Siargao:Sohoton Island Hopping Tour with Jellyfish Sanctuary

Sohoton Cove is the star here: a maze of limestone, green islets, half-submerged caves, and clear water reached by boat from Siargao. I like that the day combines cave exploration with the strange pleasure of swimming near non-stinging jellyfish. I also like that lunch, transfers, permits, guides, and entrance fees are bundled together.

The catch is the long travel day and uneven value. You spend about 10 hours on the move, and the buffet may run short if you arrive late. The jellyfish can also sit around two meters below the surface, so bring goggles and be ready to swim down.

Key points before you book

• Sohoton Cove leads the day: Expect limestone formations, seven green islets, and a half-submerged cave entrance.
• The jellyfish stop needs swimming skill: You may need to reach about two meters underwater to see the jellyfish clearly.
• Three boat stages shape the schedule: You travel from your resort to Dapa Port, across to Bucas Grande, then onward from Socorro Port to Sohoton.
• Lunch is included but limited: It is buffet style, and food may be scarce when many people arrive at once.
• Bring water shoes and your own goggles: Goggles may be rented for P150, while a dry bag is useful for the boat rides and wet stops.
• The day suits active visitors: Back trouble, limited mobility, and motion sickness can make this outing uncomfortable.

Sohoton Cove is the reason to make the trip

This excursion takes you away from Siargao proper to Bucas Grande, where Sohoton Cove feels more enclosed and wild than a standard beach stop. Limestone walls rise around sheltered water, and the cove includes seven small green islets plus a cave entrance partly covered by the sea.

I like this opening because it gives the day a real sense of place. You are not simply ticking off several beaches from a boat. You are moving through a maze of rock, water, and narrow passages with a local guide helping you understand where to go.

The cove is also the part most likely to justify the price. It is not a quick roadside attraction. Reaching it takes a boat from Dapa Port to Bucas Grande, then another transfer from Socorro Port to the Sohoton reception area. That extra effort is exactly why you should allow a full day.

You can expect guided exploration rather than a completely free-form outing. Swimming and kayaking may be available, and cliff jumping can be offered when conditions and local rules allow. Do not book this expecting every activity to run automatically. The exact order and availability depend on the day’s schedule and conditions.

The boat ride sets the rhythm

Pickup and drop-off are provided from your resort to the Port of Dapa. You should be in the lobby 10 to 15 minutes before pickup, and the driver is expected to call when arriving. From Dapa, the boat crosses toward Bucas Grande. One account of the day puts this first boat ride at a little over an hour, so pack water, sun protection, and something dry to sit on if you have it.

This is useful to know because the day begins before the main attractions appear. You may be asked to board with only limited explanation at Dapa, then receive fuller instructions after reaching the island and meeting the local guide. Keep your booking details handy and stay with the group during transfers.

Once at Socorro Port, another boat takes you to the Sohoton reception area. From there, smaller boats handle the cove stops. The boat changes are part of the adventure, but they also mean more chances to get wet and more time exposed to sun and wind.

A dry bag is one of the smartest things to bring. If you do not own one, protect your phone and wallet in sealed plastic bags. Comfortable clothes are listed as the basic requirement, but quick-drying clothing makes more sense for this particular day.

Hagukan Cave and Magkukuob Cave

Hagukan Cave is known for its striking rock formations and a skin-illuminating effect in the cave’s water and light. The supplied schedule also includes Magkukuob Cave, where the activity may involve climbing and jumping. These are not polished indoor attractions with easy walkways. Expect wet rock, confined spaces, and physical movement.

Magkukuob is the more active stop. You may climb into the cavern and jump into the water, depending on the conditions and the guide’s instructions. If you dislike heights, slippery footing, or sudden water entry, this portion could feel more stressful than fun.

Water shoes are especially helpful here. Bare feet may be uncomfortable on rough surfaces, and ordinary flip-flops can slip or fall off. You should also follow the safety guides closely, since the package includes two safety guides at Sohoton and additional tour escorts.

The cave stops give the excursion variety. Sohoton offers the broad setting and boat passages, Hagukan gives you a quieter look at rock and water, and Magkukuob adds movement and a little nerve. At the same time, the caves are not suitable for everyone. People with back problems or limited mobility should choose another Siargao outing, and anyone prone to motion sickness should think carefully about the long boat transfers.

The jellyfish stop is unusual, but not effortless

The Jellyfish Sanctuary is the day’s most unusual stop. Here, you can swim with jellyfish that are described as non-stinging. That does not mean you should handle them. Listen to the guide, move carefully, and avoid touching marine life.

The main practical detail is depth. The jellyfish may be about two meters underwater, so you may not see much from the surface. If you cannot comfortably swim down that far, this stop could be less rewarding than the photographs suggest.

Bring your own goggles if you have them. Goggles can be rented for P150, but having familiar equipment saves time and usually gives you a better fit. A mask and snorkel are not specifically promised, so do not assume a full snorkeling setup will be waiting.

I would rate this as the strongest personal moment of the day if you are comfortable in the water. The setting is quiet, the animals are unusual, and the experience is unlike ordinary reef snorkeling. But the name sanctuary should not lead you to expect a large marine park or a long guided wildlife talk. The stop is mainly about getting into the water and seeing the jellyfish in their natural setting.

Tiktikan Lake or Dagatan Bay adds a slower pause

After the caves and jellyfish, the route may include Tiktikan Lake or Dagatan Bay, depending on the schedule. Tiktikan Lake offers calm water surrounded by greenery, with time for a swim or a rest beside the shore. Dagatan Bay provides another water setting if the itinerary shifts.

This stop matters because the morning can be physically demanding. A quiet swim and a little time out of the boat help break up the more active cave sections. You may prefer to sit and dry off rather than swim again, especially if the day is hot and you have already been in the water several times.

The uncertainty is worth noting. You cannot count on one exact stop because the tour may use Tiktikan Lake or Dagatan Bay. If one location is particularly important to you, ask about the current schedule before booking.

Bubon Beach and Marka-A Island

Bubon Beach brings the classic white-sand pause. You can stretch out, enjoy the sea views, and let the day slow down. It is a welcome contrast to the caves, though the amount of time here depends on the full route and boat schedule.

Marka-A Island extends the island-hopping portion with more quiet shore time and snorkeling possibilities. The plan includes secluded beaches, coral areas, and a slower atmosphere away from the main route. Do not expect a long independent exploration period, though. This is a guided day with several stops, so time at each place is limited.

The Marka-A addition makes the package more varied than a cove-only trip. If you want one setting all day, this may feel rushed. If you want a broad sample of Bucas Grande’s water, caves, beaches, and small islands, the variety is the point.

A possible bonus side trip to Club Tara may be added if time remains. Treat this as an extra, not a guaranteed part of the day. The schedule already contains several boat transfers and stops, so the guide may need to leave it out.

Lunch and the resort break

Lunch is included and served buffet style. That is convenient after a morning in the water, but it is not a reason to expect a lavish meal. One practical problem is timing: if many people reach the buffet at once, the popular dishes may disappear before everyone has eaten. Rice and fruit may be all that remains for late arrivals.

I would bring a small, sealed snack if you need regular food or have dietary concerns. The provided details do not promise special meals, so ask before departure if you have restrictions.

The break takes place at a resort, identified in the route as Bravo Beach Resort Siargao. You may have time to swim, relax, or use a water slide. The resort gives you a place to dry off and rest before the return boats, but it is not necessarily the high point of the day. Think of it as a practical pause between excursions rather than a destination in its own right.

This break also helps explain the mixed value. The price covers many transport and access costs, but some of your 10 hours are spent in transit or waiting between stages. You are paying for access to a remote route, not for 10 straight hours of activity.

What the $88 price really covers

At $88 per person, this tour is not the cheapest way to spend a day around Siargao. Its value depends on how much you want handled for you.

The price includes resort pickup and drop-off to Dapa Port, the boat from Dapa to Bucas Grande, the transfer from Socorro Port to Sohoton, local boats, a DOT-accredited English-speaking guide, tour escorts, entrance fees, docking and permit charges, the Sohoton boat fee, two safety guides, lunch, and the jellyfish boat transfer with a paddler’s fee. It also includes an exclusive Bucas Grande tourism wristband.

Those inclusions add up. Booking separate boats, permits, entrance tickets, local guides, and lunch would take planning, and the remote setting makes mistakes costly. If you are traveling alone or do not want to arrange several connections, the package can be worth the convenience.

Still, the value is not perfect. The day has a long transport component, lunch can be thin, and the resort stop may feel ordinary. You also pay an additional P100 tourism fee at the pier before disembarking for island hopping. Add that to your budget rather than treating the advertised price as the complete cost.

The experience earns a 3.7 out of 5 rating from five recorded ratings. I would read that as a sign of a good but not flawless outing: the natural setting and jellyfish stop can be excellent, while organization, meal supply, and time spent moving between locations affect the overall impression.

Who should book this day

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a full, active day and prefer one booking to handle transport, guides, food, and permits. It is especially suitable if Sohoton Cove is high on your Siargao list and you also want caves, a jellyfish encounter, beaches, and a lake or bay in one outing.

You should be comfortable with long boat rides, wet clothing, climbing, swimming, and a schedule that may change. Good water confidence will make the jellyfish stop and cave activities much more enjoyable.

I would not choose it for a relaxed beach day, a short excursion, or a trip built around luxury. It is also a poor match if you have back problems, limited mobility, or serious motion sickness. Families should consider each person’s swimming ability and comfort with slippery cave areas before booking.

For the best experience, bring:

• Water shoes
• Your own goggles or mask
• A dry bag or waterproof phone case
• Sun protection
• Comfortable quick-drying clothes
• A small snack
• Extra cash for the P100 tourism fee and possible P150 goggles rental

Alcohol, drugs, fireworks, and explosive substances are not allowed. The tour is conducted in English, and pickup instructions ask you to wait in your resort lobby 10 to 15 minutes before departure.

Should you book the Sohoton tour?

Book it if you want the broadest possible look at Bucas Grande in one long day. Sohoton Cove and the jellyfish stop are the main reasons to go, while the caves and beaches keep the route from feeling repetitive.

Skip it if you want an easy, polished, or highly relaxed outing. The boat time is substantial, the buffet may be limited, the jellyfish may be hard to see without swimming down, and the schedule can feel busy.

My practical call is this: book when remote scenery and unusual water experiences matter more to you than perfect service. Bring your own goggles, wear water shoes, protect your phone, and accept that the day’s strength is its range of places rather than luxury at any single stop.

FAQ

How long does the Sohoton Island Hopping Tour last?

The tour lasts 10 hours, including resort pickup and drop-off, boat transfers, guided stops, lunch, and the return journey to Surigao del Norte.

What places are included?

The route includes Sohoton Cove, Hagukan Cave, Magkukuob Cave, the Jellyfish Sanctuary, Tiktikan Lake or Dagatan Bay depending on the schedule, Bubon Beach, and Marka-A Island. Club Tara may be added if time remains.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your resort to the Port of Dapa are included. You should be in the lobby 10 to 15 minutes before pickup and provide your pickup location in advance.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothes, water shoes, goggles if you have them, and a dry bag if possible. Goggles may be rented for P150. You should also bring money for the separate P100 tourism fee at the pier.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and served buffet style. Food may be limited if many people reach the buffet at the same time, so bringing a small snack is sensible.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option, so you do not need to pay at the time of booking.