London’s waterways are one of the most charming ways to see the city—faster than walking, more relaxed than a bus ride, and often with spectacular views. Whether you’re drifting past iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament or speeding along on a speedboat, the Thames offers a unique perspective that’s hard to match. We love the River Thames Speed Boat Tour (see details here) for its adrenaline rush and humorous guide, and the Biggest cruise options for their comfort and scenic views. With so many choices, you’ll find something that fits your style, budget, and schedule.
London’s reputation as a city of history, culture, and architecture extends perfectly to its boat tours. From short sightseeing trips that provide quick snapshots of the skyline to full-day experiences that combine river cruises with guided tours of historic sites, the options span the spectrum. Some tours feature audio commentary (often downloadable in multiple languages), while others focus on entertainment and thrills. Below, find a detailed review of 15 of the best boat tours and cruises to help you decide which fits your trip best.
1. London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise
This 1- to 2-hour cruise from Westminster Pier to Greenwich is one of the most popular way to see London’s iconic sights from the water. The open deck offers sweeping views of landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Tower of London, especially if you enjoy a breeze and a camera in hand. The downloadable audio guide, available in six languages, makes it easy to learn as you go, whether you’re a history buff or just want to snap photos. The audio commentary is lively and humorous, making the journey enjoyable for families and solo travelers alike.
Guests love the flexibility—you can choose a one-way trip or a round-trip, with stops in Greenwich for exploring the Royal Observatory or Greenwich Market. The reviews highlight good value for money, spacious boats, and engaging commentary. Some minor drawbacks include the cash-only bar and the need to check for digital payment options. This cruise is perfect if you want a relaxed, scenic way to enjoy London’s skyline and get to Greenwich with ease.
Bottom Line: A great option for those seeking a scenic, informative cruise with flexible options and a lively commentary.
2. London: Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise
This short, 30-minute to 1-hour cruise connects Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge and Butler’s Wharf, offering a quick but memorable glimpse of London’s most famous sights along the Thames. The open deck allows for unobstructed views, with an informative narration provided by the crew, who admit they’re not professional guides but clearly know their stuff. Reviewers comment on how entertaining and educational the commentary is, making it a worthwhile add-on even if your main goal is just transportation.
Ideal for travelers with limited time, this tour offers the option of a one-way trip or round trip, giving you time to explore Tower of London or nearby Borough Market before heading back. The feedback emphasizes the value for money, with many appreciating the mix of sightseeing and a relaxing boat ride. The informality and humor of the crew help make it a fun, laid-back experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, scenic transportation link that doubles as a light sightseeing activity.
3. London: Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket
For around $21, this 45-minute to 1.5-hour cruise offers a chance to see London’s most iconic landmarks from the water. A key feature is the live commentary that brings the city’s history to life, taking you past the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower of London. An added bonus is the optional London Eye ticket, which makes this combo a great deal—especially considering the London Eye alone costs around £160 for a family.
Guests consistently praise the entertaining guides and the quality of the views, with many noting how well-organized and quick the check-in process is. It’s a good choice if you want a short, informative cruise combined with a popular attraction. The reviews highlight the fun, engaging guides and the value of including the London Eye experience.
Bottom Line: A smart choice if you want a scenic boat ride with the bonus of skipping the long lines for the London Eye.
4. London: London Eye, River Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
This combo ticket is a comprehensive way to see London. You get 360-degree views from the London Eye, a scenic Thames River cruise, and a hop-on hop-off bus tour covering over 50 stops across the city. This flexibility allows you to customize your experience, hopping on and off at attractions like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Tower of London.
Reviews mention how well-organized and value-packed this package is, with many travelers appreciating the chance to see multiple sights in a day without wasting time waiting in lines. The bus tour provides good overview, particularly for first-time visitors, while the river cruise offers a relaxing break. It’s an excellent choice if you want a full day of sightseeing with minimal hassle.
Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors who want a seamless, all-in-one experience with plenty of flexibility.
5. London: River Thames Speed Boat Tour
For the thrill-seekers, the River Thames Speed Boat Tour (see details here) delivers high-octane fun. This 50-minute ride speeds along the Thames at up to 30 knots, with an energetic guide, known as a comedian, providing hilarious anecdotes and London facts. It’s not a leisurely cruise—expect wind in your hair, a few splashes, and an adrenaline rush.
Guests rave about the exhilaration and entertaining narration from Jeff and the crew. The itinerary includes landmarks like the London Eye, Tower of London, and the Shard, all experienced from a fast-moving vantage point. Perfect for adventure lovers and those wanting a unique, fun perspective of London’s riverside.
Bottom Line: The best choice for thrill-seekers wanting an adrenaline-pumping tour with humor and remarkable views.
6. London: River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise
This 24-hour hop-on hop-off cruise allows unlimited travel between key piers like Westminster, Greenwich, and Tower of London, with panoramic views from all-weather boats. The on-board commentary enhances the experience, and you can disembark at your leisure to explore attractions such as Greenwich Park or the Cutty Sark. Reviewers mention friendly staff and good value for the price.
The cruise is especially useful if you want to combine multiple sightseeing spots in one day or prefer a relaxed pace. The onboard bar offers hot and cold drinks, making it a comfortable way to cross town. The reviews emphasize how this cruise provides both transport and entertainment.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want flexible, scenic transportation and sightseeing in one.
7. London: River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés
Sail as the city lights up on this two-hour evening cruise. It’s all about enjoying London’s illuminated skyline with a glass of bubbly and canapés, while live performers serenade you. The highlight is passing under Tower Bridge and witnessing the twinkling lights of the London Eye and Parliament.
Guests describe it as scenic and relaxing, perfect for celebrating special occasions or just unwinding after a busy day. While there’s no in-depth commentary, the ambiance and views are what make this cruise stand out. It’s a romantic and elegant way to end a day in London.
Bottom Line: Best for couples or anyone wanting a luxurious, scenic night cruise experience.
8. London: Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off with Optional River Cruise
This comprehensive combo package combines a big bus tour with river cruise options. With over 50 stops across three routes, it’s a flexible way to explore London’s neighborhoods and historic sites. The river cruise provides a relaxed alternative to bus travel, with live commentary highlighting highlights like Tower Bridge and the Shard.
Guests praise the ease of use, friendly staff, and the value of combining land and water sightseeing. It’s suitable for first-timers and travelers on a tight schedule who want to maximize their experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking flexibility, variety, and a comprehensive view of London.
9. London: Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Cruise
Offering 24-, 48-, or 72-hour passes, this tour covers London’s biggest attractions, with 4 walking tours and a Thames cruise included. The multi-route buses and app support make navigation straightforward, and the audio guide works well for both adults and children.
Reviews note how practical and helpful the service is for fitting sightseeing into limited time. The guided walking tours add a layer of fun and depth, especially the Kensington Gardens walk. This tour suits families and longer stays.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want full flexibility and multiple insights into London.
10. London: Ghost Walk and River Thames Boat Ride
Combine spooky stories with a boat ride in this two-hour evening tour. Starting with a haunted walk through royal parks and haunted houses, then finishing with a cruise on the Thames, it offers a different perspective on London.
Reviewers praise the storytelling and the atmosphere, especially Zachary’s engaging narration. The combination of ghost tales and scenic water views makes it a memorable experience—perfect for mystery lovers or families with teens.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a spooky twist on sightseeing, blending history, ghost stories, and river views.
11. London: Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off (Optional River Cruise)
This budget-friendly option offers 1-3 day passes with live tracking, audio guides, and 45 stops. The river cruise option allows for a relaxing break from the bus, with commentary that enhances understanding of London’s sights. Reviewers find it easy to use and convenient for navigating the city.
It’s a good pick for first-time visitors who want flexibility without overspending, and the multiple routes help cover different areas efficiently.
Bottom Line: A practical and flexible choice for those wanting to see London at their own pace.
12. London: River Thames Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a 4-course dinner on this three-hour evening cruise with live music. As you drift past illuminated landmarks like the O2 Arena and Canary Wharf, you’ll experience London in a luxurious, relaxed setting. Reviewers mention the delicious food, friendly staff, and spectacular views as highlights.
Perfect for special occasions, this cruise blends gastronomy, ambiance, and scenic beauty. The price reflects the quality, making it suitable for those celebrating something special or wanting a romantic night out.
Bottom Line: A top-tier experience for food lovers and romantics seeking a memorable night on the Thames.
13. London: Tower of London Guided Tour with Boat Ride
This full-day tour combines a boat cruise on the Thames with a guided tour of the Tower of London. The small-group setting allows for detailed storytelling about the castle’s history, prisoners, and Crown Jewels. The itinerary covers notable landmarks, with a 105-minute in-depth visit to the Tower itself.
Guests comment on the knowledgeable, humorous guides and the comprehensive experience. It’s ideal for those interested in history and architecture who want a guided, immersive day.
Bottom Line: Best for history lovers who want an all-in-one tour with both water and castle visits.
14. London: Warner Bros. Studio Tour and River Thames Cruise
For Harry Potter fans, this full-day experience is a dream. You visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, exploring Hogwarts sets, Diagon Alley, and goblin galleries, then relax with a hop-on, hop-off cruise around London. The studio tour is highly praised for its detailed sets and interactive exhibits.
With reviews praising how well-organized and fun the experience is, it’s perfect for families and fans. Combining movie magic with city sightseeing makes this a special, immersive day.
Bottom Line: An unforgettable day combining film history and river views—perfect for Harry Potter enthusiasts.
15. London: Harry Potter Walking Tour with Thames River Cruise
Follow a Harry Potter-themed walking route through London, visiting filming locations and iconic sites like Borough Market and Trafalgar Square. The boat cruise part takes you past the bridge destroyed by Death Eaters, tying the tour’s theme together. Reviewers praise the passionate guide and the interactive quizzes that keep the group engaged.
This tour is great for fans who want to see the city’s Harry Potter landmarks while also enjoying a scenic water ride. It’s a relaxed, interactive way to combine literature, film, and sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for Harry Potter fans wanting an immersive, fun exploration of London.
How to Choose Your Perfect Boat Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a relaxing sightseeing experience, the River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off (see details here) offers flexibility. If you’re craving adventure, the Speed Boat Tour (see details here) guarantees an adrenaline rush. For a luxurious evening, the River Thames Dinner Cruise (see details here) delivers sophistication.
Book early, especially for popular experiences like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour or evening cruises, as they tend to fill quickly. Pay attention to duration—many cruises are short but packed with sights, while others like the full guided tour of the Tower of London offer a more in-depth experience. If you’re traveling with family, look for options with audio guides in multiple languages or interactive elements.
Final Thoughts
London’s boat tours span a wide range, from short, informative trips perfect for quick snapshots, to thrilling speedboat rides for adrenaline junkies, to luxury dinner cruises for special occasions. For most travelers, mixing a scenic cruise with a hop-on hop-off bus can give you a well-rounded view of the city’s highlights.
For those wanting a relaxing day, the London: Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket or the Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise are excellent choices. If you’re a history enthusiast, the Tower of London Guided Tour combined with a river cruise provides a comprehensive experience. And for Harry Potter fans, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and Thames Cruise or the Harry Potter walking tour are perfect ways to indulge your fandom.
Whatever your interest, these boat tours will help you see London from a fresh perspective—so don’t wait too long, book early, and enjoy your cruise on the Thames!