The “Mactan UFO Tour Guide” – Runs Nighttime “Extraterrestrial Spotting” Boat Trips
Cebu’s Mactan Island has long been known for its turquoise beaches, luxurious resorts, and diving spots—but recently, something far stranger has joined its tourist scene: a self-proclaimed “Mactan UFO Tour Guide.” This man claims to take guests on boat rides under the stars, not to watch dolphins or fireflies, but to witness unidentified flying objects that appear off the coast during certain nights.
The Mysterious Rise of the UFO Tour Guide
Locals say the man, known simply as “Mang Lito”, started offering tours in late 2019. Originally a fisherman, Lito claims he once saw a glowing object hover over the Hilutungan Channel while at sea. It emitted a bluish-green beam and disappeared silently into the clouds. After multiple encounters, he began to document the sightings—and soon turned them into a tourism business.
For ₱1,500 per person, he offers a two-hour nighttime trip from Mactan’s port area, where guests are encouraged to bring binoculars, cameras, and open minds. According to those who have joined, the tour guide narrates past UFO sightings, shares video clips recorded by fishermen, and identifies “hotspot” areas where “extraterrestrial crafts” allegedly appear.
Cebu’s Alien Lore and Mactan’s Night Sky
Mactan’s skies have often been the subject of local legend. Some elders speak of “dagkong suga” (big lights) hovering above the sea after typhoons—interpreted by many as omens. In recent years, the rise of smartphone videos showing strange lights near Lapu-Lapu City has reignited UFO interest.
Astronomers from the University of San Carlos have pointed out that most sightings can be attributed to drone lights, aircraft, or satellites, but believers insist the movements of some lights defy explanation.
Whether truth or illusion, these stories add another layer of mystery to Cebu’s already vibrant culture—bridging superstition, science, and tourism.
What Happens During the UFO Tour?
The tour typically begins around 9:00 PM from a small dock near Marigondon. Guests board an outrigger boat equipped with spotlights and portable radios. Lito starts the journey with tales of Mactan’s maritime history and his first UFO encounter.
Halfway through the trip, the boat anchors near a dark stretch of sea where cellphone signals fade. The tour guide asks everyone to turn off their flashlights and gaze upward. Sometimes, strange lights appear in formation—triangular, circular, or darting fast across the horizon.
Skeptics call it coincidence. Believers call it contact. Lito calls it proof.
The Economic Side of Extraterrestrial Tourism
Despite its bizarre premise, the UFO tour has drawn attention from curious travelers. Local tricycle drivers and souvenir vendors have benefited, as the tour brings visitors to lesser-known areas of Mactan. Some local resorts even list the experience as a “mystery night option.”
Tourism experts note that “paranormal travel” is a growing niche—especially for those seeking unusual experiences beyond beaches and city tours. Mactan’s UFO stories, while strange, blend naturally with its island charm and Cebuano storytelling tradition.
Skepticism and Science
Local astronomer Ruel Arcenas explains that atmospheric conditions, drones, and fishing lights could easily cause optical illusions over water. “The sea reflects light differently at night,” he says. “When humidity and wind combine, simple boat lights can look like moving spheres.”
Still, he admits that some sightings remain “unclassified.” The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has also received sporadic reports of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs)—but none verified as extraterrestrial.
The Cultural Appeal of the Unknown
Whether you’re a skeptic or believer, the “Mactan UFO Tour” captures a deep human curiosity: the desire to understand what lies beyond. Cebuano culture has always been rich in folklore—from the engkanto of rivers to the sigbin in southern Cebu. The UFO story fits perfectly within this tradition—modernized, yet rooted in wonder.
Local artist groups have even begun painting murals inspired by “Mactan’s alien visitors,” and small cafés near the port now sell “UFO coffee” and “alien halo-halo.” The story has evolved from a fringe tale into a quirky slice of island identity.
Real or Not, It Brings People Together
For some tourists, it’s just entertainment; for others, it’s spiritual. A couple from Japan reportedly joined the tour twice, claiming they “felt watched” by the stars. Lito, smiling at their reaction, said, “Maybe they watch us the same way we watch them.”
Believers leave the tour with wonder; skeptics leave with laughter—but both share stories that keep the legend alive. And for a fisherman-turned-tour-guide, that’s more than enough.
Want to Explore More of Cebu?
If you’re planning to uncover both the mystical and tropical side of Cebu, you’ll love this local travel feature: Cebu Beach island-hopping details here – https://cebuparadise.com/cebu-travel-guide/
Final Thoughts
The story of the Mactan UFO Tour Guide reveals a lot about how Cebuanos transform myth into livelihood. Whether the lights are real or not, the fascination they inspire is undeniably human.
Under Mactan’s starlit skies, the line between legend and tourism blurs—leaving behind not just curiosity, but a reminder that in every unexplained story, there’s a spark of imagination that keeps Cebu’s soul alive.
