Splash Island: a unique water experience
Floating in the middle of the ocean near the island of Managaha is the latest tourist destination guaranteed to spruce up water recreation in the Northern Marianas to a higher level.
Splash Island, a 15,000-square foot water park only minutes away from Outer Cove Marina, offers a spectacular line of water entertainment for every family’s enjoyment.
Pelley Enterprises Inc. owner Anthony Pellegrino zeroed in on the concept of a floating resort from a Honolulu-based water park, the first of its kind in the United States.
“I saw this there and I just fell in love with the idea. I said to myself, this is what Saipan needs, something fresh, something new,” said Mr. Pellegrino.
Mr. Pellegrino invested in such a venture with high hopes of revitalizing CNMI’s ailing tourism industry.
Despite the downturn in the island’s tourism economy, Mr. Pellegrino has continuously invested in tourism-related businesses. “I believe that the CNMI will survive this crisis and I hope others will push through with their planned investments to help the economy grow,” he said.
The resort is made of colorful synthetic platform with large-squared holes to accommodate the three main attractions: the swimming pool with water slide, bump boats, and pirate boats.
The facility also features racing boats for individuals 16 years old and above. Capable of going on high speed, the vessels are modeled after professional race boats similar to the ones seen on television, according to Mr. Pellegrino.
“They’re almost like jet skis,” he added.
Floating boundaries mark the area where boat racers are free to roam around.
Docked on one side of the float is the love boat, complete with refreshments, shower and change rooms, and an area for dancing and karaoke.
“The mother ship has complete facilities on board where guests can buy food and drinks, sit in the shade, and sunbathe,” said Mr. Pellegrino.
The float can accommodate 150 people at one time with a total of 15 able staff to oversee to the guests’ needs.
Mr. Pellegrino took extra efforts to hire certified Red Cross life guards and individuals with vast knowledge in CPR and first aide to ensure the safety of all guests.
“We always have speed boats standing by all the time in case there’s an accident and we need to take them right to the hospital. We also have easy access to a cell phone and regular VHF radios and everything,” said Mr. Pellegrino.
To prevent guests from going overboard, the plastic float has also been surrounded with nets.
A 10-minute ride from Outer Cove Marina, the resort will carry a two-shift transport schedule for guests. One boat leaves at 9:00 a.m. and returns to Outer Cove at 12:00 p.m., and the last trip leaves at 12: 30 p.m. and back at 3:30 p.m.
The entertainment package can be availed at $85 for tourists and $49 for local residents.
“The nice thing is it’s like going to the Disney land, you don’t buy one ticket individually. It’s a package and you can ride all you can,” said Mr. Pellegrino.
The new water entertainment center is only the second of its kind in the U.S.
It took Mr. Pellegrino one year to complete Splash Island under close consultations with a Honolulu-based businessman.
The water park officially opens to the public this weekend. (MM)
