Destination: Subic Bay, Philippines
Introduction
Subic Bay is one of the finest natural harbours in Southeast Asia — a 10-kilometre deep-water bay on the South China Sea coast of Luzon, once home to the United States Navy's largest overseas base and now a Freeport Zone with remarkable marine facilities. The US Naval Base Subic Bay closed in 1992 following the Mount Pinatubo eruption, and the facilities were converted to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which today operates a major container port, international airport, duty-free retail, hotels, and — crucially for visiting yachts — the Philippine Yachting Hub with dedicated marina facilities and haul-out capacity. The surrounding Subic Bay environment has been preserved as a jungle reserve and is one of the best-maintained natural areas in Luzon.
GPS Coordinates
14° 48' 0.000"N 120° 16' 0.120"E
14 48 0.000N 120 16 0.120E
Protected Anchorages
Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC) operates a well-equipped marina on the west shore of the inner bay in 4–6 metres alongside pontoons; call VHF Ch 72 or 16 for berth assignment. The club has diesel, water, laundry, restaurant, and bar. Hanjin shipyard (closed) occupies the northeast corner; avoid the restricted zones. Anchorage is available throughout the inner bay in 10–20 metres over good holding mud — excellent shelter in all conditions as the bay is fully enclosed. The Grande Island resort in the bay mouth has moorings and a dive centre; day trips by speedboat from SBYC. The outer bay approaches from the South China Sea are straightforward in settled weather; the bay is navigationally uncomplicated with no significant hazards in the entrance channel.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
Subic Bay is a designated port of entry for the Philippines. The Subic Bay Freeport Zone Authority (SBMA) has its own customs and immigration processing. Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Immigration operate at the Freeport Zone. Contact SBMA Port Operations on VHF Ch 16 on arrival. The Freeport Zone status means duty-free fuel and chandlery shopping within the zone. Most nationalities can enter visa-free for 30 days. A Yacht Cruising Permit is issued at entry.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC)
Renowned Attractions
- Subic Bay Freeport Zone — duty-free shopping, restaurants, and entertainment in the former US Navy base facilities; the historic Olongapo town gate and main drag are now a retail precinct
- Grande Island — resort island in the bay entrance; beaches, diving, and an old Spanish fort; day trip or overnight by speedboat
- WWII wrecks — several accessible wrecks in the bay from WWII and the 1991 Pinatubo aftermath including USS New York (sunk as a target) and Japanese cargo vessels in 10–30 metres
- Subic Bay jungle reserve — the former base perimeter has reverted to dense secondary rainforest; mountain biking, hiking trails, and zip-lines through jungle canopy
- Ocean Adventure — marine mammal park with dolphin and sea lion shows; family attraction within the Freeport Zone
- Angeles City (2 hours by road) — provincial city with Clark Freeport Zone and Freeport; useful for provisioning, electronics, and budget accommodation
- Bataan Peninsula and Mount Samat — WWII Bataan Death March memorial at Mount Samat with a cross visible from Subic Bay; historical battlefield tours
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: Philippine Peso
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Subic Bay is the Philippines' premier yachting facility — a deep, sheltered natural harbour with duty-free fuel, a well-equipped yacht club, haul-out capacity, and excellent provisioning in the former US Navy base. The best all-round service stop for cruising yachts in Luzon.