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.
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.
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.