Capones Island Travel Guide: The Lighthouse Island of Zambales

Capones Island

About Capones

Four kilometers off Barangay Pundaquit of Zambales in the main island of Luzon is the Capones Island or “Isla de Gran Capon” during the Spanish era. It is a two-kilometer long bone-shaped island surrounded with white sand and rocky shores.

This island boasts of white sand beaches conducive for overnight camping, day picnic and swimming; turquoise water and rich marine life that is great for diving and snorkeling.

Capones
Beach at the eastern part of Capones Island

There is no commercial establishment on the island and the only structure there (apart from an unfinished building) is an old Spanish lighthouse known as 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 solar-powered lighthouse is Capones’ best kept secret, with its original brick house structure still in place, though in ruins and neglected, that still draws a dramatic scene.

Just a stone throw away from Capones Island is the Camara Island, which is virtually two islands connected by a sandbar.

Capones
Ideal camping spot! 🙂

How to Get to Capones Island

To get to Capones Island from Manila, ride a bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales via Olongapo. Victory Liner has scheduled trips to these destinations. Tell the driver to drop you off at San Antonio. Fare starts at P270, travel time is around 3 to 4 hours via NLEX.

Upon reaching San Antonio, transfer to a tricycle to Barangay San Miguel or Pundaquit, standard rate is P30 per person, you may opt to add some tip since it is quite far.

Boats can be chartered at Barangay San Miguel or Pundaquit going to Anawangin, rate starts at P1,000 for Anawangin – Capones round trip good for maximum of four persons. Travel time from Pundaquit to Anawangin is roughly 45 minutes.

Capones-Anawangin-Nagsasa Boat Rate 2017

Destination Capacity Boat Rate
Anawangin + Capones 1-4 persons P1,000
Capones + Anawangin + Nagsasa Cove 1-4 persons P2,500
Anawangin + Capones 5-6 persons P1,500
Capones Island
The old gate of Capones Lighthouse

Where to Stay in Capones and Pundaquit

Since there is no commercial establishment in this island, you may bring a tent or camping equipments (plus foods and drinking water) if you are planning to stay there overnight. Just tell the boatman your planned date and time of return to San Miguel/Pundaquit.

If you are not into camping, you can have a day trip in Capones Island and stay overnight in Pundaquit or San Miguel where numerous hotels and restaurants can be found.

Recommended Accommodations in Pundaquit

Lalyn's Home in San Antonio

Lalyn’s Home in San Antonio
Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales
Starts at 3,000 PHP (4 Guests)

CHECK RATES

DG Paraiso Restaurant

 DG Paraiso Restaurant
Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales
Starts at 3,500 PHP (4 Guests)

CHECK RATES

Here are some of the accommodations in Barangay Pundaquit and San Miguel.

Megan’s Beach Resort
Contact No: (047)6210507, (047)9133784, +639194808520
Email:[email protected]

Nora’s Beach Resort
Contact No: +639182788188/+639196374917

Punta De Uian
Contact No: (047)2522692/+639188888426
Email: [email protected]

Wild Rose Beach Inn
Contact No: +639106615613
Email: [email protected]

Anawangin
Anawangin Cove

What to do in Capones Island and Nearby Areas

  • Trek to Capones Lighthouse: If you are coming from the east side of Capones Island, you have to trek for an hour or less, to a rocky shore, passing to an unfinished building and statue of Mama Mary. I suggest you have someone with you who knows the place since the trail up has no signage, (only stone guides) and you may get lost. But if you are coming from the other side of the island (near the stairs), the lighthouse is already visible so it is easier to reach the place passing through a field, this side of the island however has rocky shore and some huge waves making it impossible for bancas to dock.
  • Camping: Bring your own camping equipments, enough foods and water supply.
  • Swimming, Snorkeling and Diving: Bring your own equipments.
  • Island Hopping: You can visit the nearby Camara Island, Nagsasa Cove, Silanguin Cove, Talisayen Cove and Anawangin Cove.
  • Aquatic Sports in Barangay Pundaquit: Jetskis are available for rent.
  • Visit Pundaquit Falls
  • Explore Palauig, Potipot, Masinloc, San Narciso or Liwliwa (San Felipe)
  • Check out Anghalo Falls in San Felipe
  • Taste the sweet mangoes of Zambales
  • Trek to Mount Pinatubo Crater Lake via Botolan
  • Enjoy arts and music at Casa San Miguel
  • Trek to Mt. Pundaquit, Mt. Nagsasa, Mt. Cinco Picos or Mt. Balingkilat

Sample Itinerary

DIY weekend camping itinerary
Day 1

0500H : Departure from Manila to San Antonio, Zambales
0930H : Arrival in San Antonio
0930H – 11:00H: Market to buy necessary camping supplies, foods and other equipments, bring packed lunch or buy from the market, proceed to Pundaquit or San Miguel via trike to ride the boat
1100H – 1130H: Pundaquit or San Miguel to Camara Island
1130H – 1200H: Free time in Camara Island
1200H – 1230H: Camara to Capones Island
1230H – 1400H: Setup camp, fix stuff, lunch
1400H – 1800H: Explore, swim, photo ops
1800H – 2000H: Wash-up, prepare dinner
2000H – 2100H: Dinner
2100H onwards: Bonfire, Night party, Socials

Day 2

0600H: Wakeup Call
0600H – 0900H: Breakfast, free time, swim, break camp
0900H – 1000H: Trek to lighthouse
1000H – 1130H: Photo ops, explore, rest in the light house
1130H – 1230H: Lighthouse to the boat
1230H – 1300H: Capones to San Miguel / Pundaquit
1300H – 1500H: Lunch, Shower / Fix up / Trike to San Antonio
1500H – 2000H: San Antonio to Olongapo / Food trip in Olongapo / Olongapo to Manila

Capones Island
Approaching Capones Island

Budget / Expenses

Here’s the estimated expenses for a group of four:

Manila to San Antonio Bus – 270
Food & Miscellaneous – 500
Boat Share – 250
Trike Share – 70
San Antonio to Olongapo Bus –  120
Olongapo to Manila Bus –  215

————————————–

Approximately P1,425 / person

Tips

  • Since this area is facing the open waters of the South China Sea, the water is generally rough any time of the year specially during afternoon.
  • No mobile signal and electricity in the area

Comments

  1. […] Capones Lighthouse built in the 1890s by Spaniards to get the perfect view of this perfect island. Here’s how you can get […]

  2. Charlote Bea V. Taneca

    Ask lang po. May possible na makukuhanan po ba ng fresh water sa island?

  3. Lester Diampoc

    how much po yung for 2pax papunta ng Capones Island at side trip ng Anawangin

  4. neph

    hello po..

    visit capones island with ease and cheaper price,, contact kuya poling or nanay josie 09193910016/09198437370.. maaasahan at mabait..highly recommended .

    1. Christian Chua

      we just want to go to the island of Capones..how much would it cost.?thanks..

      1. Jo

        Hi sir christian

        Please text amazing pundakit nanay Josie 09998827832 or 09198437370 affordable and hassle free package

        Thanks

    2. Gladys

      What services do they give and how much did it cost you? Thank you so much.

      1. Jo

        Hi mam Gladys

        Please coordinate with amazing pundakit
        09998827832 Nanay Josie
        09198437370 Kuya Anthony
        They provide excellent service
        All coves and island po may tour sila

        Thanks
        Jo

  5. Larmie Zamora

    HI we are group of 5pax and we are planning to camp out to Anawangin with side trip to Capones Island. is it possible for 3days/2nights? Please send me total package cost, all essential fees included (boat, guide, camping equipments, etc) Please send me an email for the cost. Many thanks and God Bless!

    Larmi

  6. Hi Everyone,

    We offer boat services (following the standard rates),trek guides and tent rentals. Wag po kayong magatubiling makipagugnayan kung kayo ay may katanungan. Salamat po.

    Contact Person: LIEZEL NIEVA
    Contact number: 09172022692
    Blogsite: http://dindonieva.multiply.com

    Dindo

    1. edel

      good morning po.

      we are a group of 3 adults (family members) and we plan to camp out in anawangin cove with a side trip to capones island this sat, apr 19. could u help us plan? we will be bringing our own food to cook. thanks and hoping to hear from you.

    2. Bernie de Sotto

      Hello Sir,
      Good day, can you inform us where to stay there at capones island. we are planning to hold overnight there from May 31 to June 01.

      Thanks

      Bernie

  7. Amazing Pundakit

    magandang araw po..

    Banca operator po ako dito sa pundakit.. inaanyayahan ko po ang lahat na makita at masilayan ang ganda ng capones island.. anawangin cove..

    meron po kaming packaged rate na swak na swak sa masa..

    wag mag atubili..

    itxt or hanapin: Josie Gonzales
    mobile number: 09193910016/09228788756

  8. Hi po, my name is Dindo Nieva,a boatman of Pundaquit. We offer fair, honest and standard boat charges. We also have Tents for rent and rechargeable lamp for rent. Any inquires regarding your trip will be happily answered by us. Please, feel FREE to get in touch with us. Thank you and God Bless po.

    Contact person: LIEZEL NIEVA / DINDO NIEVA
    Contact number: 09172022692

    Regards,
    DINDO NIEVA

    1. Bernie de Sotto

      We are group of 30 persons from grand father to grand son.

  9. amazing pundakit

    hello po mam/sir,
    we are offering po package tour to any island in pundakit… annawangen, nagsasa, camara and capones island at very affordable price..just text us 09193910016 or 09198437370.. thanks and godbless

    1. Tin

      Please send packages/promos good for 20pax. Affordable, safe & clean

  10. May iba pa po kayong option maliban sa resort nila Grace Armada na yan. May camping area po sa harap ng isla kung saan mas malamig at may mga cottage din. Nakapunta na ba kayo ng Anawangin or Nagsasa cove? Parang ganun din ang style. Mahangin din at mas maganda ang Magalawa Island hindi naman sa nagyayabang…
    Kung gusto niyo pong i-try na pumunta tawagan niyo po ako sa Manila at tutulungan ko po kayong magcoordinate sa caretaker na isla na uncle ko din na si Uncle Mulo. Ito po yung landline number ko sa Maynila (02)983 0432 or sun number 09222688111 or smart number 09093414621 hanapin niyo lang po si Raymond (ako po yun). Ang number po ni uncle Mulo ko sa Magalawa ay (smart) +639294670505.

    Ito po ang presyuhan doon sa campsite :

    Boatpick up (2 way)
    — 100/pax-kung galing luan
    — 200/pax-kung galing masinloc

    Entrance fee 100\pax overnight,

    Cottage 1000\night (kasya 6pax)

    Kasama na po sa entrance fee ang paggamit ng cr at maintenance ng lugar. Ingat lang po na huwag magkalat masyado kasi po maliit lang po na isla yun at mahirap kung magka garbage-problem. You will be spending about 300 or less for food siguro. Maraming nabibilhan ng pagkain sa loob ng island. Puwede rin po kayong magpaluto for a small fee. No available rental of snorkel/mask/fins dun for now so its a good idea to invest on a good set nalang. Wala pa rin po available na rental ng tent pero malapit na po. Mag inquire nalang po kayo kung may available na pagtawag ninyo. Kung magdadala po kayo ng sarili ninyong tent ay libre na po ang puwesto kasi po kasama na po sa entrance fee yun kaya entrance fee nalang at boatride nalang ang babayaran ninyo.

    Ang puwesto na kung san nakatayo ang resort nila grace armada ay may problema kasi lumalabas na nagsquat lang sila dun.Dahil dito tuwing pumupunta ang may ari ng isla na si madam L.Ruiz ay pinapasara nila pang samantala ang resort nila Grace Armada. Dahil dito ay kailangan mag ingat kayo lalo na kung hinihingan kayo ng deposit ni Grace Armada. Kung magkabulilyaso tulad ng nabanggit ko ay hindi niyo na makukuha ang deposit niyo.

    Basta tawag lang po kayo sakin o sa caretaker na si mang mulo.

    If you like to see my place pls visit this blog.

    http://libot.blogspot.com/2011/05/beatiful-magalawa-island-in-zambales.html

    1. Sorry but this resort is has been sold. Please do not contact.Thanks

    2. Sorry but this resort has been sold. Please do not contact. Thanks

    3. Sorry but this resort has been sold. Please do not contact mulo or any numbers anymore. Thanks

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