Subic Bay is the first bay north of Manila on Luzon Island.

We were in Subic Bay Yacht Club, which I rate 2 out of 5 stars because:

• it is complex to enter Subic Bay in general and you need permission beforehand;
• it is a dirty, polluted bay and very noisy because of the US airforce base here;
• refueling is only by jerrycans and you have to buy your diesel at the gas station across the street from the yacht club;
• it is expensive at $110 a day for a 12.6 mtr catamaran (double fee) – with a minimum of three days;
• it does, however, have good docks, water and electricity;
• the same applies for the pool or restaurant, good but expensive.

We sent in all paperwork three days early to the Marina and on arrival Port control asked us to wait outside in 30-50 meters of depth. We didn’t comply, instead anchoring near Grande Island.

Our request was processed by the Bureau of Quarantine, but the Port Authority were not aware of our paperwork. So, we contacted the General Manager of the Yacht Club by WhatsApp and he and his employees clarified it with the Port Authority. Quarantine, Customs and Immigration all came to the Marina and it cost us $300 in total to check in and clear out.

An independent agent to clear you in/out is George de Leon, +63 915 137 7836, subicyachtserv.george@gmail.com

The diesel dock just outside the Marina is not recommended by members, so someone on the dock will lend you jerrycans and a hand pump.

Taxis are cheap and the Royal Tax-free Supermarket has all the supplies you want. There is also a chandlery – Broadwater Marine supply store. Both are on the internet.

SV Kiskadee

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