Peter Morrell

Thames Rocket Rebel: London’s Ultimate High-Speed Sightseeing Adventure

Rupert Parker goes for thrills, and fortunately no spills, riding the Rocket Rebel on London’s River Thames

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London has a new tourist attraction — one that combines speed, adrenaline, and sightseeing like never before. Launched in 2006 Thames Rockets has been sending bright red RIB (rigid inflatable boat) vessels up and down the Thames, offering thrilling boat rides to locals and tourists alike

Now, in April 2025, they’ve introduced their latest innovation, the Rocket Rebel, setting a new standard for river-based tourism in London. This state-of-the-art speedboat combines cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly features, offering passengers an exhilarating way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks.

The Rocket Rebel is the largest and fastest vessel in the Thames Rockets fleet. Measuring 16 meters in length, it comfortably seats 26 passengers – more than double the capacity of previous models. Constructed with a lightweight aluminium frame and powered by twin 725hp low-emission jet engines, the ‘Rocket Rebel’ gets up to 30 knots as it zooms past London’s most famous landmarks

Designed for high speed carving turns skimming over the water, the lightweight, stripped back, aluminium design is fitted with two 725hp (1,440hp) low-emission jet-propelled engines. Five years in the planning, it cost £1.5 million. Passengers are equipped with life jackets and waterproof gear if needed, ensuring safety and comfort. The experience is family-friendly and suitable for all age groups.

My trip departs from the London Eye Pier and begins with a leisurely cruise past some of London’s best-known sights: the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, HMS Belfast, Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Speeds are limited on this section of the river but that gives me time to take in the views and enjoy the entertaining commentary

Once the boat passes Tower Bridge, however, things kick into high gear. The boat accelerates dramatically, slicing through the water, performing sharp turns and thrilling bursts of speed. We have the freedom of the entire breadth of the river, water lords of the Thames. The thrills continue, reaching speeds of 35mph on our journey down to Canary Wharf and beyond.

The return leg brings more high-speed action before the boat slows down again as it approaches central London. It’s a rollercoaster on water — with a front-row seat to the city. And it certainly turns heads as we pull back in to dock by the London Eye. And so it should –it’s the largest, fastest and most eco sightseeing speedboat ever seen on the River Thames

Says Charlie Matheson, Founder and MD of Thames Rockets: “She is what our amazing capital deserves – an exciting, eye-catching and contemporary way of seeing our glorious city at speed, from the water, with a massive sound system, all hosted by our actor-comedian guides”, And who am I to disagree?

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To book, or to find out more, visit: https://www.thamesrockets.com, 020 7928 8933.

Book early to secure a special April launch price of £54.95 Adult + £49.95 Child. From May 1st 2025 all tickets will cost £69.95 (no child rate). Available online and from the London Eye ticket office.

Boat rides last one hour and run daily, 365 days a year (family friendly – no minimum age restrictions).

Other Trips include:

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