You are sure to make waves with one of these fantastic river expeditions

A RATE OF KNOTS

Forget the sedate progress of the royal flotilla. With Rib Tours London (0207 118 1181/www.ribtourslondon.com) you get to see the capital in fast forward. Boarding at Festival Pier you'll see iconic sights including Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe and HMS Belfast.

As the 12-passenger speedboat passes Wapping Police Station you will accelerate to 30 knots, whizzing down river as far as Canary Wharf.

During the 50-minute trip a wise-cracking commentary is provided by a comedian and there's a speaker system for the mandatory James Bond theme.

Adults £29, children £19.50.

PADDLE POWER

See the capital from water level with a kayak tour. Kayaking London (0207 349 9591/ www.kayakinglondon.com) offers excursions from its base near Battersea Bridge. No prior experience is needed.

RIVER ROUTE

Kayak past iconic city sights such as the London Eye Big Ben And Back takes in the London Eye and Houses of Parliament on a two-and-a-halfhour round trip (from £33pp) or you can push the boat out with the Discover London experience which sees you paddle as far as Tower Bridge where a meal and drinks are waiting (from £60pp).

Super-stable one and two-man kayaks are provided along with all equipment and tuition.

DUCK AND DIVE

Get on board a tour with a difference. London Duck Tours (0207 928 3132/www.londonducktours.co.uk) gives you the best of both worlds as you experience the city from road and river.

As you sit comfortably the orange Duck Tour vehicle, a six-wheel-drive amphibious truck used to take troops ashore at the D-Day landings, weaves its way around the city and past famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and the MI5 and MI6 buildings, before plunging into the water at Vauxhall for a 30-minute cruise with fabulous views along the banks of the historic waterway.

A 75-minute Classic Sightseeing Tour, £21 per adult, £16 (age 13-17), £14 (under 12). Tours run daily.