It was a morning filled with excitement as the sun’s first light poured over the horizon of Hilutungan channel, casting a golden glow on the tranquil waters. Last weekend, our private yacht – a recreational boat beauty that had been carefully stocked and prepared for this  – undocked from the serene shores of the Club Cebu Hopping Diving Resort in Maribago. The air was crisp with the promise of adventure, and as the transfer boat brings us to the Yacht. Once on board, the yacht slowly glided away from its anchors, the channel spread out before us, a vast stretch of water that connected the islands and the exciting resort skyscrapers of Mactan Island as the history resort city in the Philippines.

A fine day with the boat transfer from shore to Club Cebu Hopping Yacht

With the hum of the yacht's engines beneath our feet, the anticipation began to build. The crew, a mix of friendly and professional staff, moved about efficiently, preparing for the first part of the day’s journey - a welcome dance performance onboard! The vast blue sea shimmered, and the yacht’s sleek hull cut through the water with ease.

Club Cebu Hopping and Diving Resort double decker Yacht

We were promised an unforgettable experience, and it was quickly becoming clear that we were about to be swept into an adventure like no other. The luxury of being on a private yacht was evident in every aspect of the journey. It wasn’t just about the boat or the destination—it was about the experience, the freedom to explore, and the delicious indulgence along the way. And, naturally, the food was going to be a highlight.

The buffet spread at Club Cebu Hopping Yacht

As the yacht skimmed across the water, the buffet spread was unveiled, and the flavors took center stage. The tables were lined with a delightful fusion of seafood, local specialties, and Seoul-style dishes which gained now gained popularity in Cebu. A huge platter of grilled seafood sat beside perfectly seasoned local favorites, carefully planned for the mid day meal. Spicy kimchi mingled with tender meat loafs, and hoarded few sticks of barbecue on my plate. We all feasted like royalty, savoring every bite as the boat continued its graceful glide through the calm waters and the picturesque view of Mactan Island shores and Olango.

The mix of flavors—local, international, and fusion—felt like a culinary adventure in itself. Each dish told a story, and the atmosphere on board was filled with laughter and conversation, as the sea stretched on around us. The friendly chatter between bites was infectious, and every now and then, someone would raise a glass to the beauty of the day. The open bar added an extra layer of indulgence, with cocktails flowing as the yacht moved steadily towards its next destination: Olango Island.

All White Cebu Bloggers Society and Cebu Creators at Club Cebu Hopping Yacht

As we ventured deeper into the channel, heading towards the picturesque San Vicente, the mood was light and lively. The warm breeze swept through the deck, and the salty scent of the sea seemed to invigorate the entire group. Each guest are being assigned with crew staff which can attend your need like serving you a drink, they can be your photographer for that Island hopping social media post too.

By the time we reached Olango Island, the excitement was palpable. Some of the group, eager to explore the underwater world, donned their scuba gear and prepared for a diving experience that would take them into the deep, torquise waters of Hilutungan channel. The crew had been busy prepping the dive equipment—everything from tanks to fins, all checked and double-checked for safety. But while the divers headed off to explore the deeper depths of the sea, another part of the group was ready to explore the shallows.

Divers with the turquoise water backdrop

I was among those who chose to spend time snorkeling. There’s something magical about drifting in the water, weightless and free, as the world beneath the waves opens up before you. We swam alongside vibrant coral gardens, each moment offering a new discovery. We brought some fish food and bread to attract brilliant schools of fish which darted playfully around us, their iridescent scales catching the light.

Some of the fish had colors so vivid they looked like brushstrokes of an artist, swishing through the clear turquoise water. Though the ocean current are medium strong, the coral formations stretched out like underwater forests, with each turn revealing new marine life. It was as though the ocean itself was a living, breathing canvas of beauty, constantly shifting and changing.

Club Cebu Hopping has Gopro units onboard, the crew assign to you will help you document your hopping journey.

For those of us who preferred to relax with a drink in hand, the open bar was the perfect retreat. The cool cocktails—each one more refreshing than the last—were complemented by the breathtaking scenery. The vibrant blue waters of the island beckoned, while the warm sun on our skin made it hard to believe that such a perfect day existed.

In between the excitement of the water activities, the yacht's energetic and cheerful staff kept the atmosphere light and entertaining. There were moments when the music would swell and the crew would lead everyone in a series of fun, spontaneous yacht party dances. Even those who hadn’t planned to join in found themselves laughing and dancing, swept up in the carefree joy of the moment. The lively dances brought everyone together, creating memories that would stay with us long after we had returned to land.

Dancing is one of Club Cebu Hopping entertainment language

Club Cebu Hopping crews can be your trusted boat captain as well as ensure no boring moments at the decks.

Energetic boat crews at Club Cebu Hopping

We hop to another Island and this time we found ourselves at the equally enchanting and humble Mundo Island in Maribago.

As the crew busied themselves preparing the jet skis and banana boats, there was no shortage of things to do. Some of the group decided to take out the jet skis, feeling the thrill of racing across the waves, leaving behind a trail of foam as the engine roared to life. The wind in their faces and the thrill of the water beneath them made for an exhilarating ride. Meanwhile, another option would be the banana boat, though none tried, its an adrenaline ride of laughing as they bounced across the water. That bright yellow vessel looking like a playful inflatable on the horizon. The turquoise waters stretched out around them, and the excitement was palpable as they skimmed along the surface, propelled by the force of the boat’s motor.

Club Cebu Hopping offers water sports: Jet skis, Banana boat, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, banana boat rides and helmet diving. Inquire in advance with the crew to secure your activity spot.

As the day unfolded, we had the unique opportunity to witness something many could only dream of: certified divers slipping effortlessly into the sea with their mobile dive gear. The crew had set up dive stations, ensuring that those of us who wanted to explore the deeper parks and reef sites could do so safely and with the guidance of experienced instructors. It was awe-inspiring to watch as the divers descended into the crystal-clear water, disappearing into the depths as if they were part of the ocean itself.

Dive with trained Club Cebu hopping scuba masters.

It was an experience like no other. To be able to witness the magic of the ocean firsthand, to explore its depths and swim alongside creatures that called it home—it was a reminder of how vast and incredible our world is. And yet, there was still so much to discover. After all the water activities and dancing with the crews, everyone are treated with a platter of Mango, water melon and grapes as well as steaming hot ramen with kimchi for food pampering. Very hospitable from Club Cebu Hopping team. Not to mention the bottomless drinks which stayed cold for the duration of the hopping.

Fruit platters of Sweet Cebu mangoes, water melon and grapes at Club Cebu Hopping

One of the most memorable moments came toward the rear end of the journey when a cocktail show was set up on the deck. The crew bartender, a true entertainers with bottles and make shift water mist machine, performed a mesmerizing display of dancing skill, twirling, flipping, and pouring drinks with flair. The colors of the cocktails matched the energy of the sun hues in the sky, each drink a work of art in its own right. We gathered around, drinks in hand, enjoying the show as the warm of the sun put more energy to the group.

Multi talented Club Cebu Hopping boat crew acts as DJ and voice Dj

Club Cebu Hopping Crew and guest in the dance floor.

The journey felt endless, as if the sea had become a timeless realm where anything was possible. The activities, the laughter, the food, and the unparalleled beauty of the sea—all combined to create an unforgettable experience.

Thank you for the ultimate Sea Party ever, Club Cebu Hopping team!

As the yacht slowly began its return journey to Maribago, the memories of the day lingered, as though they had been etched into our minds forever. We had spent the day discovering the wonders of the sea, but in truth, it was more than that. It was a day of connection: connection with nature, with friends, and with the pure joy of being alive in a moment of perfect harmony. The yacht had not simply carried us across the waters; it had carried us into an unforgettable adventure—a reminder of just how vast and beautiful our world is, and how, sometimes, all it takes is a perfect day on the water to remind us of that.