SOHOTON COVE TOUR

Location: Surigao del Norte, Philippines
Country: Philippines
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Price: $71 per person
Supplier: Siargao International Travel and Tours
Similar Experiences: See options here

@Meta Description: Discover the natural beauty of Sohoton Cove in Surigao del Norte with this full-day tour featuring stunning lagoons, stingless jellyfish, and a traditional boodle fight.

Introducing the Sohoton Cove Tour: Worth Your Time?

If you’re planning to explore Surigao del Norte, the Sohoton Cove Tour offers a fascinating look into one of the Philippines’ most unique natural attractions. While it might be a long day—around 10 hours—it’s designed for travelers craving authentic scenery and memorable experiences.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are its opportunity to explore the interconnected natural pools and the chance to swim among stingless jellyfish—an experience that feels almost surreal. Plus, the included boodle fight adds a fun, communal flavor to your meal, giving you a taste of Filipino hospitality.

The biggest consideration? The long travel time to Bucas Grande Island—a tuk-tuk ride of about 1.5 hours—can be tiring, especially if you prefer more leisurely mornings. Also, some reviews mention logistical hiccups like late pickups, which can be frustrating but shouldn’t overshadow the experience’s overall charm.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor exploration, natural scenery, and cultural experiences. If you’re looking for a day full of discovery, this might be just the right fit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic natural pools and lagoons offer a secluded, scenic escape.
• Swim with stingless jellyfish in a protected sanctuary, creating an unforgettable moment.
• All-inclusive price covers transportation, entrance fees, a guide, and a traditional boodle fight.
• Long travel hours mean be prepared for a full-day excursion.
• Limited snorkeling gear is available for rent, but bring your own if you want to snorkel more freely.
• Reviews are mixed regarding punctuality, so manage expectations around pickup times.

What Makes the Sohoton Cove Tour Stand Out

The main highlight of this experience is exploring Sohoton Cove, a complex of natural pools that connect via narrow channels and caves. The caves themselves are a major draw—getting inside them to see stalactites and stalagmites offers a sense of adventure. The tour emphasizes cave exploration, which adds an element of discovery for those who love discovering hidden corners of nature.

The Jellyfish Sanctuary is another highlight. Unlike the famous stingless jellyfish in Palau, these jellyfish are safe to swim among, with hundreds of them drifting lazily in clear waters. As one reviewer puts it, “Beautiful experience, especially swimming with jellyfish.” It’s a peaceful, almost meditative experience to float with these gentle creatures, with the added bonus that you don’t need to worry about stings.

The Tiktikan Lagoon is a standout for its vivid blue waters—perfect for a quick swim or just soaking in the sun. Adjacent to the Sohoton Gamay Resort, it’s ideal for relaxing or trying the resort’s jumping board for an adrenaline rush.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Pickup from Siargao Island or General Luna

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point. There are two options for pickup, which adds flexibility for travelers staying in different parts of Siargao.

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Stop 2: Tuk-tuk Transport (1.5 hours)

From your hotel, you’ll hop into a tuk-tuk, a common Filipino mode of transport, for a roughly 1.5-hour ride to the port. While this might sound like a long ride, it’s a chance to see more of rural Surigao and get a feel for local life.

Stop 3: Bucas Grande – The Heart of the Tour

Once on Bucas Grande, the real adventure begins—sightseeing, swimming, and exploring. The day is packed with activities: visiting Tiktikan Lagoon, Jellyfish Sanctuary, and walking around the island’s scenic spots. Expect a lunch break, with the included boodle fight served as a communal, scenic meal of traditional Filipino dishes spread out on banana leaves.

Highlights include photo stops, swimming in lagoons, and a chance to explore the caves. The caves are where most travelers find the most excitement—some say it’s more about getting inside the caves and discovering their hidden chambers than just the view.

Activities and Free Time

The day offers swimming, walking, and some hotel resort activities. The Sohoton Gamay Resort offers a jumping board for a small fee, giving a playful element amid the natural beauty.

End of the Day: Returning to Siargao

After about five and a half hours of sightseeing and fun, the tour wraps up with a pickup back to Siargao Island, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour price are your pick-up and drop-off, all entrance fees, the tourism fee, a local guide (who helps add context and safety), and of course, the boodle fight lunch. The snorkeling gear isn’t included, so if you want to explore more underwater, bringing your own or renting locally is advisable.

Additional costs could include optional activities like the jumping board at Sohoton Resort or extra snorkeling gear.

The Logistics: What You Need to Know

The start times vary, so check availability before booking. The full-day tour lasts about 10 hours, so pack accordingly—bring comfortable shoes, change of clothes, a camera, biodegradable sunscreens, and insect repellent. Waterproof cases or dry bags are useful to protect electronics during water activities.

Punctuality might be an issue—one review mentions a 2-hour late pickup—so patience is key. During the tour, the group size might vary but expect a mostly lively experience with other travelers.

Authenticity and Value for Money

At $71 per person, this tour is a reasonable investment for what’s included—transport, guides, multiple scenic stops, and a lively communal meal. While it’s not a cheap day out, the value comes from access to pristine lagoons, the unique jellyfish experience, and guided exploration that you might not get exploring on your own.

Some travelers felt the long travel time was the only downside, but many agree the stunning views and once-in-a-lifetime moments, like swimming with jellyfish, make it worthwhile. Most reviews praise the good value for money given the variety of experiences packed into one day.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love outdoor adventures, discovering hidden lagoons, or snorkeling among jellyfish, this tour offers a memorable way to spend your day. It’s especially suited for active travelers who don’t mind a long day with a mix of travel, exploration, and a communal meal.

People looking for a relaxed, slow-paced day might find the schedule a bit hectic, but for those eager to see the best of Bucas Grande in a single trip, this is a fantastic option.

Travelers interested in authentic Filipino culture and natural beauty will appreciate the local guide, the traditional boodle fight, and the chance to experience raw, untouched scenery.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This tour delivers a strong sense of adventure and discovery. The chance to swim with stingless jellyfish and explore caves makes it stand out among typical island-hopping trips. The scenic lagoons and natural pools are breathtaking, providing plenty of great photo opportunities.

While some logistical issues like late pickups have been noted, these don’t overshadow the overall quality of the experience. The inclusive price and diverse activities make it a solid value—a full day of natural beauty packed with memorable moments.

Ultimately, this tour is best for travellers seeking authentic experiences with a touch of adventure, especially those eager to explore Bucas Grande’s hidden gems and connect with nature in a meaningful way. If you’re after a mix of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery, this tour offers a worthwhile and enriching day out.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 10 hours, but check specific availability for starting times.

Where does the tour start from?
You can be picked up from either Siargao Island or General Luna.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off are included as part of the package.

Are entrance fees included?
All entrance fees are covered, including the tourism fee and access to sites.

Do I need snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel more extensively.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, change of clothes, a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s not ideal for babies under 1 year or seniors over 95. People with altitude sickness should consider their health before joining.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, the guide speaks Tagalog and English, ensuring clear communication.

In essence, the Sohoton Cove Tour offers an engaging mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and fun activities. It’s well worth considering if you prioritize authentic experiences and memorable natural encounters during your trip to the Philippines.

You can check availability for your dates here: