CEBU CITY, Philippines — Known for trailblazing ventures, Cebu City businessman Jay Aldeguer has once again ventured into the island-hopping business that has so far been served by small boat operators.

Recognizing the potential in the island-hopping market, Aldeguer, Islands Group president, says they set up Islands Banca Cruises (IBC), which has been operational for four months.

“Cebu has been a world-class destination but what the tourists and visitors are clamoring for are world-class activities, such as experiences that can compare to whale shark experience in Donsol, the tarsier or chocolate hills experience in Bohol, the white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro and Davao,” he explains.

The company invested P2 million for the boats and the cost of setting up the business, he reveals.

“I’m pretty excited because I did not expect this business has this much potential,” Aldeguer says.

Aldeguer says he realized the potential of the business when he learned the Mactan Channel had 30 to 50 boats serving tourists who go island-hopping even on weekdays. These were owned by fishermen and boat operators who have up to five boats each, he says.

Aldeguer notes that Cebu still has to maximize its island-hopping activities.

“We are trying to streamline it and reinvent the activities and I really think that Cebu as a destination has not pushed island-hopping strongly enough as diving,” he says.

Just like when he started his souvenirs business, Island Souvenirs, Aldeguer says people also ask him why he ventured into a business that appears to be a micro business.

But he believes that just like Islands Souvenirs that transformed the country’s souvenirs business from a cottage industry into a flourishing one, the IBC will play a role in bringing professionalism to the island-hopping business.

Various activities

The IBC offers different activities, such as snorkeling, sea kayaking, fish feeding and dolphin watching. It also offers special packages, such as sunset cruises, lechon and barbecue picnics on board the banca or on a sandbar, theme parties or a candle-lit dinners for two.

The IBC’s boats also have facilities not offered by others also offering island-hopping activities.

“Our boats are nicely designed. It has a sun deck, an iPod dock and wi-fi facilities for our bigger boats. Our beanbags are also becoming popular. Everybody likes to lounge around (the boat deck),” he says.

The IBC now has three boats but it has two others under construction.

“We will have five boats before the end of the year. And, in preparation for the next summer, we hope to double our capacity,” he tells the Inquirer.

Of the three boats, the Butanding is the biggest and can carry 30-35 persons. The Butete has a capacity of 15-20, and Bolinao six to eight.

Two boats under construction will have bigger capacities of more than 25 persons, Aldeguer says.

“It looks like the market revolves around that quantity. We’re getting a lot of private parties, even children’s parties and company events,” he points out.

The IBC also has tie-ups with Japanese and other foreign tour operators, he adds.

However, it appears like even this early, the IBC has positive impact on the sector as it is negotiating with at least three boat operators, who own at least five boats each, for the company to manage their boats.

“They recognize our link in the travel industry. They would rather have us manage the boats. As early as the first few months of operations, we were already outsourcing some of our services,” he explains.

Aldeguer says the IBC is willing to take over the operation of these boats but these have to meet the standards of the company.

“The boats will be branded by us and the crew will be ours,” he adds.

Aside from the 15-minute to 30-minute trips to Olango and Hilutungan, the IBC also offers trips to Bantayan, Moalboal, Dumaguete and Apo Island.

“We have a couple of boats that are quite fast, with a trip going to Bantayan in four hours,” Aldeguer says.

Snorkeling and fish-feeding are among the favorite activities of IBC’s non-diver customers, he says. “We’re talking about big fish, two feet long. You go fish-feeding and the fish nibble on your fingers when you offer them bread,” he says.

The IBC crew briefs the children on the kind of fish they will see.

The children’s party package conforms to the Islands Group’s advocacy for environmental awareness and protection.

“The diving, snorkeling and other activities could become a major showcase, if packaged properly. I think Cebu should start to position itself as an island-hopping destination,” Aldeguer says.