Philippines
Southeast Asia: a substantially underestimated cruising ground of 7,000 islands
Overview
The other substantially underestimated Asian cruising destination - you could spend a lifetime exploring the Philippines. It is easily reached from Hong Kong, but the best cruising is in the middle and south of the country, among more than 7,000 islands.
The jewelled islands of Busuanga and Coron hide some seriously superior resorts, these days all accessible by seaplane, as is much of the country. El Nido in the north of Palawan is justifiably famous. Apo and Tubbataha reefs are easily reached by superyacht and boast some of the best pelagic diving in the world.
There are plenty of ports of entry - ten in all - plenty of international airports, and excellent repair and engineering services available at Subic Bay. The main cruising season runs from January to May.
Cruising & Map
Map Key - Marinas & Cruising
- Subic Bay Yacht Club
- Manila Yacht Club
- Puerto Galera (Mindoro)
- Coron (Busuanga)
- El Nido (Palawan)
- Cebu Yacht Club
- Puerto Princesa (Palawan)
✈ Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila)
Apo & Tubbataha reefs - world-class pelagic diving. Ten ports of entry nationwide.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by the Bureau of Immigration and the Bureau of Customs. There are ten ports of entry, including the Port of Manila and Port of Subic on Luzon, Puerto Princesa on Palawan, Cebu in the Visayas and Zamboanga on Mindanao.
Government Contacts
Immigration: immigration.gov.ph
Customs: customs.gov.ph
International Airports
Ninoy Aquino (Manila) · Mactan-Cebu · Davao · Iloilo · Kalibo.
Key Anchorages
Coron & Busuanga · El Nido (Palawan) · Puerto Galera · Tubbataha & Apo Reefs · Boracay.
Local Services
Agents
Subic Asia Pacific Marine Resources
Travel
GMT Global Marine Travel
Shipyards
Colorado Shipyard (Cebu)
Yacht Management
Travel Cue
Yacht Clubs
Subic Bay · Manila · Cebu
Events
Rolex China Sea Race
APSA Members in Philippines
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts clear in to the Philippines?
There are ten ports of entry, including the Port of Manila and Port of Subic on Luzon, Puerto Princesa on Palawan, Cebu in the Visayas and Zamboanga on Mindanao, handled by the Bureau of Immigration and Bureau of Customs.
When is the best time to cruise the Philippines?
The main cruising season runs from January to May. The best cruising is in the middle and south of the country, easily reached from Hong Kong.
Where is the best cruising in the Philippines?
Highlights include the islands of Busuanga and Coron, El Nido in northern Palawan, Puerto Galera on Mindoro, and the Apo and Tubbataha reefs, which offer some of the best pelagic diving in the world.
Where can superyachts find refit and engineering in the Philippines?
Excellent repair and engineering services are available at Subic Bay on Luzon, with the Colorado Shipyard at Cebu and yacht clubs at Subic Bay, Manila and Cebu.
Which APSA members are based in the Philippines?
The Philippines' APSA member is GMT Global Marine Travel, a yacht travel management company with its regional head office in Manila.