Davao : Profile

Location

Located at the northern end of Samal Island, in the Davao Gulf. It is in a typoon-free area being in southern Mindanao.

The Gulf of Davao is situated on the south coast of Mindanao Island and has several islands, in addition, there are over 30 rivers and creeks which empty into the Gulf.

Clearance

Davao City is a safe place to stopover, apart from the usual petty crime. But it is not 100% safe outside of the city limits and it has been recommended not to stop anywhere else in Mindanao.

Few yachts visit and calls on VHF Ch 16 may not be answered.

The yacht quarantine anchorage is located 50-100m off the southern Sta. Anna wharf (approximately 07°04.53N, 125°37.74E). It is deep here and is a lee shore anchorage making it a little dangerous with a 0.5-1m SW swell in SW winds and rather uncomfortable.

It may be possible to anchor in shallower water closer to the southernmost jetty, but clear of busy ferry access lanes. Quarantine and Customs will come to the boat. Immigration will also visit (they may need to be informed of your arrival).

Last updated September 2009.

Customs
Tel:2331258

Docking

After immigration clearance, yachts can berth at either the southern or northern wharf bow-to. The northern wharf and the seaward end of the southern wharf are rather busy. Tide range is about 2m and the bottom is good gripping mud.

A recommended long term anchorage is at the top of Samal Island using one of the complimentary moorings belonging to Camp Holiday Resort, located close to the Kinawitnon RoRo Vehicle Ferry Wharf on Samal Is (approx. 07° 07.38'N, 125° 40.31'E).

The only marina on Mindanao island is on the northern tip of Samal Island at the Holiday Ocean View Resort. This is a secure place to leave a boat long-term.

Last updated July 2011.

Camp Holiday Resort
Towards the top of Samal Island
Tel:+63 (0)918 935-4278.
campholidayresort@gmail.com
Camp Holiday is reported to be very yacht friendly. They have 2 complimentary moorings and welcome yachts to use their finger jetty to land their dinghy, allow the use of their outdoor toilet and shower blocks, provide town water from a tap in their grounds and have a good variety of Filipino food (also beer, soft drinks and take-away ice) at very reasonable prices at their garden restaurant.
On the western side of the Kinawitnon Ferry Wharf there is a concrete ramp and ship haul out facility also owned by the Holiday Group and used primarily to repair/service their ferries. Cruisers have reported being able to haul out here and do repairs/antifoul etc.

Holiday Oceanview Marina
Garden Island City of Samal, Near Davao City, Philippines
Owned by the Holiday Group. Position 07°11.94N, 125°42.74E. This new resort and modern marina is a few miles NE of Camp Holiday at the northern tip of Samal Island.
One-stop check-in and out facility with Port and Immigration officials within the marina.
Only slipway in the gulf and is capable of hauling out up to 250 ton vessels. Capacity of over 100 yachts ranging from 9.76 metres to 20 metres long. All facilities including water/power/showers/laundry area/pumpout station and convenience store.

Clearing in at Cebu (30 Jan 2012)

Cruising SE Asia - Security Tips (01 Jan 2012)

Sailing back to Australia from SE Asia (16 Dec 2011)

Gulf of Davao and Holiday Oceanview Marina (11 Jul 2011)

Update to West Coast of Palawan - Cruising Notes (20 Jun 2010)

Book Review - Cruising Japan to New Zealand (03 Jun 2010)

Philippines: Subic Bay Yacht Club - Multiple Burglaries 2009 (19 Apr 2010)

Davao, Philippines Revisited - Sep 2009 (13 Sep 2009)

Southern Palawan and the Balabac Straits - Advice Wanted (01 Jun 2009)

Cruise Philippines, Manila to Kupang, Indonesia (22 Aug 2008)

Philippines to Sydney (10 Jul 2008)