Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips Reviews 

8
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.3

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Company details

  1. Boat Rental Service
  2. Boat Tour Agency
  3. Sightseeing Tour Agency
  4. Tour Operator
  5. Tourist Attraction
  6. Whale Watching Tour Agency

Written by the company

Welcome to the home of premier Thames boat services. From our strategic base in historic Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, we provide a complete and professional solution for any activity on the water. Whether you’re planning a private sightseeing tour, a corporate event, or require a reliable vessel for a commercial marine project, we have the expertise and the equipment to meet your needs. All our Thames boat services are delivered by a commercially endorsed, highly experienced local skipper. Our vessel, ‘Starfish’, is a robust 31ft Mitchell that is fully licensed and coded for up to 10 passengers. It comes equipped with modern navigation systems and comprehensive safety gear. Your safety and the success of your trip are our highest priorities. Our premier Southend boat trips showcase the very best of the Thames Estuary. We offer a huge range of destinations, including cruises to Southend Pier, the historic Mulberry Harbour, the SS Richard Montgomery shipwreck, Queenborough in Kent, scenic Benfleet Creek, Two Tree Island, and the incredible Red Sands, Shivering Sands, and Knock John Maunsell Forts. There truly is plenty to see and do. All our Southend boat trips depart from our pontoon at Leigh Marina, High Street, Old Leigh, Essex, SS9 2ES, or from the nearby Cockle Wharf Beach. For an exclusive experience, you can also privately hire the boat for a full day, enjoying a bespoke journey up the Thames to Tower Bridge, an epic forts tour, or a trip to Whitstable. For all private hire bookings, please email: info@brownesthamesestuaryboattrips.co.uk We are a unique business dedicated to making your experience on the Thames Estuary an unforgettable memory. When you join one of our Southend boat trips, you will be looked after and made to feel comfortable for the whole duration. We are constantly investing in our business to make it the best charter boat service out there, and will continue to grow as Southend-on-Sea itself grows as a city. We want to play a big part in the community by offering first-class boat trips Southend locals and tourists deserve, because there is so much to see. The views are breathtaking and can only be truly appreciated by boat. You will not be disappointed. We look forward to having you onboard. Thank you. Angus Browne (Director)


Contact info

4.3

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

8 reviews

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4.3

All reviews

(8)

8 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing memories made on Thames Estuary

We had the most amazing experience with Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips celebrating my son Mark’s 8th birthday. It was such a special and memorable day for our family and friends.

A big thank you to our skipper Angus, who was so welcoming, friendly and professional from the moment we arrived. He made everyone feel comfortable and helped make the whole trip run smoothly.

The journey was beautiful — from Leigh-on-Sea, seeing the views, enjoying the water, and creating memories we will always treasure. The children had such a wonderful time and it was a birthday celebration we will never forget.

Thank you Angus and the Brownes team for giving us such a fantastic experience. I would highly recommend this lovely family-run boat trip to anyone looking for something unique and special.
Ida & family

July 5, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fishing trip, Browns, leigh- on-sea.

Well, where to begin. Firstly, met the skipper, Angus Brown, friendly, informative, and generally a really great man. Then got on the 'starfish'. Great boat, comfortable, and good looking. Then we went to sea, had a most excellent time, it was thrilling, exciting, enjoyable, and just made our hearts sing. It was such a fantastic day, worth every penny and more. Great boat, great skipper, great day, 100%. If you're thinking of doing it, do it, you'll regret missing this one. Experience of a lifetime.

July 4, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Scattering of Ashes..

Scattering of Ashes..
From start to finish the quality of service was superb.
Booking was made easy due to great communication.
We were picked up a bit late due to strong winds holding the tide back but throughout were kept updated with regular texts.
The boat was very clean and tidy.
Many thanks to Angus for his professionalism and friendly service.
The whole family were delighted with the day.
Very highly recommended.

June 17, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I couldn't recommend Angus from Brownes…

I couldn't recommend Angus from Brownes Thames Boat Trips enough! We are currently down for a break at Southend on sea, did some research on a last minute boat trip, Angus did very well to accommodate myself and my 4 year old son on an amazing boat trip the next day, we did a 3 hour boat trip which included seeing some amazing views! Angus is very professional & very knowledgeable. My 4 year old throughly enjoyed his first ever boat ride and so did I, we will definitely be back to explore some more!
Thankyou for everything Angus!

April 20, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Ashes scattering

We chartered Brownes Boat Trips to help us scatter my father in laws ashes. Angus is superb! He made everyone feel at ease, and nothing was too much trouble.
We’d highly recommend Angus!

April 18, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Knowledgeable and friendly

Angus has being great. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Great support are given from the minute we made the booking. Look after us throughout and ensure everything went smoothly. Thank you for everything.

February 7, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A beautiful send off for our Dad 🪽💙

I cannot recommend Angus more. My dad wanted his ashes scattered on the Thames and we struggled to find someone who would do this London side and finding Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips really saved the day! Angus understood what a tender type of trip this was and couldn’t be more accommodating. It really was the perfect send off for our dad. Although I hope no one needs the recommendation should you want your loved one’s ashes scattered this way I would definitely recommend and would ride again. Thank you once again Angus!

November 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips logo

Reply from Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips

Thank you Ellouise for your kind review. Much appreciated. It was a pleasure having you all onboard Starfish to scatter your Dad's ashes & we hope it went as well as it could have. Big thank you once again. Angus 👍⚓🛥️🦭🛟⚱️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

An Unforgettable Trip on the Thames…

An Unforgettable Trip on the Thames Estuary!
​We recently took a boat trip with Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips, and it was a genuinely fantastic experience—a perfect way to explore the local coastline and nature from a unique, relaxing perspective.
​The service, led by our excellent skipper (often Angus, who is clearly passionate and highly experienced), was professional, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. The commentary was engaging, highlighting the beauty of the Estuary's natural landscape, the local coastal sights, and providing insights into the marine environment and wildlife. The boat itself, Starfish, felt safe, well-equipped, and comfortable for the duration of the trip.
​What makes Brownes stand out is the focus on the Estuary's stunning scenery and the overall relaxed atmosphere. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this trip offers a peaceful view of Southend-on-Sea and the surrounding areas.
​Highly recommended for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a memorable, relaxing day out on the water. We will definitely be booking another trip soon!

August 9, 2025
Unprompted review
Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips logo

Reply from Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips

Thank you so much Darren for your kind review. Much appreciated. What a great trip it was. Hope to see you aboard again soon. Angus 👍⚓🛥️🦭🛟⚱️🏺🐟🎣🎆🎇🧨

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