On the water · RIB AND ZODIAC BOAT TOURS IN THE UK
The 10 best rib and zodiac boat tours in the UK you can get a seat on today, with the fare, the hours on the water and who each one suits. Number one is first for a reason; start there.
Join Torquay Watersports for a one-hour RIB ride from The Pavilion in Torquay. Guides such as Greg, Glen, and John combine local stories with a fast run past Thatcher Rock and Ore Stone. You may see seals, dolphins, porpoises, cormorants, guillemots, and other coastal birds. Lifejacket provided.
“The guide was fantastic, very informative and did his best to show us the beautiful surroundings as well as the wildlife”
Board a small RIB at Tower Millennium Pier for a 20-minute blast along the Thames. Expect safety instructions, live comic commentary, James Bond-style music, and fast runs past the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, The Shard and Canary Wharf. The boat carries up to 12 people and returns to the pier.
“Fantastic trip would highly recommend Great value for money And very safety conscious . Very professional run”
From Torquay Marina, you’ll board a fast RIB for a 30-minute run around Torbay. Expect hard acceleration, sharp turns, possible wildlife sightings, and commentary on coves, caves, islands, and bays. Guides including Paul and Rue help keep the ride safe, while the small group size keeps it personal.
“Excellent and well looked after by ginger who was a walking book of knowledge and good fun too A great experience which I would love to repeat”
Join an English-speaking guide and skipper for a two-hour, small-group RIB safari from Padstow. Race out through the Camel Estuary and along about 25 miles of North Cornwall coast, stopping to watch dolphins, seals, seabirds, and, in season, puffins. Waterproofs are available, but expect a fast, wet, bouncy ride.
“We saw loads of dolphins and a minke whale, lots birds, seal. Worth it, great experience”
Join a professional English-speaking crew at Tower Millennium Pier for a 20-minute Thames RIB ride. You will pass the Tower of London, The Shard, HMS Belfast, City Hall, and Tower Bridge before the boat opens up toward Canary Wharf. Expect music, spray, sharp turns, and a fast, compact experience for up to 12 passengers.
“I booked this for my sons 18th and he said its the best thing he has ever done. The staff were amazing, the boat was incredible and he will cherish the memory forever. Thank you so much”
Take your own RIB speedboat from Tower Millennium Pier to Canary Wharf and back in about 20 minutes. A captain drives while a crew member provides live commentary, music, and friendly banter. You will see Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, the Tower of London, The Shard, and the historic execution site near the river. The boat carries up to 12 people.
Take a 40-minute private RIB ride from Tower Pier to the Thames Barrier and back. Your skipper handles the speed while giving brief commentary on Tower Bridge, Greenwich, the O2, and Docklands. Expect music, sharp turns, city views, lifejackets, and waterproofs or a poncho if the weather turns.
Set out from Skerray Bay with skipper Nick, Iona, or Finn for a private two-hour RIB trip around Island Neave, Eilean nan Ron, and the Rabbit Islands. Expect brisk boat travel, sea caves, unusual rock formations, seabirds, seals, and possible porpoises, dolphins, whales, or other wildlife. The route can be shaped around your group and the day’s conditions.
Meet the Torquay Watersports team at MDL Marina, fit your lifejacket, and board Raptor for a 30-minute high-speed run around Torbay. Three V8 300hp Mercury Verado engines provide the power, while planned pauses let you catch your breath and take in coastal views. Bring layers, sensible shoes, and no bags.
“A WOW experience in the safe hands of a competent team. Highly recommended.”
Join Henry for a one-hour RIB ride from Exmouth Marina along the opening miles of the Jurassic Coast. You’ll pass Exmouth Beach, Orcombe Point’s 250-million-year-old red cliffs, Sandy Bay, and Straight Point. The small boat holds up to seven people, and children may enjoy the gentle pace, sea birds, and chance of seeing seals.
“Henry was really friendly. Kids (2 and 6) really enjoyed the trip out around the Jurassic coast and even saw some seals that came up very close.”
