Top London Cruise Tours
Why Take a Thames River Cruise?
The River Thames is London’s backbone, winding past the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge. A river cruise gives you uninterrupted views of these landmarks, plus commentary that explains the history behind the skyline. It’s one of the most relaxing ways to see a lot in a short amount of time.
On this page Tripindicator compares the best London river cruises, from simple hop-on hop-off boats to dining cruises and high-speed RIB adventures, so you can quickly choose the style of trip that suits you.
Types of Thames Cruises
- Sightseeing cruises: short trips between piers such as Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich.
- Lunch & dinner cruises: multi-course meals with live music and illuminated city views in the evening.
- High-speed RIB boats: fast, fun and great for families or groups who enjoy thrills.
- Hop-on hop-off river passes: flexible boat tickets to link up with walking or bus tours.
How to Choose the Right Cruise
- Short on time? Choose a 45–60 minute sightseeing cruise between Westminster and Tower.
- Celebrating? Pick a dinner or afternoon tea cruise with live music.
- Travelling with kids or teens? Consider a speedboat tour for extra excitement.
- Want flexibility? Look for hop-on hop-off river passes that you can use throughout the day.
After browsing the options below, you can also combine a cruise with a hop-on hop-off bus ticket or a walking tour to build a full sightseeing day around the river.
Compare London Boat Tours & Thames River Cruises Price
| Greenwich Peninsula Day Tour | €231.02 |
| Isle of Wight Full-Day Private Tour from London | €300.99 |
| Cruise on the Thames River with Hotel Pick Up | €454.69 |
| London's Cosmopolitan Cuisine Foodlover's Tour | €582.65 |
| Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Cambridge | €284.15 |
| Tower of London & Westminster Abbey: Small Group Tour with Expert | €284.33 |
| Fast-Track London Eye & Tower of London: Small Group Tour | €313.95 |
| Full-Day Ultimate London Private Tour | €648.03 |
| Hampton Court & Thames Riverboat Picnic | €828.11 |
| London Family-Friendly Walking Tour with Fun Activities | €251.28 |
1. Greenwich Peninsula Day Tour
Duration:
6 hours 30
- Personal tour guide with maximum of 6 persons.
This is a guided walking tour and moderate fitness is recommended.
Tour includes IFS Cloud Cable Car, Trinity Buoy Wharf, Design District, lunch & Meantime Brewery tour with beer samples.
Fun & eco-friendly way to enjoy the amazing Greenwich Peninsula.
Bring your camera for the stunning... read more
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2. Isle of Wight Full-Day Private Tour from London
Duration:
8 to 10 ho
- The journey to Southampton takes about 2 hours and the ferry to the Isle of Wight takes about 45 minutes. It is the ideal place at any time of the year for your relaxing stay. It’s jokingly referred to as “England’s Down Under” and is a beautiful island with its untouched landscape and a wealth of fascinating sights. The Isle of Wight is... read more
3. Cruise on the Thames River with Hotel Pick Up
Duration:
4 hours
- London offers a great public transportation system to commuters as well as tourists who visit the city. The greatest point is that transportation on the river, which has been used for almost 2000 years from Roman times, like the sightseeing buses in every major capital cities of the world, London sightseeing cruises offer you a 24-hour river pass... read more
4. London's Cosmopolitan Cuisine Foodlover's Tour
Duration:
4 hours
- Lifeblood and heart of London's markets were an integral part of London life and its rich history over the centuries. As a cosmopolitan centre of the world, London has many superb choices of international cuisines, some of them influenced by the British touch and more or less modified by the people who live in this city. This brings a unique... read more
5. Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Cambridge
Duration:
8 hours
- If you are in London, Cambridge could be a perfect cultural day trip. It’s about 90 minutes only by private car from Hyde Park. Historic Cambridge city offers an immaculate British and Tudor experience. On the eastern bank of the Cam River, the town is mostly built round the Ouse tributary. Suburbs span the river, but modern development towards... read more
6. Tower of London & Westminster Abbey: Small Group Tour with Expert
Duration:
5 to 6 hou
- Your guide James Hart has more than two decades of professional guiding experience. As a London Blue Badge guide he has a great depth of knowledge of London and its historic places.
You’ll enjoy plenty of opportunities to ask questions, take photos and relax on this small group guided tour. The maximum number of people in the group will... read more
7. Fast-Track London Eye & Tower of London: Small Group Tour
Duration:
6 hours
- Your guide, James Hart has worked as a London Blue Badge Guide for more than twenty years. James’s tours of the Tower of London have been highly recommended by many previous travelers. You will see king Henry the Eighth’s armour, the Beefeaters, the Tower Ravens and the dazzling Crown Jewels. James’s tours are informative, entertaining and... read more
8. Full-Day Ultimate London Private Tour
Duration:
9 hours
- Maximise in one day most of your time in London with our qualified and authorised London blue badge tour guide, taking you to the must-see attractions.
Starting with exploring inside Westminster Abbey moving on to the most iconic sights, Buckingham Palace and learning about our current royal family and Queen Elizabeth II. Stroll further the... read more
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9. Hampton Court & Thames Riverboat Picnic
Duration:
5 hours 30
- A fascinating insight into generations of the Royal family followed by a riverboat picnic. It’s a holiday highlight.
Close to London and a pleasant drive, Hampton Court was the jewel in Henry Vlll’s crown. The chance to see it in situ with the baroque palace of William and Mary, built some 150 years later offers a unique insight into a... read more
10. London Family-Friendly Walking Tour with Fun Activities
Duration:
2 to 4 hou
- Discover the legends and fairytales on a private family tour of London! Follow in the footsteps of kings and queens, see Buckingham Palace and see the iconic Big Ben. Extended option: tickets to London Eye and a relaxing cruise on the River Thames.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
2-hour:... read more
11. The Best Highlights of London Walking Tour & Boat Cruise
Duration:
3 to 4 hou
- Discover the heart and soul of London on a walking tour combined with a cruise on the River Thames! See the Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, London Eye and more. Extended option: see Buckingham Palace (exterior only) and learn about the royal history.
3-hour: 2,5-hour Walking Tour & Cruise
This option includes tickets for a 30-minute cruise... read more
12. 5-Hour New Year's Eve Thames River Gala Dinner Cruise
Duration:
5 hours
- See in the New Year in style with this spectacular 5-hour evening dinner cruise on the River Thames. Enjoy spectacular views of London's New Year's Eve fireworks display as you savor a delicious 4-course meal, drinks package, and live entertainment. Sail past London’s illuminated riverside sights, grab once-in-a-lifetime photos, and dance in... read more
13. Christmas Party Lunch Cruise
Duration:
3 hours
- Elegant dining, festive entertainment and spectacular sights make a Christmas party on the river truly memorable. Board at Westminster Pier at 12.30pm where a glass of sparkling wine will be waiting for you.
You will be greeted by festive music to really get you into the Christmas spirit. From here you will enjoy a traditional 3 course... read more
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14. Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise
Duration:
3 hours
- A fun and interactive dining experience with great entertainment and stunning views - what better way to enjoy an evening out?
Enjoy a cruise along the Thames with glass of fizz and 3 course meal but it’s not going to be plain sailing! When there is a murderer on board everyone must turn detective to catch the killer.
Immerse... read more
