Pundaquit: The Gateway to Zambales Adventures
On the western coast of San Antonio, Zambales, lies Pundaquit, a charming fishing village turned travel hub. Known for its wide sandy beaches, friendly locals, and sunset views over the South China Sea, Pundaquit is the perfect jump-off point for Zambales island-hopping tours.
From here, travelers can visit Capones Island, the famous Anawangin Cove, and nearby Nagsasa and Camara. Whether you’re into swimming, hiking, camping, or simply soaking in the coastal views, Pundaquit offers a refreshing escape from city life.
Booking an Island-Hopping Tour in Pundaquit
For our family trip, we booked a day tour island-hopping package through Tanaw de Hardin Resort, which is partnered with Destinare Beach Resort & Campsite. They arranged the boat rental and made everything hassle-free.
This is one of the best ways to explore Pundaquit’s nearby gems—no complicated logistics, just pack your essentials and enjoy the ride.
Capones Island: First Stop on the Tour
The boat ride from Pundaquit to Capones Island takes around 30–40 minutes. As we approached, the excitement grew—white sand, rocky cliffs, and clear waters came into view.
📵 No Signal Reminder: There’s no mobile signal at the island. Those Instagram-worthy shots will have to wait until you return to Pundaquit shore.
We didn’t stay too long—just enough to take photos, breathe in the sea breeze, and enjoy the raw beauty of the island before moving on to our next stop.
It’s not an island…
Capones Island: First Stop on the Tour
The boat ride from Pundaquit to Capones Island takes around 30–40 minutes. As we approached, the excitement grew—white sand, rocky cliffs, and clear waters came into view.
📵 No Signal Reminder: There’s no mobile signal at the island. Those Instagram-worthy shots will have to wait until you return to Pundaquit shore.
We didn’t stay too long—just enough to take photos, breathe in the sea breeze, and enjoy the raw beauty of the island before moving on to our next stop.
Inside Destinare Beach Resort & Campsite
The campsite offers a mix of nature and recreation:
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Swimming pool (separate entrance fee)
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Unfinished attractions (still under development during our visit)
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Viewing deck (Wishing Mountain) for panoramic views
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Recreational games – billiards and table tennis, which became a fun family bonding activity
We spent the afternoon enjoying the facilities and relaxing by the shore before preparing to head back to Pundaquit.
Rough Ride Back to Pundaquit
As the sun began to set, we left Anawangin Cove. The sea turned rough, and the ride back to Pundaquit felt like the longest boat trip of my life.
It wasn’t fear of sinking that worried me, but seeing how uncomfortable my wife and daughter were during the bumpy ride. While I enjoyed the adventure, I realized not everyone loves long hours at sea.
Still, the experience was worth it. With better planning (and maybe an overnight stay next time), we could make the trip even more enjoyable.
Travel Tips for Pundaquit & Anawangin Cove
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Book in advance – especially if you want a cottage at Anawangin. Walk-ins have fewer options, especially on weekends.
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Start your boat ride early – to maximize time on each island.
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Bring food and drinks – Destinare sells food, but prices are higher. There’s no corkage fee if you bring your own.
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Stay overnight if possible – a day trip feels too short.
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Choose a kubo (cottage with restroom) if you’re traveling with kids or seniors. Public restrooms can get crowded.
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Bring cooking gear – a portable gas stove is handy for preparing your own meals.
Final Thoughts on Our Island-Hopping Experience
From the rustic charm of Pundaquit to the breathtaking beauty of Capones Island and the camping vibe at Anawangin Cove, our Zambales island-hopping trip was a mix of excitement, discovery, and family bonding.
The seas may be unpredictable, but the memories made are worth every wave. Next time, we’re planning an overnight camping experience to truly savor what Pundaquit and Anawangin have to offer.
