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Thames Estuary Wreck & Wildlife Trip with Brownes Boat Trips - London

Thames Estuary Wreck & Wildlife Trip with Brownes Boat Trips

Frinton-on-Seaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated with some boarding and disembarking

Overview

Cruise the Thames Estuary aboard Starfish with Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips, spotting seals, seabirds, and the historic SS Richard Montgomery wreck. This three-hour journey blends wildlife and wartime intrigue just off Kent’s coast.

Southend-on-Sea, England

Leigh On Sea to SS Richard Montgomery Ship in Kent (Including Southend Pier & Mulberry Harbour)

For all ages! • 3 hours • Great for photos and videos! • From £450.00

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About This Adventure

Embark on a thrilling 3-hour boat trip aboard the "Starfish" to explore the historic SS Richard Montgomery shipwreck and the stunning Thames Estuary. Experience the chance to spot wildlife like seals and birds while enjoying breathtaking views. This unique adventure promises unforgettable memories on the water with expert skipper Angus.

A fantastic trip at sea where we might even see some wildlife & history of The Thames Estuary.


##We highly recommend you contacting us by email or phone before making this booking to check availability & tidal heights Email info@brownesthamesestuaryboattrips.co.uk or call +44 7590637233

Rates:

  • Starfish: £450.00 (cost is for 6 passengers. Add additional passengers up to 9 in total for £70.00 per person) Minimum hire charge of £450.00 applies.

Duration:

3 hours

Please Note:

You must e-mail: info@brownesthamesestuaryboattrips.co.uk to arrange the departure time & pick up point.

About:

Get up close and personal (but not too close!) to the SS Richard Montgomery shipwreck which dates back to 1944. The 1,400-ton time bomb. Loaded with enough explosives to level a town, this is the Second World War ticking time bomb ship that lies on the seabed just off the coast of Kent. View this amazing sight from outside of the exclusion zones, it's not to be missed!

Join me, Angus the skipper and our beautiful boat “Starfish”(9 seats) for a memorable day on the river.

More info:

Hopefully we will get to see some wildlife (ie: seals & birds) & big container ships out at sea.

We have a small toilet on board Starfish. We kindly ask that you go before we depart if possible.

All safety procedures and practices: When you come aboard Starfish a brief 5 minutes safety talk will be given before we set out to sea. Life jackets will be provided to those that choose to wear them (optional). Under 16`s by law must wear them at all times while onboard our boats.

What you can bring:

Please bring appropriate clothing to suit the weather of your trip. Hats, sunglasses, sun cream, waterproofs, woolly hat, towel & change of clothes. The weather can change very quickly out at sea so please be prepared for everything. We provide Guy Cotten waterproof jackets/smocks onboard if needed.

Please bring a plastic bin bag to take ALL of your rubbish home with you & do not throw any litter into the sea.

You can also bring your own but ALL food & drink must be consumed outside on deck & not in the wheelhouse. There are no cooking facilities onboard. Alcohol is allowed in moderation. Lots of water is a good option to keep you hydrated at sea.

If you have a camera or binoculars you are very welcome to bring them out as there will be some great photo/video opportunities.

Places to Eat & Drink:

We are offering an afternoon Tea onboard our boats at £18.00 per person from Sara's Tea Gardens in Old Leigh. Please contact me if you would like to arrange this. *Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.

https://www.sarasteagardens.co.uk/

No1 Cockleshed Restaurant is a family owned and run bistro style restaurant with view across the Thames estuary and the workings of the cockle sheds in Old Leigh. For dining and drinks, we have a cosy restaurant and a dog friendly terrace which is open all year round. You can see Angus and his boats from our terrace, so it’s the perfect location to have dinner, drinks before or after your voyage. For bookings please call: 01702 474961 or email: info@no1cockleshed.co.uk

https://no1cockleshed.co.uk/

Adventure Tips

Book Ahead and Check Tides

Contact Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips before booking to confirm availability and tidal conditions for optimal sailing.

Dress for Variable Weather

Bring layers and waterproofs as weather can shift quickly on the estuary, even on summer days.

Bring Bin Bags for Litter

Respect the estuary’s ecosystem by taking all your rubbish with you; no littering on board or overboard.

Use Binoculars for Wildlife Viewing

A pair of binoculars enhances seal and bird spotting opportunities along the coast and around the shipwreck.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Seals resting on estuary mudflats
  • Seabird species including gulls and terns

History

The SS Richard Montgomery wreck dates to 1944 and still holds unexploded ordnance, making it a rare maritime relic.

Conservation

Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips promotes responsible boating practices to protect sensitive estuary habitats and wildlife populations.

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Adventure Hotspots in London

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Layered Clothing

Essential

Flexible layers help regulate your comfort against changing temperatures on the water.

all specific

Waterproof Jacket

Essential

A waterproof shell guards against wind and spray while keeping you dry during unexpected showers.

all specific

Binoculars

Enhances wildlife spotting, especially seals and distant birds around the wreck and harbor.

Sun Protection

Essential

Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen protect you from strong sun exposure on an open deck.

summer specific