Snorkel, sand, and a simple schedule. This Honda Bay island hopping day trip strings together three different island moods: clear-water snorkeling, white-sand relaxing, and a beach lunch break. I like that the plan is paced for a one-day visit without feeling rushed, and I also like that pickup and drop-off from Puerto Princesa keeps the logistics simple. One catch: snorkel gear isn’t included, and if you’re prone to seasickness, the boat time may not be your favorite part.

I also appreciate the small-group format (up to 15) and the on-the-ground English-speaking local guide, who keeps things organized while you bounce between islands. In one experience I’ve seen first-hand, the guide brought great energy and even played volleyball with the group—fun, but it also meant the important basics for each stop weren’t clearly explained (like how long you’ll be there and what to bring). If you’re the type who likes a clear plan, I recommend you ask those timing questions right away.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel on Day One

• Starfish Island snorkeling in crystal-clear water, with a chance to spot starfish and colorful sea life
• Luli Island white-sand beach time, plus a fun reminder that tides can change what beach you see
• Cowrie Island picnic-style lunch on the sand (lunch style can be buffet or packed, depending on the operator)
• Small-group pacing (limited to 15), so you’re not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder
• Hotel roundtrip transfer from Puerto Princesa, plus island fees and boat service included
• Optional upgrade to a private tour if you want more exclusive control of your day

The Big Picture: What This 8-Hour Honda Bay Day Trip Gives You

This tour is built for people who want the best of Honda Bay without turning the day into a DIY logistics puzzle. You’re in a guided island-hopping rhythm: a morning check-in at the Honda Bay terminal, a first main water stop, a mid-day beach lunch, then another beach-focused island before heading back.

The timing is also practical for Palawan’s heat. You’ll get your water time early, then settle into longer beach stretches after lunch. You’ll be on the move, but the schedule is still designed so you can swim, take photos, eat, and rest without constant backtracking.

At $54 per person for an 8-hour outing, what you’re really paying for is convenience plus what’s usually the headache: boat logistics, island entrance fees, and roundtrip hotel transport. The tour includes the boat ride service for the island hopping, and it includes island fees. That’s where the value comes from—especially if you’d otherwise need multiple tickets and transport to piece everything together.

That said, you should budget for the environmental fee (P200/HEAD) since it’s not included, and you may need to pay separately for snorkel gear (snorkel rental isn’t included). So think of the price as the core tour package, then add the few extras that are common for the area.

Pickup, Transfer, and Getting to the Honda Bay Terminal Smoothly

Most days in Puerto Princesa start with a ride, and this one starts with the part you can actually trust. You’ll have roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off within Puerto Princesa. If you’re staying at ASTORIA HOTEL, there’s an additional charge (so check your operator details ahead of time).

You also have two pickup options: from your hotel in Puerto Princesa, or from Puerto Princesa International Airport. The tour includes a 45-minute transfer, so it’s not a long grind just to get to the water.

On the day, you’ll wait in your hotel lobby. The driver comes by holding a sign with your name, so you’re not playing guess-the-vehicle. For me, that’s a big deal, because it reduces the “tour anxiety” that can make early mornings miserable.

One small practical note: the schedule assumes you’re ready to go on time. If you’re slow getting towels or sunscreen together, you’ll feel it later when you want to jump into the water quickly.

Starfish Island Snorkeling: Clear Water and What to Plan For

Your first major stop is Starfish Island, where the focus is swimming and snorkeling. The water time here is typically about one hour. This is the point of the day for many people, because Honda Bay’s calmer, clear shallows are famous for showing off marine life close to the surface.

The tour’s description emphasizes crystal-clear water and the possibility of seeing starfish. Even if you don’t spot one, you still get that rewarding sense of “I’m actually seeing something” right away, not just floating around.

Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Bring or arrange snorkel gear. Snorkel rental isn’t listed as included, so plan for that.
• Wear your swimwear under clothes if you can. Changing on the spot is rarely comfortable.
• Bring sunscreen and water. You’ll be in open sun before you’re back on land.

If you’re not a confident swimmer, this tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and you’ll also want to take extra caution if you’re worried about waves. The tour isn’t aimed at beginners who want to “try it out” from zero.

The In-Between Stop: Photos and Another Swim Window

Between Starfish Island and the bigger beach break at Luli Island, there’s typically a photo stop plus another stretch of visiting and swimming (about one hour in total for this part of the flow).

This segment is where you’ll likely feel the pace of island hopping most clearly: you get a quick sense of place, then you’re back in the rhythm. Because the schedule here is less detailed than the main labeled islands, it’s smart to use the guide moment to ask what to expect—how long you’ll be there and what timing matters most for photos versus swimming.

In one experience I’ve seen, the guide had great energy, but the group didn’t get enough clear instruction about what to do during stops. If that’s your fear, treat this stop as the moment to ask:

• How long will we be here?
• What time should we be back at the boat?
• What should we wear or bring for the next island?

That way, you avoid the awkward scramble later when you realize everyone else has already moved on.

Luli Island Beach Time and the Tide Factor You’ll Actually Notice

Next comes Luli Island, and this is your “slow down” part of the day. You’ll get about one hour for swimming and relaxing on the white-sand beach.

What makes Luli Island especially interesting is the tide behavior. The shore can emerge and submerge, so the amount of beach you can access may change during your visit. In practical terms, this means your experience can vary slightly depending on timing, but it also means you’ll often notice visible changes if you’re paying attention while you’re there.

This is a good island for:

• lounging with a towel,
• taking photos on open sand,
• swimming in shallower spots if conditions allow.

It’s also the place where you’ll be thankful you brought the basics: a hat, sunscreen, and water. Shade can be limited, and sun in Palawan moves fast, especially on a day that starts early.

If you want the best beach feel, plan to spend a few minutes just walking the sand line. Even without knowing exactly what tide you’re on, you can usually tell where the usable beach is widest at that moment.

Cowrie Island Lunch: Picnic-Style Food on the Beach

Your lunch stop is Cowrie Island, and the schedule gives you about 1.5 hours here. This is the part that most people remember because it’s less about rushing and more about eating in a real setting—sand under your feet, water nearby, and a break between island swims.

The tour states lunch is either a buffet or packed lunch, depending on the operator. Some days are set up more like a sit-down-style serving area, while other days are closer to a picnic spread. Either way, the key point is that lunch happens on the island rather than as a quick stop on land.

A few practical tips make lunch time smoother:

• Don’t wait until the last minute. Start eating as soon as it’s offered.
• Protect your phone and camera from sand, especially if the lunch setup is close to the shoreline.
• If you’re a picky eater, think about bringing a small snack. Lunch is included, but setups vary.

There’s also a note for a photo stop around this segment. So if you want photos before you eat, do that early—once you sit down, it’s easy to lose track of time.

Return to Honda Bay and the Day-Finish Drive Back

After Cowrie Island, the schedule keeps the day controlled. You typically board the boat back to the Honda Bay terminal around 4:30 PM, then drive back to your hotel. The tour concludes with return around 5:00 PM.

This is a good end time if you like an evening that still feels like yours. You’ll likely be tired, sunburn-prone, and sandy in the best possible way, but you shouldn’t feel stranded.

Also, since the tour is designed for a full day, this is not the moment to overbook dinner plans far away. Keep something close, and give yourself time to rinse off.

Price and Value: What $54 Really Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

Let’s talk value in plain terms. At $54 per person for an 8-hour tour, you’re not just buying a boat ride. Your price covers:

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (roundtrip within Puerto Princesa)
• Boat ride service for the island hopping
• Island entrance fees
• A local guide and English-language tour support
• Lunch (buffet or packed depending on the operator)

Then there are the items that are not included:

• Environmental fee P200/HEAD
• Snorkel rental (snorkel isn’t included)
• Kayak rental

To decide if this is worth it for you, I’d compare it to the alternative: you’d have to coordinate transport, buy multiple entrance tickets, and manage your own timing. This tour handles the timing for you, which is often what people actually pay for.

If you want more exclusivity, there’s an upgrade option to a private tour. That tends to matter most if you:

• prefer a quieter pace,
• want more control over time at each island,
• don’t want to think about group timing at all.

Small Group Dynamics: Up to 15 People Can Be a Sweet Spot

The group is limited to 15 participants, which is a good size for a day like this. You’ll get the structure of a guided tour without feeling trapped in a crowd.

That said, the guide’s role is crucial in a schedule like this. One experience highlighted that the guide had excellent mood and even played volleyball with the group for fun. The upside is obvious: good energy. The downside is also clear: it didn’t always come with enough instruction about how long each stop was and what to bring.

So here’s the move: even if you love the guide’s personality, treat the first few minutes as your “setup briefing.” Ask how long you’ll be at each island and confirm your snorkel plan. You’ll enjoy the day more when you’re not guessing.

What to Bring (So You Don’t Spend the Day Waiting on Yourself)

This tour has a simple “water day” packing list, and it’s worth following closely:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Snacks (optional but smart)
• Sunscreen
• Water

Also, consider bringing a small dry bag if you have one. Sand and water mix fast, and you’ll want your phone and money secure.

One more thing: since snorkel rental isn’t included, if you don’t already have gear, you might need to rent separately or bring your own. If you wait until you arrive, you could lose time.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This island tour is designed for a wide range of travelers and specifically notes it aims to be safe and enjoyable for children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. That’s a promising sign for overall planning.

But it’s not suitable for everyone:

• It’s not suitable for non-swimmers
• It’s not a great fit for people prone to seasickness

If you’re comfortable in the water and your stomach handles boat rides well, this can be a very satisfying day. If you’re cautious around water, you’ll likely feel stressed instead of relaxed.

Should You Book Honda Bay Island Hopping with Lunch & Transfer?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward Honda Bay day that includes the hard-to-organize pieces: hotel pickup, boat service, island entrance fees, and lunch. The snorkel stop at Starfish Island and the beach time at Luli Island are a strong combo, and the lunch on Cowrie Island gives you a real mid-day anchor.

I’d hesitate if you’re expecting snorkel gear to be provided, or if you’re sensitive to boat motion. In those cases, you’d need a backup plan for snorkel rental and a seasickness strategy.

My best practical advice: before you board, ask the guide how much time you’ll have at each stop and confirm your snorkeling plan. Once you’ve got those basics, the day flows—sun, water, sand, and the kind of scenery you remember long after the schedule ends.

FAQ

Where is the pickup for this Honda Bay tour?

You can be picked up either from your hotel in Puerto Princesa or from Puerto Princesa International Airport.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

What islands are included?

The tour includes Honda Bay with stops at Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and it may be a buffet or a packed lunch depending on the operator.

Is snorkel equipment included?

No. Snorkel rental is not included.

Are island entrance fees included?

Yes. Island fees are included in the tour price.

Is there an environmental fee?

Yes. An environmental fee of P200 per head is not included.

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