Capones Island is a beautiful and serene island located in Zambales, Philippines. This island is known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and breathtaking views. The island is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who are looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
There are plenty of things to do on Capones Island, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the island’s pristine beaches. The island is also home to an old Spanish lighthouse, Faro de Punta Capones, built-in 1890 to guide ships entering and leaving Subic Bay. Visitors can climb up to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, Capones Island has something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty and range of activities, it’s no wonder this island has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Getting There
By Bus
To get to Capones Island from Manila, one can ride a bus bound for Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales via Olongapo. Victory Liner has scheduled trips to these destinations. The fare starts at P270, and the travel time is around 3 to 4 hours via NLEX. One can tell the driver to drop them off at San Antonio, the jump-off point to Capones Island. One can ride a tricycle from San Antonio to Pundaquit, where the boat to Capones Island can be found.
By Boat
The boat ride to Capones Island from Pundaquit takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the weather conditions. The boat rental fee is usually around P2,500 to P4,000, depending on the boat’s size and capacity. The boat rental fee usually includes visiting nearby islands like Camara Island and Anawangin Cove.
Renting a boat from San Miguel, another jump-off point to Capones Island is also possible. However, the boat ride from San Miguel takes longer and is more expensive than the boat ride from Pundaquit.
Getting to Capones Island requires a combination of land and sea travel. One can take a bus from Manila to San Antonio or Pundaquit, then ride a boat to Capones Island. Alternatively, one can take a private car or taxi from Manila to San Antonio or Pundaquit and then ride a boat to Capones Island.
Accommodations
Capones Island offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, including resorts and homestays.
Resorts
Several resorts are on the island for those looking for a more luxurious stay. Steven S Pattaya is one of the popular resorts on the island, offering comfortable rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms. The resort also has a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine.
Home Stays
For a more authentic experience, visitors can opt for a homestay. Lalyn’s Home is a popular option for those looking for a cozy and comfortable stay. The homestay offers clean and spacious rooms with basic amenities. Guests can also enjoy the island’s beautiful views from the homestay’s terrace.
Overall, visitors to Capones Island have a range of accommodation options to choose from, whether they prefer a luxurious resort or a more authentic homestay experience.
Beaches and Coves
Capones Island is home to some of the Philippines’ most beautiful beaches and coves. Visitors can enjoy the pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters that make this destination a paradise for beach lovers. Here are some top beaches and coves to visit on Capones Island.
Pundaquit Beach
Pundaquit Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. This beach is known for its cleanliness and serene atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing on the soft white sand. The beach is also a great spot for surfing, with waves that are perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Anawangin Cove
Anawangin Cove is another popular destination on Capones Island. This cove is known for its unique landscape, with towering pine trees lining the white sand beach. The cove is perfect for camping, with plenty of space for tents and bonfires. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the turquoise waters.
Nagsasa Cove
Nagsasa Cove is a secluded beach on the northern coast of Capones Island. This cove is known for its peaceful atmosphere and untouched natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding hills. The beach is also great for stargazing, with clear skies offering a stunning view of the night sky.
Island Hopping
Island hopping is one of the most popular activities to do in Capones Island. Visitors can explore nearby islands such as Camara Island and Capones Island.
Camara Island
Camara Island is a small island located near Capones Island. It is known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the island’s coral reefs. The island is also a great spot for picnics and camping.
Capones Island
Capones Island is a must-visit destination for island hoppers. It is home to an old Spanish lighthouse, Faro de Punta Capones, built-in 1890 to guide ships entering and leaving Subic Bay and to warn passing ships of the dangers of rocky shores around the island. The lighthouse is a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the breathtaking sea views. Visitors can also explore the island’s white sand beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs.
Visitors can rent a boat from Pundaquit Beach or San Antonio Beach to get to these islands. Boat rentals usually cost around PHP 2,000 to PHP 3,000 for a day trip. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks as there are no commercial establishments on the islands.
Activities
Capones Island offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy during their stay. From swimming and snorkeling to trekking and photography, there is something for everyone.
Swimming and Snorkeling
The crystal clear waters surrounding Capones Island provide the perfect opportunity for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can enjoy the rich marine life and coral reefs that lie beneath the surface. Snorkeling is a popular activity on the island, and visitors can rent gear from local vendors. Taking caution when swimming and snorkeling is important, as the currents can sometimes be strong.
Trekking
Capones Island has a lighthouse that stands tall on the island’s highest point. Visitors can embark on a short trek up to the lighthouse, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding waters. The trek is steep and rocky, but it is walkable. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.
Picnics
Capones Island is ideal for a family picnic or romantic getaway. Plenty of picnic areas on the island, and visitors can enjoy the grilled seafood while sitting on the sand. It is important to clean up after the picnic and dispose of any trash properly.
Photography
Capones Island is a photographer’s paradise. Visitors can capture stunning shots of the island’s white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rocky cliffs. It is important to respect the environment and not disturb any of the island’s natural beauty.
Historical Sites
Capones Island is home to a few historical sites that are worth visiting. One of the most prominent ones is the Capones Lighthouse, also known as Faro de Punta Capones. It was built in 1890 by the Spanish government to guide ships entering and leaving Subic Bay and to warn passing ships of the dangers of rocky shores around the island. The lighthouse was built on top of a hill and stands at 160 feet above sea level.
The Capones Lighthouse is a cylindrical tower made of brick and mortar. Its diameter is 5.5 meters at the base and tapers to 2.5 meters at the top. The tower is painted white and has a red lantern room at the top. The lantern room has a focal plane of 193 feet above sea level, emitting a white light every 15 seconds.
Today, the Capones Lighthouse is no longer in use, and modern solar-powered equipment has replaced it. However, the lighthouse remains a popular tourist attraction on the island. Visitors can climb up to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea.
To get to the Capones Lighthouse, visitors need to hike for about 30 minutes from the beach. The trail is rocky and steep, so visitors must wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.
Travel Tips
Budgeting
When planning a trip to Capones Island, it is important to consider your budget. The cost of transportation, accommodations, and activities can add up quickly. To save money, consider camping on the island instead of staying in a hotel. Additionally, bring your own food and drinks instead of relying on expensive restaurants. It is also recommended to bring cash, as there are no ATMs on the island.
Preparation
Before heading to Capones Island, it is important to properly prepare. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Bring aqua shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks and coral. Bringing insect repellent is also recommended, as mosquitoes can be on the island. Finally, pack light and bring only the essentials, as there is limited space on the boat ride to the island.
Safety
When visiting Capones Island, it is important to follow trust and safety standards to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Do not leave trash on the island and dispose of it properly. Additionally, be aware of dangerous areas, such as steep cliffs or strong currents in the water. It is also recommended to pay the environmental fee to help preserve the island’s natural beauty.
Reviews and Experiences
Personal Experiences
Capones Island is a popular destination for beach lovers and island hoppers. Visitors often share their experiences and reviews about the island, which can be helpful for those planning to visit. Some visitors describe the island as a paradise with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Others appreciate the island’s natural beauty and the opportunity to explore its many shells.
One visitor shared their personal experience on Tripadvisor, stating that Capones Island is their favorite place worldwide. They also mentioned that the ride to the island is very nice and that the island can be explored with many beautiful shells.
User-Identified Themes
When looking at reviews of Capones Island, several user-identified themes emerge. One of the most common themes is the island’s natural beauty, with many visitors describing the island as a paradise. Another theme is the opportunity to explore the island and its many shells.
Some visitors also mention the island’s lighthouse, which provides a great view of the surrounding area. Additionally, some visitors recommend visiting the island as part of an island hopping experience, as several other nearby islands are worth exploring.
Overall, visitors seem to enjoy their time on Capones Island, with many describing it as a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Philippines.
