Legazpi: Instructions Given to the Fleet, at Sea, 25 Nov. 1564

Levesque, Rodrigue (1992). "Legazpi: Instructions Given to the Fleet, at Sea, 25 Nov. 1564". History of Micronesia: A Collection of Source Documents. Volume 2, Prelude to Conquest, 1561-1595. Gatineau, Quebec: Éditions Lévesque. pp. 77–78. ISBN 0-920201-02-4.

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Abstract: On November 25, 1564, Miguel López de Legazpi issued navigation instructions to the captains and pilots of his fleet. After initially steering a southwest course from port, the plan was revised in accordance with royal orders and consultations with senior officers. The fleet was directed to sail west-southwest until reaching latitude nine degrees, then proceed toward the Philippines with a planned stop at the island of Los Reyes (Wotje).

The instructions also provided guidance in case ships became separated. Pilots were ordered to return to the agreed latitude and wait at the nearest port for eight to ten days, leaving behind a token and letter for others. At Los Reyes (Wotje), vessels were to wait ten days before moving on to explore and document nearby locations such as Matalotes and Arrecifes.