Anchorage· Mindoro (Puerto Galera)· Philippines

Muelle Bay Typhoon Shelter

13° 30.7′ N · 120° 57.3′ E

Puerto Galera's landlocked harbour: Muelle, Varadero, Dalaruan and Boquete bays tucked behind Medio and Boquete (Paniquian) islands with two narrow entrances. Widely cited as one of the best natural typhoon shelters in the region, and the reason cruisers base here through the typhoon months.

Practical

Southeast Asia Pilot harbour position 13 30.750N 120 57.250E. Two approaches: the Manila (West) Channel between Medio and Boquete islands - recommended for most cruising boats - and the Batangas (North) Channel, crossed by unlit overhead power cables (Notice to Mariners of 18 Oct 2010, info updated Aug 2024; clearance estimated 40 ft above high water; east end Barangay Dalaruan, west end Medio Island) - tall vessels must use the West Channel. If arriving at night and new to the inner bays, anchor outside until daylight (reefs). Inside: no anchoring in Muelle Bay itself (moorings only); anchor in Boquete or Dalaruan bays, west of Paniquian Island in the NE monsoon or in Varadero Bay in the SW monsoon (sand, choose depth to suit keel and scope). Kraken Yachts reader report: good holding in mud, well protected in all directions. Typhoon Ruby (Dec 2014) drove a ship and a barge aground on a reef sanctuary in Muelle Bay; the mayor said more than 20 vessels shelter in the bay whenever a storm passes - expect crowding and set well clear of big steel vessels. Contact PGYC VHF 68. Admiralty chart A3559 (Anchorages in Luzon, Mindoro and Marinduque) covers the harbour.

Best for

Typhoon refuge and the safest base in the Verde Island Passage

Season

Year-round; most used May-Dec for typhoon shelter

Nearby