Capones Island

Capones Island is one of the main attractions in Pundaquit. The island is a big lump of rock formation with very little soil. Beaches around the island are a mixture of crushed corals, sand and rocks. The unfortunate event of Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991 caused sea life near the island to die. This event together with years of illegal fishing practices almost depleted the fish life around its reefs.

With the booming tourism in Pundaquit, old ways of illegal fishing was banned with the help of its LGU. It may take decades for sea life to flourish again but since locals now have other means of livelihood, only time can help the reefs of Capones Island recover.

One of the best things to do on the island is to go uphill and take a tour of the lighthouse. The lighthouse is at the back of the island when you’re facing the open sea. The steep steps up to the lighthouse is no walk in the park. Be ready and carry only what you need. If you do need to carry a lot of stuff like camera gears, make sure you hire a helper as a guide to carry them for you.

Boat rides from Pundaquit shores to Capones Island will be about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the weather conditions. Capones Island is also a great place to camp if you’re adventurous enough.

JL and Amy at the Capones Island summit 2008 and 2013