Best Boat Tours in London

Thames boat tours offer unique views of London's riverside landmarks from Tower Bridge to Westminster. Most run 30-90 minutes with hop-on-hop-off options available. We reviewed 5 options ranging from £18 to £28. Best for: sightseers, families, photographers.

Most boat tours in London cost £18-45 per person. Difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. Group sizes are typically max 200. Book online in advance for the best prices.

Westminster to Greenwich River Cruise

This working commuter ferry operates all day between Westminster and Greenwich, providing an authentic London river experience at minimal cost.

Price: £18 | Duration: 55 minutes | Difficulty: easy

Best for: budget travellers wanting practical river transport

• Pass under Tower Bridge with views of the historic fortress
• See the contrast between medieval London and modern Canary Wharf skyline
• Working commuter service with genuine local passengers

Full details and booking info

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Tower Bridge to Westminster Circular Cruise

This circular tour departs from Tower Bridge and loops back along both banks of the Thames, covering all major London landmarks in 40 minutes without guide commentary.

Price: £22 | Duration: 40 minutes | Difficulty: easy

Best for: time-pressed sightseers and families

• See all major London landmarks in a single 40-minute loop
• No guide commentary allows personal observation and photography
• Indoor heated seating available for all-weather comfort

Full details and booking info

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Thames Evening Dinner Cruise

This evening dinner cruise departs from Embankment and travels the Thames illuminated at night, passing Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London under floodlights.

Price: £89 | Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: easy

Best for: couples and special occasion travellers

• Four-course dinner (appetizer, soup, main, dessert) included in price
• Live jazz band performing throughout the evening
• All major landmarks floodlit and visible from river level

Full details and booking info

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High-Speed Thames RIB Experience

This high-speed RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tour accelerates to 35mph while navigating the Thames past Canary Wharf and performing 360-degree turns near Tower Bridge.

Price: £45 | Duration: 50 minutes | Difficulty: moderate

Best for: thrill-seekers and adventure travellers

• Acceleration to 35mph on a rigid inflatable boat
• 360-degree spins and sharp turns near Tower Bridge
• Access to shallow-draft river sections unavailable to larger boats

Full details and booking info

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Hampton Court Palace River Trip

This scenic river journey retraces the historic route from Westminster to Hampton Court Palace, travelling upriver past riverside villages and stopping at traditional English pubs along the way.

Price: £28 | Duration: 90 minutes each way | Difficulty: easy

Best for: history enthusiasts and day trippers

• 90-minute each-way journey on the Thames through historic villages
• Pub stop (optional) at a traditional riverside establishment
• Pass through Kew and Desborough Island areas with period architecture

Full details and booking info

Best season: Tours run year-round, but May through September offer the longest days and warmest weather, with average highs of 18-23°C. June through August see the most festivals and outdoor events, though also the highest hotel prices and tourist crowds. is most comfortable for outdoor boat tours.

Cancellation: Most operators offer non-refundable, no advance bookings required.

Watch out: Eating in Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus where tourist restaurants charge premium prices

Compare prices across multiple platforms before booking. GetYourGuide, Viator, and direct operator websites often have different rates.