Capitancillo Island


Capitancillo is a small coral island near Bogo City, Cebu, Philippines. The island is a protected marine sanctuary, featuring three dive sites and a lighthouse.

Location and geography

Capitancillo is a small uninhabited island northeast of Cebu Island in the Camotes Sea. It is east of Odlot barangay, Bogo City. Three areas around the island are recognized dive sites. Polambato Port, Nailon Wharf, Marangog Cove, and Odlot Hideaway all serve as jumping-off points to the island from Bogo, and the trip takes anywhere from fifteen to 45 minutes. There are no stores nor accommodation available on the island.

Folklore

Legends surrounding the island state that Capitancillo was named after Captain Basillo, the captain of a Spanish trading vessel. According to the legends, Captain Basillo insulted a local datu, named Bugtopasan. Bugtopasan cursed Captain Basillo and put a spell on him, transforming the Captain's galleon into the island.

Lighthouse

The original lighthouse was listed in the Faros Españoles de Ultramar as one of 27 major lighthouses of the Philippines. The Capitancillo lighthouse was built in 1905, with the current white steel tower dating from the 1950s. The tower is high and flashes three white lights every ten seconds . The lighthouse's designations are