Anchorage· Busuanga· Philippines

Busuanga Bay Anchorage (Pearl Bay, Puerto del Sol)

12° 1.1′ N · 119° 58.8′ E

The cruisers' bay of the Calamianes: a convoluted, mangrove-lined inlet off Concepcion with an outer 'Sunset' or 'Pearl' bay, resorts on the headlands and inner coves protected from just about everything.

Practical

Hackingfamily: 12 01.05N 119 58.78E, 54 ft (16 m) mud, in the outer bay. Entrance is wide but do not cut the corners: the south reef extends about 150 m north and the north reef about 300 m south; aim for the middle (see Busuanga Bay Entrance). Weave through the pearl-farm floats at the entrance (Cruising World). A strong west wind can push chop into the outer bay; the inner bays are protected from all weather and usually host several cruising boats. The next bay in has public moorings run from Marina del Sol; the bay beyond is shallower and even more protected; the innermost bay has a central reef but you can hug the shore and take the dinghy (or a shallow boat) up the river, which has mangrove spots the Ocelot crew judged usable as a typhoon refuge (debris from upstream villages is a risk). Water: a spring SE of the anchorage through the mangroves (high-tide dinghy access; tip the family who maintain it). No ATMs nearby: bring cash or use GCash. Sari-sari stores 200 m down the road from the dock past Busuanga Bay Lodge; limited groceries in Concepcion (30 minutes' walk). Damian, a diesel and outboard mechanic, can be found via the dock past BBL. Buses and vans run to Coron town and the airport. Globe signal excellent (tower above BBL); Smart weak (2022).

Best for

Long-stay hurricane-hole style base with resorts ashore

Season

All year; the inner bays are the Calamianes' best bad-weather shelter

Nearby