As the sun is beaming down on Southend cruises are setting sail from the end of the landmark pier for tours to the Maunsell Forts and a quaint fishing village in Kent.

At the end of Southend Pier, Jetstream Tours is offering river cruises which take its customers on a sightseeing adventure.

The day trips vary in price but all trips to and from Southend include pier entry with the boat ticket. To book your tickets, visit jetstreamtours.com/the-tours/departure-piers/cruise-experiences/southend.

The following trips are available to choose from...

Maunsell Forts Tour

This cruise takes you to see the eerie World War 2 Maunsell forts, called the red sand towers.

It takes about an hour to reach the towers and the cruiser will pass by the Mulberry Harbour and Shoebury boom before crossing the shipping channel towards the Isle of Sheppey.

Keen photographers have the chance to take plenty of snaps as the vessel is small enough to pass between and under the structures.

Onboard facilities include a bar, selling alcoholic and soft drinks and light snacks. 

This cruise lasts for three hours and costs £28 for adults, £26 for OAPs and £24 for children. 

Families can go for £90 and under 3s are given entry free of charge.

Lunch in a Kent fishing village

Take a trip across to Queenborough to explore the quaint fishing village in Kent with this cruise.

On the 5-hour trip, passengers will be given time ashore to have a spot of lunch and take a wander.

Prices are as follows: £25 for adults, £21 for OAPs, £18 for children, £70 for family and under 3s go free of charge.

Army Fort Experience

This five hour cruise from Southend Pier takes passengers out into the estuary to experience both the site of the Redsand Towers, Shivering Sand Towers and passes over the original site of the Nore Sand Towers.

They will get a chance to take plenty of photos around both sets of towers as the cruiser circles the forts from a safe distance.

The spacious top deck offers unrivalled views of Guy Maunsell’s masterpieces.

These trips are departing selected Saturdays during May and June. Prices are as follows: £40 for adults, £34 for OAPs, £28 for children, £120 for family and under 3s go free of charge.