Sohoton Cove: Swim with Jellyfish & Explore Hidden Lagoons

Jellyfish, caves, and a banana-leaf feast in one day. I like the chance to swim with non-stinging jellyfish in Tojoman Lagoon, and I really enjoy the boodle fight lunch on Tikitikan Island. The main thing to consider is that this trip can feel pricey for what you do day to day, and jellyfish sightings drop because it is not jellyfish season right now.

This is a full day outing, about 8 hours from pick-up to drop-off, with a chain of local transport and a good chunk of boat time. You will be with a licensed, DOT-accredited guide who speaks English, and you can also plan around rough-sea adjustments by bringing motion-sickness prevention and water shoes.

Key things to know before you go

• Tojoman Lagoon jellyfish swim focuses on gentle, non-stinging jellyfish, but numbers vary by season
• Hagukan and Magkukuob caves offer two very different cave vibes, including striking blue water in Hagukan
• Cliff jumps, not just sightseeing are part of the Magkukuob cave experience for those who want it
• Tikitikan Island boodle-fight lunch is communal, with grilled seafood and meats served on banana leaves
• Transport takes time and the long day matters, since you are riding by boat for multiple hours

Sohoton Cove, Surigao del Norte: what this day trip really includes

Sohoton Cove is on Bucas Grande Island area in Surigao del Norte, and this tour is built around water time plus a few signature stops. You do not just go to one beach and hang out. You move through several natural areas, including limestone surroundings, lagoons, and caves, and you wrap it up with a group lunch on Tikitikan Island.

I like how much is included in the price. You get a licensed DOT-accredited guide, round-trip pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation area, and the tour fees tied to islands, entrances, permits, and boat transfers. That matters because it reduces the chance you are hit with surprise extras mid-day.

Still, you should go in with realistic expectations. It is a day tour with a lot of moving parts, so if you want maximum calm time on a beach, this might feel busy. And if you are booking specifically for the jellyfish swim, remember the seasonal note: it is currently not jellyfish season, so you may see fewer jellyfish than you would at the peak around July.

From your accommodation to Dapa Port: the road and boat rhythm

Your day starts with pick-up from Surigao del Norte accommodations. The route typically begins with a local tricycle that takes you to a registration office. After you check in and confirm you are on the list, you transfer onward to Dapa Port by multicab or tuk-tuk.

Two practical takeaways here:

1. Be ready early. Tricycles can only wait briefly, so show up on time.
2. Ask a simple question at the start. If you are unsure whether the driver is part of your operator, confirm the local operator you booked with.

Once you reach the port, the schedule shifts into boat mode. Expect around two hours of other water transport on the way out and about the same stretch on the return. That is where the long-day feel comes from, and where rough seas can change things slightly for safety.

Tojoman Lagoon jellyfish swim: what you are actually buying

The headline experience is the swim with non-stinging jellyfish in Tojoman Lagoon. The whole point is gentle, non-stinging behavior, with an atmosphere that feels more like floating and observing than dangerous contact.

A key detail: you may still spot jellyfish even when it is not season, but you should not count on a full-on swarm. The tour note is clear that jellyfish are more abundant around July. In other words, the experience is built for the jellyfish moment, but nature controls the volume.

How to make this part more comfortable:

• Wear beachwear you can move in, then switch into dry clothes later
• Bring a towel and change of clothes, because you will get wet
• Use water shoes if you have them, especially when you are walking around uneven dock and island surfaces
• If you are prone to motion sickness, take prevention before you hit the boat

One review noted that it was a unique experience to swim with jellyfish, but also pointed out the pricing felt high compared with other island tours. That lines up with your main value question: do you want this specific jellyfish stop enough to pay for the full day and the travel time?

Hagukan Cave and Magkukuob Cave: blue water, limestone, and active choices

After the jellyfish portion, the tour moves into cave country, and the two cave stops feel different.

Hagukan Cave: the blue-water light show

In Hagukan Cave, you are looking for shimmering water in shades of blue as sunlight filters through. This is the cave stop that feels more visual and calm, like you are watching light do something it should not be able to do inside a cave.

Practical note: caves often mean damp surfaces and shaded footing. Bring the right gear for slippery moments, especially if you are not a strong swimmer and need steady footing.

Magkukuob Cave: cliff jumps for the adventurous

Magkukuob Cave is the more adrenaline-leaning stop. The tour description includes cliff-jump opportunities, meaning if you want that moment, this is where it shows up. If you do not, you can still watch and take photos, though you will want to manage your expectations for how much time you spend actually in the water.

I also suggest you think about temperament here. If you get anxious in heights or prefer not to change plans in the moment, do not treat this stop like a casual swim. Treat it like an optional activity with clear safety-minded rules from the guide.

Tikitikan Island lunch: boodle-fight comfort in the open air

Tikitikan Island is where you slow down for lunch, and it is not a formal sit-down meal. You do a communal boodle-fight style lunch, with grilled seafood and meats plus fresh vegetables served on banana leaves.

This is one of the reasons I like the tour structure. A communal meal can turn a long travel day into something more social. You eat what is available, you sit close to other people, and you keep your energy up for the later lagoon time.

One review highlighted that the lunch was very tasty, and another pointed out that it can feel a bit packed for a group of around 23 people. That does not make the food bad, it just tells you to expect a lively, crowded lunch scene.

What to do:

• Go easy on your sunscreen application beforehand if you know you will be sweating and rubbing it in the water
• Have cash available for whatever extra purchases pop up, since the tour asks you to bring cash

Hidden lagoons after the caves: your best photo and swim window

After lunch, the tour moves on to another “hidden” lagoon style stop for about 30 minutes of guided time. This is where you get more calm water and more cliff-and-coast visuals.

Since your schedule includes jellyfish time, cave time, and lunch, this lagoon stop is your chance to reset. If you want photos, this is often the easier segment because you are less focused on transitions and more focused on water and rock.

A small tip that matters: you will likely be moving through different areas with different water temperatures and current levels. Take a few seconds to look down and check footing and water conditions before committing to a swim.

Also, one review mentioned that drone photos looked crazy from this area. If you use a drone, follow local rules and respect any on-site safety instructions from the guide, because cave and lagoon areas can be sensitive.

Price and value: is $68 per person worth it

At $68 per person for an 8-hour day, the big value question is whether you are paying for the experience or mainly paying for transportation time. One reviewer felt it was extremely expensive compared to other Siargao excursions, even while admitting the spots were cool.

Here is the balanced way I see it:

The cost makes sense if:

• You specifically want non-stinging jellyfish plus cave and lagoon variety in one day
• You value the included guide, permits, entrances, and boat transfers
• You want an organized plan with pick-up and drop-off that reduces hassle

The cost might feel steep if:

• You are mainly chasing jellyfish and do not want to accept seasonal variability
• You expected more swimming time and less travel time
• You already have cheaper day trip options in mind and you are comparing apples to apples

If you are on a tighter budget, I would treat this as a “worth it for the specific combo” purchase, not a generic island tour. The caves and lagoon stops add variety, but the jellyfish element is the emotional hook. If you can accept that the jellyfish count may be lower during non-peak months, you are more likely to feel the value.

What to pack and what to do to stay comfortable

This tour asks you to bring:

• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Beachwear
• Cash
• Motion sickness prevention

You will also get extra practical direction like swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, water shoes, and a waterproof bag. That combo is exactly right for a day that includes boat rides, wet cave areas, and multiple stops where you do not want soggy clothes ruining the rest of the day.

Quick comfort checklist:

• Bring a waterproof bag or pouch for phone and documents
• Wear a hat and sunscreen that stays on after getting wet
• Pack motion-sickness prevention even if you think you are fine, because the boat time is long

Who should book Sohoton Cove, and who should skip it

This tour is a good fit for:

• People who like nature-focused days with controlled adventure
• Swimmers who are comfortable in open water and follow guide instructions
• Families and friends who enjoy communal experiences, since the lunch is shared and the guide keeps the day organized

Not everyone should book this one. It is listed as not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with vertigo
• People with pre-existing medical conditions
• Babies under 1 year
• People over 95 years

If you are unsure about your situation, I suggest you treat the cave and boat travel parts seriously and ask questions early. This is not a gentle stroll day.

Should you book Sohoton Cove for jellyfish and hidden lagoons?

I think you should book if you want a structured, nature-packed day that mixes water wildlife with limestone caves and lagoons, and you do not mind that the jellyfish are seasonal. The tour’s strongest moments are the Tojoman Lagoon jellyfish swim, the cave stop with blue water in Hagukan, the Magkukuob cave activity option, and the communal boodle-fight lunch on Tikitikan Island. The format is also easy to handle because you have a licensed, English-speaking guide and most major fees are included.

I would hesitate if you are price sensitive and you mostly care about the jellyfish. In non-peak months, sightings can be lighter, and the day already has a lot of transport time. Also, if you are anxious around heights or concerned about motion sickness, plan carefully, since you will be on the boat and you might face cliff-jump options depending on comfort level.

If you do book, you will feel best prepared when you arrive ready to get wet, follow guide safety instructions, and bring the comfort gear that keeps the day smooth. In a single 8-hour outing, you get multiple nature settings, not just one.

FAQ

How long is the Sohoton Cove tour?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $68 per person.

What does the tour include?

It includes a licensed and DOT-accredited tour guide, a boodle-fight lunch, pick-up and drop-off from/to your accommodation, and all fees such as island, entrance, permits, and boat transfers.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No, snorkeling gear is not included.

What is included in lunch?

Lunch is a boodle-fight style meal on Tikitikan Island, with grilled seafood, meats, and fresh vegetables served on banana leaves.

Are non-stinging jellyfish guaranteed year-round?

No. The note says it is currently not jellyfish season, so jellyfish may not be as abundant as they are around July.

What caves do you visit?

You visit Hagukan Cave and Magkukuob Cave. Hagukan Cave is described as having shimmering blue waters, and Magkukuob Cave includes cliff-jump opportunities.

Who should avoid this tour?

It is listed as not suitable for pregnant women, people with vertigo, people with pre-existing medical conditions, babies under 1 year, and people over 95 years.