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.
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.
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.
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.
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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