Capitancillo islet in Bogo City

​Capitancillo Islet is a small uninhabited island situated close to the City of Bogo in northern Cebu. The six-hectare islet features three recognized dive sites and is a part of a protected marine sanctuary. 

Capitancillo islet – image source: Capitancillo Islet Facebook Page.

Local legend

Capitancillo islet – image source: Capitancillo Islet Facebook Page.

A local legend indicates that the islet was named after a Spanish trading vessel captain, Captain Basillo. The captain supposedly offended Datu Bugtopasan, a local datu. Due to this, the datu placed a curse on the captain and transformed the ship of the captain into an island.

Lighthouse

Capitancillo islet – image source: Capitancillo Islet Facebook Page.

The island has a lighthouse that uses solar energy for power. It is located right beside the original lighthouse, which is among the oldest in the province of Cebu. It was also among the main lighthouses in the archipelago. The original lighthouse was first lighthouse erected in 1906 while the second one was built in the 1950s. The lighthouse is managed and operated by the Philippine Coast Guard. 

Tourism

Capitancillo islet – image source: Capitancillo Islet Facebook Page.

The island has become one of the newest ocean leisure spots in Cebu. The three diving spots of the islet are the Nuñez Shoal, the Ormoc Shoal and the southwest wall of the islet itself. The three dive spots have a shallow reef top that lead to a drop off featuring soft corals, black corals, caves and gorgonian sea fans.  The caves and overhangs close to the islet feature a wide variety of fish species.

Getting to Capitancillo islet

Cebu North Bus Terminal – image source: penfires.com

​It is necessary to catch a bus or van-for-hire headed for Bogo City at the Cebu North Bus Terminal to get to the islet. After reaching Bogo City, visitors have four options in getting to the islet. The first option is through the Polambato Port, which would entail a 45-minute outrigger boat ride to the islet. The second option is through the Nailon Wharf, which is around 30 minutes from Capitancillo Islet. The last two options are through Marangog Cove and Odlot Hideaway, both of which require a 20-minute outrigger boat ride. 

Capitancillo islet – image source: Capitancillo Islet Facebook Page.

​Capitancillo islet has a number of day cottages available for rent. Since the place does not offer any accommodations, it will be necessary to take another boat ride back to the main island of Cebu.