Seafood Extravaganza

Planning a trip to Cebu and craving an authentic taste of the Philippines’ famed seafood scene? The Seafood Extravaganza offers a unique dining experience on stilts, combining fresh catches, scenic views, and a bit of interactive fun that makes it more than just a meal. This tour, priced at $110 per person, is a delightful way to enjoy Cebu’s marine bounty while soaking up the island’s peaceful atmosphere.

What we particularly love about this experience is the chance to choose your seafood and decide how it’s prepared—a true hands-on culinary adventure. Plus, the setting on the northeastern side of Olango Island, with views over the Olango Channel, makes it a scenic spot to relax and enjoy a lazy lunch.

On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that this activity is weather-dependent; poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling. Also, lunch isn’t included in the price, so you’ll want to budget for drinks or extras. This tour suits food lovers, families, or anyone wanting a taste of local life in a tranquil, picturesque setting.

Key Points

• Unique dining setting on stilts overlooking Olango Channel provides scenic views and a relaxed vibe
• Interactive seafood selection allows you to pick your preferred catch and decide on the cooking style
• Boat transportation adds an element of adventure, making the meal feel like a mini island getaway
• Flexible and family-friendly, suitable for most travelers with a minimum of two participants
• Weather-sensitive activity; good weather ensures a smooth experience and gorgeous scenery
• Cost-effective considering the fresh seafood, scenic location, and boat ride, providing good value for the experience

An Introduction to Cebu’s Seafood Extravaganza

This tour is a blend of culinary exploration and scenic leisure, perfect for those who love fresh seafood and natural beauty. The experience begins at Scotty’s Action Sports Network at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort, where you’ll meet your group and start the journey. From there, a boat whisks you across the calm waters of Olango Island to the famed stilt seafood restaurant—a spacious, open-air structure perched on wooden stilts over the water, offering sweeping views that make waiting for your meal part of the adventure.

What makes this tour stand out is the interactive element—you get to select from a variety of seafood, including lobsters, squids, fish, shells, and shrimps. The freedom to choose how they’re cooked—grilled, fried, steamed, or boiled—means you can customize your plate to your mood. The setting is comfortably spacious, allowing groups to spread out and enjoy the tranquility of island life.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Scotty’s at Shangri-La Mactan

The tour begins here, conveniently located within a luxury resort with nearby attractions like the Lapu-Lapu Statue, which many travelers may want to visit before or after the tour. The meeting point provides easy access for most travelers on Mactan Island, with good proximity to public transportation options.

Boat Ride to Olango Island Seafood Restaurant

The boat ride is the first big highlight—short, scenic, and adding a splash of adventure. It’s a relaxing cruise across the channel, giving you a glimpse of the small islands and water life around Cebu. The boat is part of the experience, making the meal feel like a mini island hopping trip without the full day commitment.

Dining at the Stilt Seafood Restaurant

Once you arrive, you’ll find a spacious, open-air restaurant built on stilts. The view from here is calming—waves lapping below, the distant horizon, and lush greenery in the distance. Reviewers mention how the restaurant’s spacious layout makes it a pleasant place to relax while waiting for your order, with a vibe that’s both casual and special.

Seafood Selection & Preparation

The best part? You get to pick your seafood directly from the tanks—a fresh catch from the surrounding waters. Whether you prefer grilled lobster or steamed squids, the staff is happy to prepare your choices as you specify. Many reviewers appreciate the ability to be a kind of “chef for a day”, making the meal more interactive and fun for families or groups.

Enjoying the Feast

After the seafood is cooked, you can sit back and enjoy the views with a hearty, fresh meal. The emphasis on delicious seafood and tapas-style servings makes for an authentic, communal dining experience. The combination of soft island breezes and succulent seafood results in a satisfying, memorable meal.

Return Trip & End of Tour

After your feast, the boat takes you back to the starting point. The entire experience lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, giving you ample time to unwind and take photos. It’s a relaxed pace, fitting well into a day of exploring Cebu.

What Makes the Seafood on Stilts Special?

The restaurant’s appeal lies not only in its scenic location but also in the quality and freshness of the seafood. Since the ingredients are sourced locally, you’re eating what Cebu’s waters provide—lobsters, crabs, shrimps, and more—right on the same day. This freshness is a significant value-add, especially compared to packaged seafood meals elsewhere.

The interactive aspect also elevates the experience. Several reviewers mention how “being able to choose my seafood and see it prepared right before my eyes” made the meal feel personalized and special. It’s a delightful way to learn about local seafood varieties and cooking styles.

Authenticity & Additional Insights

From feedback, travelers appreciate how informal yet beautifully arranged the setting is. The spaciousness of the restaurant means you won’t feel cramped, and the calm waters create a peaceful backdrop to your meal. One visitor even mentioned, “It’s like having a seafood barbecue on the water, but with a professional touch.”

Some travelers note that the tour is very weather-dependent, so checking the forecast is wise. A bright, sunny day makes everything more enjoyable, and the views are stunning. Conversely, rain or strong winds can disrupt the boat ride or dining, so flexibility is key.

Cost-wise, considering the boat ride, scenic location, and the opportunity to customize your seafood, many find the $110 per person fee reasonable. It truly offers a combination of adventure, relaxation, and indulgence that’s hard to beat for a day trip.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for foodies eager to taste fresh, local seafood in a one-of-a-kind setting. It’s also suitable for families or small groups wanting a laid-back, interactive meal with scenic views. Travelers who enjoy boat rides and outdoor dining** will especially find this appealing.

However, those seeking a more structured or culinary-focused experience might prefer a dedicated food tour; this is more about the ambiance and fresh catches than gourmet sophistication. Also, if bad weather is forecasted, it’s worth considering alternative plans or confirming the weather cancellation policy.

The Sum Up

The Seafood Extravaganza offers a memorable way to enjoy Cebu’s rich marine offerings amid stunning natural scenery. The combination of interactive seafood selection, scenic boat ride, and relaxing waterfront setting makes it a fantastic choice for adventurous food lovers and those wanting a break from typical island tours.

While weather can impact the experience, when conditions are favorable, it’s a delightful and authentic taste of Cebu’s coastal lifestyle. The value for the price lies in the fresh seafood, the scenic journey, and the chance to be part of an activity that feels both fun and genuinely local.

For travelers who want to combine food, nature, and a bit of adventure, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s best suited for those who appreciate a relaxed pace, scenic views, and a chance to interact with local culinary traditions.

FAQ

How do I get to the starting point?
The tour begins at Scotty’s inside Shangri-La Mactan Resort, which is accessible for most travelers on the island, with nearby public transportation options.

Is transportation included?
Transport is not explicitly included; however, the tour involves a boat ride to Olango Island, which is arranged as part of the experience.

What seafood can I expect to choose from?
You’ll have options like shells, fish, squids, shrimps, lobsters, and more, all freshly caught from local waters.

Can I decide how my seafood is prepared?
Yes, you can choose the cooking style—grilled, fried, steamed, or boiled—according to your preferences.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours from start to finish.

Is this experience suitable for families?
Absolutely. It’s family-friendly, especially since the activity is fun, interactive, and relaxed.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and camera for photos, and prepare for warm weather. Drinks and soda are not included, so bring some if you like.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; poor weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with a full refund if canceled.

Is there a minimum number of participants?
Yes, a minimum of two travelers is required to book this experience.

In all, the Seafood Extravaganza offers a genuine taste of Cebu’s coastal charm, packed into a fun, scenic, and tasty adventure that’s perfect for those looking to blend food, nature, and a bit of local culture on their trip.