Did you know that Bucas Grande in the Philippines is home to one of the world’s few stingless jellyfish sanctuaries? This hidden paradise in Surigao del Norte boasts over 100 limestone islets, emerald lagoons, and natural wonders that remain largely untouched by mass tourism. If you’re seeking an authentic Philippine adventure away from the crowds, Bucas Grande’s pristine waters and lush landscapes offer a refreshing escape into nature’s embrace.

Getting to Bucas Grande

Reaching this island paradise requires some planning, but the journey is well worth the effort. Most travelers access Bucas Grande through one of two main routes:

From Siargao Island

If you’re already in Siargao, you can take a boat from Dapa Port to Socorro (the main town in Bucas Grande). The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on sea conditions. This is a convenient option if you’re combining your trip with a visit to the famous surfing destination.

From Surigao City

The more common route is through Surigao City:

1. Fly to Surigao City Airport from Manila or Cebu
2. Take a van or jeepney to Hayanggabon Port in Claver (approximately 1-1.5 hours)
3. From Hayanggabon Port, board a boat to Socorro town (45-60 minutes)

Alternatively, if arriving from Butuan City:

1. Take a van from Bancasi Airport to Bad-as junction (2.5 hours, ₱150-200)
2. Transfer to another van heading to Hayanggabon Port (1 hour, ₱100)
3. Take a boat to Socorro or directly to your accommodation

Best Time to Visit Bucas Grande

The ideal time to visit Bucas Grande is during the dry season from March to October when the waters are calm and visibility is excellent for exploring the underwater treasures. April to June is particularly special as this is the peak season for witnessing the stingless jellyfish in their full glory.

Pro Tip: Consider the moon cycle when planning your visit. Low tide makes it easier to enter certain caves and lagoons, particularly in Sohoton Cove. Check tide schedules in advance for the best experience.

Where to Stay in Bucas Grande

Accommodation options in Bucas Grande are limited but charming, ranging from basic homestays to the iconic overwater bungalows. Here are the best places to stay:

Club Tara Resort

The most famous accommodation in Bucas Grande featuring iconic overwater bungalows built on stilts above a stunning turquoise lagoon. The resort offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to all major attractions.

Price: ₱3,500-7,000 per night

Cinnamon Island Homestay

Community-managed accommodations offering an authentic local experience. These simple but clean cottages provide a more immersive stay with home-cooked meals and direct interaction with locals.

Price: ₱800-1,200 per night

Socorro Town Accommodations

For budget travelers, staying in Socorro town offers several guesthouses and small hotels. While simpler, these provide a convenient base for exploring Bucas Grande at a lower cost.

Price: ₱500-1,000 per night

Local Tip: When visiting Bucas Grande, consider staying at community-managed lodgings in Cinnamon Island, SIFAI, Green Cove, or Titktikan Lagoon. These accommodations directly support local communities and provide a more authentic experience.

Top Things to Do in Bucas Grande, Philippines

1. Explore Sohoton Cove National Park

Often called “El Nido of the South,” Sohoton Cove is the crown jewel of Bucas Grande. This protected marine sanctuary features stunning limestone formations, hidden lagoons, and crystal-clear waters. The cove is only accessible during low tide through a small opening between limestone cliffs, adding to its mystical appeal.

Inside the cove, you’ll find seven islets surrounded by emerald waters. A standard tour includes visits to the famous caves, swimming in secluded lagoons, and marveling at the unique rock formations. The entrance fee to Sohoton Cove is ₱375 per person, which covers the paddle boat, tour guides, motorboat, entrance, and environmental fees.

2. Swim with Stingless Jellyfish at Tojoman Lagoon

One of Bucas Grande’s most unique attractions is the Tojoman Lagoon, home to thousands of stingless jellyfish. These fascinating creatures have evolved without stingers, allowing visitors to observe them up close. While swimming with the jellyfish is no longer permitted to protect these delicate creatures, you can still view them from a paddle boat.

The best time to see the jellyfish in abundance is from April to June. During your visit, you’ll paddle through calm waters surrounded by limestone cliffs while watching these golden-brown jellies pulsate through the clear waters. It’s a truly magical experience that can’t be found in many places around the world.

3. Explore Hagukan Cave (The Snoring Cave)

Hagukan Cave, also known as the “Snoring Cave,” gets its name from the sound produced when waves enter the cave’s mouth. This luminescent cave offers one of the most magical experiences in Bucas Grande. To enter, you’ll need to swim through a small opening during low tide.

Once inside, you’ll be treated to a spectacular natural light show. The water inside the cave glows with a mesmerizing blue-green hue when disturbed. Swirl your hands through the water to witness this bioluminescent effect, which becomes even more pronounced in darker areas of the cave. The echoing acoustics inside add another dimension to this otherworldly experience.

4. Take the Plunge at Magkukuob Cave

For adventure seekers, Magkukuob Cave offers an exhilarating experience. This cave requires some rock climbing to navigate through its interior, where you’ll see impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. The real thrill comes at the exit – the only way out is to jump from a 5-meter cliff into the crystal-clear waters below!

Don’t worry if you’re not up for the jump; guides can lead you back through the cave entrance. But for those seeking an adrenaline rush, this cliff dive provides both excitement and breathtaking views of the surrounding lagoon before you take the plunge.

5. Visit Crystal and Bolitas Caves

Unlike the water-filled caves, Crystal Cave offers a dry caving experience with spectacular limestone formations. For an entrance fee of ₱50, you can explore this cave’s interior adorned with stunning crystal-like formations that give it its name.

For the more adventurous, Bolitas Cave presents an additional challenge. For ₱100, you can crawl through narrow passages to see the unique “bolitas” or small pellet-like limestone formations. These perfectly round stone pellets are a geological curiosity that makes the tight squeeze worthwhile.

6. Island Hop to Marka A and Cinnamon Islands

Bucas Grande consists of numerous islands and islets worth exploring. Marka A Island features a small but stunning white sand beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The underwater scenery is impressive, with colorful coral formations and diverse marine life including trumpet fish, Moorish idols, and colorful reef fish.

Cinnamon Island, named for its abundance of cinnamon trees, offers another delightful stop. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood meals prepared by locals and sample the island’s signature cinnamon tea. The community-managed accommodations on this island also make it an excellent place to spend the night under the stars.

7. Explore Tiktikan Lake

Tiktikan Lake is a serene body of water surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. This peaceful lake offers a stark contrast to the more popular attractions in Bucas Grande, making it perfect for travelers seeking tranquility. You can paddle around the lake in a small boat while listening to the sounds of nature and spotting various bird species.

The lake is located near Crystal and Bolitas Caves, making it easy to combine these attractions in a single excursion. The calm, mirror-like waters create perfect reflections of the surrounding landscape, offering excellent photography opportunities.

8. Go Snorkeling or Diving

The waters surrounding Bucas Grande are teeming with marine life, making it an excellent destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The coral reefs around Marka A Island and other spots feature diverse coral formations and abundant fish species.

While not as developed for diving as nearby Siargao, Bucas Grande offers more pristine and less crowded underwater experiences. Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent from local tour operators to explore these underwater treasures. For serious divers, arrangements can be made with dive shops in Siargao for special trips to Bucas Grande’s dive sites.

9. Stargaze and Watch for Fireflies

With minimal light pollution, Bucas Grande offers spectacular opportunities for stargazing. On clear nights, the sky comes alive with thousands of stars, and you might even spot the Milky Way. The best viewing spots are on the smaller islands or from overwater bungalows where there are no obstructions.

During certain times of the year, you can also witness the magical display of fireflies illuminating the mangroves and trees along the shoreline. This natural light show, combined with the bioluminescent waters in some areas, creates an enchanting nighttime experience unique to Bucas Grande.

10. Sample Local Cuisine

No visit to Bucas Grande is complete without sampling the local cuisine. The islands are known for their fresh seafood, often prepared simply to highlight the natural flavors. Don’t miss the chance to try a traditional “boodle fight” – a Filipino feast where food is laid out on banana leaves and eaten with your hands.

Specialties include freshly grilled fish, kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), and coconut-based desserts. On Cinnamon Island, be sure to try the refreshing cinnamon tea made from locally harvested cinnamon bark – a perfect refreshment after a day of island exploration.

Practical Tips for Visiting Bucas Grande

Sample 2-Day Bucas Grande Itinerary

Experience the Magic of Bucas Grande

Bucas Grande offers a rare glimpse into the Philippines before mass tourism – a place where nature still reigns supreme and local communities work together to preserve their paradise. From swimming in emerald lagoons to witnessing the magical glow of bioluminescent waters, the experiences here create memories that last a lifetime.

Unlike its more famous neighbors, Bucas Grande provides authentic adventures without the crowds. The islands’ pristine beauty, combined with the warmth of local hospitality, creates a travel experience that feels both exhilarating and peaceful. As you leave this hidden gem, you’ll carry with you not just photographs, but a deeper connection to the natural world and the communities that protect it.

So pack your sense of adventure and set course for Bucas Grande – where every cove, cave, and lagoon holds a new discovery waiting to be made.