A specially designed boat for Shetland’s top wildlife attraction
'Dunter
III of Bressay' is a 12-metre vessel, purpose-built to cruise in comfort to Shetland's seabird
cities and seal colonies - and to give wheelchair users access to these wonders
for the first time.
The extra-strong double hull is built of rugged aluminium alloy and equipped
with the latest electronic navigation and communications equipment. She's been
specially designed for your safety and comfort - and to minimise disturbance to
the birds, seals and other creatures we encounter on our adventure cruises.
Unlike some other operators, we insist on twin engines and full £10 million third-party
insurance, for our passengers' safety and peace of mind. Our insurers and the UK
Maritime & Coastguard Agency inspect the vessel annually. Instead of conventional
propellers, so easily fouled by floating debris, Dunter III has waterjet
propulsion, which is much less vulnerable.
Fingertip control of the twin waterjets enables us to manoeuvre
and anchor in coves and caves where other operators can't safely venture, so we
can spend more time with the birds and seals and see more of the coastline, much
closer up - but we can also quickly bring you back into sheltered waters if the
weather worsens. We guarantee you the very best and closest views of Shetland's
wonderful marine wildlife.
We
were the first wildlife boat tour operator in Shetland with subsea viewing.
Display screens on deck and in the saloon show live colour video pictures from 'LOMVI',
our remotely-controlled mini-submarine exploring beneath the waves. In the
saloon you'll also find identification charts, local guides, a wildlife library,
maps - and binoculars to borrow if you don't have your own with you.
We serve complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, tea and biscuits during your
cruise.
Wheelchair users welcome! Dunter III's main deck and toilet are wheelchair-accessible. If you let us know in advance of any mobility problems or
other special needs we'll be glad to make appropriate arrangements, at no extra
charge, to ensure you enjoy your cruise with us.
Just call 07831 217 042 (mobile) to discuss your requirements.
What to wear: if you prefer to be out on the open deck, please bring warm
clothing. It can be cold and wet - but never dull. Upstairs, on the flying
bridge, there's an observation platform with the best view in the ship - but it
can be chilly up there!.
Seabirds-and-Seals
gratefully acknowledges grant assistance from Shetland Islands Council, Shetland
Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise, together with loans from the Royal Bank of Scotland
and Shetland Development Trust, in building and equipping Dunter III
to the highest British safety standards.
