Capones Lighthouse: A Century-Old Sentinel Above the West Philippine Sea
The approach always begins at Pundaquit Beach in San Antonio, Zambales. A small boat cuts across the waters of the West Philippine Sea, and slowly
San Antonio, Zambales
Capones Island
Sun, Sand, Sea, and Stories by Zambales Shore
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- San Antonio, Zambales
I remember stepping off the small banca onto Capones Island and feeling like I had entered a different chapter of time — where sea and history converse in silence. The sunlight touched the old cut‑stone paths, and the breeze carried salt and stories of ships guided by the lighthouse’s glow. This place wasn’t just another stop on an island‑hopping route; it was a moment of reflection where past and present met in dusty footprints on sand and the glint of turquoise water stretching to the horizon.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Capones Island with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Capones Island. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
First Glimpse: Arrival at Capones Island
The first thing that strikes you about Capones Island rising off the west coast of Luzon is its silhouette — a bone‑shaped landmass of rock and sand framed by the cerulean waters of the West Philippine Sea. A short boat ride from Pundaquit Beach brings you close enough to see the dramatic interplay of rugged stone and soft beaches, a visual cue that this island is far from a typical resort escape. Unlike the more frequented coves nearby, here nature feels raw and historically rooted, as if every grain of sand has a story.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
ABOVE: Captured from the shores of Pundaquit Beach, this photo frames the majestic Capones Island in all its glory. Many travelers kick off their adventure from the nearby fishing village of Pundaquit, setting out to explore this stunning island.
ABOVE: Captured from the shores of Pundaquit Beach, this photo frames the majestic Capones Island in all its glory. Many travelers kick off their adventure from the nearby fishing village of Pundaquit, setting out to explore this stunning island.
A Sentinel of Time: The Capones Lighthouse
Perched high on the island’s western ridge is the Capones Island Lighthouse, locally known as Faro de Punta Capones, a towering piece of maritime history that has stood since the late Spanish colonial period. Built over a span of roughly seven years and first lit in 1890, this brick masonry lighthouse was part of an extensive colonial program to build navigational aids throughout the archipelago. Its first‑order Fresnel lens once projected light as far as 25 nautical miles, guiding vessels entering and leaving Subic Bay and Manila Bay, while warning of treacherous rocky shores nearby.
ABOVE: The eastern side of Capones Island hosts a stunning white sand beach that’s dotted with striking rocks and large boulders. It’s a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling, offering an impressive view.
ABOVE: The eastern side of Capones Island hosts a stunning white sand beach that’s dotted with striking rocks and large boulders. It’s a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling, offering an impressive view.
ABOVE: On the Island, you’ll find beautiful creamy sands gently meeting the clear turquoise waters, creating a stunning sight perfect for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
ABOVE: On the Island, you’ll find beautiful creamy sands gently meeting the clear turquoise waters, creating a stunning sight perfect for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Walking toward the lighthouse, you notice the careful stonework and weathered masonry that speak to both human craftsmanship and the relentless coastal elements. The pathway leading up is a hike over uneven terrain, but one that rewards you with panoramic views across the water, nearby islets, and the broader seascape — a visual story of geography and history that camera lenses can barely contain.
ABOVE: At Capones Island stands a historic lighthouse, standing tall for a hundred years, sitting atop the island called “Isla de Gran Capon” in Spanish. From there, you can soak in a breathtaking 360-degree view, embracing the scenic charm of Capones, Camara, and Pundaquit islands.
ABOVE: At Capones Island stands a historic lighthouse, standing tall for a hundred years, sitting atop the island called “Isla de Gran Capon” in Spanish. From there, you can soak in a breathtaking 360-degree view, embracing the scenic charm of Capones, Camara, and Pundaquit islands.
Scenic Allure of Beaches and Waters
Despite its rugged frame, Capones Island has stretches of white coral sand — most vivid on the eastern side — that contrast against the darker rocky outcrops. Here, the water is invitingly clear, revealing coral formations and marine life beneath the surface, perfect for swimmers and snorkelers who pack gear for a day’s adventure. These sandy coves, framed by rugged cliffs and framed vistas, offer a compelling subject for photography that balances both natural serenity and raw geological beauty.
ABOVE: A sun-kissed beach adorned with stunning turquoise waters and scattered with smooth beach boulders. It’s the kind of spot that’ll have photographers itching to capture its beauty.
ABOVE: A sun-kissed beach adorned with stunning turquoise waters and scattered with smooth beach boulders. It’s the kind of spot that’ll have photographers itching to capture its beauty.
Beachside exploration reveals a landscape both barren and breathtaking; plant life is sparse, but bird life and sea breezes fill the spaces with motion and life. From gentle tidal pools to deeper reaches ideal for snorkeling, each corner seems designed for discovery, whether you’re capturing the interplay of light on water or the patterns in weathered stone.
ABOVE: Along the eastern coast lies a gorgeous white sand beach with striking rocks and boulders, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. This spot is a top choice among travelers for snorkeling adventures. If you climb the hill nearby, you’ll catch an incredible panoramic view of the crescent-shaped beach, offering fantastic photo moments.
ABOVE: Along the eastern coast lies a gorgeous white sand beach with striking rocks and boulders, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. This spot is a top choice among travelers for snorkeling adventures. If you climb the hill nearby, you’ll catch an incredible panoramic view of the crescent-shaped beach, offering fantastic photo moments.
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Cultural and Travel Context
Capones Island isn’t just about scenery; it’s a cultural waypoint. As one of the few surviving Spanish‑era lighthouses in the Philippines, the site anchors itself in history, reminding visitors that maritime navigation was once the lifeline of Southeast Asian trade and travel. While the lighthouse retains functionality — now typically powered by solar energy — the keepers’ quarters and ancillary structures stand in states of partial decay, whispering of times when lighthouse families lived and worked here, tending the flame for passing ships.
Travelers visiting Capones often combine it with island hopping itineraries that include Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa Cove, and Camara Island, each offering distinct landscapes and activities but all unified by a shared rugged charm. Boat trips typically leave early in the morning from Pundaquit to beat the heat and secure calm waters for swimming and exploration.
ABOVE: Capones Island boasts rugged cliffs blending seamlessly with patches of soft sandy shores and rocky outcrops, creating a striking contrast that defines its scenic charm.
ABOVE: Capones Island boasts rugged cliffs blending seamlessly with patches of soft sandy shores and rocky outcrops, creating a striking contrast that defines its scenic charm.
Practical Travel Tips
Getting here is part of the adventure. From Manila, travelers take a bus to San Antonio, followed by a short tricycle ride to Pundaquit where boatmen wait to ferry visitors to Capones and surrounding islands. The best months for travel are during the dry season (November to May) when the sea is calm, skies are clear, and every frame becomes a postcard moment. With no commercial establishments on the island itself, visitors bring their own food and water, making preparation part of the experience.
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