take you beyond to the impressive Thames Barrier, the world-famous flood defence system. 

We cannot accommodate wheelchairs onboard, guests must come out of the wheelchair with their carers assistance and be able to sit unaided onboard. Please notify us before your trip so we can arrange for storage whilst you are onboard.

No need to print. Mobile confirmation and your booking code will suffice.

We offer a '24-hour rebooking promise', where you can amend your booking date or time for a public departure with at least 24 hours’ notice is given. Tickets within 24 hours are non-transferable.

All bookings are non-refundable.

Handbags, small backpacks, and rucksacks are allowed on board. We cannot store large luggage or pushchairs on the pier or vessel, so you will need to make other arrangements

For Bankside Pier, we suggest using public transport or a taxi. There is an NCP car park at Thames Exchange on the north side of Southwark Bridge, open 24 hours, seven days a week.

Yes, our location is within both the Congestion and Low Emission Zones. The congestion charge varies from £15.00 to £17.50 depending on how and when you pay. Charges for the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) depend on your vehicle type. Please visit the official Congestion and LEZ websites for further details.

Trips may be cancelled at short notice in cases of poor visibility, such as thick fog. In rare cases where the vessel hasn’t reached minimum passenger numbers, we will contact you the day before to reschedule your tour to the nearest available time.

Check-in is strictly 15 minutes before your departure time. We recommend allowing plenty of time for your journey, as all sailings must leave on time to avoid delays for other passengers. Arriving early also gives you time to soak up the atmosphere at the pier and say hello to the crew.

Unfortunately, due to our tight sailing schedule, we cannot guarantee any relocations or changes to bookings for late arrivals. If you miss your experience, your seats will be forfeited.

Address: Bankside Pier, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
Transport Links: Closest underground stations are London Bridge and Blackfriars

Just bring yourself and your guests! Your booking will be on our crew’s trip report, so simply check in with your lead name and have your booking code handy (found in your confirmation email). We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather and wearing comfortable shoes. During the winter season, hats, gloves, and scarves are advisable.

We don't offer a ‘get wet’ experience, but in windy conditions, spray may blow across the deck. We also provide waterproofs to help keep you dry. If it rains, the boat is open to the elements.

We operate in all weather conditions, so if it rains, we’ll still sail! We provide waterproof coats, ponchos, and goggles for your comfort.

Yes! You’re welcome to take photos and videos, including speedboat selfies and GoPro footage. We love seeing passengers capture their adventures, as long as it doesn’t interfere with other guests.

Yes, wearing a lifejacket is mandatory for all passengers. Our lifejackets are comfortable, adjustable, and fit chest sizes up to 61 inches (155cm).

Seating is first-come, first-served. We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before departure if you have preferred seats. Don’t worry—every seat on board experiences the same top speeds!

There is no specific dress code, but we recommend dressing appropriately for the weather. The temperature can drop by a few degrees as the boat speeds along, so extra layers, hats, gloves, and scarves are a good idea, especially for children and elderly passengers.