CRUISING

Introduction

Cruising on the Tidal Thames can be a most rewarding experience whether exploring the upper river or as the starting point to a cross channel passage. A safe trip requires a sound knowledge of the effects of the tidal stream, including the resultant currents and variable depths.

The tidal Thames is a unique river, running over 90 miles from the sea to Teddington, with many varied challenges along its length. In the upper river between Putney and Teddington the channel is narrow with shallow depths, low bridges and many small recreational craft. The middle river, between Putney and the Thames Barrier, is very busy with tugs and tows, fast commuter ferries and day tripping boats all sharing the relatively narrow channel, which is tightly packed with the central London bridges. Once through the Thames Barrier the river widens and changes to a commercial port, with the vessels becoming much larger and constrained to operating within the channel. These differing challenges mean effective passage planning is vital and the information provided here should assist the recreational user in safely navigating the Tidal Thames

The guidance on this page covers the entire river, for local information please get in touch using the contact details below.