QUEENBOROUGH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Beneath the Estuary Sky: Sailing to the Redsand Towers and the Montgomery Wreck
A four‑hour guided boat tour from Queenborough Harbour that drifts past WWII Maunsell forts and the exposed wreck of SS Richard Montgomery, with crew narration at every stop.
Beneath the Estuary Sky: Sailing to the Redsand Towers and the Montgomery Wreck.
Set sail from Queenborough Harbour into the wide Thames Estuary to circle the rusting silhouette of the Redsand Towers and to peer at the ghostly remains of the SS Richard Montgomery, while captain and crew relay the forts’ wartime role and the wreck’s uneasy cargo.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Around the Redsand Towers
The trip spends roughly 40 minutes sailing around and between the Redsand Towers, giving sustained views of the Maunsell-designed fort structures and time for commentary from the captain and crew.
SS Richard Montgomery: A Hazardous Landmark
The tour includes a visit to the iconic wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery—brief on-water time at the site (approximately ten minutes) while the crew explains the ship’s history and the continuing risk posed by ordnance in her holds.
Narrated Passage
Throughout the four‑hour outing the captain and crew share their knowledge and experiences at each location, contextualizing the forts’ WWII role and the later pirate‑radio era of the Redsand Towers.
What the day feels like
How the Day Unfolds
Departing Queenborough Harbour opposite Deadman's Island, the four‑hour cruise moves out into the Thames Estuary to visit the Maunsell Army Forts and the Redsand Towers—structures towed into place in the 1940s—and finishes with a controlled approach past the SS Richard Montgomery wreck while crew narration ties the sites to their wartime and postwar stories.
THE ROUTE
Around the Redsand Towers
The trip spends roughly 40 minutes sailing around and between the Redsand Towers, giving sustained views of the Maunsell-designed fort structures and time for commentary from the captain and crew.
THE WRECK
SS Richard Montgomery: A Hazardous Landmark
The tour includes a visit to the iconic wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery—brief on-water time at the site (approximately ten minutes) while the crew explains the ship’s history and the continuing risk posed by ordnance in her holds.
THE GUIDES
Narrated Passage
Throughout the four‑hour outing the captain and crew share their knowledge and experiences at each location, contextualizing the forts’ WWII role and the later pirate‑radio era of the Redsand Towers.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits and the key limitations to know.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Confirm any suggested or required gear with the operator before departure; check your booking communication for specific guidance.
Dress for wind and spray on an estuary passage; the operator will advise on any additional recommendations or provisions.
Embarkation is at Queenborough Harbour opposite Deadman's Island; verify pickup details with the operator when you book.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is four hours in total.
Where does the tour depart from?
The tour sails from Queenborough Harbour opposite Deadman's Island.
Is there a minimum age?
Guests aged 11–17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
How long do you spend at the Redsand Towers and the Montgomery wreck?
Expect about 40 minutes sailing around the towers and roughly ten minutes at the Montgomery wreck.
Can I fly a drone or undertake commercial photography on the trip?
No—commercial photography and drone flight are not permitted.
Will the crew provide information during the trip?
Yes; both the captain and crew share their knowledge and experiences at each location throughout the voyage.