Disclosure: This guide is published by Mariden Resort. While we've aimed for accuracy, we encourage you to research both areas for your trip.
Route Map from Mariden Resort
The map below shows the full route: drive from Mariden Resort to Dapa Port (~25 min), then a boat ride to the Sohoton Cove stops. See Siargao scooter rental rates for getting to the port.
🚗 Blue line: drive to Dapa Port · 🚤 Dashed line: boat to Sohoton Tourism Office → Jellyfish Sanctuary → Sohoton Cove → Magkukuob Cave · Click any marker for details
If turquoise Sugba Lagoon is Siargao's most visited lagoon — wide, turquoise, and open. Sohoton Cove is cave-dark and cave-cold, and for most visitors it's the day trip that sticks longest. Hidden within the mangroves of Bucas Grande Island (southeast of Siargao, accessed via Dapa port), this protected landscape and seascape combines emerald lagoons, limestone caves, and the rare stingless jellyfish of Tojoman Lagoon. A full-day Sohoton Cove tour (approximately ₱2,300–₱3,100 / $40–55 USD ) takes you kayaking through narrow cave passages, cliff-jumping at Magkukuob Cave, and swimming among thousands of harmless jellyfish ( peak March–June ). Like the Siargao Tri-Island Tour , it's a full boat day, but Sohoton is more adventurous and cave-heavy. Here's the complete 2026 guide: cost, itinerary, fees, what to bring, and how to book from Del Carmen, the closest and cheapest base in Siargao .
Image courtesy of Jackson Groves
Quick Facts
- Location: Bucas Grande Island, Sohoton Bay, Surigao del Norte
- Jump-off Point: Dapa Port (boats go via Socorro check-in to Sohoton)
- Travel Time from Del Carmen: approximately 1.5 hours each way (20-30 min to Dapa Port + ~1–1.5 hr boat to Socorro)
- Best For: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers, kayaking enthusiasts
- Tour Duration: 6-8 hours (full day)
- Cost: ₱2,300–₱3,100 per person (~$40–55 USD) for group tour; ₱7,500–₱11,000 (~$130–195 USD) for private boat up to 10 people
- Entrance Fee: ~₱800 per person (~$14 USD), a consolidated eco-tourism fee covering entrance, environmental levy, safety gear, and on-site guide; typically included in joiner tour packages
- Operating Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (tidal conditions govern cave access; confirm departure time with your tour operator)
- From Siargao Airport: Del Carmen is just 5-10 minutes from the airport, making it the ideal base for Sohoton Cove day trips
Pro Tip: Book tours from Del Carmen - you're only 20-30 minutes from Dapa Port, while General Luna is 35-45 minutes away. You'll save 20-30 minutes of travel time each way.
What Is Sohoton Cove, Siargao? (Philippines National Park Overview)
Sohoton Cove National Park is a 70-hectare protected marine sanctuary (core area) located within the mangrove-fringed waters of Bucas Grande Island. Unlike the open waters of Sugba Lagoon, Sohoton is a series of interconnected caves, lagoons, and tidal pools accessible primarily by small outrigger boats (pump boats) with kayaks or paddle boats reserved specifically for the Jellyfish Sanctuary.
What makes Sohoton special:
- Hagukan Cave (Snoring Cave / Luminescent Cave): Named from haguk (the Visayan word for "snore"), this narrow limestone cave produces an echoing, snore-like sound as waves interact with its air chamber at rising tide. Also known as the Luminescent Cave for its glowing mineral-rich walls. Accessible only during LOW tide.
- Magkukuob Cave: A "climb-and-jump" cave where visitors swim to the entrance, wade through waist-deep water, climb through the cavern to reach a 5-meter cliff jump exit
- Tojoman Lagoon (Jellyfish Sanctuary): Crystal-clear lagoon home to thousands of stingless jellyfish. Jumping and splashing are discouraged to protect them. Best visited March–June when jellyfish are most abundant (seasonal).
- Bolitas Cave: A challenging spelunking site requiring crawling through narrow passages to see unique pellet-like "bolitas" stones
- Crystal Cave: A cave with shimmering stalactites and stalagmites that catch light at certain angles. A popular bonus stop offered by many local guides within the Sohoton complex.
- Tiktikan Lagoon: Additional lagoon with cliff jumping platforms
Image courtesy of Siargao Island, Philippines
How to Get to Sohoton Cove from Siargao (Del Carmen & General Luna)
From Del Carmen (Recommended)
Total travel time: 1.5-2 hours each way
Step 1: Del Carmen to Dapa Port (20-30 minutes)
- Motorcycle/Tricycle: Head south to Dapa Port
- Tour pickup: Most tours include land transport from your resort. Save 30–40 minutes of road travel each way by staying in Del Carmen (20–30 minutes from Dapa Port, vs 35–45 minutes from General Luna). View rooms near Dapa Port
Step 2: Dapa Port to Socorro Check-in (approximately 1–1.5 hour boat ride)
- Board boat at Dapa Port
- Travel along the coastline of Bucas Grande Island
- Mandatory stop at Socorro Port: Coast guard check-in required - all passengers must have life jackets
Step 3: Socorro to Sohoton Cove Tourist Center (15-20 minutes)
- Continue by boat from Socorro to the Sohoton Cove entrance
- Park rangers collect entrance fees at the tourist center
From General Luna
Total travel time: 2-2.5 hours each way
Step 1: General Luna to Dapa Port (35-45 minutes)
- Jeepney/Van: Most tour operators provide shared transport to Dapa
Step 2: Same boat route as above
Dapa Port → Socorro check-in → Sohoton Cove Tourist Center
Why Del Carmen is closer: Del Carmen is just 20–30 minutes from Dapa Port, while General Luna is 35–45 minutes away. Staying in Del Carmen saves you 15–25 minutes of road travel each way and an earlier boat departure.
Most tours include:
- ✅ Roundtrip land transport to Dapa Port
- ✅ Boat rental (shared or private)
- ✅ Kayak rental for cave passages
- ✅ Life jackets and safety gear
- ✅ Park entrance fees
- ✅ Tour guide (required by park regulations)
- ✅ Lunch (simple packed meal or island BBQ)
Sohoton Cove Full-Day Itinerary: What to Expect Hour by Hour
This is a full-day commitment. See how it fits into a longer Siargao stay with our 3/5/7-day Siargao itineraries .
6:30-7:00 AM - Departure from Del Carmen
Meet your tour group or private guide at agreed pickup point (Mariden Resort offers convenient pickup). Early departure recommended.
7:00-7:30 AM - Arrive at Dapa Port
Board your boat with other tourists and crew for the journey to Sohoton.
8:30-9:00 AM - Socorro Port Check-in
Mandatory coast guard check-in at Socorro Port. All passengers must have life jackets. Brief stop before continuing to Sohoton.
9:30-10:00 AM - Arrive at Sohoton Cove Tourist Center
Park rangers collect entrance fees. Receive safety briefing and kayak assignment.
10:30 AM - Hagukan Cave (Snoring Cave / Luminescent Cave)
Paddle through the narrow limestone passage and listen for the haunting snoring echo, the sound that gives the cave its name ( haguk means "snore" in Visayan). The cave walls also glow faintly from mineral deposits, earning it the alternate name Luminescent Cave.
Important: Hagukan Cave is accessible only during LOW tide. At high tide, the entrance is completely submerged.
11:00 AM - Magkukuob Cave
The adventure highlight! Swim to the cave entrance, wade through waist-deep water, then climb through the cavern to reach the 5-meter cliff jump exit. A challenging but rewarding experience!
Not for those uncomfortable with heights or tight spaces!
11:30 AM - Tojoman Lagoon (Jellyfish Sanctuary)
Swim gently in crystal-clear waters surrounded by limestone cliffs. This lagoon is a dedicated Jellyfish Sanctuary - jumping and splashing are discouraged to protect the stingless jellyfish. Snorkel to observe small fish and the stingless jellyfish.
12:30 PM - Lunch Break
Enjoy packed lunch on the boat or at designated island picnic area. Rest and rehydrate.
1:30 PM - Jellyfish Sanctuary (Seasonal)
Swim with thousands of stingless jellyfish (best March-June). These rare jellyfish have greatly reduced stinging cells, a result of evolving in an isolated, predator-free lagoon, making them completely harmless to swimmers. You float in water so still you can hear your own breathing, with pulsing, palm-sized jellyfish drifting past — harmless, and slightly unnerving for the first minute.
2:30 PM - Bolitas Cave & Photo Ops
For the adventurous, explore Bolitas Cave , named for the small pellet-like rounded stones ( bolitas ) formed by ancient stalactite drips. The cave requires crawling single-file through a very narrow passage, so skip it if you're claustrophobic. Afterwards, take time for photos of the lagoon before heading back.
3:30 PM - Return Journey
Boat back to Socorro, then land transport to Del Carmen.
5:00 PM - Arrive Back in Del Carmen
Relax at your resort pool after an epic day of exploration.
Image courtesy of Tripadvisor
What to Bring to Sohoton Cove (Packing List)
Essentials:
- ☑️ Swimwear (quick-dry)
- ☑️ Water shoes or reef sandals (slippery rocks)
- ☑️ Reef-safe sunscreen (protect the marine ecosystem)
- ☑️ Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- ☑️ Towel and change of clothes
- ☑️ Cash (entrance fees, tips, snacks)
- ☑️ Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
Optional:
- 📷 Waterproof action camera (GoPro) - capture underwater and cave shots
- 🥽 Snorkel gear (some tours provide)
- 🧢 Hat/cap (sun protection on boat)
- 🍫 Extra snacks (lunch is basic)
Sohoton Cove Tips: Tides, Timing & Photography
Understand Tidal Restrictions
Sohoton Cove is HIGHLY tide-dependent . Hagukan Cave is only accessible during low tide, while other caves require mid-to-high tide. Always book tours that check tide schedules.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (March-October): Calmer seas, better weather
- Jellyfish Season (March-June): Peak time to see stingless jellyfish
- Weekdays: Fewer crowds, more peaceful experience
Kayaking Confidence
You don't need to be an expert, but basic kayaking skills help. Guides will assist, but the caves require navigating narrow passages. If you're claustrophobic, skip Magkukuob Cave.
Photography Tips
- Bring a waterproof camera or phone case
- Best light: 10 AM - 2 PM (avoid harsh overhead sun)
- Use wide-angle lens for cave interiors
- Capture the jellyfish with underwater shots
Leave No Trace
Sohoton is a protected marine sanctuary. Do not touch or disturb jellyfish, avoid stepping on coral, and bring all trash back with you.
What disappoints people
Sohoton is genuinely extraordinary, but a handful of things reliably let guests down:
- Arriving during the wrong tide. Hagukan Cave is the reason most people come — and it closes completely at high tide. Tours that don't time this right skip the highlight. Ask your guide directly: "Will Hagukan be open when we get there?" before booking.
- Going outside jellyfish season and expecting jellyfish. The stingless jellyfish are only reliably present from March to June. Outside that window you may see a few or none. If jellyfish are the main draw for you, plan your trip accordingly.
- The full-day commitment. Sohoton from Siargao is a long day — 6:30 AM departure, back by 5 PM. Guests who underestimated the boat time (two crossings, about 45 minutes each way on open water) sometimes find the day exhausting rather than relaxing. It's worth it, but it's not a casual half-day trip.
- Seas on the crossing. The Dinagat Sound between Siargao and Socorro can get rough, especially November to February. If your boat operator says it's too rough to cross, believe them — people have attempted the crossing in poor conditions and had to turn back. Building a weather buffer day into your itinerary removes this stress.
Sohoton Cove Tour Cost: Joiner vs DIY Budget (PHP & USD)
Here's a clear breakdown of all costs so you can budget accurately before you go.
| Cost Item | Joiner Tour | DIY / Independent |
|---|---|---|
| Roundtrip land transport (Del Carmen ↔ Dapa) | Usually included | ₱50–₱150 (~$0.85-$3 USD) (habal-habal/tricycle each way) |
| Boat fare (Dapa ↔ Socorro) | Usually included | ~₱300–₱500 (~$5-$8 USD) per person each way |
| Sohoton Cove eco-tourism fee (entrance + guide + gear) | Usually included | ~₱800 (~$14 USD) per person (paid at cove) |
| Kayak rental (cave passages) | Usually included | Arranged on-site |
| Lunch | Usually included (packed meal or island BBQ) | Bring your own or buy at Socorro |
| Total (approx.) | ₱2,300–₱3,100 per person (~$40–55 USD) | ₱1,500–₱2,500 per person (~$23–38 USD) (estimate, varies) |
Prices are approximate as of 2025–2026 and subject to change. Always confirm inclusions with your tour operator.
Sohoton Cove FAQ: Cost, Fees, Safety & Jellyfish Season
Group/joiner tours range from ₱2,300–₱3,100 per person (~$40–55 USD), typically including roundtrip transport, boat, kayak, guide, lunch, and all fees. Private boat tours cost ₱7,500–₱11,000 (~$130–195 USD) for groups of up to 10 people. Note: an ~₱800/person (~$14 USD) eco-tourism fee is collected at the Sohoton Cove tourist center; this is usually bundled into joiner packages, so always confirm what's included when booking. Rates from Del Carmen operators are typically equal to or slightly cheaper than General Luna operators.
Upon arriving at the Sohoton Cove tourist center, park rangers collect a consolidated eco-tourism tour fee of approximately ₱800 (~$14 USD) per person. This covers your entrance fee, environmental levy, safety equipment (helmet and life jacket), and a local on-site guide for the caves. Joiner tour packages from Siargao typically include this fee, so confirm with your operator at the time of booking. Independent (DIY) visitors traveling directly to Socorro will pay this fee on arrival at the cove.
Yes, but with caution. Kids must be comfortable in water and wearing life jackets. The caves can be intimidating for very young children (under 8). Families should request skipping Magkukuob Cave if kids are nervous about tight spaces.
The caves have different tidal requirements. Hagukan Cave is only accessible during LOW tide. Tours are scheduled around optimal tide windows. Always book with operators who check tide schedules.
Siargao's Sugba Lagoon is an open, calm lagoon perfect for swimming and paddleboarding (20 min boat from Del Carmen). Sohoton Cove is a cave and lagoon system requiring kayaking through narrow passages (1 hour from Del Carmen via Socorro). Sohoton is more adventurous; Sugba is more relaxing. Both are must-visit water experiences departing from the Del Carmen area.
March-June is peak season for jellyfish visibility. Water clarity and jellyfish population vary by month and weather conditions.
Closer to the Sohoton departure point than General Luna
Sohoton Cove tours depart from Dapa Port — about 30 minutes from Mariden Resort, compared to 45–60 minutes from General Luna. You're also 5 minutes from the airport. Rooms from ₱1,500/night (~$26 USD).
Book direct with code DIRECT20 for 20% off.
Explore Our RoomsRelated Siargao Guides & Resources
More Siargao Adventures:
- Sugba Lagoon boat tour: the turquoise open-water lagoon (pair with Sohoton on back-to-back days)
- tri-island tour from General Luna Naked, Daku & Guyam island hopping from General Luna
- free mangrove forest walk 10 minutes from Mariden, perfect rest-day activity
- Magpupungko tidal pools East-coast tidal pools (low-tide only)
- Maasin coconut palm plantation Classic Siargao photo spot
Planning Your Siargao Trip:
- all Siargao attractions and day trips Complete island activity guide
- Sample 3/5/7-Day Itineraries See exactly where Sohoton fits in a full trip
- Siargao daily budget breakdown Full cost breakdown in PHP and USD
- Siargao transport rates and tips Habal-habal, vans, and trike rates
- Best Time to Visit Siargao Jellyfish season (March–June) and weather
- Del Carmen vs GL (which to choose) Why Del Carmen is the cheaper base for Sohoton
- Sayak (IAO) airport arrival guide Arrival, departure, and transfers
Book Your Stay:
- See Mariden Rooms & Rates — from approximately $25 USD per night
- Resort Amenities Pool, breakfast, airport pickup
- Contact Us on WhatsApp Questions about your stay or airport pickup
- Guest FAQ Check-in, Wi-Fi, tours, and more