Sohoton Cove National Park

Definition

The Sohoton Cove National Park encompasses the cove, caves, and karst islets of Bucas Grande Island in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, together with the Sohoton natural bridge park on the Basey side of Samar sharing the Sohoton name. The cove’s tide-gated cave entrance, stingless jellyfish lagoon, and limestone chambers make it the flagship natural attraction of Surigao del Norte after Siargao.

The park is managed through the local government and peoples’ organizations under the National Integrated Protected Areas System framework.

Identities

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Also Known As

Sohoton National Park

Examples and Analogies

Sohoton is a double feature of Philippine karst: on Bucas Grande, the hidden jellyfish lagoon behind a cave door; on Samar, the great natural stone bridge spanning a river gorge — two parks sharing one name.

Usage Scenarios

Visitors to the Bucas Grande cove swim in the jellyfish lagoon, kayak cave passages, and cliff-jump at designated points; Samar’s park draws cavers and trekkers to its stone bridge and chambers.

Strategies

Management combines carrying capacity rules, community boat associations, jellyfish protection protocols, and integration with the Siargao tourism circuit’s overflow.

Security and Safety Measures

Life vests and spotters govern the cave entry, jellyfish interaction follows handling guidelines, weather closures apply during monsoon, and park rangers enforce no-anchor rules over the reef.

Historical Context

The cove was known to Bucas Grande fishers for generations before formal protection; its management formalized as Siargao’s tourism rise pushed visitors to neighboring islands, making community regulation essential to the lagoon’s ecology.

Challenges and Controversies

Jellyfish population protection under growing visitor numbers, tide-limited access management, and coordination across protected area jurisdictions are the continuing issues.

References

Siargao