Anchorage· Bucas Grande· Philippines
Bucas Grande Anchorage (Socorro)
9° 36.9′ N · 125° 58.1′ E · approximate
An anchorage off Socorro town, the only municipality on Bucas Grande, in the protected waters between the Bucas islands and Siargao - the yacht base for exploring Sohoton Cove by dinghy or hired banca.
Practical
Approx position: about 250 m SE of the Socorro ferry terminal (OSM node 3406114683), checked to be in water (about 235 m off the OSM coastline). No cruiser report, depth or holding figure was found for Bucas Grande in Noonsite, Hacking Family or the OCC Philippines thread; approach in good light with satellite imagery. Landmarks: the Philippine Coast Guard's Socorro minor light stands at the port (OSM node 9480264328, operator Surigao Station PCG), and OSM maps two breakwaters at the harbour (ways 1028280276 and 1028280277) - keep clear of the ferry berth inside them. Wikipedia places Socorro town at 9 37'05"N 125 57'58"E. The expedition ship Coral Adventurer (78 passengers) called at Sohoton Cove and Daku Island in November 2023 before leaving for Palau, so the Socorro side is used by visiting ships (TIN/PNA). Do not take a yacht into Sohoton Cove: the cave entrance is passable only at low tide by small boat and fishermen get trapped inside at high water (Lakwatsero). Dapa-Socorro passenger boats at 7 am and 2 pm, about 1 h (Lakwatsero 2013; verify locally). Supplies in Socorro are basic; fuel by jerry can. Bucas Grande was under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 during Typhoon Odette (Dec 2021).
Best for
Base for Sohoton Cove, Tojoman Lagoon and Tiktikan
Season
Most settled Mar-Jun
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).