If you think that being a non-swimmer in a
small island like Saipan is enough to make your life miserable and
boring, you’re quite wrong. The island abounds with interesting water
activities that gives you access to experience all the thrills and
excitement of getting wet.
If
you have been here for sometime, you won’t have missed seeing
inflatable yellow or pink banana-shaped raft being pulled by a boat
around the island. You won’t have missed seeing up to six people garbed
in life jackets and helmets and holding on to a piece of plastic arm
grip for dear life as the boat makes huge waves on the water.
Getting up very early last Saturday didn’t
faze me like ordinary days because I was looking forward to a day of
adventure at the Managaha Island. After a hearty lunch, Tasi Tours
supervisor for Managaha Yuka Saito told us that she can book us for a
ride at the banana boat. Five minutes before 1 p.m. I was already at the
area designated for passengers of the banana boat, clumsily tying the
knots of my lifejacket and my helmet.
“If the banana boat flips over, let go.
Don’t hold on,” the boat captain instructed just before we pushed away
from the shore. I fought the fear that was starting to build up inside
me and instead started to pray that my life jacket can hold me if we
indeed flip over. I chose the rear seat 
and it was a good decision because the five people in front of me
warded off much of the water. We started off smoothly, but when we were
some meters away from Managaha, the boat picked up speed and we rode
above high waves, crashing through the breakers into the blue waters.
and it was a good decision because the five people in front of me
warded off much of the water. We started off smoothly, but when we were
some meters away from Managaha, the boat picked up speed and we rode
above high waves, crashing through the breakers into the blue waters.
A thrilling ride indeed, with me saying my
prayers so fast and waiting for the signal to abandon the banana boat
whenever the boat made quick twists and turns.
As I held on for life on the small handgrip,
my imagination went wild. If there was a leak or a small hole in the
inflatable balloon, that would be my end, but of course it was just my
imagination. I feared yet at the same time was excited at the thought of
being forced to jump into the blue waters.
I clung to the assurance Saito gave us
earlier that Tasi Tours has always put the safety of their customers in
all the marine sports as their top priority.
The ride was brief, and before we knew it,
we were heading back to shore. The memory of those 20 minutes of wet,
thrilling adventure is something I will treasure.
Another option to the banana boat is the
Banana Split. Unlike the banana boat where you have to balance your
body, you can comfortably sit on the banana split but the thrill lies on
the incredibly dizzying speed as you skim over the water.
Saito said they also refer to the banana
split as water jet. She said the banana boat ride is available for
children and adults for $30.
Other thrilling marine sports are available
at the Managaha Island like scuba diving, bubble maker, sasy,
parasailing, aqua naut, and snorkeling tour. For more information,
please call Tasi Tours & Transportation Inc. at (670) 234-7148, fax
(670) 235-7141, email managahatasi@tasitours.com or visit www.tasi-tours.com.
This article was first published HERE
