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Rating Star

5 (15)

Location Icon London

Private Speedboat Tour: Be Your Own Boat Captain!

Clock

45

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo Your Own Boat! offers an exclusive high-speed adventure on the River Thames. This private speedboat experience lets up to 12 passengers enjoy London's iconic sights from a unique perspective. Imagine cruising past the Tate Modern, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Millennium Bridge, all while enjoying the thrill of a powerful speedboat.

What to Expect: The journey includes sights such as the Golden Hinde, London Bridge, HMS Belfast, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. It continues past Historic Wapping, Canary Wharf, and the Cutty Sark at Greenwich. The boat then makes a high-speed turn at the O2 Arena before returning towards Tower, accompanied by music. A complimentary drink is served during a slower cruise to Blackfriars, complete with a guided tour.

This unforgettable 45-minute experience includes automatic lifejackets, waterproof clothing, and drinks (beer and soft drinks). The experience excludes other beverages and snacks. The tour provider prides themselves on friendly, experienced skippers and guides and was voted "#1 Best of the Best - Top Thing to do in London" by Trip Advisor in 2021. They also offset all carbon emissions at their own cost and offer a full refund if trips are canceled with 24 hours notice. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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Private Speedboat Adventure: Enjoy a private speedboat tour for up to 12 people.

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High-Speed Thrills: Experience the River Thames at 35mph (56kph).

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Iconic London Views: See famous landmarks like Tower Bridge and the O2 Arena.

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Complimentary Drinks: Enjoy beer and soft drinks during a guided cruise.

Sentiment Analysis

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers loved the fun and exciting ride.

  • Positive Highlight Icon Many said the staff was friendly and made the experience special.

  • Positive Highlight Icon Riders enjoyed seeing London from the river.

  • Positive Highlight Icon The music and fast speeds were big hits.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some found it shorter than expected.

  • Negative Highlight Icon A few wished for a longer tour.

The Journey

1

Tate Modern

The Tate Modern, housed in a former power station, is a beacon of modern and contemporary art on the banks of the Thames. Explore its vast collection featuring works by iconic artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Matisse, and experience thought-provoking exhibitions. Don't miss the stunning views from the viewing platform.

2

St Paul's Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece, St Paul's Cathedral, dominates the London skyline. Climb to the Whispering Gallery to test its unique acoustics, ascend further to the Golden Gallery for panoramic city views, and marvel at the cathedral's stunning architecture and rich history, including its survival during the Blitz.

3

Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge, a steel suspension bridge for pedestrians, offers a striking pathway across the Thames. Known as the 'Wobbly Bridge' after its initial opening, it provides spectacular views of St Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern, making it a favorite for photographers and a symbol of modern London.

4

Golden Hinde

Step aboard the Golden Hinde, a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake's famous ship. Explore the decks and cabins of this historic vessel, imagining the daring voyages and adventures of Drake as he circumnavigated the globe in the 16th century. Experience maritime history firsthand.

5

London Bridge

London Bridge, with its modern design, offers striking views of the Thames and the iconic Tower Bridge. While not as visually grand as its neighbor, it stands on a site with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Explore the area and learn about the various bridges that have spanned this historic crossing.

6

HMS Belfast

Climb aboard HMS Belfast, a World War II Royal Navy cruiser permanently moored on the Thames. Explore the ship's nine decks, from the engine rooms to the bridge, and experience what life was like for the sailors who served on this historic warship. Discover its role in key naval battles and its fascinating history.

7

Tower of London

The Tower of London, a historic castle with a dark and fascinating past, has served as a royal palace, prison, and armory. See the Crown Jewels, meet the famous ravens, and hear tales of intrigue, executions, and royal drama within its ancient walls. Explore centuries of British history within this iconic fortress.

8

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, an iconic symbol of London, is a marvel of Victorian engineering. Walk across its high-level walkways for panoramic views of the city, visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition to learn about its history and mechanics, and witness the spectacle of the bridge's bascules being raised to allow ships to pass.

9

Historic Wapping

Explore Historic Wapping, a riverside area steeped in maritime history. Wander through its narrow streets and discover its historic pubs, warehouses, and docks. Once a bustling hub for trade and shipbuilding, Wapping offers a glimpse into London's seafaring past and its transformation into a vibrant residential and commercial area.

10

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf, a modern financial district, boasts gleaming skyscrapers and a vibrant atmosphere. Explore its shops, restaurants, and public art installations, and marvel at the architectural achievements that have transformed this former docklands area into a symbol of London's economic power and innovation.

11

Greenwich

Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic maritime borough. Visit the Royal Observatory, stand on the Prime Meridian Line, explore the National Maritime Museum, and wander through Greenwich Park for stunning views of London. Discover the rich history of navigation, astronomy, and British seafaring in this charming riverside town.

12

Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark, a legendary clipper ship, stands as a testament to the golden age of sail. Step aboard this beautifully preserved vessel and imagine the thrilling voyages it made around the world, transporting tea and wool. Explore its decks, learn about its history, and experience the elegance and speed of this iconic sailing ship.

13

O2 Arena

The O2 Arena, a distinctive dome-shaped entertainment venue, is a hub for concerts, sporting events, and exhibitions. Climb to the top of the O2 for breathtaking panoramic views of London, enjoy world-class performances, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic landmark on the Greenwich Peninsula.

Know Before You Go

This experience includes automatic lifejackets, waterproof clothing to keep guests dry, and complimentary drinks such as beer and soft drinks. It excludes any additional food and drinks. Confirm meeting point details upon booking, and arrive on time to maximize enjoyment of the 45-minute ride.

Hot Tip

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for potential splashes. Secure any loose items, like hats or phones, as the boat can reach high speeds.

Review Summary

People find this experience thrilling and highly memorable, with reviewers consistently praising the skilled and friendly crew, especially the guides and skippers who deliver entertaining commentary about London's landmarks while maintaining excellent safety standards. The high-speed thrills combined with the slower scenic cruise provide a good balance of adrenaline and sightseeing, though some travelers note the boat ride is bumpy and you do get wet at speed. The exclusive private boat experience is seen as excellent value for money, and travelers particularly appreciate the personalized attention from staff and the unique perspective of seeing London's iconic sites like Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the O2 Arena from the water. Common praise includes the quality of music selection and the professional demeanor of the crew, making it ideal for special occasions, team outings, and family celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

P

From £495 Price

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