The bay is part of the Philippine Sea of the Pacific Ocean, and is bounded by two islands; Samar in the north and Leyte in the west.
On the south of the bay is Mindanao Island, separated from Leyte by the Surigao Strait.
[2] Several municipalities are situated on the coast of the gulf: Balangiga, Giporlos, Guiuan, Lawaan, Mercedes, Quinapondan and Salcedo.
In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan stirred up a storm surge in Leyte Gulf, resulting in massive loss of lives, agricultural land and property along Leyte's shores.
[8] Typhoon Haiyan has damaged the hard coral cover within the gulf's area, further reducing the fish harvest.