Cruising Mactan on a Waverunner

It was overcast with a slight drizzle when I woke up that day. But I was determined to continue with my plans and that included taking my most anticipated adventure to Olango Island onboard a Yamaha Waverunner.

It was a treat for me and five of my friends courtesy of Cebu’s newest adventure maker, Jetscape Adventures, and its architect, Alex Roa. Luckily, on reaching Cebu Yacht Club in Lapu-Lapu City, where Jetscape presently holds office, the weather became more cooperative.

A brief orientation on how to operate the Waverunner and the route that we would be taking then ensued, after which we were off to an adventure that we just couldn’t forget.

We took with us two Waverunners: one for us, novice drivers, and another for our guide. To complete the fleet, we also had a chaseboat where the rest of us would be staying, anticipating for our turn to maneuver the sleek machine.

It was a six-hour adventure covering approximately 35 miles. Our route took us from the Yacht Club to Olango Island. We cruised through the breathtaking Magellan Bay amidst the backdrop of some of the island’s world-class resorts, and then crossed the Hilutungan Channel, stopping at the bay of Hilutungan Island to marvel at the beauty of its rich marine life. It was actually a preview of what we had for lunch.

After which we headed off to one of Cao-oy’s floating restaurants, or more accurately, restaurants on stilts, to have a light, or for that day, a fully satisfying lunch of the freshest seafood. And I literally mean that as the lobsters and fish joyfully jumped and crept unaware of their unfortunate demise. A long journey back to the Yacht Club on board the Waverunner concluded the trip.

What could be more exciting than that?

The thrill comes from maneuvering the Waverunner on open water – lashing and cutting through the somewhat unwelcoming waves.

When on board the Waverunner, appreciating the beauty of the astounding tropical-inspired edifices lining the island of Mactan is near to impossible, as you will be pre-occupied with the thrill of speed. This is the reason why I would recommend, should you try this thrilling escapade, for you to be on the chaseboat on the first leg of the trip. On the way back there is not much to see but open water, so I would say the prospect of driving the Waverunner is much better without you missing on the beautiful scenes.

We stopped by the marine sanctuary off the coast of Hilutingan Island where we snorkeled, marveling at the underwater treasure of the island. The sanctuary is breathtaking. It is a relief to see a dynamic marine ecosystem with large colorful corals, lush sea vegetation, and a diverse array of fishes and other marine creatures freely swimming. No wonder tourists come in droves either to dive or just to snorkel on its surface.

Lunch at Cao-oy was just as satisfying. One of the firsts who put up this novice establishment was Efren and Gloria Apa, and after decades of operation, they pride themselves for providing the best service and the most delightful dishes.

Your satisfying lunch would start from choosing the main ingredient of the dish you’ll be having. Efren would go down to their holding bay below the restaurant, harvesting the jumping groupers and creeping lobsters or the seemingly quite yet highly venomous rock fish. You then choose how it would be cooked: grilled, steamed, fried, battered, boiled, or if you have special instructions, go ahead, they will cook it the way you want it.

A most refreshing drink would be coconut water straight from the shell. I would say this would be a most welcoming beverage after hours under the blazing Mactan sun.

There are several similar establishments lining the shore of Cao-oy, but nothing beats the original, no wonder several of Cebu’s elite frequent Efren and Gloria Apa’s Floating Fish Cage Restaurant.

After the filling lunch, it was time to go home, with a few minutes more of thrill and fun riding the Waverunner with no more distractions, an uninterrupted trip to the Yacht Club.

Indeed, an escapade along the waters of Cebu on board one of the Waverunners of Jetscape Adventures, or even just on board the chaseboat, is one worth taking. Nothing beats the experience. Alex told us that soon they will be offering other destinations for their clients, and what’s limiting them? Do you have a destination in mind? Tell it to Alex and he’ll take you there onboard the Waverunner.

Check out their website at www.jetscape adventures.com, and while you’re at it, drop by my blog at www.xanga.com/tribong_upos for more of my adventures.