06 July 2026 /

• TRE News
• River Thames
• Summer

Step Back in Time and Then Blast into the Present with Thames RIB Experience

If you’re looking for unique things to do in London this season, why not combine one of the capital’s newest maritime attractions with one of its most exciting adventures?

Currently moored just a short walk from Tower Bridge and St Katharine Docks, the Nao Victoria is a remarkable floating museum that offers visitors the chance to step aboard one of history’s most famous ships. And once you’ve explored over 500 years of maritime history, you can experience the River Thames from a completely different perspective with a high-speed Thames RIB Experience.

It’s the perfect combination of history, sightseeing and adrenaline, all in one unforgettable London day out.

Discover the Legendary Nao Victoria

The Nao Victoria is a faithful replica of the ship that completed the first circumnavigation of the globe, one of the greatest achievements in maritime history.

The original vessel sailed from Seville in 1519 as part of Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition. After Magellan’s death, the journey was completed by Spanish explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano, returning to Spain in 1522 after becoming the first ship ever to sail around the world.

To recreate this extraordinary vessel, Spanish designer and shipbuilder Ignacio Fernández Vial spent years researching 16th-century shipbuilding techniques, historical documents, nautical charts and illustrations to ensure every detail reflected the original.

Completed in 1991, the replica mirrors the dimensions, sails, rigging and equipment of the historic ship with incredible accuracy.

👉 Learn more about the Nao Victoria Foundation:
https://www.fundacionnaovictoria.org

A Ship That Circumnavigated the Globe… Again

The story didn’t end with its construction.

In 2004, the replica embarked on its own round-the-world voyage to commemorate the original expedition.

Over the course of two years, the Nao Victoria travelled almost 27,000 miles, visited 17 countries, and became the first historical replica ever to successfully circumnavigate the Earth.

Today, under the care of the Nao Victoria Foundation, the ship continues to visit ports across Europe and the United States, welcoming more than six million visitors and inspiring people of all ages to learn about one of history’s greatest maritime adventures.

Now, for a limited time, London visitors have the chance to explore this incredible ship right on the River Thames.

From 16th-Century Exploration to 21st-Century Adventure

After stepping aboard one of history’s most famous sailing ships, why not continue your Thames adventure just a few minutes away?

Located at Tower Millennium Pier, Thames RIB Experience offers one of London’s most exciting sightseeing adventures.

Swap wooden decks for high-powered engines as you speed along the River Thames with our expert skippers and entertaining live guides.

Our Thames Barrier Experience, Canary Wharf Experience and Tower RIB Blast all depart nearby, making it easy to continue your London adventure from the water.

• Thames Barrier Experience
  https://thamesribexperience.com/thames-barrier-experience/
• Canary Wharf Experience
  https://thamesribexperience.com/canary-wharf-experience/
• Tower RIB Blast
  https://thamesribexperience.com/tower-rib-blast/

The Perfect London Day Out

Whether you’re visiting London with family, friends or as a couple, combining the Nao Victoria with a Thames RIB Experience creates a day out unlike any other.

Begin by discovering centuries of maritime history aboard one of the world’s most famous ships.

Then step onto one of London’s fastest sightseeing boats and see the capital from an entirely new perspective.

From historic exploration to modern adventure, few experiences showcase London’s relationship with the River Thames quite like this.

If you’re visiting with family, you may also enjoy reading our guide to The Best London Experience Gift Vouchers for future adventures:
https://thamesribexperience.com/best-london-experience-gift-vouchers/

Plan Your Visit

The Nao Victoria is currently moored close to Tower Bridge and St Katharine Docks, making it the perfect attraction to combine with a Thames RIB Experience departing from Tower Millennium Pier.

If you’re planning a visit to the area, why not make a full day of it? Explore one of history’s greatest ships, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere around Tower Bridge, and finish with an unforgettable speedboat adventure on the River Thames.

History has never been this exciting.

Further Reading

If you’re planning a day around Tower Bridge, these official resources may help:

⚓ Nao Victoria Foundation
https://www.fundacionnaovictoria.org

🌉 Visit London – Tower Bridge Area Guide
https://www.visitlondon.com

🏰 Historic Royal Palaces – Tower of London
https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/

🌉 Tower Bridge Official Website
https://www.towerbridge.org.uk

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