Sohoton Cove, Bucas Grande

Sohoton Cove on Bucas Grande is entered through a hole in the rock - a low arch that only clears the water at low tide, so boats wait for the tide to drop and then pass under it into a sheltered system of lagoons ringed by limestone and forest, invisible from the sea outside. Inside are caves reached by swimming, including Hagukan, which is entered underwater and lit blue from below, and Magkukuob, where the exit is a climb and a jump; there are kayak routes through narrow channels, and the jellyfish sanctuary, a lagoon where large numbers of stingless jellyfish gather and can be seen from a paddle boat. Rules are strict: no touching the jellyfish, no swimming in the sanctuary, guides throughout. The whole visit is governed by the tide table, and if the timing is wrong the cove simply cannot be entered that day.

What's there

• The rock arch - the low tidal entrance to the cove.
• The jellyfish lagoon - stingless jellyfish in the sanctuary.
• Hagukan Cave - the underwater entry and blue light.
• The kayak channels - narrow routes through the karst.

When to go

March to October for calm crossings; jellyfish numbers are highest roughly March to June. Entry depends entirely on low tide - trips are scheduled from the table.

Practical notes

If the tide is wrong, you do not get in. Guides are compulsory and fees stack. Touching or swimming with the jellyfish is prohibited. Cave sections involve swimming, climbing and confined spaces.

Nearby

Siargao is across the water; Socorro town and Bucas Grande's other lagoons are close by.