THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Cruise from Southend Pier to the formidable Redsand Towers— WWII Maunsell Forts steeped in history and wildlife. Capture eerie landmarks and spot peregrine falcons on this three-hour voyage.
Cruise from Southend Pier to the formidable Redsand Towers— WWII Maunsell Forts steeped in history and wildlife. Capture eerie landmarks and spot peregrine falcons on this three-hour voyage.
Book with Jetstream Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Jetstream Tours · Southend-on-Sea, England
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.
easy.
3 hours.
Suitable for most physical conditions; requires ability to manage stairs and stand for moderate periods.
The boat leaves from the pier head at the sea end of Southend Pier; allow extra time to reach this point.
No, the cruise passes closely under and around the forts but boarding is not permitted for safety reasons.
Yes, there is a bar offering soft drinks and light snacks during the cruise.
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly, but all passengers must be able to manage stairs unaided.
Dogs and other pets are not permitted on this tour.
Tours may be canceled due to high winds or rough sea conditions; guests will be offered rebooking or vouchers.
The Maunsell Forts were specialized anti-aircraft defense platforms built during WWII to protect the Thames Estuary from enemy aircraft and naval threats.
The estuary’s industrial heritage sites coexist with protected bird habitats; tours help foster awareness while minimizing disturbance.
Jetstream Tours is a Southend-on-Sea based boat operator offering a range of scheduled cruises and day trips across the Thames Estuary and River Medway. Departures operate from Southend Pier, Queenborough and Rochester, serving routes that include one-way transfers, circular cruises and full-day excursions. Popular itineraries feature the historic Maunsell (Redsand) Towers with dedicated three-hour visits, scenic day trips between Queenborough and Southend with up to six hours of leisure, and one-way services timed for pier arrivals and evening returns. Onboard commentary highlights local maritime history as vessels pass Rochester Bridge, Upnor Castle and other Medway landmarks. Wildlife sightings are noted on multiple trips, with opportunities to photograph Peregrine Falcons and observe estuary birdlife. Amenities vary by cruise but include toilets, a cash bar on select services, and staff-led commentary to enhance the visitor experience. Day-trip options enable visitors to spend free time in Southend enjoying classic fish and chips on the beach, Adventure Island, or a train ride to the end of Southend Pier. Kent-bound excursions call at Queenborough’s fishing harbour and castle grounds for up to four hours ashore. Special event sailings include seasonal departures such as the Salute the 40's trip to Chatham Historic Dockyard and fireworks cruises. Jetstream Tours publishes scheduled times for departures, provides route-specific summaries, and operates services that connect Essex and Kent coastal destinations for sightseeing, wildlife watching and local exploration. Public timetables, clear departure points and route details are available for each tour to help visitors plan their day ashore in advance online.
Book with Jetstream Tours