Anchorage· Luzon (Calatagan, Batangas)· Philippines
Pagapas Bay Anchorage (Calatagan)
13° 49.5′ N · 120° 40.8′ E · approximate
A wide bay on the east side of the Calatagan Peninsula, an arm of Balayan Bay, where the peninsula blocks the South China Sea swell. It is the logical place to wait out the SW monsoon before rounding Cape Santiago into the Verde Island Passage.
Practical
Position approximate: in open water near the centre of the mapped Pagapas Bay (OSM relation 15726934), more than 1 km from any mapped coastline. Depth, holding and reef extent are not documented in the sources found; approach in good light and sound. Wikipedia notes a reef surrounds Calatagan, with a traditional entrance through it at Balong-Bato still used by boats from Mindoro and Manila. Protection: the peninsula gives a lee from the west and south-west (habagat), but the bay opens east and north-east across Balayan Bay. Cape Santiago is about 6 NM to the south-west. The Batangas Coast Guard station operates the Cape Santiago light. It is not a recognised typhoon shelter; the PGYC notes point to Hamilo Cove and the Maya-Maya marina to the north, or Puerto Galera across the passage.
Best for
A SW-monsoon lee before the Verde Island Passage
Season
Jun-Oct lee from SW winds; exposed to NE amihan
Nearby
- Calatagan Port (Lubang Ferries)3 NM away
- Calatagan Public Market3 NM away
- Cape Santiago Lighthouse (Calatagan)3.6 NM away
- Cape Santiago Drop-off (trolling ground)4.2 NM away
- Lago de Oro Cable Ski Park (Calatagan)6.5 NM away
- Matabungkay Balsa Festival8.3 NM away
- Matabungkay Beach8.3 NM away
- Talim Bay Anchorage (Binubusan, Lian)9.6 NM away