Siargao: Jellyfish Sohoton Cove Tour with Lunch and Pickup

A Day Exploring Sohoton Cove and Surreal Lagoons from Siargao

If you’re visiting Siargao and craving more than just the famous surf breaks, the Jellyfish Sohoton Cove Tour offers an intriguing mix of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility. For $84 per person, this full-day trip takes you from your Siargao hotel to the stunning Sohoton National Park in Surigao del Norte, with highlights like the Snoring Cave, Magkukuob Cave, Tiktikan Lagoon, and a jellyfish sanctuary. The tour also includes a tasty lunch at Naquiawit Island and all transfers, making it a convenient way to explore this less-visited corner of the Philippines.

What we really like about this experience is the chance to see amazing limestone formations and serene lagoons that are often hard to access independently. The guide’s local knowledge enhances the trip, and the boat rides are scenic, offering plenty of photo opportunities. The highlight for many is the Tiktikan Lagoon, which on a clear day, dazzles with its vibrant blue waters. Another favorite is the Magkukuob Cave, where jumping into the water after a short climb adds a rush of adrenaline.

However, it’s worth noting that some travelers find the tour a bit rushed or feel that the actual activities—like the caves and jellyfish viewing—are shorter or less impressive than expected. The 2-hour boat ride, in particular, might be lengthy if you’re sensitive to sea travel, and the jellyfish sanctuary requires staying in a boat rather than swimming freely. This tour is best suited for those with a sense of adventure and patience for travel time, especially since weather or water conditions can influence the experience.

In short, this tour offers a solid mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation—ideal for travelers who want to see more of the Surigao del Norte region while based in Siargao. It’s particularly appealing if you’re interested in scenic lagoons and unique caves, and you’re comfortable with boat rides and a bit of a trek.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: The tour showcases limestone formations, lagoons, and caves that are truly photogenic.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides help bring the natural wonders to life with local insights.
• Adventure Elements: Cliff jumping, cave exploring, and jellyfish viewing add excitement.
• Travel Time: Expect around 2 hours of boat travel each way, which can feel long for some.
• Short Activity Windows: Some reviews mention activities like the caves and jellyfish sanctuary are brief.
• Good Value: The price includes transfers, lunch, and entrance fees, offering a convenient all-in-one day trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Siargao: Jellyfish Sohoton Cove Tour

Getting There and the Journey Begins

The tour starts early in the morning with hotel pickup, typically between 6:00 and 7:00 AM from General Luna. The ride to Bucas Grande Island takes about 1-2 hours, mainly by outrigger boat. While the boat engine noise can be loud, headphones are provided to make the ride more comfortable. The long travel time might seem daunting, but it’s part of the adventure—you’re heading into a less crowded, more untouched part of the Philippines.

Once you reach the Sohoton Park entrance, you’ll switch to a smaller paddle boat. This is where the real magic begins. The scenery from the boat is stunning, with clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and lush greenery all around. It’s a peaceful change from the often busy beaches below Siargao, and guides do a good job of explaining the significance of each site.

Exploring Sohoton Cove and Main Stops

Sohoton Cove itself is a natural marvel—an expansive protected area covering about 841 hectares. The park is part of the Samar Island Natural Park, home to caves, underground rivers, waterfalls, limestone formations, and dense forests. Your guide will point out notable features, but be aware that larger boats can’t go into the cove itself, so you’ll be on smaller paddle boats once inside.

The first notable stop is the Snoring Cave, known for waters that glow with an emerald hue, especially during certain times of the day. You might find yourself marveling at how the light plays on the water, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

Next up is the Magkukuob Cave, famous for its cliff-jumping spot. You’ll paddle close to the cave’s entrance, then the thrill begins—jumping into the water from the boat or platform. Inside the cave, the low ceiling and dark surroundings make for a slightly challenging navigation, but guides use torches to light the way. This is a favorite for thrill-seekers, and the quick swim back to the boat makes for a quick adrenaline rush.

The Tiktikan Lagoon is often called the tour’s highlight. Crystal-clear, blue-green waters surrounded by lush mountains make this a perfect spot to relax, swim, or take photos. It’s a peaceful oasis far from crowds—ideal for unwinding mid-day.

The Jellyfish Sanctuary: A Unique Experience

One of the most talked-about parts of the tour is the Stingless Jellyfish Sanctuary. Guides will paddle you across calm waters to a small, enclosed lake teeming with tiny, harmless jellyfish. You won’t be able to swim in the lake, but the sight of these gentle creatures drifting just below the surface can be mesmerizing.

Some reviews highlight disappointment here, noting that unless you’re willing and able to dive deeper, the view is blurry and limited. A traveler shared, “You don’t see them unless you can dive 5 meters; it’s impossible to see much.” So, if you’re expecting a full-on snorkel experience, this might not quite meet those expectations. Nonetheless, watching these creatures silently move in the water is a quiet, almost surreal moment.

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Lunch and the Final Highlights

Lunch is served at Naquiawit Island, one of Siargao’s picturesque beaches. The meal typically includes local dishes—fresh seafood, rice, and tropical fruits—offering a nice break and a taste of the region’s cuisine. The setting is scenic, with palm trees, soft sands, and calm waters.

After lunch, you’ll visit Club Tara Resort on Bucas Grande Island, to admire its stunning lagoons and perhaps catch a sunset if the timing works out. This is more of a visual treat, as the resort’s location offers panoramic views that make for stunning photos and a sense of peacefulness.

Practical Details and Considerations

• The tour includes pickup, boat transfers, entrance fees, lunch, and a guide, which simplifies planning.
• Equipment like snorkel gear is available for an extra fee, so if you’re interested in exploring underwater, bringing your own might be wise.
• The recommended packing list includes swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent.
• It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness or those over 95 years old.

Real Traveler Perspectives

While many travelers enjoy the scenic boat rides and the chance to see untouched natural spots, some have found the activities too brief or the water visibility limited. As one review bluntly states, “You basically drive for 40 minutes then you go in a boat for 2 hours to arrive there, then another 30 minutes to do the activities, which are less than an hour.” That’s a fair point—if you’re expecting a full day packed with activity, this might feel a bit rushed.

Conversely, another traveler called it “well worth the boat ride,” praising the trip as “one of the best day trips in Southeast Asia.” The difference in opinions largely depends on what you’re after—adventure and natural beauty or more extensive activity time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience caters best to travelers who are eager to see diverse natural landscapes and are comfortable with boat rides. It’s perfect if you’re interested in caves, lagoons, and jellyfish, but understand that activity durations can be limited. It suits those willing to accept some travel time in exchange for access to lesser-visited sights. If you’re looking for a relaxing day of swimming and photography, this tour offers that in spades.

However, if you prefer longer, more relaxed exploration or are sensitive to boat travel, you might want to consider other options or prepare for some patience. Also, those hoping for a more immersive snorkel or swim with the jellyfish may find the actual experience less interactive than anticipated.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour delivers a solid snapshot of Surigao del Norte’s natural beauty—from limestone caves to lagoons and tranquil lakes with jellyfish. The included lunch and transfers offer good value, and the knowledgeable guides help make the experience informative and safe.

It’s a good choice for adventure seekers and nature lovers who don’t mind a bit of travel and short activity windows. The scenic boat rides and stunning vistas make it worth the effort, especially if you’re looking for a break from the surf and want to see some of the Philippines’ lesser-known gems.

On the flip side, if your priority is longer periods of exploration or underwater interaction, you might find this tour a bit rushed or limited. Still, for many, the unique sights and the chance to see glowing caves and jellyfish make it a memorable part of your Siargao adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat ride to Sohoton Cove?
Expect around 1 to 2 hours each way, depending on sea conditions and your starting point in Siargao.

What are the main attractions on this tour?
Highlights include Sohoton Cove, Snoring Cave, Magkukuob Cave for cliff jumping, Tiktikan Lagoon, and the jellyfish sanctuary.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a local lunch is included at Naquiawit Island, offering regional dishes and a relaxing break.

Are the activities suitable for children?
Most activities involve boat rides, short hikes, and some jumping, so it depends on the child’s age and comfort with water and adventure. Always check with your guide.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, camera, water, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes for walking.

Is snorkeling available?
Snorkel gear is available for an extra fee, but the jellyfish sanctuary is viewed from a boat, so full snorkeling isn’t part of the standard tour.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for those prone to seasickness or over 95 years old. Also, touching plants or littering is not allowed.

How long does the entire tour last?
From pickup to return, plan on a full day—roughly 8 hours—depending on your hotel location and pace.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, the Jellyfish Sohoton Cove Tour offers a genuinely scenic and adventurous day out, especially suited for those wanting to experience the natural beauty beyond Siargao’s famous waves. It’s a trip that balances spectacular views with light adventure, all wrapped in a convenient package. Just keep expectations aligned with the limited activity duration and travel time, and you’ll find it a worthwhile addition to your island stay.

You can check availability for your dates here: