Pico de Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas is a popular beach destination, but if you're visiting specifically for freediving, the best area is not directly in front of Pico de Loro Beach.

The water directly in front of the main beach is very shallow, making it better for swimming and relaxing than for a proper freediving session. For freediving, Azul Freediving recommends heading toward the Santelmo side, where the underwater scenery is more interesting and the depth is generally around 3–5 meters.

It is a good area for relaxed freediving, underwater photography, and exploring shallow reef life without needing to focus on depth.

Santelmo Freediving

Santelmo is the main area to explore for freediving in Pico de Loro.

The shallow reef has sections of white sand, reef formations, giant clams, and reef fish. At around 3–5 meters deep, there is plenty of natural light underwater, making it particularly nice for photography and relaxed dives.

An early-morning session can also give you a chance of seeing baby blacktip reef sharks in the shallow area. Sightings are never guaranteed, but they are one of the interesting possibilities when conditions are right.

The Boulders at Santelmo

The Boulders are also part of the Santelmo area, located toward the corner side of the site.

This section has larger rock formations that create a different underwater landscape from the white-sand sections. Reef fish can be found around the rocks, making the Boulders a nice area to include during a Santelmo freediving session. Because the area is shallow, it is particularly enjoyable for exploring slowly and taking underwater photographs.

Loren Island

For a longer boat trip, Loren Island offers another option for freediving and exploration.

Loren Island is approximately 30 minutes by boat from the main Pico de Loro Beach area, making it more of a dedicated boat excursion rather than a quick trip from the beach. The island has rocky sections with crevices that can be explored underwater, giving the site a different character from Santelmo's shallow white-sand and reef environment.

Combining Santelmo and Loren Island can make for a longer day on the water, depending on weather, sea conditions, and visibility.

Freediving by Speedboat, Regular Boat or Yacht

A Pico de Loro freediving experience can be done using a speedboat, regular boat, or private yacht, depending on the type of experience you want. A speedboat is practical when you want to reach Santelmo or travel farther to Loren Island while maximizing your time in the water. A regular boat works well for a slower day, particularly for groups who want to spend more time at one location.

For a more luxurious experience, you can also arrange a private yacht day and combine freediving with relaxing on board, having lunch, and enjoying the coastline.

For planning purposes, a yacht experience can be estimated at around ₱13,000–₱16,000 per hour, depending on the yacht and package. This is an estimate and should be confirmed with the boat operator before booking. Pico de Loro's published activity rates also include boat excursions to areas such as Santelmo and Loren Island. These resort boat activities are separate from the freediving service provided by Azul Freediving.

When Is the Best Time to Freedive in Pico de Loro?

Morning, especially early morning, is our preferred time for freediving at Santelmo.

Visibility can be better earlier in the day, and the shallow reef looks beautiful with sunlight reaching the bottom. It is also when there may be opportunities to see baby blacktip reef sharks.

Conditions can change depending on the season, wind, rain, and weather, so the actual site and itinerary may need to be adjusted according to the conditions on the day.

What About Jellyfish?

During some seasons or later in the day, there can be more plankton and small jellyfish in the water. For someone freediving in only a swimsuit, this can sometimes make the skin feel itchy or uncomfortable. A thin wetsuit or rash guard can make the experience more comfortable when these conditions occur.

Is Pico de Loro Good for Freediving?

Yes, if you're looking for shallow and relaxed freediving rather than depth training.

The main Pico de Loro Beach area is very shallow, so it is not the main area we recommend for freediving. The Santelmo side offers a more interesting underwater environment at around 3–5 meters, with white sand, giant clams, reef fish, and shallow reef formations.

The Boulders are located on the corner side of Santelmo, while Loren Island is about a 30-minute boat ride from the main beach area, giving you the option to explore different underwater environments during a longer trip.

Freediving in Pico de Loro with Azul Freediving

Looking for a shallow-water freediving experience near Manila?

Explore Pico de Loro with Azul Freediving and discover the Santelmo reef, the Boulders, and the waters around Loren Island. Choose a relaxed freediving session or turn it into a full private boat or yacht day and experience Pico de Loro from the water.