The Best Boat Rentals Near London

Expect a wide range, depending on the style of boat and whether you book a private charter or a small self-drive boat. Self-drive electric boats around Canary Wharf typically start near £65–£100 per boat for a one-hour outing and £90–£180 for two to three hours. Private speedboat or RIB charters that zip between Westminster and Canary Wharf commonly run around £600 for roughly 50 minutes for a small group. Larger private river cruisers for parties and corporate events often price from about £1,200–£1,900 for a four-hour hire, with extra time charged by the hour. Most private charters include a professional skipper and basic fuel; food, drinks, DJ or decorations are add-ons. Note that piers in central London often charge embark/disembark fees, which can be £80–£250 per stop, so it’s smart to confirm those at checkout.

You’ll find everything from comfy, enclosed river cruisers and party boats to high-speed RIBs for sightseeing, plus small self-drive electric boats in the docks and canals for relaxed picnics. Narrowboats and canal cruisers are popular for Regent’s Canal or the non-tidal Thames, while luxury motor yachts occasionally base at central marinas like St Katharine Docks for premium private events. Your choice comes down to group size, pace, and whether you want a captain or to drive a simple electric boat yourself in calmer waters.

No license is needed when you book a skippered charter, which is how most central Thames trips operate. For self-drive options on Regent’s Canal or in the Docklands, there’s typically no formal license required either; operators give you a safety briefing and route guidance before you set off. If you’re planning a bareboat yacht outside inland waters (for example, coastal cruising), the provider may ask for proof of competence such as an ICC or RYA qualification, but that’s not typical for standard London day hires.

For central London on the tidal Thames, most visitors choose a captained boat. The river here is busy, tidal, and governed by local byelaws, so professional skippers handle the navigating, moorings, bridges, and traffic. Self-drive is best for the calmer Docklands basins or canals like Regent’s Canal from Little Venice to Camden, where speeds are low and routes are straightforward, and you’ll receive a hands-on briefing before departure.

Common departure points include London Eye (Waterloo Millennium) Pier and Westminster Pier for central sights, Tower Pier and London Bridge City Pier near the Tower of London, Greenwich Pier for trips around Maritime Greenwich and the O2, and Canary Wharf Pier for East London runs. For yacht-style charters and event boats, St Katharine Docks Marina by Tower Bridge is a well-known base. Your skipper will advise the most convenient pier for your route and group size.

Typical sightseeing routes showcase Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe along the South Bank, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, The Shard and the City skyline, and east to Canary Wharf, the Cutty Sark and Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Some private trips continue to the O2 or even the Thames Barrier when tides and timings align.

Yes—families sail all the time. Reputable operators carry lifejackets for all ages and sizes, including child-specific lifejackets, and many require children to wear them while underway. Boats offering self-drive will give you a safety briefing before you leave the dock, and larger passenger vessels carry additional life-saving equipment as standard. If you’re bringing a stroller or need extra space, let your host know so they can suggest the right boat and boarding pier.

Policies vary by boat and pier. Many large private charter boats offer their own bars and catering and do not allow outside alcohol; some allow outside food with a service or corkage fee. Self-drive electric boats in the docks usually welcome picnics, but alcohol is tightly controlled and often limited to modest beer or wine quantities, with the driver remaining sober. Glass may be restricted on certain piers or vessels. Always check the listing’s food and beverage section so there are no surprises at boarding.

It depends on the operator and boat type. River bus services generally allow dogs on leads, and many casual canal or dock cruises are pet-friendly. High-speed RIB tours and some private event boats do not allow animals, with the usual exception of guide or assistance dogs by prior arrangement. If you plan to bring a pet, confirm in advance so the crew can prepare and advise on the best boarding point.

Boats in London sail in light rain and changeable conditions, and enclosed saloons or canopies keep things comfortable. If strong winds, unsafe river conditions, or operational restrictions arise, your operator will usually reschedule or issue guidance. Cancellation windows differ by provider—some require several weeks’ notice for a refund on private charters—so it’s wise to review terms before you book and consider flexible dates for outdoor celebrations.

Absolutely. London’s fleet includes intimate boats for a dozen guests up to large party vessels for receptions, dinners, or awards nights. You can often add catering, DJs or playlists, decorations, and late finishes where permitted. To keep planning simple, share your headcount, preferred pier, timing, and any dietary needs early; your charter team will lock in the right boat, boarding pier, and run-of-river so you can focus on invites and payments.

For warm weather and long evenings, late spring through early autumn is peak season, with weekends selling out fast. Weekdays and morning departures are typically calmer, better value, and easier to schedule piers around central bridges. In London, the busiest river dates cluster around UK bank holidays in May and late August, plus signature events such as The Boat Race in spring, Henley Royal Regatta in early July on the Thames upriver, and September’s Totally Thames festivities and the Great River Race. If you’re visiting from the U.S., note that Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are not UK holidays, so London availability may actually be better on those dates than you expect.