Thames Rockets — Local services in London

We have been on a Thames River tour before during the Winter season but decided to tour it again. I’m a speed freak, so I chose this tour for my husband and 11-year-old son.

I’m so glad we did - let me tell you why:

👍 We never pre-booked it and were immediately taken to the pier after buying our tickets. My husband and son were less enthusiastic so I didn't give them time to back out.

If you read no further, then the top thing you should know is this:

💡If you like roller coasters and fast cars then you’ll love this! 💡 If you don't like roller coasters and fast cars, dodge this tour!

🌟 Overall, the service was seamless, and the tour was without fault from start to finish. It was intimate, and I felt like a VIP. If your doing a river tour - do this one.

🥇Attraction in London for speed freaks and adrenaline junkies.

If you fancy a more detailed review, then read on.

👍 We were welcomed warmly by one of the Rocket guides at the pier, and he told us exactly when we would embark and had us kitted out with our life jackets.

👍 It was highly organised, the safety talk reassuring but not overpowering, and the guide's warm manner had us at ease.

👍 Within no time, our chariot arrived, and we were escorted safely onto the rocket.

👍 We were at the front and very quickly enjoyed some banter with the guide, who introduced us all to himself and the driver (Jeff and Brad, to be precise).

👍 There were around ten guests, and embarking was done efficiently and comfortably - but make no mistake - this is a small vessel - designed for speed rather than comfort.

👍 The guide chatted throughout the leisurely pace required whilst in the built-up area of The Thames, and he was knowledgable, approachable and entertaining.

👍 He pointed out landmarks and answered our questions happily, and it all felt very intimate.

👍 After the guide had established we were all happy and comfortable with some fast pace, the driver gave it some throttle - what a ride it was. I wanted to do it twice.

👍 The intimacy of the Rocket allowed the driver to gauge the guests' reaction so that no one was afraid, and when he was happy that we were all okay, he gave that boat some welly!!!

👍 The guide happily took group photos with everyone’s phones.

👍 He couldn’t have done any more to make us feel special and looked after on that boat trip.

👍 When it came to our return trip - the sun was starting to lower on the horizon, great for landscape pictures.

👍 When the driver saw someone try to capture an image, he slowed down or moved the boat to allow you a better shot.

My only complaint is that I wanted to do it all again!!! I honestly cannot fault this...

From the moment we checked in at London Eye Pier, my family and I genuinely felt welcomed.

Charlene greeted us warmly and made sure we were comfortable as we got ready. Rocky, our skipper, gave us complete confidence with his skill at the helm.

Leoni, our guide, made the whole experience stand out with her witty commentary. She mixed humour with history in a way that kept both adults and children entertained from start to finish.

We arrived early and got good seats. Facing forward gave the best views.

The ride began with a lively guided tour. Leoni’s energy and sense of humour brought London’s landmarks to life. We learned fun facts, such as the London Eye’s 32 pods representing boroughs, while laughing along the way.

Once we passed Tower Bridge, the real thrill began. Rocky opened up the engines, and we sped through the Docklands at around 35 mph. The speed section was exhilarating, with sharp turns and the city skyline racing past. It felt like being part of a James Bond chase , and yes, the film tune was played on board.

We saw the Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, HMS Belfast, and St Paul’s. The boat went under bridges, including Waterloo’s “Ladies Bridge,” built by women during WWII. The combination of sights, speed, and commentary was excellent.

The trip lasted 50 to 60 minutes, which felt just right. On the return, the pace slowed so we could laugh, catch our breath, and take photos.

The boat itself was impressive. At 16 metres long and seating 26, it was smooth and steady. It felt safer than smaller RIBs and was designed with comfort and safety in mind.

My children loved every moment. They were grinning throughout and wanted to go again. We also appreciated the attention to safety, from lifejackets and seatbelts to advice like tying back long hair for my wifey.

Highlights:

Friendly team

Witty and entertaining commentary from Leoni

Controlled speed that thrilled without soaking us

Iconic London sights seen in a unique way

Safe and smooth ride suitable for children and adults

The laughter, thrills, and warm service made it one of our best family experiences in London.

Highly recommended. Bring a warm layer in cooler weather, and arrive at least 15 minutes early if you want...

Absolutely loved this experience. My girlfriend and I took her son here for his 19th birthday as a surprise, just yesterday. The tour is split into three sections, the outward tour when the host will give you a comedic information on the sights observed from the Thames. You'll depart from the pontoon behind the London Eye, immediately heading for a brief insight of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben at Westminster, before turning back and returning downstream towards Tower Bridge. Between these locations you will be inundated with assorted facts and highlights of observations along the way. Shortly past Tower Bridge, the speed limit is lifted and you'll be taken on a white knuckle adventure full throttle down by the Isle of Dogs and back again, during this time the tunes will be pumping as much as your bloodstream. Once you reach London Bridge again, the throttle is eased off and you're allowed more time to soak in the sights, ask some questions and have a little chinwag with the host and the other passengers. Our very funny and knowledgeable host was called Johnny, and our skillfully driving captain was Nathan, both well and truly deserving of a mention. We had a truly amazing time and would highly recommend it to anyone, a truly phenomenal experience, thank you...