SOHOTON COVE TOUR

SOHOTON COVE TOUR

Surigao del Norte’s Sohoton Cove is a captivating blend of natural beauty and adventure, offering interconnected pools, hidden caves, and a chance to swim with stingless jellyfish. For about $71 per person, you get a full-day experience that promises both scenery and surprises. The tour lasts roughly 10 hours, including pick-up from Siargao, with a mix of boat rides, walking, and swimming. It’s a great way to explore a less-visited part of the Philippines and see some truly unique natural sites.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it focuses on getting inside the caves — rather than just viewing them from afar — and the chance to swim with jellyfish in a sanctuary protected from stings. These experiences are both memorable and very different from typical island-hopping. Also, the inclusion of a Boodle Fight meal adds a fun, communal touch that’s authentic to Filipino culture and a tasty break amid the day’s activities.

One thing to keep in mind is the long boat ride and transfer times, which can make the day feel a bit packed, especially if you’re not used to early mornings or long trips. Also, some travelers have noted issues with punctuality — like late pickups or waiting for boats to fill — so patience and flexibility can be useful.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love adventure, nature, and unique wildlife experiences, and who don’t mind a full day of activity. It’s ideal for those interested in exploring beyond the typical beaches, and who want to see the Philippines’ hidden, natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Natural Pools and Caves: Explore interconnected pools and enter caves for a more immersive experience.
• Jellyfish Sanctuary: Swim with stingless jellyfish — a rare and fascinating encounter.
• Cultural Meal Included: Enjoy a traditional Filipino Boodle Fight, adding local flavor to your day.
• Travel Duration: Prepare for a 10-hour day, including transport and tour activities.
• Transport Details: Pickup from Siargao and a 1.5-hour tuk-tuk transfer to Bucas Grande.
• Tour Guides and Fees: A local guide is included, along with all entrance fees and a tourism fee.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, change of clothes, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Potential Drawbacks: Punctuality issues have been reported, so patience is key.
• Suitability: Best for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and those comfortable with a full-day outing.

Exploring Sohoton Cove: A Deep Dive

The Journey Begins: From Siargao to Bucas Grande

The tour kicks off with a pickup from either General Luna or Siargao Island, giving you the flexibility to choose your starting point. The 1.5-hour tuk-tuk ride is a scenic transition, giving you a taste of local life and landscapes before reaching the boat port. Although the ride might seem lengthy, it’s part of the charm — the Philippines’ rural scenes and vibrant communities make for plenty of photo opportunities.

Once at the port, you’ll board a boat for the main part of your adventure. While some reviews note delays with pickups and boat filling, patience pays off when you finally arrive at Bucas Grande, home to Sohoton Cove. The boat ride itself is relaxing and offers glimpses of the surrounding islands and lush greenery.

The Main Attraction: Sohoton’s Natural Pools and Caves

Sohoton Cove features a network of waterways and pools, giving you the sense of being in a secret world. The highlight for many is getting inside the caves — a thrilling experience that involves navigating through narrow openings and discovering hidden chambers. Your guide will help you explore these natural formations, which are often illuminated by sunlight filtering through cracks or openings.

The Tiktikan Lagoon is another favorite spot, with its vibrant blue waters inviting a quick dip. The lagoon’s calm surface makes it perfect for relaxing swims, and you’ll love the way the water contrasts with the lush greenery surrounding it. If you’re a photographer, the landscape here offers excellent opportunities to capture the striking natural colors.

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The Jellyfish Sanctuary: A Unique Encounter

A major highlight that sets this tour apart is swimming among hundreds of stingless jellyfish in their protected sanctuary. This experience is both fun and surreal, as you gently float above these gentle creatures without fear of stings. The jellyfish are harmless, and watching them glide gracefully through the water is a mesmerizing sight. As one traveler put it, “Beautiful experience, especially swimming with jellyfish. Worth the long boat ride.”

Additional Stops and Activities

Besides the main attractions, the tour includes a visit to Sohoton Gamay Resort, where you can enjoy a jumping board for a minimal fee or just relax and take in the views. Other activities include sightseeing, walking around, and swimming in the lagoons.

The lunch break features the iconic Boodle Fight, a communal Filipino meal served on banana leaves, with a variety of local dishes. It’s a fun way to enjoy authentic flavors in a casual setting, fostering a sense of camaraderie among travelers.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour’s inclusions—all entrance fees, a local guide, and transportation—offer good value, especially given the remote and pristine locations visited. However, note that snorkeling gear is not included, so if you want to explore underwater more thoroughly, you might need to bring or rent your own.

Participants are encouraged to bring biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, a change of clothes, and a camera to capture this unforgettable day. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking around the cove and caves.

The Realities of the Experience

While many travelers praise the stunning views and unique wildlife encounters, some have experienced logistical hiccups. One reviewer mentioned being picked up two hours late, with no guide present initially, and waiting at the port for the boat to fill — emphasizing the importance of patience and flexibility.

Despite these hiccups, the majority find the experience worthwhile, with glowing remarks about swimming with jellyfish and exploring secret lagoons. The natural beauty of Sohoton Cove offers a compelling reason to overlook minor delays.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This excursion appeals most to adventure seekers and nature lovers looking for more than just beaches. If you enjoy caves, lagoons, and wildlife, and are comfortable with a full-day outing, this tour will deliver. It’s also suitable for travelers interested in Filipino culture, thanks to the inclusion of the Boodle Fight.

However, those with mobility issues or who dislike long boat rides might find the trip a bit tiring. It’s also not suitable for very young children or elderly travelers with health concerns, given the physical nature of exploring caves and swimming.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

The Sohoton Cove Tour offers a rich blend of exploration, wildlife, and cultural experiences. The opportunity to swim with jellyfish is a rare and exciting highlight, and the natural pools and caves provide excellent photo opportunities and memorable moments. While logistics can sometimes be unpredictable, the effort is generally rewarded by the scenery and wildlife encounters.

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines natural beauty with a touch of Filipino culture, this tour is well worth considering. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to see less-visited spots and who don’t mind a bit of travel time to reach them.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, including pickup, transfer, activities, and return.

Where does the tour start?
You can be picked up from either General Luna or Siargao Island, making it convenient for most travelers staying nearby.

What’s included in the price?
All entrance fees, a local guide, transportation, and the Boodle Fight meal are included. Snorkeling gear is not included.

Is it suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for babies under 1 year or for elderly travelers over 80 or 95 years old, due to activity levels and physical demands.

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

Are there any restrictions?
Explosive substances are not allowed; the tour is not suitable for those with altitude sickness or severe mobility issues.

How is the guide service?
The guide speaks Tagalog and English. Some travelers have reported delays, so patience is advised.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, if you’re seeking a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and culturally rich experiences, this tour offers excellent value and memorable sights.

To sum it up, the Sohoton Cove Tour is a fantastic way to see a different side of the Philippines—hidden lagoons, caves, and friendly jellyfish. It offers a balance of activity and relaxation, perfect for travelers who want to explore beyond the usual beaches. With a bit of patience for logistical quirks, you’re likely to leave with some incredible stories and photos of one of the country’s most unique natural settings.

You can check availability for your dates here: