Our World in Words

Babymooning: Capones Island

At 8:30 in the morning, it was still low tide in Camara and from Pundaquit, one could readily spot the sandbar that connects the bigger islet of Camara to the smaller westerly islet. It was, however, impossible to dock in Camara during this time, according to our boatman, Mang Johny. Being buffeted by rocks, the chances of boats crashing through underwater rocks and getting capsized are great. Trips are better set during high tide, and we shall try again after our stop at Capones or in the afternoon.



Approaching  Capones

Within ten minutes from leaving Pundaquit, we landed on the cream sands of Capones Island (or in Spanish, “Isla de Gran Capon”), a whale-shaped island best known for its century-old lighthouse perched picturesquely atop the island. The lighthouse provides a commanding 360-degree view of the vast Capones Island as well as Camara and Pundaquit, although reaching it would be more than an average feat.


Path to lighthouse

During high tides, travelers will be dropped off several meters off shore. From there, they must swim their way against the strong current to the man-made stairwell leading to the picturesque lighthouse, a 30 to 45-minute trek.




So we content ourselves simply with half the view of the gleaming white lighthouse and with the dream that when our little one’s already up and running, she may see the islands herself a first time from that vantage point.



The only shaded area we’ve found in the island so far

Though lengthy, the island itself  barely accommodates plant life and is almost barren, except for huge rocks and a few trees scattered ’round the eastern part of the island. Sunlight blankets the entire beach area, so it’s a must to re-apply sunblock hourly because of the intense heat.


Eastern side of the island, towards the lighthouse

Overlooking Pundaquit

Snorkeling is below average, with its waters being rather rocky and bare (spotted just a single black fish at beyond 5 feet, didn’t see anything else other than that), although we can’t say the same for the eastern side of the island as we weren’t able to explore that side, which some travelers say is the best part of the island for snorkeling.


The rocky waters of Capones
20-week pregnant wanderlust
This is basically what Capones looks like underwater.

*Read up on the rest of our Zambales adventures: 

Part 1: Pundaquit Luxury Resort HERE
Part 3: Nagsasa Cove HERE
Part 4: Pundaquit Falls, sunsets and a short peek of Camara Islands HERE
Part 5: Travel tips and directions on how to reach Pundaquit HERE

About the Author

Gretchen Filart

Gretchen Filart is a writer from the Philippines, where she weaves poems and creative nonfiction about motherhood, love, healing, nature, and intersectionalities. Her works have been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net, received distinction from phoebe’s Spring Poetry Contest and Navigator’s Travel Writing Competition, and share space in local and foreign publications. Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky @gretchenfilart. She’s usually friendly.

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