Discover the best of our local coastline with our classic Southend Pier boat trips. This popular tour offers a unique perspective of the area’s most famous landmarks, combining fascinating history with beautiful nature, all in one short trip. While there are some boat trips from Southend Pier itself, our tour departing from Leigh-on-Sea provides the ultimate panoramic view of the entire iconic structure.
This trip is perfect for families, visitors, and locals alike who want to see our renowned sights from the best possible vantage point – the water.

The World’s Longest Pleasure Pier
Our first highlight is an unbeatable water-level view of Southend Pier. As the longest pleasure pier in the world at an incredible 1.34 miles, its scale is truly appreciated from the sea. First built with wood in 1829, the iconic iron structure you see today dates back to 1889.
The area around the pier head is also a favourite spot for the local seal colony, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to spot seals basking or playing in the Thames Estuary. Keep your camera ready!

A Glimpse into WW2 History: The Mulberry Harbour
Next, we get up close to a fascinating piece of World War Two history: a Mulberry Harbour phoenix unit. These incredible concrete caissons were components of temporary portable harbours, ingeniously developed to help unload cargo rapidly onto the beaches during the D-Day landings in Normandy in 1944. Seeing one of these surviving units is a powerful reminder of our local area’s vital role in the war effort.
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Discover the Wildlife of Two Tree Island
The tour then takes a more tranquil turn as we explore the beautiful waters around Leigh Marina and Two Tree Island. Part of a 640-acre National Nature Reserve, this island is a haven for wildlife and a paradise for birdwatchers. It’s a fantastic opportunity for nature photography, showcasing the outstanding natural beauty right on our doorstep.
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