SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Close‑Up of the Red Sand Towers: A Three‑Hour Cruise from Southend Pier
A three‑hour sightseeing cruise that leaves from the end of Southend Pier, skirts the WWII Maunsel Forts (the Red Sand Towers), and passes the SS Richard Montgomery wreck — a compact outing for photographers and sightseers.
Close‑Up of the Red Sand Towers: A Three‑Hour Cruise from Southend Pier.
Adventure brief
Close‑Up of the Red Sand Towers: A Three‑Hour Cruise from Southend Pier
Set out from the end of Southend Pier into the Thames Estuary for a three‑hour loop that brings you close to the eerie, rusting Maunsel Forts—known locally as the Red Sand Towers—and gives you a chance to examine the masts of the SS Richard Montgomery wreck. The small vessel used on the trip threads between and under the towers for intimate views and photographic opportunities while also routing past Mulbury Harbour and Shoebury Boom before crossing toward the Isle of Sheppey.
Departing from the iconic Southend Pier on England’s southeastern coast, Jetstream Tours offers an intense three-hour cruise that blends maritime history, eerie WWII relics, and dynamic wildlife viewing. The Redsand Towers, a series of Maunsell Forts standing robustly yet hauntingly in the Thames Estuary, serve as the centerpiece of this journey. Built as defensive structures during World War II, these rust-red towers rise from shallow water roughly nine miles from Southend and five miles from Whitstable, creating a rare glimpse into Britain’s coastal defense past.
The tour begins with a relaxing ride atop the longest pleasure pier in the world, leading passengers to the vessel moored at the pier head. Once aboard, the small but comfortable boat navigates around the towering forts, passing beneath their steel frameworks and through narrow channels that larger ships cannot approach. This intimate access offers photographers and history enthusiasts a range of unique vantage points, allowing close-up views of the fort’s weathered steel and crumbling concrete.
Along the route, the cruise skirts significant landmarks such as Mulbury Harbour’s Phoenix unit and Shoebury Boom, eventually crossing toward the Isle of Sheppey shipping channel. As the boat loops back, travelers witness the remains of the SS Richard Montgomery wreck, an infamous WWII shipwreck still bristling with silent menace. Notably, from March 2024, demolition work on this wreck’s masts will alter the site’s visibility.
Wildlife adds another layer of intrigue: Peregrine Falcons often circle the forts’ heights, adding moments of grace to the rugged scene. Onboard amenities include a light snack bar and small restroom, enhancing comfort on this adventure. Jetstream Tours’ Redsand Towers Tour stands out as a distinctive trip on England’s coast, combining raw history, natural spectacle, and maritime character through a setting few get to experience up close.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Major sights and waypoints on the roughly three‑hour loop from Southend Pier.
Southend Pier — Boarding
Depart from the end of Southend Pier; this is the published meeting and departure point for the cruise.
Mulbury Harbour & Shoebury Boom
The vessel passes Mulbury Harbour (Phoenix unit) and Shoebury Boom en route toward the deeper shipping channel.
Red Sand Towers (Maunsel Forts)
Arrive at the Maunsel Forts — the towers are roughly an hour from Southend — and the small craft will pass between and under the structures for close views; passengers are not allowed to board the towers.
SS Richard Montgomery site
On the return leg the cruise routes past the SS Richard Montgomery wreck to examine the masts that remain above water.
Safety and conduct note: passengers may not board the towers; dogs and pets are not permitted on the trip; any passenger returning to the boat under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted to board and refunds will not be given.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close passes around the Maunsel Forts
The cruise reaches the Maunsel Forts (Red Sand Towers) after roughly an hour and the vessel is small enough to pass between and under the structures for close viewing — though boarding the towers is not permitted.
Pass the SS Richard Montgomery
On the return leg the trip passes the SS Richard Montgomery wreck so passengers can closely examine the masts while they are still visible.
Photographic chances for Peregrine Falcons
Photographers are encouraged to bring long lenses — the outing offers opportunities to spot and photograph Peregrine Falcons around the towers and estuary structures.
What the day feels like
What the Cruise Feels Like
The outing is a compact three‑hour coastal cruise: you board at the end of Southend Pier, head out past local harbour and boom defences, and after about an hour arrive at the Maunsel Forts for close, photo‑friendly passes under and around the towers. After lingering for pictures and observation the vessel turns back toward Southend, routing past the SS Richard Montgomery wreck before returning to the pier.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs approximately three hours. Meet at the end of Southend Pier (location code: ///plans.towers.found) for boarding.
Bring weather‑appropriate layers and camera gear; photographers should consider long lenses for wildlife and detail shots.
Dogs and pets are not permitted. Any passenger who returns to the vessel under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted to board; refunds will not be given.
This sightseeing tour is operated by Jetstream Tours and departs from Southend Pier on the scheduled cruise.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Redsand Towers Tour?
The cruise lasts approximately three hours.
Where do I meet for departure?
You meet at the end of Southend Pier (meeting location code: ///plans.towers.found).
Will we go onto the Red Sand Towers?
No — the vessel can pass between and under the structures for close viewing, but passengers are not permitted to board the towers.
Can I bring my dog or other pet?
Dogs and pets are not permitted on this trip.
Will the tour pass the SS Richard Montgomery wreck?
Yes — the cruise passes the SS Richard Montgomery wreck so passengers can examine the masts while they remain visible, typically on the return leg.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:52:09.583Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.