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Voykit pocket guide · Philippines
Socorro, Surigao del Norte
Socorro
Go for a day trip from Siargao or a 1–2 night stay if you want quiet island life and the Sohoton Cove lagoon; skip if you need nightlife or fast connections.
Socorro is the main town on Bucas Grande Island, south of Siargao. It is a quiet fishing and farming municipality with a handful of beaches, caves and the main draw: Sohoton Cove, a lagoon and cave system accessible only at lower tides. Most visitors come on a day trip from General Luna (Siargao) or stay one night at Club Tara Resort. The island has no ATMs, limited dining and very basic public transport.
- Country
- Philippines
- Local name
- Socorro
- Best months
- Mar–Oct (dry season, calm seas)
- Avoid
- Nov–Feb (rough seas, some boat trips cancelled)
- Stay
- 1 night
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PHP
- Money
- Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.
- Daily spend
- Budget ₱1,500–2,500 excl. bed · Mid ₱2,500–4,000 excl. bed · High ₱4,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Globe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.
- Emergency
- Police 911 · Fire and ambulance 911 · Socorro Tourism Office +63 907 117 1767
- Plugs
- Types A, B, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US flat pins common; check your devices for 220 V.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge.; Grab / taxi: Round up.; Boat crew: ₱100–200 per tour.; Massage: ₱50–100.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.
- Toilets
- Called 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Boat from Hayangbon Pier to Socorro (per trip, negotiable) | ₱1,500–2,000 |
| Sohoton Cove entrance fee | ₱500 |
| Tricycle ride (port to resort) | ₱150–300 |
| Meal at a resort restaurant | ₱200–400 |
| Bottle of water (1.5 L) | ₱30–50 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- IAO · Sayak Airport (Siargao)
- Then van to General Luna (45 min) and boat to Socorro (1.5–2 h)
- SUG · Surigao Airport
- Then van to Hayangbon Pier (check) and boat to Socorro (30–40 min)
Typical fares
- Boat from Hayangbon Pier to Socorro
- ₱1,500–2,000 per trip (negotiable)
- Tricycle port to Club Tara
- ₱150–300
- Boat tour Sohoton Cove (per person, group of 4)
- ₱500
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) from the port to Club Tara or other resorts; negotiate the fare. For Sohoton Cove you need a boat tour (arranged at the tourism office or through your resort).
See and do
Known for
- Sohoton Cove and lagoon
- Sohoton Submarine Water Cave
- Magkukuob and Hagukan caves
- Quiet island life
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sohoton Cove | Boat from Port of Socorro or Club Tara, about 30 min | About 1 h |
| Siargao (General Luna) | Boat from Socorro to General Luna, about 1.5–2 h | About 2–2.5 h |
| Surigao City | Boat to Hayangbon Pier (30–40 min), then van (check) | About 1.5 h |
Sleep
- Port of Socorro
- Near the public market and tourism office; basic lodgings.
- Club Tara Resort
- On the west side of the island; the only mid-range option with pool, restaurant and jacuzzi.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| How much? | Magkano?mag-KAH-no |
| Thank you | Salamatsa-LA-mat |
| Where is the boat? | Nasaan ang bangka?na-SA-an ang bang-KA |
| Can you take me to...? | Pwede mo akong dalhin sa...?PWE-de mo a-KONG dal-HIN sa |
| Yes / No | Oo / HindiO-o / Hin-DI |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Smile, handshake; 'po' to elders; avoid: Loud confrontation
- Beckoning: Palm down, wave; avoid: Palm up (used for animals)
- Invitations: Accept food offered or decline politely; avoid: Refusing bluntly
- Time: Expect 'Filipino time' socially; avoid: Lateness for flights and boats
- Churches: Covered clothes; avoid: Loud tours during Mass
Scams and watch-outs
- No ATMs on Bucas Grande Island: bring enough cash from Surigao or Siargao.
- Sohoton Cove is accessible only at lower tides: check the tide schedule with the tourism office.
- Boat trips from Siargao take 1.5–2 h and may be cancelled in rough weather (Nov–Feb).
- Limited dining options: most resorts serve meals, but don't expect variety.
Socorro is a quiet, safe island town. The main risks are boat accidents in rough weather and jellyfish in the lagoon: ask locals before swimming.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Socorro, Surigao del Norte yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Sohoton Cove and lagoon
- Sohoton Submarine Water Cave
- Magkukuob and Hagukan caves
- Quiet island life
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Socorro (Surigao del Norte), revision 5300499 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5300499
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Socorro, Surigao del NorteSocorro
Dalhin mo ako sa Port of Socorro
Take me to the Port of Socorro
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
- Police911
- Fire and ambulance911
- Socorro Tourism Office+63 907 117 1767
No embassy on Bucas Grande. Nearest consulates: Cebu City or Manila. For emergencies, contact the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/socorro-surigao-del-norte). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.