Marcilla Bay
Coron - Philippines
Spot Type
Chop
Water
Crystal Clear
Beach
Sand
Rider Lever
intermediate
Spot characteristics
Spot Type
Chop
Rider Skill
intermediate
Crowd
Few people on the spot
Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Crystal Clear
Tide Influence
Tide independent
Description of Marcilla Bay (Philippines)
Marcilla Bay sits 15 kilometers east of Coron City in Palawan and offers a kitesurfing experience that stands apart from the more crowded and well-documented spots in the Philippines. The bay's natural configuration, with a rift that prevents wave formation, creates a wide and consistently flat area that is well suited for freeriding and freestyle riding without the interference of chop or breaking water. Combined with the onshore wind direction, this makes for a clean and enjoyable session environment that works across different skill levels.
The Amihan season from November to April is the prime window for visiting, when consistent northeast winds deliver reliable conditions across the bay. The same qualities that make the flat water appealing for freeriders also create a forgiving environment for beginners working on their fundamentals, while the width of the riding area gives more advanced riders enough room to open up and push their riding without feeling constrained. Lessons and guided sessions are available through the local kitesurfing community, which has a welcoming and approachable character that makes it easy to connect with other riders and get oriented quickly upon arrival.
The scenic backdrop of nearby islands and the availability of well-regarded diving sites in the area mean that days away from the kite are easy to fill. Coron is widely recognized as one of the top diving destinations in the Philippines, with World War II shipwrecks and diverse marine ecosystems drawing divers from around the world, and having that on the doorstep adds a significant dimension to a kitesurfing trip based out of Marcilla Bay. Nearby eateries cover the basic dining needs, and the overall atmosphere of the area carries the quieter and more authentic character that Palawan tends to offer away from its more heavily touristed corners.
Spot Gallery (4)
Spot best suited for
Spot profile
Adventure spot
That dream place out of the normal touristic routes. Once you reach it, you feel in paradise, it can be anything extraordinary, a hidden gem, remote and fascinating.
Equipment
No wetsuit needed, board shorts and rash guard recommended for sun protection.
Wind Conditions
Main wind directions
% of Windy days per month
Wind Speed Range
From 15 to 25 Knots
Suggested sizes
8 - 9 mt
10 - 11 mt
12 - 13 mt
Forecast on Windy.com
Dangers
Be cautious of occasional strong gusts and shallow water.
Location
Closest City
Coron
How to get There
Fly to Busuanga Airport, then take a van or taxi to Coron City, followed by a private boat or local transport to MMarcilla Bay.
Access
Public
What to do besides kitesurfing
Coron is one of those destinations that genuinely justifies extending a trip beyond what was originally planned. The natural beauty of the area is striking even by Philippine standards, and the combination of limestone karst formations, clear lakes, and surrounding islands creates a landscape that rewards exploration in almost any direction from the town center.
Diving is what puts Coron on the map for most international visitors, and the reputation is well deserved. The World War II Japanese shipwrecks lying on the seabed around the bay are considered among the best wreck diving sites in the world, and even for those with only a casual interest in diving, the experience of descending on one of these sites is difficult to forget. Snorkeling over the shallower reefs and island hopping between the surrounding islands are equally rewarding for those who prefer to stay closer to the surface, and boat tours covering multiple stops in a single day are easy to arrange through local operators.
The Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary is worth organizing a trip for, offering an unusual and memorable experience of encountering African wildlife that was introduced to the island decades ago, now coexisting with native Philippine species in a setting unlike anything else in the country. For those who prefer staying on land, hiking to scenic viewpoints around Coron rewards the effort with panoramic views over the bay and surrounding islands that provide a different perspective on the landscape encountered from the water.
Accommodation options in Coron cover a wide range, from budget guesthouses in the town center to more comfortable resorts positioned closer to the water. The local seafood restaurants are consistently good and reasonably priced, and the town's cultural calendar includes festivals and events featuring traditional Filipino music and dance that give visiting riders a genuine window into the local way of life beyond the tourist experience.