Area 6 ha (15 acres) Elevation 4.5 m | Adjacent bodies of water Bogo Bay Highest elevation 4.5 m (14.8 ft) Population uninhabited Adjacent body of water Bogo Bay | |
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Capitancillo (historically Islote de Captitoncillo and variously Capitancillo islet) is a small, coral island near Bogo City, Cebu, Philippines. The island is a protected marine sanctuary, featuring three dive sites and a lighthouse.
Contents
Map of Capitancillo Island, Philippines
Location and geography
Capitancillo is a small uninhabited island northeast of Cebu Island in the Visayan Sea. It is 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) southeast of Bogo Island and just outside Bogo Bay. Three areas around the island (the Ormoc Shoal, the Nuñez Shoal, and the southwest wall of Capitancillo) 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 forty-five minutes. There are no stores or accommodations available on the island.
History
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 83 feet (25 m) high and flashes three white lights every ten seconds. The lighthouse's designation is ARLHS PHI-079.