If Sugba Lagoon is Siargao's most popular lagoon, Sohoton Cove is its most mystical. Hidden within the dense mangroves of Bucas Grande Island (just off Del Carmen's northern coast), Sohoton Cove National Park is a protected wonderland of emerald lagoons, limestone caves, and rare stingless jellyfish. This full-day adventure takes you kayaking through narrow cave passages, swimming in crystal-clear tidal pools, and exploring one of the Philippines' most unique marine ecosystems. Here's everything you need to know to experience this natural masterpiece from your Del Carmen base.
Image courtesy of Jackson Groves
Quick Facts
- Location: Bucas Grande Island, Sohoton Bay, Surigao del Norte
- Jump-off Point: Dapa Port (boats go via Socorro check-in to Sohoton)
- Travel Time from Del Carmen: 1.5-2 hours each way (15-20 min to Dapa + 1.5-2 hr boat)
- Best For: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers, kayaking enthusiasts
- Tour Duration: 6-8 hours (full day)
- Cost: ₱2,800-₱3,100 per person (group tour), ₱8,000-₱12,000 (private boat for up to 10 people)
- Entrance Fee: ₱200-₱300 per person (environmental/park fees)
- Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (tidal restrictions apply)
- From Siargao Airport: Del Carmen is just 5-10 minutes from the airport, making it the ideal base for Sohoton Cove day trips
Pro Tip: Book tours from Del Carmen - you're only 15-20 minutes from Dapa Port, while General Luna is 35-45 minutes away. You'll save 30-40 minutes of travel time each way.
What is Sohoton Cove?
Sohoton Cove National Park is a 70-hectare protected marine sanctuary (core area) located within the mangrove-fringed waters of Bucas Grande Island. Unlike the open waters of Sugba Lagoon, Sohoton is a series of interconnected caves, lagoons, and tidal pools accessible primarily by small outrigger boats (pump boats) with kayaks or paddle boats reserved specifically for the Jellyfish Sanctuary.
What makes Sohoton special:
- Hagukan Cave (Roaring Cave): Narrow limestone cave where waves create haunting echoes - accessible only during LOW tide
- Magkukuob Cave: A "climb-and-jump" cave where visitors swim to the entrance, wade through waist-deep water, climb through the cavern to reach a 5-meter cliff jump exit
- Tojoman Lagoon (Jellyfish Sanctuary): Crystal-clear lagoon home to stingless jellyfish - jumping and splashing discouraged to protect the jellyfish
- Jellyfish Sanctuary: Home to thousands of rare, stingless jellyfish (seasonal, best March-June)
- Bolitas Cave: A challenging spelunking site requiring crawling through narrow passages to see unique pellet-like "bolitas" stones
- Tiktikan Lagoon: Additional lagoon with cliff jumping platforms
Image courtesy of Siargao Island, Philippines
How to Get There
From Del Carmen (Recommended)
Total travel time: 1.5-2 hours each way
Step 1: Del Carmen to Dapa Port (15-20 minutes)
- Motorcycle/Tricycle: Head south to Dapa Port
- Tour pickup: Most tours include land transport from your resort
Step 2: Dapa Port to Socorro Check-in (1.5-2 hour boat ride)
- Board boat at Dapa Port
- Travel along the coastline of Bucas Grande Island
- Mandatory stop at Socorro Port: Coast guard check-in required - all passengers must have life jackets
Step 3: Socorro to Sohoton Cove Tourist Center (15-20 minutes)
- Continue by boat from Socorro to the Sohoton Cove entrance
- Park rangers collect entrance fees at the tourist center
From General Luna
Total travel time: 2-2.5 hours each way
Step 1: General Luna to Dapa Port (35-45 minutes)
- Jeepney/Van: Most tour operators provide shared transport to Dapa
Step 2: Same boat route as above
Dapa Port → Socorro check-in → Sohoton Cove Tourist Center
Why Del Carmen is closer: Del Carmen is just 15-20 minutes from Dapa Port, while General Luna is 35-45 minutes away. Staying in Del Carmen saves you 30-40 minutes of travel time each way.
Most tours include:
- ✅ Roundtrip land transport to Dapa Port
- ✅ Boat rental (shared or private)
- ✅ Kayak rental for cave passages
- ✅ Life jackets and safety gear
- ✅ Park entrance fees
- ✅ Tour guide (required by park regulations)
- ✅ Lunch (simple packed meal or island BBQ)
What to Expect: Full Day Itinerary
6:30-7:00 AM - Departure from Del Carmen
Meet your tour group or private guide at agreed pickup point (Mariden Resort offers convenient pickup). Early departure recommended.
7:00-7:30 AM - Arrive at Dapa Port
Board your boat with other tourists and crew for the journey to Sohoton.
8:30-9:00 AM - Socorro Port Check-in
Mandatory coast guard check-in at Socorro Port. All passengers must have life jackets. Brief stop before continuing to Sohoton.
9:30-10:00 AM - Arrive at Sohoton Cove Tourist Center
Park rangers collect entrance fees. Receive safety briefing and kayak assignment.
10:30 AM - Hagukan Cave (Roaring Cave)
Paddle through narrow limestone passage. Listen for the haunting "roar" created by waves echoing inside.
Important: Hagukan Cave is accessible only during LOW tide. At high tide, the entrance is completely submerged.
11:00 AM - Magkukuob Cave
The adventure highlight! Swim to the cave entrance, wade through waist-deep water, then climb through the cavern to reach the 5-meter cliff jump exit. A challenging but rewarding experience!
Not for those uncomfortable with heights or tight spaces!
11:30 AM - Tojoman Lagoon (Jellyfish Sanctuary)
Swim gently in crystal-clear waters surrounded by limestone cliffs. This lagoon is a dedicated Jellyfish Sanctuary - jumping and splashing are discouraged to protect the stingless jellyfish. Snorkel to observe small fish and the magical jellyfish.
12:30 PM - Lunch Break
Enjoy packed lunch on the boat or at designated island picnic area. Rest and rehydrate.
1:30 PM - Jellyfish Sanctuary (Seasonal)
Swim with thousands of stingless jellyfish (best March-June). These rare jellyfish have evolved without stinging cells due to the sheltered ecosystem. Absolutely magical!
2:30 PM - Bolitas & Photo Ops
Explore unique rock formations. Take photos of the stunning lagoon scenery.
3:30 PM - Return Journey
Boat back to Socorro, then land transport to Del Carmen.
5:00 PM - Arrive Back in Del Carmen
Relax at your resort pool after an epic day of exploration.
Image courtesy of Tripadvisor
What to Bring
Essentials:
- ☑️ Swimwear (quick-dry)
- ☑️ Water shoes or reef sandals (slippery rocks)
- ☑️ Reef-safe sunscreen (protect the marine ecosystem)
- ☑️ Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- ☑️ Towel and change of clothes
- ☑️ Cash (entrance fees, tips, snacks)
- ☑️ Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
Optional:
- 📷 Waterproof action camera (GoPro) - capture underwater and cave shots
- 🥽 Snorkel gear (some tours provide)
- 🧢 Hat/cap (sun protection on boat)
- 🍫 Extra snacks (lunch is basic)
Tips for the Best Experience
🌊 Understand Tidal Restrictions
Sohoton Cove is HIGHLY tide-dependent. Hagukan Cave is only accessible during low tide, while other caves require mid-to-high tide. Always book tours that check tide schedules.
📅 Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (March-October): Calmer seas, better weather
- Jellyfish Season (March-June): Peak time to see stingless jellyfish
- Weekdays: Fewer crowds, more peaceful experience
🛶 Kayaking Confidence
You don't need to be an expert, but basic kayaking skills help. Guides will assist, but the caves require navigating narrow passages. If you're claustrophobic, skip Magkukuob Cave.
📸 Photography Tips
- Bring a waterproof camera or phone case
- Best light: 10 AM - 2 PM (avoid harsh overhead sun)
- Use wide-angle lens for cave interiors
- Capture the jellyfish with underwater shots
🌿 Leave No Trace
Sohoton is a protected national park. Do not touch or disturb jellyfish, avoid stepping on coral, and bring all trash back with you.
📍 Your Sohoton Cove Base Camp
Planning a Sohoton Cove adventure? Mariden Resort in Del Carmen is your strategic starting point:
- 30 minutes to Socorro Port — Fastest access to Bucas Grande Island
- Combine with Sugba Lagoon — Both lagoons accessible from one base
- Local tour connections — We'll help you book trusted operators
- Comfortable rooms with pool — Recharge after full-day tours
- Pet-friendly & family-friendly — Bring everyone along
Frequently Asked Questions
Group tours range from ₱2,800-₱3,100 per person (including transport, boat, kayak, guide, lunch, and fees). Private boat tours cost ₱8,000-₱12,000 for up to 10 people. Booking from Del Carmen is typically cheaper than General Luna operators.
Yes, but with caution. Kids must be comfortable in water and wearing life jackets. The caves can be intimidating for very young children (under 8). Families should request skipping Magkukuob Cave if kids are nervous about tight spaces.
The caves have different tidal requirements. Hagukan Cave is only accessible during LOW tide. Tours are scheduled around optimal tide windows. Always book with operators who check tide schedules.
Sugba Lagoon is an open, calm lagoon perfect for swimming and paddleboarding (20 min boat from Del Carmen). Sohoton Cove is a cave and lagoon system requiring kayaking through narrow passages (1 hour from Del Carmen via Socorro). Sohoton is more adventurous; Sugba is more relaxing.
March-June is peak season for jellyfish visibility. Water clarity and jellyfish population vary by month and weather conditions.
Related Guides
More Siargao Adventures:
- Sugba Lagoon Guide - The turquoise lagoon experience
- Tri-Island Tour - Island hopping from General Luna
- Mangrove Boardwalk - Peaceful nature walk
- Magpupungko Rock Pools - East coast tidal pools
Planning Your Trip:
- Sample Itineraries - Day-by-day trip plans
- Budget Guide - Complete cost breakdowns
- Transportation Guide - Getting around the island
- Best Time to Visit - Jellyfish season and weather planning
- Del Carmen vs General Luna - Why stay north
- Siargao Airport Guide - Arrival and departure tips