20 Years of High Speed Fun

Published by Thames Rockets 2 hours ago

Where It All Began

Back in 2006, Thames Rockets first took to the water, originally launching as London RIB Voyages and becoming the first dedicated Thames speed boat tour operator in London. It was a fresh idea for the capital. Instead of traditional sightseeing at a gentle pace, passengers could experience London landmarks with music pumping, expert commentary flowing and the thrill of speed once the open water arrived. It did not take long for people to notice. Within months, the business had already picked up early awards including Small Business of the Year and Best New Tourist Attraction from Visit London. A new chapter for London sightseeing tours had begun.

The Rocket Years Take Off

As word spread, more and more Londoners and visitors came aboard. Families, couples, birthday groups, corporate teams and tourists all discovered there was a more exciting way to see the city. Thames Rockets built a reputation for combining thrills with humour, using talented guides and experienced skippers to create something genuinely different on the river. In 2012, customer reviews helped crown Thames Rockets as the number one activity in London on TripAdvisor, a huge milestone in the company’s journey. In 2016, the business entered TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame after eight consecutive Certificates of Excellence. In 2017 came recognition as a UK Family Attraction, followed by a Traveller’s Choice Award in 2020. More recently, 2024 brought a European Adventure Tours & Activities Award, proving the rockets are still climbing. For anyone searching for the best things to do in London, the message has been clear for years.

20 Years of Highlights

Over the last two decades, Thames Rockets has grown from one bold idea into an iconic London experience. The fleet has evolved, the routes have expanded and millions of passengers have enjoyed the ride. From the famous London Eye Pier departure point to blasting past Tower Bridge and out into the high-speed zone, the experience remains one of the most exciting ways to enjoy the capital. Guests have celebrated birthdays, proposals, anniversaries and family days out on board. The company has also played a part in major national moments, including operating as the official press boat for the Boat Race. Through every chapter, the formula has stayed the same: great people, great energy and unforgettable time on the water. Whether visitors book a River Thames tour, a London boat adventure or a speedboat experience London, they are stepping into twenty years of expertise and fun.

Thank You for 20 Incredible Years

Today is our 20th birthday, and it is the perfect moment to say thank you. Thank you to every passenger who screamed, laughed, waved and came back again with friends. Thank you to every guide, skipper and team member who helped create the Thames Rockets spirit. Thank you to London for embracing something different and helping make us a lasting part of the city’s story. While we are proud of the last twenty years, we are even more excited for what comes next. More adventures, more laughs and more memories are waiting on the river. If you have joined us before, thank you for being part of the journey. If not, now is the perfect time to see why Thames Rockets remains one of the capital’s most loved family attractions London, top-rated London river events and unforgettable River Thames experiences.

Happy Birthday to us. Let’s keep flying.

20 Year Timeline

2006 – Thames Rockets launches as London RIB Voyages, the first Thames speedboat sightseeing operator in London.
2006 – Wins Small Business of the Year and Best New Tourist Attraction.
2012 – Ranked #1 Activity in London on TripAdvisor.
2012 – Assited with 2012 Summer Olymics 
2013 – Introduced the first of a new high spec RIBs
2016 – Rebranded as Thames Rockets 
2016 – Enters TripAdvisor Hall of Fame.
2017 – Recognised as a UK Family Attraction.
2020 – Wins Traveller’s Choice Award.
2024 – Wins European Adventure Tours & Activities Award.
2025 – Rocket Rebel Launched: The first of a kind in Europe
2026 – Celebrates 20 Years of Rocket Fun.

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