Philippines: The Hinatuan Passage – East to West
The passage from Palau to the Philippines is sailed by many boats each year. When heading to Cebu or passing through the Philippines to Malaysia, the shortest route goes through the Hinatuan Passage. This report from Jim and Katie Thomsen, s/y Tenaya, who transited the passage in February 2014.
Published 11 years ago, updated 6 years ago
The Sailing Directions make it sound scary; “The current attains a velocity of about 7 knots between Kabo Island and Rasa Island. A velocity of 10.5 to 11 knots has been reported… There are heavy rips and swirls at certain stages from Kabo Reef to Hinuatuan Island.”
We followed this strategy and had a pleasant motor through the Passage:
Approach the Hinatuan Passage from the East, either sailing close to Cauit Point (09° 19’ .8 N 126° 13’ .0 E) or directly from the East. The only danger (other than small fishing boats) is a rock at 09° 29’ .19 N 126° 03’ .93 E.
Enter the Hinatuan Passage at 09° 33’ .50 N 125° 54’ .50 E.
If timing the tides does not allow you to continue, a good anchorage can be found at Lapinnigan Island. Continue on the route 2 miles then turn west to 09° 35’ .0 N 125° 48’ .60 E. Follow these waypoints to the anchorage:
09° 34’.62 N 125° 47’ .70 E
09° 34’.56 N 125° 47’.17 E (pass between Pagbuy Rocks and Bagong Island)
09° 34’.12 N 125° 46’.20 E
09° 34’.29 N 125° 45’.66 E
Anchor at 09° 34’.40 N 125° 45’.64 E
When the timing of the tides allow, continue from 09° 33’.50 N 125° 54’.50 E. to 09° 40’.65 N 125° 44’.45 E. The only danger in this area is Hinatuan Rock at 09° 41’.38 N 125°46’.03 E. The Banug Strait has less current than the longer route around Hinatuan Island and is deep and clear of dangers.
Continue to the entry point 09° 44’.50 N 125° 43’.30 E and into the Banug Strait between Hinatuan Island and Talavera Island to 09° 45’.72 N 125° 41’.85 E. It is important to time the tides correctly. You should arrive at this point at Mid Flood, 3 to 3 ½ hours before High Water Surigao.
This timing should allow you to reach the narrowest, most critical point, near Rasa Island, just before slack water. High Water here is about 40 minutes before High Water Surigao. The Sailing Directions warn that occasionally this time could vary as much as 40 or 50 minutes.
The flood current flows from the Pacific to the West. Arriving at Rasa Island just before slack water will provide a nice positive current through the rest of the passage.
From the ‘Mid Flood’ waypoint, 09° 45’.72 N 125° 41’.85 E follow:
09° 48’.30 N 125° 39’.35 E
09° 48’.77 N 125° 37’.60 E
09° 46’.85 N 125° 35’.10 E. This is the narrow section between Lapinig Island and Rasa Island, just south of the Rasa Light.
09° 49’.0 N 125° 32’.50 E. This is the end of the passage and the port of Surigao is a couple of miles to the Southwest.
It was not easy to find information about the best strategy for this route. Many reports detail challenging times in the passage, often motoring against a strong current and making slow headway. I am very grateful to the captains of Matsu and Pelagic for their helpful suggestions.
Jim and Katie Thomsen, s/y Tenaya
Related to following destinations: Philippines
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