Bucas GrandeAbout Bucas Grande
Bucas Grande is an island in the Caraga region of the Philippines, administratively part of Surigao del Norte and the municipality of Socorro. It is best known for nearshore limestone coves and marine attractions rather than large urban development.
The island’s most visited area is Sohoton Cove, a compact group of small coves and lagoons reached by banca boats; attractions include narrow cave entrances, rock archways and clear swimming holes used for snorkeling and kayaking. Island-hopping around nearby islets and reef snorkeling are also common day-trip activities.
Bucas Grande has long been inhabited by fishing communities and has developed tourism infrastructure oriented to day tours and modest guesthouses rather than large resorts. Local livelihoods remain based on fishing and small-scale tourism services.
Geographically it sits off the northeastern tip of Mindanao, within the Surigao Strait area; the nearest major urban center is Surigao City to the north, from which boat services or transfers are commonly arranged to Socorro and points around Bucas Grande.
- Location: Located in the municipality of Socorro in Surigao del Norte, part of the Caraga region of northeastern Mindanao.
- Wildlife and snorkeling: Home to shallow, clear lagoons and cave systems where non-stinging jellyfish and abundant reef life are commonly seen when snorkeling.
What to See#
- Sohoton Cove: A protected cluster of coves and lagoons on the southern shore of the island, notable for limestone formations, small sea caves and clear swimming holes accessed by boat and short swims.
Best Time to Visit Bucas Grande
Visit in the dry season (November-May) for calm seas and clear water; avoid typhoon season in late summer.
Weather & Climate near Bucas Grande
Bucas Grande's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (4413 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 768 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.5h |
| February | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 604 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| March | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 471 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 324 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Good | 24° - 31° | 32° | 221 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.4h |
| June | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 32° | 190 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 174 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.5h |
| August | Good | 24° - 31° | 32° | 141 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.3h |
| September | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 157 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 249 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.6 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 469 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |
| December | Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 645 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.5h |
How to Get to Bucas Grande
Access typically involves flights to Butuan or Surigao City, then overland transport to a coastal town such as Socorro from which local boats make the island crossing; arrange transfers with accredited tour operators or local guesthouses.
Tips for Visiting Bucas Grande
- Hire a local bangka and ask to visit the lesser-known lagoons - the Sohoton Cove is famous but nearby islet coves are quieter.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen; the island's marine areas are ecologically sensitive and popular for snorkeling.