From Puerto Princesa: Honda Bay Island Hopping Full-Day Tour

Three islands, one long sunny day. From Puerto Princesa, this Honda Bay outing gives you a simple taste of Philippine island life, with boat rides, swimming, snorkeling, a picnic lunch, and stops at Cowrie, Luli, and Starfish islands. At $41 per person, it is an appealing way to see several islands without arranging transport, a boat, entrance tickets, and lunch separately.

I like the three-island plan, especially because Cowrie Island is repeatedly praised for its scenery and easygoing beach time. I also like that lunch is served on Starfish Island, giving the day a built-in rest stop instead of making you hunt for food while wet and sunburned. The main concern is that the schedule may not always divide time evenly. One recent account described missing Starfish Island altogether, spending far too long at Luli, and getting only about 50 minutes at Cowrie.

You should also budget for the separate environmental fee, which is Php 150 for adults and Php 120 for those aged 18 and under or senior citizens. Snorkeling equipment and kayaks cost extra, so the headline price is not the full beach-day cost. Still, if your priority is an easy boat trip from Puerto Princesa rather than a perfectly controlled schedule, this can be good value.

Key points before you book

• Seven hours from hotel pickup to drop-off: The planned day runs from about 7:00 am until 3:00 pm.
• Three named islands: Cowrie, Luli, and Starfish Island are included, along with their entrance fees.
• Lunch on Starfish Island: A picnic meal is prepared by the tour team and served during the island stop.
• Bring your own water and snacks: Bottled water is not listed as included, and the instructions specifically ask you to bring both.
• Snorkeling equipment is extra: Bring your own mask, snorkel, and water shoes if you have them.
• Schedule control can be uneven: The islands are attractive, but the amount of time at each stop may vary.

Starting with a 7:00 am hotel pickup

The day begins with a pickup in Puerto Princesa in an air-conditioned van. You need to be ready at least 15 minutes before your assigned time, and the driver will wait no longer than 15 minutes after that time. Give the operator your full name, hotel name, and a working contact number so the morning handoff is clear.

The van transfer matters more than it may sound. Honda Bay is not simply a hotel-front activity where you wander down to the water. Having round-trip transport removes the need to arrange a separate ride to the terminal, and the air conditioning is welcome before a full day in the sun.

The exact pickup time may vary, so check the confirmed starting time when you book. A confirmed pickup is especially important here because one customer reported not being collected or contacted. I would save the operator’s details, keep my phone available, and check that the hotel name is recorded correctly.

At the terminal, the package covers shed and terminal fees, plus the motorized boat. A licensed English-speaking guide, boat captain, and crew are also included. That gives you the basic structure needed for the day, though the quality of guiding may depend on the particular group and guide assigned.

The boat ride and the rhythm of Honda Bay

The boat is the main link between the islands, and it turns the day into more than a series of beach stops. You get open-water views, changing angles on the islands, and the pleasant sense of moving through Honda Bay rather than staying in one resort area.

The boat is motorized, but no size or maximum group information is provided. That means you should not assume a small private boat. The experience may feel social and shared, particularly at the terminal and at popular island stops.

Bring a camera, but protect it. A waterproof camera or a waterproof case is a sensible choice around the boat, shore, and swimming areas. Sandals work for general walking, while water shoes are useful if the shore is rocky or uncomfortable underfoot. The instructions also recommend swimwear, beachwear, a towel, and a full change of clothes.

Sun protection deserves serious attention. One person specifically advised wearing long sleeves to avoid getting burned. That is practical advice for a day spent on a boat and exposed beaches. A long-sleeved swim shirt, hat, and sunscreen will make the final ride home much more pleasant.

Starfish Island: sea creatures and the picnic lunch

Starfish Island is the stop that gives the tour its name and its clearest wildlife appeal. At the shore, you may see starfish, and the shallow water offers a chance to swim among fish and spot other small sea creatures.

Treat the starfish gently. The point is to see them in their coastal setting, not to handle them for photographs. The experience is at its best when you slow down, look carefully, and let the water do the work.

Lunch is planned for Starfish Island. The tour team prepares a picnic meal, and food quality received some of the strongest praise in the available feedback. A Japanese visitor specifically enjoyed the meal, scenery, and general fun of the day, while another high rating described the food as delicious.

Do not expect a restaurant lunch or an elaborate menu. This is an island picnic, so the value comes from eating by the shore while taking a break from swimming. Bring snacks anyway, because bottled water and snacks are not included. If you have dietary needs, the supplied details do not explain the menu or special meal arrangements, so ask before booking.

Starfish Island is also where schedule problems matter most. One account said the island was not visited at all, despite being part of the paid three-island plan. That may have been an unusual operational problem, but it is still important. If Starfish Island is your main reason for booking, confirm the planned stops with the guide at the start of the day.

Cowrie Island: the strongest beach stop

Cowrie Island appears to be the safest bet for a satisfying beach break. The clear praise is specific rather than vague: the island’s beauty and pleasant setting made a strong impression, and one customer singled it out as the best stop.

This is where I would plan to swim, relax, take photographs, and enjoy the basic island setting. It is not presented as a cultural visit or a place packed with attractions. Its appeal is simple: water, sand, sun, and time away from Puerto Princesa.

The drawback is the clock. The tour includes three islands in seven hours, and that total includes hotel transfers, terminal procedures, boat travel, lunch, and loading time. You may get a shorter stay than expected at any one beach. A reported visit of only about 50 minutes at Cowrie shows how quickly the schedule can tighten.

If Cowrie is your favorite stop, ask early how long the boat will remain there. You may not be able to change the plan, but knowing the timing helps you choose between swimming, eating, photos, and quiet beach time. Do not assume you can fit everything into a short stop.

Luli Island: a swimming and jumping stop

Luli Island is included for its water activities and a designated area where you can enter the sea from a platform. The island adds variety to the day, since you are not visiting three identical beaches.

The swimming area is likely to appeal most to confident swimmers and people who enjoy an active stop. Bring swimwear and a towel, and keep your camera protected. A dry change of clothes is useful after several hours of salt water and boat spray.

Kayak use is not included. If kayaking matters to you, ask about availability and cost before setting out, rather than assuming it comes with the package. Snorkeling masks and gear are also not included, so bring your own or plan for a separate rental.

Luli can be less appealing if you want a quiet, scenic beach stop. One poor account described spending much of the day there with little to do, then waiting several hours for lunch. That may reflect a badly managed day rather than the island itself, but it points to a real issue: the tour’s success depends heavily on how the crew handles timing and crowd flow.

How much time do you really get?

The advertised duration is seven hours, with pickup around 7:00 am and hotel drop-off at approximately 3:00 pm. That sounds generous until you divide it among three islands, lunch, boat boarding, terminal time, and transport.

The best version of this day gives you a short taste of each island, enough swimming to cool off, a picnic meal, and a few hours of tropical scenery. The weaker version has long waiting periods and rushed stops. The available ratings reflect both possibilities: the overall score is 3.4 from 13 ratings, while several people gave four or five stars for scenery, food, organization, and enjoyment.

I would not book this expecting a minute-by-minute private itinerary. If you need a fixed amount of time at each island, a private boat or a smaller custom trip may suit you better, though the price and arrangements would be different. This package is designed for convenience and coverage, not complete control.

At the beginning of the day, confirm three things with the guide: which island comes first, where lunch will be served, and how long you are scheduled to stay at each place. That small conversation could prevent confusion later.

What the $41 price includes

At $41 per person, the tour includes several costs that can add up when arranged independently:

• Round-trip air-conditioned van transfers
• Motorized boat transport
• Entrance fees for Cowrie, Luli, and Starfish islands
• Picnic lunch
• Shed and terminal fees
• A licensed English-speaking guide
• Boat captain and crew

That is a fair package if all three island visits run as planned. You are paying for convenience as much as for the islands themselves. The van, boat, tickets, lunch, and crew are bundled together, which is useful if you do not want to spend your Puerto Princesa holiday negotiating separate transport and boat arrangements.

The final cost is higher than $41 because the environmental fee is separate. Adults pay Php 150, while those aged 18 and under and senior citizens pay Php 120. Kayaks and snorkeling equipment are also excluded.

The smartest value calculation depends on your priorities. If you already own snorkeling gear and mainly want an organized day with transport and lunch, the price is attractive. If you need to rent equipment, buy food and water, and pay the environmental fee, allow for those extras before comparing it with other island options.

Guide service and group expectations

The tour uses a licensed English-speaking guide, captain, and crew. That should make the practical parts of the day easier, from boarding the boat to finding the lunch area and moving between islands.

The available feedback on guiding is mixed. One low rating described a guide who said very little and stayed apart from the group, making the day feel dull. The supplied information does not name a guide, so you should not expect a particular person or personality.

I would judge the guide mainly by practical communication. A good day requires clear directions about swimming areas, departure times, lunch, belongings, and safety. If the guide is quiet, ask direct questions rather than waiting for a detailed explanation. You can also keep track of the time yourself, especially at Cowrie and Starfish.

Intoxication is not allowed. That is a basic rule, but it matters on a boat and around swimming areas. Bring a valid ID, as requested, and keep it dry in a sealed pouch.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

This outing suits you if you want to see several islands in one day and prefer a ready-made package. It works well for couples, families, and small groups who want swimming, simple beach time, photographs, and lunch without planning every detail.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Puerto Princesa for a limited time. Rather than spending days arranging separate trips, you can cover three named islands between morning pickup and mid-afternoon return.

You may want a different option if you dislike shared schedules, long waits, or uncertain stop lengths. It is also less suitable if your main goal is serious snorkeling, since masks and gear are not included and the exact water conditions are not described.

Pack lightly but carefully: swimwear, a towel, sandals, water shoes, dry clothes, snacks, bottled water, sun protection, and waterproof camera protection. Long sleeves are especially sensible. A waterproof pouch for your phone and ID will save you from making a bad decision with a wet pocket.

Should you book the Honda Bay island tour?

I would book this tour if you value convenience and want a broad introduction to Honda Bay for $41, with transport, boat, island tickets, lunch, and crew included. Cowrie Island and the picnic meal are the strongest reasons to go, while Starfish Island offers the most distinctive chance to see starfish and fish near shore.

I would book with realistic expectations. The schedule may shift, and the amount of time at each island may not feel equal. Confirm the day’s order and timing once you meet the guide, bring your own water and snorkeling gear, and keep your plans flexible.

For a first island day from Puerto Princesa, this is a reasonable, practical choice. For a carefully timed beach holiday with guaranteed long stays at your favorite island, pay more for a private or more tailored arrangement.

FAQ

How long does the Honda Bay island tour last?

The tour lasts about seven hours, with hotel pickup planned around 7:00 am and hotel drop-off at approximately 3:00 pm.

Which islands are included?

The tour includes Cowrie Island, Luli Island, and Starfish Island. Entrance fees for all three islands are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned van are included. You should be ready at least 15 minutes before the designated pickup time.

What happens if I am late for pickup?

The driver will wait no longer than 15 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. You should provide your full name, hotel name, and contact number.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A picnic lunch is included and is planned for Starfish Island.

Is the environmental fee included?

No. The environmental fee is separate. It is Php 150 for adults and Php 120 for people aged 18 and under or senior citizens.

Are snorkeling masks and gear included?

No. Masks and snorkeling gear are not included. You should bring your own equipment or ask about rental arrangements.

Is kayak use included?

No. Kayak use is not included in the tour price.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English. A licensed guide, boat captain, and crew are included.