Davao

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Davao Port, or the "Port of Davao" is one of the Philippines major seaports alongside Manila, Subic, Cebu and others. The Port of Davao, oftentimes called Port District of Davao, includes Davao City and the three provinces. Davao port services interisland and international shipments. The city is situated 974 kilometers south of Manila, on the shore of Davao Gulf. "Davao" also refers to three provinces: Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. Davao City is located in Davao del Sur but is politically and administratively independent of the province.

Davao City in southern Mindanao is typhoon free and winds are mostly not stronger than Force 4. It is a safe haven for riding out the typhoon season and for storing vessels while yachties fly home. There are direct flights to some southeast asian cities from here, or connections are available to anywhere in the world from Manila.

Davao City officials are actively working towards promoting the city as a safe, secure and clean environment. It has a 911 integrated emergency response system similar to Canada and U.S., and several programs focusing on cleanliness and preservation of the environment.

Charts

See Philippines.

Weather

Davao, being near the equatorial belt, is typhoon-free. Winds are very seldom stronger than force 4. However, the effects of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) characterized by widespread cloudiness, occasional thunderstorms and precipitations are felt here. Typhoons generally originate in the region of the Marianas and Caroline Islands of the Pacific Ocean which has the same latitudinal location as Mindanao. Their movements follow a northwesterly direction, sparing Mindanao from being directly hit by the typhoons that cross the country.

The city enjoys a weather that remains balmy all year round. It is characterized by a uniform distribution of rainfall, temperature, humidity and there are no wide fluctuations of the barometric air pressure. There are two seasons - the NE monsoon season "Amihan" (October to May) and the SW monsoon "Habagat" (June to September). The beginning and end of the seasons are normally transition periods.

Northeasterly winds are predominant during the NE monsoon season and this will be the best time for cruisers when the weather is pleasant and the chances of being caught in the path of typhoons are minimal. During March and April, the northeasterly trade winds are established and blow dominantly, affecting the eastern sections of the country.

The SW monsoon is the rainy season. Winds are predominantly southwesterly, humid and warmer, especially during the months from July to September where heavy rainfalls affect mostly the western sections of the country.

Weather forecast sources:

• Local weather website
• Navy.mil Website

Passages

See Philippines.

Islands

See Philippines.

Communication

See Philippines.

Navigation

The access to the port of entry in Davao City is through Davao Gulf which has two approaches. One is at Pakiputan Strait between Davao and the water west of Samal Island. The other approach is at the east side of Samal Island mainly used as an exit channel of vessels departing from points north of Davao Gulf.

Tidal range is around 2 meters and the current is quite strong, mostly south-setting, especially in the narrowest part of the channel between Samal Island and the mainland.

Entrance

Upon arrival, you are required to immediately notify the Coast Guard/Port Authorities. In Davao, a boarding crew of 3, comprising Customs, Immigration and Quarantine officials will carry out the inspection of your vessel and the paperwork. Try to arrive on a weekday. Most times, your VHF requests for inbound clearance may not be answered. If you are lucky, the Pilot Vessel may reply and/or call the Port Officers for you by mobile phone. Customs and Quarantine can alternatively be called on Ph: 2331258 (ask them to notify Immigration of your arrival).

The Quarantine anchorage is 50-100m off the southern Sta. Ana wharf at approximately 07 04.5 N, 125 37.7 E. It has good holding mud bottom, but be wary of submerged pilings a few meters off the southern wharf and shallower waters closer to both wharves. After clearance, you may berth at any of the wharves, bow to, with a long stern anchor rode. Just stay clear of heavy ferry traffic. The southern wharf is in very bad condition, but is adequate.

For details see Entrance: Philippines.

Berthing

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Anchorages

Amenities

Facilities
Water	Davao has one of the best water in the Philippines. It is potable. In the marina
Electricity	In the marina
Toilets	In the marina
Showers	In the marina
Laundry	In the marina
Garbage	In the marina
Supplies
Fuel	?
Bottled gas	?
Chandlers	?
Services
Repairs	In the marina
Internet	WiFi in the marina There are several internet cafes and WiFi hotspots all around Davao. Philippine Long Distance Telecommunications (PLDT) is Philippines' largest telephone company. It's wireless arm, Smart Communications, has the most extensive and modern digital communications GSM network and infrastructure covering over 99 percent of the population. Then you have Globe Telecom, the second largest and the official carrier of Apple Inc.'s 3G Iphone. Others include Digitel which owns Suns Cellular and of course, there is BayanTel.
Mobile connectivity	?
Vehicle rentals	?

Provisioning

There are several large supermarkets in the City:

• Gaisano Mall
• SM Supermarket
• NCCC
• Victoria Plaza
• 2 large public markets, locally known as palenkes
  • Agdao Public Market
  • Bankerohan Public Market

There is an abundant supply of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish in the palenke.

Eating out

There are plenty of eateries all over the city - roadside eateries, carenderias, and lots of restaurants

Transportation

• Philippine Air lines
• Cebu Pacific Airlines

Tourism

History

Give a short history of the island.

Places to Visit

• Philippine Eagle Nature Center - Considered as an endangered species, the Philippine Eagle has found its home in Davao. The center is a santuary of the world's largest eagle.
• Eden Nature Park
• Davao Museum - The museum is a repository of Native crafts, tribal artworks, ancient musical intruments, and colorful customes of the different early tribes of Davao.
• Davao Crocodile Park
• Scuba Diving - Davao Gulf has numerous dive sites only 45 to 120 minutes away from the city proper, like Mushroom Rock, Ligid Island, Talicud Island, Pearl Farm or Isla Malipano.
• Golfing - 18-hole Apo Golf and Country Club, 18-hole Lanang Golf and Country Club and 9-hole New Davao City Golf
• Mount Apo - Climb Philippines tallest mountain at 10,311 feet
• Daveo official website - There are 3 major festivals held: Araw ng Dabaw (March 16), Kadayawan sa Dabaw (3rd week of August) and Pasko Fiesta (December).

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

• Ellen Lee-Kwen and Kjartan Sekkingstad, SV Wiskun, Email: wiskun(AT)msn.com

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

• Davao City at the Wikipedia
• Davao at the Wikivoyage
• Sail Samal

References

See Philippines.

Comments

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Contributors to this page
Names: Lighthouse, Wiskun