Friday, May 29, 2015

Capitancillo Island




Let’s start up at the north of Cebu.

Just off the shores of Bogo City, lies a six hectare islet called Capitancillo.

Local myth narrates of a Captain Basilio who incurred the ire of a local shaman that turned his galleon into the island that we know it today.

Whatever.

The origins don't take away from the fact that the government of Bogo City had foresight enough to declare it a marine sanctuary.  And we're all the better for it.

Photo courtesy of the Bogo City Tourism Office
Capitancillo island is blessed with pristine coral reefs. teeming with colorful species of fish that abound and an abundance of other types of marine life.

The Philippine Coast Guard’s website (
www.coastguard.gov.ph) lists Capitancillo island as the base of one of the operating light stations in the country. The PCG also maintains and operates the lighthouse.

Small wonder that it's a favorite destination for serious divers.

Diving enthusiasts can choose from Ormoc Shoal, Nuñez Shoal and the island’s own southwest wall. You can observe soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, manta rays, sharks, and black corals while diving on the reef. 
Photo courtesy of the Bogo City Tourism Office
Do yourselves a favor and take as many digital photos to bring home.

The less adventurous will be just as thrilled to remain close to the boat or near the shoreline with a mask, snorkel and fins to view the wonders of the deep from a distance.

Getting to Capitancillo is not too much of a problem. Divers should first travel to Bogo city via  public buses or V-Hires (vans) from the Cebu North Terminal in Cebu City.

You can then reach the island from four starting points in Bogo City. Your choice of the Polambato Port ( a 45 minute boat ride), the Nailon Wharf (30 minutes),  Marangog Cove (15 to 20 minutes) and Odlot Hideaway (15 to 20 minutes) all by outrigger/pumpboat.

Or you can always leave from Sogod, but it's a one hour ride from there.

Or you can rent a pumpboat and it can accommodate 15 people for only 1,000 to 2,000 pesos. Give or take a few pesos and you have an idea of the fare average per person.

Day cottages may be rented for 200 pesos for a whole day's use.

You do have to travel back to Bogo City for accommodations, meals and nightlife. While it’s not as developed as Cebu City yet, there are places to go for meals and such. And large grocery stores for water, snacks and other essentials you can take back to your hotel.

Visit the Tourism Office and the new City Hall of Bogo City to ask for assistance, recommendations or even just to say hello.

The people in these offices are warm and accommodating. You'd even want to invite them for a snack if they aren't that busy.


Discover Capitancillo. It's still one of the places that aren't visited much. But offer so much to the visitor who does.

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