Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour – A Perfect Day in Paradise

Island time starts with a boat ride. This seven-hour Honda Bay trip gives you three very different island stops, clear shallow water, white sand, and a Filipino buffet lunch without requiring you to arrange each detail yourself. I especially like the mix of relaxed beach time and simple snorkeling, plus the included hotel pickup, boat transfers, guide, entrance fees, and lunch.

The best parts are the easy access from Puerto Princesa and the three-island route. Starfish Island offers a clear look at marine life, while Cowrie Island gives you the longest break, shaded seating, and a more developed beach setting. The main caution is timing: the tour finishes around 3:30 p.m., and a late pickup has been reported, so do not schedule a tight flight afterward. Bring sunscreen, and budget extra for snorkeling equipment and the ₱150 environmental fee.

Key points to know before you book

• Three islands, three moods: Starfish Island is best for shallow-water viewing, Luli Island for sandbars and photos, and Cowrie Island for lunch and a longer beach stay.
• About $37 per person: The price covers transport, guide service, boat rides, entrance fees, life vest use, taxes, and a buffet lunch.
• Snorkeling costs extra: Mask and snorkel rental are not included, and the environmental fee of ₱150 is also separate.
• Cowrie Island gets three hours: This is where you have time to eat, rest, swim, take photos, and consider optional water activities.
• The tour runs about seven hours: Hotel pickup is limited to Puerto Princesa City proper, with a 45-minute van ride to the wharf.
• Guide service can make a difference: Dada received special praise for being friendly, though the information at Luli Island may be fairly brief.

Leaving Puerto Princesa for Honda Bay

Your day begins with pickup at your hotel in Puerto Princesa City proper. From there, the van ride to Honda Bay Wharf takes about 45 minutes. That transfer matters because it removes the need to arrange separate transport to the pier, a useful benefit when you are staying in the city and want a straightforward day out.

Pickup times can vary, so check the confirmed start time carefully. One booking had a late first pickup, although the staff apologized and made up for it later. I would allow extra time rather than planning an important appointment immediately before or after the tour.

At Honda Bay Wharf Service Road, you have around 30 minutes of guided time before the island stops begin. This is the practical transition from van to boat. You will meet the guide, get organized, and board the boat for the ride across the bay.

The boat transfer is included, as is use of a life vest. Since the tour takes place on open water and includes several boat movements, it is not a good match if you are prone to seasickness. If that is a concern, consider whether a full day on the water will be comfortable before booking.

Luli Island and the changing shoreline

Luli Island is the first island stop, with about one hour set aside for the visit. Its name comes from Lulubog-Lilitaw, a Filipino phrase connected with sinking and appearing. The island’s shape and exposed sand areas change with the tide, giving it a slightly unusual character compared with a fixed beach stop.

You can use this hour for swimming, photos, or resting near the huts and sandbars. The setting is well suited to quick holiday pictures, especially if you like shallow water, open views, and simple beach structures rather than a long list of activities.

The limitation is that the guided explanation may be short. If you want detailed information about the island, ask your guide directly while you are there. One visitor especially liked the trip but wished Luli Island had been explained more fully, so you should treat this stop as a scenic break rather than a formal cultural tour.

The one-hour schedule also means you should not expect a slow, unhurried exploration. Take your photos early, then leave enough time to swim or simply sit by the water before the group returns to the boat.

Starfish Island and shallow-water marine life

Starfish Island follows with another hour of guided time. Its name is a useful clue: starfish can be seen in the shallow, clear water around the island. This is one of the most appealing parts of the route if you want a simple introduction to the sea without committing to a long snorkeling session.

The water is suited to wading and casual snorkeling, with coral and marine life forming the main attraction. You may find the best views by moving slowly and looking carefully rather than treating the stop as a fast swim. A life vest is provided, but a mask and snorkel are not included in the base price.

You can rent snorkeling equipment, and water shoes may also be available for rent. Still, personal water shoes are a sensible item to bring if you already own them. They can make walking in shallow water more comfortable and save you from paying for another rental.

The ₱150 environmental fee is separate from the advertised package. Add that cost when comparing the tour with other Honda Bay options. The extra charge is not large, but it is the sort of small expense that can catch you off guard if you arrive with only the headline price in mind.

Cowrie Island, lunch, and the longest beach stop

Cowrie Island is the main stop, with roughly three hours on the schedule. That longer stay gives the day a better rhythm. Instead of rushing from beach to beach, you have time to eat lunch, settle into a shaded spot, swim, and decide how active you want the afternoon to be.

Cowrie is the largest and most developed island on this route. You can expect beach loungers, shaded cabanas, and a more organized setting than at Luli or Starfish Island. This makes it the easiest place to relax, especially if some people in your group want water activities while others would rather stay dry.

The buffet Filipino lunch is included. Food was one of the most praised parts of the experience, and one account described it as excellent. The meal adds real value to the $37 price because you do not need to arrange lunch separately while moving between islands.

You may also be able to buy a fresh coconut or halo-halo by the shore, although those purchases are not part of the package. Optional water activities cost extra as well. The three-hour stop gives you enough time to consider them, but you do not have to pay for extras to enjoy the beach.

I like Cowrie Island as the tour’s anchor because it gives you a proper rest period after the shorter stops. The tradeoff is that it is more developed, so it may feel less quiet and natural than a small, simple beach. If you prefer facilities and shade, that is an advantage. If you want an untouched island, it may be less appealing.

What the $37 price really covers

At about $37 per person, this is a reasonable package for a full day of island hopping from Puerto Princesa. The value comes from the number of practical pieces bundled together:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within Puerto Princesa City proper
• Van transfer to the wharf
• Boat transfers to and from the islands
• A licensed tour guide
• Life vest use
• Island entrance fees
• Buffet Filipino lunch at Cowrie Island
• Government taxes and service charges

You are paying for convenience as much as scenery. Organizing a private boat, island permits, transport, and lunch separately could take more time and may not offer better value for a solo visitor or couple.

The package is less complete than the headline price may suggest. Snorkel gear is extra, and the ₱150 environmental fee is not included. Optional water sports at Cowrie Island also cost extra. If you want to keep spending low, bring your own mask, snorkel, and water shoes if possible, then focus on swimming and beach time.

This is a shared tour, so you should expect a group setting rather than a private schedule. That can be a plus if you enjoy meeting people and sharing the day. It also means you will need to follow the group’s boat and departure times.

Timing, transport, and the flight warning

The stated duration is seven hours, with a typical finish around 3:30 p.m. The route includes the 45-minute van ride, time at the wharf, one hour at Luli, one hour at Starfish, and three hours at Cowrie, followed by the return to Puerto Princesa.

That schedule is manageable for a day trip, but it leaves little room for major delays. A late pickup has happened, even though the operator apologized and the return ride went smoothly. I would not book this tour on the same day as a flight unless you have a generous buffer and have confirmed the timing directly.

The tour includes hotel drop-off in Puerto Princesa City proper. Pickup coverage does not extend beyond that stated area, so check your accommodation location before assuming the service applies.

English and Tagalog guide service are available. The guide’s role is mainly practical and interpretive, helping with the route and stops. Dada was singled out for being especially friendly, but the guide assigned to your departure may be different.

How to prepare for the water and sun

Pack lightly, but pack the right things. You will get more from the day with:

• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• Cash for the environmental fee, rentals, drinks, or optional activities
• Personal snorkeling gear or water shoes, if you have them

Sunscreen is particularly important because the tour combines boat time with exposed beaches. Reapply it after swimming instead of assuming the first application will last all day.

The provided life vest is useful for the boat ride and for anyone who is not a confident swimmer. Even so, the tour is not designed for people who regularly struggle with seasickness. Boat movement, heat, and a full day near the water can make that problem worse.

Wheelchair access is listed as available, but the experience still includes boat boarding, beaches, and island surfaces. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the practical arrangements before departure so you know how boarding and beach access will work for your needs.

Who will enjoy this Honda Bay day?

I would recommend this tour to first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to Puerto Princesa’s island scenery. It works particularly well for couples, families, solo visitors, and groups of friends who want transport and meals handled in one booking.

It is also a good fit if you want a balance of activity and rest. You can snorkel at Starfish Island, swim at Luli, and spend three hours at Cowrie without paying for every moment to be scheduled.

You may want a different plan if you need a private boat, a quiet remote beach, detailed interpretation at every stop, or a highly flexible timetable. The route is shared, the stops are timed, and Luli Island may receive only limited explanation.

The average rating of 4.1 from 10 reviews suggests a generally positive but not flawless experience. The strongest points are the friendly staff, good food, scenic islands, and relaxed atmosphere. The main concerns are pickup timing, itinerary changes, limited information at Luli, and extra costs for gear and the environmental fee.

Should you book the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour?

Book it if you want a fairly priced, well-organized day from Puerto Princesa with three island stops and lunch included. The route gives you a useful sample of Honda Bay without making you arrange the boat, guide, entrance fees, and transport yourself.

I would choose it for a flexible day in Palawan, not for a tight schedule. Confirm pickup details, keep your afternoon free, bring sunscreen and water shoes, and set aside money for the ₱150 environmental fee and snorkeling rental. If those details suit you, the combination of Starfish Island’s shallow marine life, Luli Island’s changing shoreline, and Cowrie Island’s long lunch break makes this a solid way to spend a day by the sea.

FAQ

How long does the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour last?

The tour lasts about seven hours. The stated schedule finishes around 3:30 p.m., though pickup and return timing can vary.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Luli Island, Starfish Island, and Cowrie Island. You also stop at Honda Bay Wharf during the transfer between Puerto Princesa and the islands.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for locations within Puerto Princesa City proper.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet Filipino lunch at Cowrie Island is included in the tour price.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkel gear rental is not included in the base package. Water shoes and masks may be available to rent, and bringing personal equipment can help reduce extra costs.

Is the environmental fee included?

No. The ₱150 environmental fee is separate from the base package.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guiding is available in English and Tagalog.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve now and pay later option.