Snorkel· Capones Island· Philippines
Capones Island Snorkel (south-east beaches)
14° 54.8′ N · 120° 1.2′ E · approximate
Snorkelling off the boulder-strewn beaches on Capones Island's sheltered south-east side, the classic stop on the Pundaquit island-hopping run. The rock scenery is spectacular, but reports on the coral are mixed.
Practical
Coordinates approximate: off the south-east beaches mapped in OSM (about 14.9142°N 120.0210°E and 14.9117°N 120.0230°E), facing the mainland. Wikipedia says the surrounding waters are rich in fish and coral reef but have no special protection; siltation since the 1991 Pinatubo eruption and illegal fishing are problems. A 2003 proposal for a Capones Island Marine Park is not confirmed as adopted. Snorkellers reported in 2008 that cyanide and blast fishing had largely ruined the coral and left few fish, so do not expect pristine reef. Conditions: the post says the water around Capones is 'quite rough especially in the afternoon'. Visit in the morning, in the NE-monsoon calm season, and keep the anchor on sand clear of the rocks. Local bangkas from Pundaquit take about 30 minutes; a 2010 comment priced a side trip at PHP 50 per head on top of the Anawangin boat (verify locally).
Best for
Morning snorkel among granite boulders
Season
Nov–May mornings; untenable in SW monsoon swell
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).