How to Visit Sohoton Cove from Siargao 2026

What Is Sohoton Cove?

Sohoton Cove is a protected area on Bucas Grande, an island east of Siargao. Its main lagoon is entered through a small opening in the rock that is only passable at low tide, which gives the cove its secret, hidden feel. Inside, calm green water is ringed by forested limestone walls.

Typical tours combine three highlights: Hagukan Cave, a small cave entered by swimming or ducking through a low opening, with glittering rock formations inside; Magkukuob Cave, where visitors can jump into the water from a ledge; and the Jellyfish Sanctuary, a lagoon where you can snorkel among stingless jellyfish when they are present.

Local boatmen paddle visitors through parts of the cove, and environmental rules aim to protect the lagoon. Swimming with sunscreen in the jellyfish lagoon is often discouraged or restricted, so check the rules on the day.

Bucas Grande itself is a quiet island with small fishing communities and very limited tourist infrastructure. That is part of what has kept Sohoton feeling wild, but it also means you should not expect cafés or shops near the cove, and you should bring what you need for the day.

How to Get There from Siargao

There are two main ways to reach Sohoton. Most visitors book a tour from General Luna, where the majority of Siargao’s resorts are located. The boat ride takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours each way depending on sea conditions and boat type, and some tours combine a short drive with the boat journey.

Independent travellers can also take a public passenger boat from Dapa Port to Socorro on Bucas Grande, a trip of around one hour, and arrange a local boat to the cove from there. This saves money but needs more time and local coordination.

The table below compares the main options.

For most luxury travellers, a private tour from General Luna is the easiest choice: hotel pick-up, a dedicated boat and the freedom to adjust timings to the tide and weather.

Whichever option you choose, confirm in advance who pays the environmental fees and whether the boat is covered or open. A covered boat makes a big difference to comfort on a sunny day or in passing showers, and it is worth asking for one specifically when booking a private trip.

Step-by-Step: Planning Your Sohoton Day Trip

1. Check the tide and season. Ask your operator which dates have a low tide that fits a morning entry, and whether jellyfish are currently present.
2. Choose private or group. Private boats cost more but let you leave early and avoid crowds.
3. Confirm inclusions. Check whether lunch, environmental fees, paddle-boat fees and snorkel gear are included.
4. Book through your resort or a licensed operator. Many Siargao resorts arrange tours and can vouch for the boat and crew.
5. Start early. Expect pick-up around 7 to 7:30am and a return in the late afternoon.
6. Pack for a long boat day. Bring a dry bag, water, motion-sickness tablets and cash for fees.

Allow a full day and avoid scheduling anything else that evening. The combination of open-water boat rides and swimming is tiring, especially in the midday sun.

Best Time to Go

The calmest seas around Siargao are usually from roughly March to October. The northeast monsoon, roughly November to February, can bring rougher water and rain on the east side of the islands, which may make the crossing uncomfortable or lead to cancellations.

Tides matter more than the month. Because the cove entrance is only passable at low tide, operators plan departures around the tide schedule. This is the main reason tours start early in the morning.

Jellyfish presence is seasonal and unpredictable. Operators often report more jellyfish in certain months, but numbers vary year to year. If the jellyfish lagoon is the main reason for your trip, ask for a recent update before booking. Our best time to visit Siargao guide covers weather across the year.

If your Siargao stay is short, try to keep two or three possible days open for Sohoton rather than committing to one. Operators can then pick the day with the best combination of tide, weather and sea state, which significantly improves the experience.

Costs to Budget For

Tour prices vary widely between group and private options, and by what is included. In addition to the tour itself, budget for environmental and entrance fees, which are often paid separately, plus paddle-boat fees inside the cove in some cases.

Snorkel gear is sometimes extra, with operators quoting around ₱150 to ₱200 for rental. If you have your own mask, bring it. Lunch is usually included on full-day tours, but confirm this, along with drinking water.

Carry enough cash in Philippine pesos, since card payments are unlikely to be accepted at the cove or on Bucas Grande.

As a rule of thumb, a private boat is shared across your group, so it becomes better value for four or more people. Couples may find a semi-private or small-group tour a reasonable middle ground, especially if the operator limits group size and still leaves early to match the tide.

Safety and Comfort Tips

The boat journey crosses open water, so the trip is not recommended for travellers prone to severe seasickness or with back and spinal problems, because small boats can be bumpy. Wear a life jacket on the crossing and follow the crew’s guidance.

Some cave entries require swimming through low openings, and jumping at Magkukuob Cave is optional. Non-swimmers can still enjoy much of the day with a life vest, but should tell the guide in advance.

Protect the environment: avoid touching the jellyfish, use reef-safe sunscreen only where permitted, and take all rubbish back with you.

Making It Part of a Siargao Stay

Sohoton works best in the middle of a Siargao trip, after you have settled in and before your final beach days. Pair it with the classic island-hopping trip to Naked Island, Daku and Guyam, and the Magpupungko rock pools at low tide.

For where to stay, our best luxury resorts in Siargao guide covers the top options in General Luna and beyond. For the wider island, see our Siargao travel guide, our best things to do in Siargao, and, for couples, our Siargao honeymoon guide.

A sensible pattern for a week in Siargao is: arrive and settle in on day one, surf or relax on day two, island hopping on day three, Sohoton on day four, a quiet resort day on day five, and the Magpupungko rock pools or a motorbike tour of the island on day six before flying out.

Frequently Asked Questions