London Speedboat Tour: An Honest Review & Guide
Thinking of checking out a speedboat ride when you are in London? A speedboat tour on the River Thames might be just the thing for adding a jolt of something pretty wild to your city visit. This review is based on actually having experienced the “London 45 Minute Speedboat Sightseeing Tour”, and it aims to give you a real picture of what you might experience. I am talking about helping you decide if it’s actually worth the cash and, maybe too, what to expect, is that what you are wanting?
What to Expect From Your Thames Speedboat Experience
You will not be just taking a gentle cruise. Oh no. The name kinda suggests it, but I think it’s worth repeating; you will want to prepare for a pretty wild ride! So, that being said, these tours add a cool burst of energy to taking in the well known places on the Thames. Usually, it will start pretty slowly, that way you are able to absorb some sights, while you are gliding toward the area where it’s okay to open up the throttle.
The trip is often jam packed with energetic tunes playing over the speakers and commentary from the guide giving the history behind different landmarks (often, these guys have a solid sense of humor). It gets pretty exciting once the boat has room to move freely! It involves sharp turns and bursts of real speed – it’s almost like being in some type of action film. Still, the whole experience passes by surprisingly fast, but I think it’s memorable.
The Route and Key Sights on a London Speedboat Ride
Your tour, quite often, will shoot off from a pier in central London – many do from near the Embankment. As you go zipping down the river, of course you’ll see some really famous attractions. Like, there’s the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and also the Tower of London, actually they are hard to overlook. These tours often have guides who are very knowledgeable, so you get lots of info, as well as some of their personal comments about the stories behind these sites.
Do you love architecture? Well, then the route presents some very amazing sights, as there is everything from old buildings to modern skyscrapers. The contrast is pretty impressive. Pay attention to the bridges, alright, especially Tower Bridge, which seems magnificent seen from the river, but that’s just my opinion, very probably. When the boat turns around, there is usually more chance to grab photographs; maybe just be mindful to hold onto your stuff pretty well when you are making those high speed turns!
Is it Worthwhile? Weighing Up the Thrills Against the Cost
So, is spending your money on a 45-minute blast down the Thames genuinely worth it? Well, in many respects that could come down to what you personally expect. If you are really hoping for some kind of calm sightseeing thing, you know, maybe to really soak in the historical importance of the river, then this is definitely maybe not it. However, that being said, should you love a good thrill, and also a fun way to actually see London’s best known bits from another point of view, then you could be in for a treat.
Speedboat tours generally cost a fair amount per head, actually; I’m talking quite a bit more than the price for like, a regular boat tour. So, very likely, that reflects the more unique experience. Just think about balancing what the tour costs, against the shorter period of time the experience gives you, too, alright. Very, very often individuals or couples will love the jolt, and actually, the change from standard tours, yet for budget tourists or families, it really needs to be regarded as a “treat” purchase.
What to Know Before You Go: Tips for a Great Experience
Okay, just a little advice prior to you getting on a speedboat. Initially; think about what to put on. It could become quite blowy out on that river, therefore having layers actually really helps, specifically on the not so warm days. Like your hair might get messed up too, that’s the type of activity it is, actually! So perhaps keep away from your greatest hairstyle or at least, remember your hairband!
Pay focus to the safety chat from the team. They cover things such as where any life jackets might be, too, alright. Listen to their guidance on how to sit too, or hold on – that is, if you might be prone to back problems and such, maybe mention it before you take your seat. Last thing; actually think about taking some waterproofs. Getting splashed is kinda part of the buzz, so you know, it could assist in making sure you remain more comfy through your trip. Basically, oh, and one other little one – maybe take your travel sickness tablets if you are affected.
Other Similar, More Relaxed, Options
A Thames speedboat adventure, although a lot of folks do rave about it, is maybe not the only way of doing a cruise up and down the river. So you could also try normal sightseeing boat tours for more relaxed and cheaper fun.
- Standard Sightseeing Trips: These boats actually travel at slower speeds and very likely provide more in depth cultural opinions and narrations and usually the opportunity to see more views. Very often you will have access to both open and sheltered parts, with seats to let you relax as you go by.
- Dinner Cruises: I hear they’re good for an occasion or when you would like to mesh taking in the places as you munch on your dinner and booze, possibly with a partner! These are, generally, at a slow rate, actually providing musical accompaniment as well, is that right?
A person should weigh up what thrills and cost is involved in the Thames cruises. Speedboat trips can easily bring that extra surge, or something with fewer spills is perhaps more what a person may enjoy!
At the end of it all; I want to state; is a blast down the Thames on a speedboat in London truly a worthwhile use of your time, effort and funds? Okay; that boils down to you; a potential tourist – are you something of an adrenaline junkie, who adores well known tourist destinations, and are a bit mad, for something exciting?! It looks like then; that you may have the thing!