Siargao: Jellyfish Sohoton Cove Tour with Lunch and Pickup

Exploring Sohoton Cove from Siargao: An Honest Review of the Jellyfish Tour with Lunch and Pickup

If you’re looking for a day filled with natural beauty, adventure, and a touch of island mystique, the Jellyfish Sohoton Cove tour from Siargao might catch your eye. While it promises a mix of caves, lagoons, and marine encounters, it’s important to unpack what’s really on offer before booking, especially since reviews point to some mixed experiences.

What we like about this tour are the stunning views of Sohoton’s limestone formations, the exciting cliff-jumping at Magkukuob Cave, and the chance to see the gentle stingless jellyfish without needing to snorkel. The included lunch at Naquiawit Island also adds to the value, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

However, a significant consideration is the travel time—a roughly 2-hour boat ride each way can feel lengthy, especially if your focus is on the activities rather than the journey. Also, some visitors mention that the activities are brief, which might leave those expecting a full day of intense exploration feeling underwhelmed.

This tour could suit active travelers eager to tick off iconic sights in Surigao del Norte, or families seeking a safe, guided experience with some adventurous moments. But if you’re expecting an all-day thrill, it’s worth considering the pace and the reviews on activity duration.

Key Points

• Stunning natural scenery of limestone cliffs and lagoons
• Exciting cliff jump at Magkukuob Cave for adrenaline lovers
• Gentle jellyfish sanctuary offering a mesmerizing marine view without diving
• Long travel time with approximately 2 hours each way by boat
• Brief activity periods may disappoint travelers seeking more time in the water
• Well-organized tour with knowledgeable guides and good overall value for the price

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Sohoton Cove Tour

This tour takes you on a full day of exploring Surigao del Norte’s famed natural attractions, starting with your hotel pickup early in the morning. From there, a boat ride of about 1-2 hours will bring you to the entrance of Sohoton Cove, an expansive protected area within the Samar Island Natural Park. This park boasts limestone formations, caves, waterfalls, and dense forests, all of which set a dramatic scene for your day.

The boat ride itself is a highlight, offering scenic views of the open ocean and lush coastlines. Keep in mind, larger boats cannot navigate into the park, so your transfer into the cove will likely be on a smaller paddle boat, which can feel a bit bumpy but adds to the adventure.

Entrance to Sohoton Cove and Cave Exploration

Once inside, you’ll pass through a tunnel cave with a low headspace beneath a towering mountain. This is a fun, slightly challenging part of the trip that adds an element of adventure to your experience. Guides typically give safety instructions here, so listen carefully.

The main activities at Sohoton include visiting the Snoring Cave, known for waters that glow with an emerald hue—though, according to some reviews, the glow is more subdued than expected. You won’t be in the cave long, but the scenery is still impressive.

Next, you’ll head to the Magkukuob Cave, where the thrill of cliff-jumping awaits. This is the most adrenaline-pumping part of the tour. You’ll jump from the boat into the water and then swim to the cave entrance. Inside, the ceiling is low, and guides will carry torches to navigate the darkness.

The Highlight: Tiktikan Lagoon and Jellyfish Sanctuary

After the caves, the tour visits Tiktikan Lagoon, a tranquil 2-hectare spot perfect for a relaxing swim amid lush surroundings. The clear waters and peaceful atmosphere are a breath of fresh air after the boat rides and cave adventures.

The jellyfish sanctuary is another feature that appeals to many. Here, you’ll hop into a small boat with a guide and drift across a calm lake filled with tiny jellyfish. The experience is entirely in the boat—no diving or snorkeling required to view the gentle creatures, which makes it accessible for most visitors.

Ending with Club Tara Resort

The last stop offers a stunning view of Club Tara Resort from the water, surrounded by lagoons and turquoise waters. It’s an ideal photo opportunity and a peaceful spot to soak in the scenery before heading back to Siargao.

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Practical Details and Tips

Transportation and timing are key considerations. The tour starts early—around 6-7 AM—with pickup from General Luna. After a roughly 2-hour boat ride, you arrive at Sohoton Cove around 9 AM. From there, activities are scheduled with a typical 3 PM return to Siargao, arriving by 5 PM. This schedule suits those who enjoy early mornings and don’t mind a full day of travel.

Cost at around $84 per person covers transportation, entrance fees, a knowledgeable guide, and lunch. The included lunch at Naquiawit Island adds value, especially since it’s a scenic location. Keep in mind, snorkel gear is not included but can be rented for P150-P200 if you want to explore more underwater.

What to bring: comfortable shoes, swimwear, change of clothes, camera, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent. Be prepared for a lot of boat riding; a waterproof bag for your valuables is advisable.

Limitations: travelers prone to seasickness might find the boat rides challenging, and the tour is not suitable for those over 95 years old or with mobility issues.

Reviews often highlight the guides’ knowledge and the incredible views as the tour’s best features. However, some complain about the short duration of activities. One reviewer noted, “the activities are less than an hour,” which might feel rushed for some.

Authentic Experiences and Considerations

A key takeaway from reviews is that while the scenery and guides are generally praised, the long travel time can be a downside if your priority is more water-based fun. The jellyfish sanctuary is a unique highlight, especially for those who prefer to observe rather than snorkel or swim with the creatures.

Some travelers have remarked that the snorkel conditions are less impressive due to blurry water visibility, making the jellyfish sighting more about the novelty than clear viewing. Also, the cave activities are brief, and the cliff jump, while fun, is small-scale—so manage expectations accordingly.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is ideal for adventurers with a sense of curiosity who don’t mind a bit of travel and want to see some of Surigao’s most iconic spots. It’s also good for families or groups who want a guided, safe outing with opportunities to relax at Tiktikan Lagoon and enjoy a scenic boat ride.

Travelers seeking an intense, activity-packed day might find this tour too light on water time, but those interested in nature, caves, and quick marine encounters will enjoy it.

Final Words

This tour offers a great snapshot of Surigao’s natural beauty, combining caves, lagoons, and marine life into one day. The guided nature of the trip ensures safety and ease, and the scenery is genuinely impressive.

However, the travel can be lengthy, and activities may feel fleeting if you’re after a more immersive experience. The jellyfish sanctuary, in particular, stands out as a peaceful, mesmerizing highlight—especially if you prefer to observe rather than snorkel.

All in all, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a well-organized tour that balances adventure and relaxation, with plenty of photo-worthy moments and opportunities for quiet reflection in stunning settings.

FAQ

How early do I need to be picked up?
Pickup is typically around 6:00-7:00 AM from General Luna, giving you plenty of time for a full day of exploration.

How long is the boat ride to Sohoton Cove?
The boat ride lasts approximately 1-2 hours each way, depending on sea conditions and the size of the boat.

Is snorkeling included or available?
Snorkel gear is not included in the standard package but can be rented for P150-P200 if you want to explore underwater or get a closer look at the jellyfish.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a change of clothes are recommended. Bring sunscreen, water, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag for valuables.

Are activities like cave jumping and jellyfish viewing suitable for everyone?
Yes, generally, but those prone to seasickness or with mobility issues should be cautious. The activities are brief, but the boat rides can be bumpy.

Can I stay longer at the sites?
The tour schedule is fixed, with activities mostly lasting less than an hour each. Extended time isn’t usually available without special arrangements.

Is this tour good value for the cost?
Considering the transportation, guide, entrance fees, and lunch, many find it reasonably priced. However, if activity duration matters most, some may feel it’s a quick taste rather than a full immersion.

This tour offers a compelling combination of natural wonders, adventure, and relaxation suited for travelers eager to see Surigao’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Just remember, it’s more about the scenery and brief adventures than prolonged activity, so plan accordingly for a balanced, enjoyable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: