Ireland's first petrol-powered P5 offshore passenger tour boat is setting a new benchmark for marine tourism, combining twin Suzuki outboards with a purpose-built Redbay hull to deliver safe, efficient and sustainable operations along the country's rugged Atlantic coastline.
Operating from the Skellig Coast on the Wild Atlantic Way, AquaTerra Boat Tours has built its reputation on taking passengers beyond the shelter of the coast to experience one of Ireland's most dramatic marine environments. For founders Brendan Curtin and Elizabeth McCooey, reliability and safety are paramount, making the combination of Suzuki Marine power and a custom-built Redbay 1150 the foundation of their business.
Driving Vision: AquaTerra founders Elizabeth McCooey and Brendan Curtin have built an award-winning marine tourism business on the Skellig Coast, combining offshore capability, sustainability and premium visitor experiences. Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation
Their Redbay 1150 Skellig Bounty, powered by twin Suzuki DF300APXX outboards, is Ireland's first petrol-powered P5 offshore-rated passenger vessel, designed to operate more than eight miles offshore in exposed Atlantic conditions.
The vessel is the result of a close collaboration between AquaTerra and Northern Ireland boatbuilder Redbay Boats, with every aspect of the design tailored to offshore passenger operations.
"On our previous vessel, we ran a Suzuki DF300AP, which proved extremely reliable over extended use," Brendan Curtin said. "When the time came to commission a next-generation offshore vessel, that experience made Suzuki the natural choice."
He said the twin DF300APXX outboards combine performance, fuel efficiency and straightforward maintenance, while integrating seamlessly with the boat's hydraulic engine bracket system to optimise handling, power delivery and fuel economy.
Island Icon: AquaTerra guests approach the dramatic Skellig Michael aboard Skellig Bounty, experiencing one of Ireland's most iconic offshore destinations from the comfort of the Redbay 1150 powered by twin Suzuki DF300APXX outboards. Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation
The Redbay 1150's deep-V hull is designed to deliver a stable ride in challenging offshore conditions, while shock-mitigating seating and a carefully planned deck layout enhance passenger comfort and safety.
"We collaborated with Redbay from the outset to make sure everything worked exactly as we needed," Elizabeth McCooey said. "More traditional boats can feel unsettled offshore, but the Redbay maintains balance and control. Its design gives us the flexibility to operate across sheltered or more exposed areas without compromising on comfort or safety."
The quieter operation of the Suzuki outboards also improves the onboard experience while reducing disturbance to wildlife.
"The engines run incredibly smoothly, with minimal vibration, and are much quieter than traditional diesel setups," Brendan said. "That reduction in noise on deck makes a real difference to the guest experience."
Environmental responsibility is central to AquaTerra's operation. The company was recently recognised as Best Sustainable Boating Experience 2026 – Republic of Ireland and became the first marine tourism boat operator in Ireland to receive the prestigious Blue Flag award.
Blue Flag Pride: AquaTerra founders Elizabeth McCooey and Brendan Curtin celebrate becoming Ireland's first Blue Flag-accredited marine tourism boat operator alongside their Redbay 1150 Skellig Bounty, powered by twin Suzuki DF300APXX outboards. Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation
Operating within Ireland's National Marine Park, AquaTerra also participates in Fáilte Ireland's Climate Action Programme and is the only Irish boat tour operator selected for the I-STARS Project (Innovation for Sustainable Tourism and Resilience in the Atlantic Area).
For McCooey, the partnership between Suzuki and Redbay ultimately comes down to confidence.
"Based on our experience, we would absolutely choose Suzuki engines for future vessels," she said. "For us, it comes down to trust. We know we can depend on the engines to perform without incident for more than 750 hours each season in demanding conditions. "Paired with a purpose-built Redbay platform, that reliability means we can focus on what matters most: delivering unforgettable experiences and contributing to a more responsible standard for offshore tourism."
