Capitancillo Island—also called Islote de Capitancillo—is a small, uninhabited coral islet off the northeastern coast of Cebu, under the jurisdiction of Bogo City (Barangay Odlot). It spans around 600 hectares and serves as a protected marine sanctuary featuring three distinctive dive sites: Ormoc Shoal, Nuñez Shoal, and the Southwest Wall.
A 1905-built lighthouse (rebuilt in the 1950s as a white steel tower) stands sentinel atop the island. It sends out three white flashes every 10 seconds to guide vessels across the Visayan Sea.
Tip: The name “Capitáncillo” is Spanish for “little captain”—a diminutive term derived from “capitán.”
With the below information you can organize your own, local tour, or we can organize for you a luxury live-aboard cruise through the Visayas region to take you to many beautiful sites like this one.
Getting There
- How to reach: From Cebu City, head to Bogo City (north via bus or car)—the jump-off points are Polambato Port, Nailon Wharf, Marangog Cove, and Odlot Hideaway. Boat rides take 15–45 minutes to reach the islet.
- Facilities: The island has no stores or accommodation. Bring your own snacks, water, and gear.
What to Do on Capitancillo Island
Diving & Snorkeling
Capitancillo offers rich underwater environments with coral plateaus, vertical drop-offs, and intact reef systems. Divers float through vibrant gorgonian fans and schools of emperor angelfish—visibility is stellar, enhanced by slight currents that guide divers along the reef walls.
Quick Exploration & Photography
The island itself is tiny—just a five-minute stroll will do. You’ll find a few shaded cottages, benches, and the old lighthouse ruins over white coral sand. The contrast between rustic charm and pristine blue waters makes for memorable photographs.
Heritage Appreciation
The modern lighthouse (1950s) stands next to remnants of its 1905 predecessor. This historic contrast adds depth to the visit, tying local maritime history to natural splendor.
Fees & Basic Costs
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Boat transfer (round‑trip, group) | ₱3,000–₱5,000 (for 12–15 pax) |
| Island entrance (from Bogo City reports) | ₱50 per head |
| Cottage rental | ₱200 per group |
| Overnight camping (tent) | Additional fees may apply |
Note: Since details may change, it’s best to confirm with local tour providers or the Bogo Tourism Office at (032) 260–5183 or 260–5310.
Where to Eat & Sleep
There are no facilities on the island itself—no stores or dining options. Most visitors stay in Bogo or nearby areas, enjoying local hospitality and fresh seafood before heading out by boat. Pack your own food or arrange meals via your hotel.
Dive & Tourism Operators
Capitancillo is an off-the-beaten-path dive spot; there are no dive shops directly on the island. Visitors often bring gear from Malapascua or Mactan or coordinate their dive trips through Bogo-based operators.
Capitancillo Island Tour & Dive Options
| Package / Operator | Inclusions | Price (approx.) | Booking / Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Trip via Bogo (pumpboat, group) | Roundtrip boat (max 15 pax), island entry, snorkeling | ₱5,000 per boat (~₱333 per person if full) | info from Bogo Tourism Dept; see Sugbo.ph “Rates” |
| Shared Boat via Bantay Dagat Office | Small boat (4–5 pax), boat ride, entry fee | ₱1,500 per boat (shared) | Based on blog experience via Chasing Potatoes thereadingbelle |
| Entrance & Amenities | Per person island access & use of cottage | ₱50 entrance, ₱200 cottage | Sugbo.ph rate table Sugbo.ph |
| Scuba Diving (On-Island) | Access to dive sites (Ormoc, Nuñez Shoals, SW Wall) | ₱150 per dive | Sugbo.ph “Diving” tab Sugbo.ph |
| Kayak Rental | Hourly kayak use on calm waters | ₱150 per hour | Sugbo.ph amenities Sugbo.ph |
| Hassle-Free Kalanggaman Tour (including Capitancillo) | Vehicle transfers + speedboat side trip | Price variable; part of larger island-hopping itinerary | South Shore Cebu Tours package details South Shore Cebu Tours |
Notes
- Entrance Fee: ₱50 per person is required for day use.
- Cottage Rental: ₱200 per group—great for shade and photo breaks.
- Boat Pricing: Shared small pumpboats cost around ₱1,500 (ideal for 4–5 pax), while group boats maxing 15 pax go for ₱5,000. thereadingbelle
- Diving & Kayak Add-Ons: Diving the three recognized marine sites is ₱150 per dive; kayaking is also available for ₱150/hr.
- Combined Tours: Consider “Kalanggaman plus Capitancillo” itineraries for back-to-back island experiences.
Suggested Implementations
- Snorkel & Relax Option: Shared boat + entry + cottage (perfect for budget travelers).
- Adventure Add-Ons: Add scuba dive or kayak rentals for added activity on-site.
- Premium Tour: Opt for private boat or combined Kalanggaman tour for a seamless, styled getaway.
Final Thoughts and Booking
Capitancillo Island might be small, but it’s mighty in charm and biodiversity—a quiet sanctuary where history meets vibrant underwater life. Whether you’re a diver chasing untouched reefs or a photographer enchanted by a lone lighthouse on a coral outcrop, this gem of northern Cebu offers a meaningful and peaceful escape.
Using the above information you can organize for yourselves a local tour, or we can organize for you a luxury live-aboard cruise through the Visayas region so that you can enjoy many such beautiful sites.
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We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.