Camara Island: Discovering the Tiny Yet Majestic Wonders
Near Pundaquit in Zambales, two islands are calling to be explored. Camara Island, the closer one, sits just off Pundaquit’s shores and is easily reachable.
San Antonio, Zambales
Capones Island
A Jewel of Zambales’ Coastal Beauty and History
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- San Antonio, Zambales
“Capones Island is an absolute marvel! Its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and the century-old lighthouse create an unparalleled setting for photography. Exploring its hidden beaches and snorkeling among the vivid marine life left me in awe. A paradise for adventurers and photographers alike!”
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.
Located off the coast of San Antonio, Zambales, Capones Island is part of a captivating trio of islands, which includes Camara Island and a smaller attached islet. Measuring about 1.9 kilometers long by 0.4 kilometers wide, Capones Island stands as one of the smallest islands on western Luzon. Situated nearly four kilometers off the coast of Pundaquit, these islands are just a 10-minute boat ride away, offering an accessible escape into natural beauty and historical intrigue. Known in Spanish as “Isla de Gran Capon,” Capones Island is rich in both history and scenic charm.
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.
At the heart of Capones Island stands the Capones Island Lighthouse, also known as Faro de Punta Capones. This historic lighthouse, inaugurated on July 15, 1890, is one of the few remaining old Spanish lighthouses in the Philippine archipelago. The lighthouse, constructed to guide sailors safely through the treacherous waters of the West Philippine Sea, boasts a rich history embedded in its walls.
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.
The lighthouse features a classic square structure with a double balcony and lantern, painted in a pristine white. The tower itself rises 65 feet (20 meters) high, with a focal height of 230 feet (70.1 meters), casting its light across a vast radius of up to 25 nautical miles (46 kilometers). Originally equipped with first-order lenses and a lantern procured from Paris, the lighthouse emitted a sequence of prolonged white flashes, visible up to 25 miles away under clear conditions.
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.
Visitors to Capones Island can take a memorable trek to reach the lighthouse. The journey involves navigating rocky terrain and following stone markers along the island’s eastern shoreline. Despite signs of aging, including worn walls and peeling paint, the Tower House, once home to the toreros (tower keepers) and their families, retains its historical charm. Its uncoated brickwork and galvanized iron roofing offer a glimpse into the past.
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.
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.
Capones Island is known for its stunning natural scenery. With light cream sand and clear turquoise waters, this small island predominantly features rocky cliffs, interspersed with light-sand beaches and rocky shores. Despite its relatively barren landscape with limited plant life, the island is adorned with massive rocks and a few scattered trees, primarily on its eastern side. The eastern stretch boasts the most appealing white sand beach, featuring impressive rocks and boulders, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Many travelers consider this spot the best for snorkeling on the island. Scaling the nearby hill rewards visitors with a stunning panoramic view of the crescent-shaped beach below, providing excellent photo opportunities. From the top of the island along the lighthouse, visitors can also relish a breathtaking 360-degree view encompassing Capones, Camara, and Pundaquit. The panoramic vistas provide a sweeping view of the surrounding islands and the vast expanse of the sea, making it an ideal spot for capturing the islands’ natural splendor.
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.
Capones Island is a common stop on island hopping tours around Pundaquit or San Miguel. It is often included in itineraries alongside renowned beach camping destinations like Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove. These tours provide visitors with a comprehensive experience of the area’s stunning landscapes and historical sites. The surrounding area offers an array of activities to explore. Discover nearby coves and islands like Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa Cove, Silanguin Cove, Talisayin Cove, and Camara Island. Hiking enthusiasts can conquer Mount Pundaquit, Mount Nagsasa, or Mount Balingkilat. Beyond these, more attractions await, such as the majestic Nagsasa Falls, the cultural richness of Casa San Miguel, the inviting shores of Pundaquit Beach, and the serene beauty of Pundaquit Falls, among others.
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The starting point for most visitors is the fishing village of Pundaquit. To reach Capones Island, it’s advisable to set off early in the morning, as the surrounding waters of the South China Sea can get rough, especially during the monsoon months. Reaching the island requires a short boat ride from the mainland of Pundaquit, taking just 10 minutes. From there, visitors can set out on a trek across rocky paths to the lighthouse, making for a rewarding journey rich in history and scenic beauty.
Capones Island, or “Isla de Gran Capon,” along with Camara Island and its attached islet, stands as a testament to the rich maritime heritage of the Philippines. Whether you’re exploring its historic lighthouse, enjoying the picturesque beaches, or soaking in the scenic views, these islands offer a memorable adventure.
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.
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