These secluded lagoons in the Philippines will transform your perception of jellyfish

Jellyfish are among the oldest, most resilient, and widespread creatures in the ocean, but they’re rarely the stars of any popularity polls.

With their translucent, bell-shaped bodies, intimidating tentacles, and venomous stings, jellyfish can range from mildly irritating to dangerously painful—or even deadly—depending on the species.

However, there's no need to fear the jellyfish in Tojoman Lagoon. In fact, when international travel resumes, you may even find yourself enchanted by them.

Located roughly 2.5 hours by boat from Siargao Island in the southeastern Philippines, Tojoman Lagoon is one of the few places on Earth where you can find 'stingless' jellyfish.

‘It’s hard to believe – imagine a lagoon brimming with so many stingless jellyfish,’ says Mark Roa, who runs Siargao tours in collaboration with travel booking platform Klook, sharing his experience with Dinogo Travel.

‘These jellyfish, along with the boat ride, breathtaking views, and crystal-clear waters, offer a completely unique experience for many international visitors,’ he adds.

Next destination: Tojoman Lagoon

Most visitors experience the lagoon as part of a day trip from Siargao to Sohoton Cove National Park, typically departing between 5 and 7 a.m.

Dominique Francisco, 37, who runs the tourism service My Siargao Guide, has been guiding travelers on this journey since 2015.

‘The first time I visited the lagoon, I was stunned by the vibrant green landscape and the crystal-clear blue waters,’ recalls Francisco in an interview with Dinogo Travel.

‘I was so captivated by the beauty that I completely forgot about the long and bumpy boat ride it took to get there,’ he adds.

The lagoon, encircled by rocky formations and thick jungle, serves as a protected sanctuary for the jellyfish. Due to the shallow waters, motorboats are prohibited from entering the area.

Instead, Francisco explains that visitors typically board bancas – traditional paddleboats – to explore the lagoon in an eco-friendly way.

‘When I take visitors to the lagoon, they’re absolutely awestruck by the view. The water below is a stunning array of blues, and the surrounding lush greenery is framed by towering rocks,’ she shares.

‘Travelers love to snorkel around the cove and paddle their boats across the calm waters of the lagoon,’ she adds.

Francisco mentions that the ideal time to witness the jellyfish is from March to July, which coincides with the low season for surfing and the peak season for jellyfish reproduction, also known as blooms.

While the sanctuary is often the highlight of the day for many visitors, Roa notes that the rest of the trip is just as unforgettable.

‘On the boats, we usually enjoy games and a seafood barbecue together – it’s a blast,’ says Roa, who offers both private and group tours around Sohoton Cove National Park.

‘We also make stops at three islands – Daku Island, Guyam Island, and Naked Island, though Naked Island is actually a sandbar that only appears at low tide,’ he adds.

Travelers can hop off the boat, stretch their legs, snap some photos, snorkel, or just take a refreshing dip in the sea.

‘Sohoton is a thrilling destination for first-time visitors because it offers so many experiences – jellyfish encounters, caving, spelunking, underwater caves, and beaches – all in a single day,’ adds Roa.

Are they truly ‘stingless’?

‘The term ‘stingless’ is actually a misnomer,’ says Dr. Ephrime Metillo, Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics and a professor at Mindanao State University (Iligan Institute of Technology).

The scientist, who has conducted extensive research on various planktonic marine species, including jellyfish in the Philippines, explains that there are two species found in Tojoman Lagoon – Aurelia aurita (moon jellyfish) and Mastigias papua (spotted jellyfish), though the latter requires genetic testing. Both species technically sting.

However, their venom is primarily designed to paralyze or kill their preferred prey – phytoplankton – and is not potent enough to penetrate human skin, unless you're particularly sensitive or allergic.

‘There was an incident where a boy ingested a M. papua medusa, and he had a severe allergic reaction,’ Metillo shares with Dinogo Travel, adding that the child survived the ordeal.

‘Some individuals who are vulnerable or exposed to a large swarm of M. papua may develop painful rashes, nausea, or vomiting,’ he warns.

While these jellyfish are generally harmless to most people, it’s important to note that they often form massive swarms as a defensive strategy against predators like marine turtles.

But why do jellyfish gather in Siargao’s lagoons? They don’t consciously choose to do so, explains Søren Knudsen, program manager at Marine Conservation Philippines.

‘It’s all about the winds and currents, which push the jellyfish into the lagoons, where they have little chance of escaping,’ Knudsen tells Dinogo Travel.

‘Though jellyfish can move by undulating their bell, it's a slow and inefficient process. Plus, they lack brains and wouldn’t even recognize that they’re trapped,’ he adds.

Fortunately for the jellyfish, these lagoons provide perfect conditions for breeding, as the confined space keeps them grouped together.

Jellyfish are tough and resilient creatures, but it’s still important to approach the lagoons with caution.

Both scientists urge travelers to refrain from polluting the sanctuary, deliberately touching the jellyfish, or accidentally kicking them with fins, as this can harm their delicate bodies.

Some guides also suggest using reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the marine environment.

‘While individual jellyfish have a short lifespan (usually just a few months), the species itself is remarkably resilient,’ says Knudsen.

‘You’ve probably heard that cockroaches are said to be the last survivors after a nuclear apocalypse because of their toughness. In reality, cockroaches might be gone long before the last jellyfish swims through an empty sea,’ he adds.

Discover more of Siargao

Tojoman Lagoon isn’t the only spot in the Siargao area where you can see stingless jellyfish. Francisco also suggests visiting Sugba Lagoon on the island’s west coast, which she describes as feeling more ‘undiscovered.’

‘We stumbled upon it while paddleboarding one day, and I remember being amazed by seeing entire walls of jellyfish – it felt like something out of a dream,’ she recalls.

‘I dove in, feeling nervous at first that they might sting me, but they didn’t. When they brushed against me, it was this strange, jelly-like sensation, and I’m very ticklish, so I quickly jumped back on the board after a minute!’

In addition to exploring the stingless jellyfish lagoons, Francisco recommends several other ‘must-do’ activities in Siargao, such as catching the sunrise from the famous Cloud 9 Tower along the island’s main surf spot, hiking on Corregidor Island, and taking a road trip through Pacifico, Burgos, and Alegria.

‘On the road trip, you’ll pass through the island’s iconic coconut palm tree roads, which you often see in stunning drone shots of Siargao,’ she says.

‘There are caves to explore, hidden beaches, great surf spots, natural rock pools, and welcoming locals… It’s quieter and more genuine compared to the more touristy areas like General Luna,’ she says.

She also suggests trying fresh pan de coco (coconut bread) from the roadside stalls.

‘It’s delicious, affordable, and baked to perfection under coconut husk ‘coals,’ adds Francisco.

Naturally, Siargao is considered the surfing capital of the Philippines, so you can't leave without catching a wave at least once.

‘Surfing is definitely at the top of my list,’ says Roa. ‘We have the best waves in the Philippines, for sure. The surfing season is in autumn, and October is the prime month because the waves are huge.’

Another must-see experience, he adds, is the Magpupungko tidal pool, a natural rock formation that fills with water during high tide.

‘It’s like swimming in a natural pool right by the sea,’ says Roa. ‘The water is stunning, glowing emerald or aqua under the sun.’

While it’s tempting to fill your schedule with day trips and activities, Roa emphasizes that it’s just as important to take some time to relax and connect with the locals.

‘What makes Siargao stand out from other incredible islands in the Philippines is the local community. It’s full of life, and the people are wonderful – deeply rooted in their traditions,’ he says.

‘It’s so easy for visitors to connect with the locals and fall in love with Siargao’s vibe, all thanks to the warmth and authenticity of the people,’ he adds.