Santelmo Cove is among the many coves and beaches being developed by Hamilo Coast, a seaside mixed-used real estate development, incorporating tourism, residential, and commercial establishments and facilities. Situated in Barangay Papaya in Nasugbu Batangas, the cove faces the West Philippine Sea and is fronted by Cutad Island.
It’s a popular snorkeling spot in the area, leading to its inclusion in the island hopping tour packages offered from Calayo, Papaya’s neighboring barangay. Safeguarded by mountains, the cove is secluded from roads, maintaining its almost pristine environment. Currently, the only way to get here is by boat.
The official jump-off point to the cove is Pico Sands Hotel, nestled within the verdant Pico de Loro Cove (also Cutad Cove), a 40-hectare seaside community development and the maiden cove of Hamilo Coast. Another way is by going on an island hopping tour from Calayo Beach. Whichever you choose, here’s a quick guide with some tips and reminders.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
How to Get There
Nearest Airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport, also known as Manila International Airport (Manila)
By Land
- From Manila, board a bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas (P160-250). DLTB (Buendia), San Agustin Bus Line (Taft), and St. Gabriel Bus (PITX) have direct routes to Nasugbu. The travel time is 3-4 hours, depending on the route and the traffic conditions.
- Alight at Nasugbu Bus Terminal (town proper), you have the option to ride a tricycle or a jeepney to Barangay Calayo. If your group is composed of two to three persons, you can hire a tricycle (P400-500) to take you to Calayo Beach. However, if you took the bus from PITX to Nasugbu via Kaybiang Tunnel, get off at Barangay Looc court. From the court, you can hire a tricycle (P100/max 3 pax) to Calayo. The travel duration is around 10 minutes. This option is much shorter and cheaper compared to coming from the town center.
- Once in Calayo, you can charter a boat for the island hopping tour which includes Santelmo Cove.
Alternatively, you can book a stay at Pico Sands Hotel, then avail of the tour to Santelmo Cove. For this, we highly suggest that you travel via private vehicle from Manila. You can either take the SLEX or the CAVITEX. Whichever route you want to take, it’s best to turn on your Google Maps or Waze App to help you navigate easily. Leave early in the morning, especially if you are just going on a day tour.
Entrance Fee and Other Charges
Santelmo Cove Tour Rates
If you are eyeing to spend longer time enjoying and exploring Santelmo Cove, the only way to dock and feel the sand between your toes is through Hamilo Coast. The official gateway to the cove is Pico de Loro Cove, which is part of Hamilo Coast’s resort and residential development project.
For non-members, you can book through Pico Sands Hotel. However, if you are only planning to take a day tour and not staying at Pico Sands Hotel, note that you need an endorsement from a member of Hamilo Coast’s Pico de Loro Club.
We took an island hopping tour from Calayo Beach, so we have yet to try this option. But if you are interested, you can contact Pico Sands Hotel or Pico de Loro Club.
Pico Sands Hotel Contact Information
Official Website: picosandshotel.com
E-mail: reservations@picosandshotel.com
Landline: +63 (2) 8464 7888
Mobile: +63 917 809 1289 | +63 917 845 5847 | +63 917 834 3302
Facebook Page: Pico Sands Hotel (@picosandshotel)
Instagram: @picosandshotel.official
Pico de Loro Club Contact Information
E-mail: customer.care@picodeloroclub.com
Landline: +63 (2) 8464 7845
Mobile: +63 917 809 1585
Calayo Island Hopping Rates
If you are taking this option, just like us, please note that the boats cannot dock at Santelmo Cove as it is private property. But since the main activity for this stop is snorkeling anyway, you’ll have no problem as long as your boat remains in the water. From Calayo Beach, the boat ride takes around 35 minutes to Santelmo Cove.
Rates may vary depending on the number of stops, inclusions, group size, and duration — day tour or overnight. For more details about island hopping in Nasugbu, you may check out our CALAYO Island Hopping Guide article. For quick reference, here’s a summary of the details we gathered during our last island-hopping trip in Calayo in Nasugbu, Batangas:
Island Hopping Tour Package
- Rate: P3,000
- Capacity: Up to 5 Pax
- Additional Fee: P500/head (if more than 5 pax)
- Stops: Covers three (3) stops/destinations
- Calayo Environmental Fee: P20/head
- Papaya Environmental Fee: P20/head
Island Hopping Stops/Destinations
You can choose from any of these stops or destinations:
- Santelmo Cove
- Taytayin Cove
- Kayraang Cove
- Layag-Layag Beach
- Bituin Cove/Hannukah Beach
Calayo Beach Boat Stations
- Hulo
- Centro
- Sampaguita
Contact Information
Kuya Marvin – +63 948 254 3131. Note that cellphone signal in Calayo is patchy at best, so please be patient if he can’t reply right away. You can also message his wife Annelyn Bilan via Facebook.
Don’t Miss
- Snorkeling! This is the main activity at the cove for those taking an island hopping tour package from Barangay Calayo. When we arrived at around 10 AM, the crystal-clear water was calm, allowing us to swim and snorkel effortlessly. We were able to see numerous colorful fishes and coral reefs near the mouth of the cove, where our boat operators decided to station. We’re allowed to stay several meters from the shore.
- Scuba Diving. If you wish to go deeper, you can book a diving tour with Pico Sands Hotel. Both Santelmo Cove and Pico De Loro Cove are declared protected marine sanctuaries by the local government. The area is home to a healthy population of marine species including giant clams and serves as a nesting ground for green sea turtles and Olive Ridley turtles.
- Beach Bum. If you are booking a tour of the cove via Pico Sands Hotel, you can enjoy its sprawling fine white sand and its idyllic setting, complete with beach beds/lounges and a barbecue area with picnic tables.
- Swimming. This is a staple activity in every tropical vacation. You can enjoy chilling at the beach and feeling the gentle waves soothing your body or take a refreshing dip in the water. Again, this is only possible if you are a guest of Pico Sands Hotel.
- Trek to the viewpoint. Guests arriving at the cove through Pico Sands Hotel can explore it thoroughly, including trekking to a viewing deck located on a cliff that separates Santelmo’s two sand pockets. From the deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the rock formations, surrounding areas, and Cutad Island.
Don’t Forget
- Your boat is not permitted to dock at the beach UNLESS you book through Pico Sands Hotel. However, your boatmen can moor the boat several meters from the shore.
- Secure your belongings. Bring a dry bag or a waterproof bag for your stuff, especially your valuables.
- Only guests of Pico Sands Hotel (or Hamilo Coast) have exclusive access to the beach and inland areas. There are resort personnel roaming the area. As long as you stay in the water, they will not bother you.
- Respect marine life. While snorkeling, please make sure not to step on the corals. Additionally, refrain from removing or disturbing anything from the sea for personal pleasure, including picking up items from their natural habitat for photography purposes.
- Ensure your mobile phones and cameras are fully charged. You may also bring your handy power bank.
- Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Only buy and use a marine-friendly sunscreen (those without oxybenzone, parabens, and benzophenone). You can also bring additional protection, such as a head gear, a scarf, and/or a pair of sunglasses.
- Bring enough food and drinks. You can make a stop at Nasugbu public market to buy your food or check out the eateries and food stalls near Calayo Beach if you are taking the island hopping tour from there. If you are booking via Pico Sands Hotel, you can avail of the lunch package at Santelmo Cove.
- Practice sustainable consumption. Pack your reusable water container and eco bag. As much as possible, refrain from buying single-use plastic items.
- Be a responsible traveler/tourist. Keep in mind the “Leave No Trace” principle: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos, and kill nothing but time.
If You Have More Time and Budget
- Visit other attractions in Nasugbu like Fortune Island, Punta Fuego, Hamilo Coast, Tali Beach, and Canyon Cove.
- If you are driving your own car, you can do a stopover in Tagaytay before going back to Manila.
- If you are an avid hiker, you can take this opportunity to scale Mount Batulao or Mount Talamitam; both are located in Nasugbu, Batangas. Mount Palay-Palay or Pico de Loro, which reopened to the Public in 2023, is also a possible hike. The jump-off point is in Ternate, Cavite (DENR Station).
Where to Stay in Nasugbu
Since Santelmo Cove is part of Hamilo Coast seaside estate and development, it is also accessible from Pico Sands Hotel, the property’s in-house hotel and resort. If you want to explore it up close and feel its fine white sand on your feet, you can book a tour with the hotel to get exclusive access to its beach.
If you are looking for other options, Calayo Beach is lined with resorts — from budget to mid-range. You may choose to spend the night in one of the resorts here. Below are other recommended resorts in Nasugbu according to online users, in no particular order.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- PICO SANDS HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CLUB PUNTA FUEGO
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CANYON COVE HOTEL AND SPA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - FOREST CREST NATURE HOTEL AND RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CASITAS DE VICTORIA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Booking.com
- RSAM BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SHORELAND BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - AS ILAYA RESORT AND EVENT PLACE
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SEABREEZE BEACH LODGE
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SANDS HOTEL NASUGBU
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Resorts & Hotels in Nasugbu article.
Find more Nasugbu Hotels!
Watch Related Videos on YouTube
You can watch our Calayo Batangas Island Hopping Guide video below. You can also find other related videos on our YouTube channel.
Updates Log
2024.08.30 – First uploaded
Related Article: Top 10 Beaches in Batangas
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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