I revisited the enchanted Sohoton (in Siargao Island) last Saturday to once experience the wonders & challenges in the cove. Just like my first trip, it was a crisp downcast morning which is unusual during summer but not in Siargao – it could rain anytime. Before we had breakfast, it started to rain already. The two other guests (Cara & co.) from Manila whom I have convinced to join us (to save boat rentals) withdrew fearful of the rains. I told them it will stop later – even before we could reach the island. But to no avail, they’re scared as they don’t know how to swim. Our host informed me of something new in Sohoton – the jellyfish lagoon. Actually it’s not new, they just failed to mention it last time and the occurrence of jellyfishes is seasonal. I decided to bring along my mask & snorkel to try a close encounter of the jellyfishes.
So after a rush breakfast , we took off. Rains, waves, winds were with us as we cruise silently to Bucas Grande. I love the sights along the way – vast ocean, islands, fishers on their boat, blue waters, blue skies, green mountains, etc. The rough waters of Siargao is not unusual but we arrived safe in Sohoton. The caretaker mentioned it was timely for us to come as there were so many guests the previous day, the cove was flowing with people.
I learned that jellyfish naturally choose quiet & secluded place for their sanctuary. The species used to inhabit the lagoon in the cove but due to noise of motorized tour bancas, it disturbed their ecosystem. They transferred into another lagoon used to be a place of sea urchins. So the bancas going there are non motorized, we have to paddle going there which I enjoyed (just like kayaking). Only one guest in each banca (small enough for two people) – I was thinking its purpose is purely economics. Anyway, we have to go to jellyfish lagoon first, the cove later…
We got into our cute bancas, I paddled with the guide to the lagoon. We paddled fast at the entrance as the surface current was bit strong. Getting inside, I watched in awe of the sight before me – a quiet green lagoon with lush green vegetation on the side. If you could see those brownish thing (at the photo above) on the waters, those are the jellyfishes! By the way, they’re stingless. I was thinking of white ones just like what we saw in Calauit. I learned there were brown, even bluish ones.
It was so tempting I asked the guide to go down for a snorkel – it was beautiful! Getting up close with small, medium, large jellyfishes and swimming with them! I could watch them move like they’re breathing or maybe shouting at me not to go near them! So many of them floating on the waters. The guide said there were much more in the past days but due to many guests, it disturbed them and choose to remain down under. I swam for awhile savoring the serenity and beauty of the lagoon. I was wishing I had an underwater cam so I could get photos. The clear waters with the jellyfish, few corals, sea urchins would be so perfect. And I could see the lagoon floor, it would be so ideal for photos…. I was so engrossed I realized my sister & friends have gone, I can’t see them anymore. The guide summoned me to the sides so I could get back into the banca. Time was up we need to rush to the cove before the high tide.
I promised myself to be back in the lagoon, I want that time when there would be so many jellyfishes filling the waters – so many I could get lost in them! It would be amazing! 🙂
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