The island is a protected marine sanctuary, featuring three dive sites and a lighthouse.

Capitáncillo is Spanish for "subchief", from capitán ("captain") + -cillo (diminutive suffix).

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 45 minutes.

[4][5] 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.