White sand feels fast here. In one 9-hour run, you’ll hit Starfish Island style beach time, plus snorkeling chances around the Honda Bay marine area. I like that lunch is included and easy, but the main snorkel stops can be very crowded and sometimes don’t live up to the coral you’re hoping for.

This trip is set up as a shared day out, so you may end up chatting with other people on the van and boat instead of feeling like you’re stuck solo. You’ll have a DOT accredited tour guide speaking English and Tagalog, and your hotel pickup is handled for hotels in the city proper.

One catch: if you’re prone to seasickness, think twice. Also, a few extras are not included, like snorkel mask rental and the environmental fee, so your final cost isn’t quite just the $40 price tag.

Key things I’d clock before you go

• A full island-hopping day in 9 hours with 3 named stops
• Shared van and shared boat setup, good for meeting people fast
• Picnic lunch included, and fish is often part of what you get
• Mask/snorkel and aqua shoes not included, so plan for rentals
• Environmental fee (150 PHP/person) is separate from the package
• Life vests are provided, but the sea can still feel rough

Honda Bay in a day: what this cruise actually delivers

Honda Bay is on the eastern side of Puerto Princesa, and it’s basically a cluster of tiny islands and beach pockets made for short, repeated stops. The big promise is marine life. You’re in an area with fish, corals, and giant clams, and the tour is built around seeing that world from the surface while you jump between islands.

I like the pacing. This isn’t a long, slow cruise where you watch the water for hours. It’s timed to get you to three familiar name islands—Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island—so you get both beach time and water time in one day.

Just keep your expectations tied to the reality of Honda Bay. Snorkel quality can vary by day and by where the group is dropped in. If you’re chasing Instagram-perfect coral, you might feel a bit disappointed at some snorkel points. If you want sun, sand, and easy water access, it’s a solid fit.

Pickup and van logistics in Puerto Princesa (and why it matters)

Your tour includes pickup and drop-off, but only if your hotel is within the town proper. If you’re outside that zone, expect an extra charge. The tour runs with a van holding about 13 people, which usually keeps it lively—more voices, more chances to meet someone new.

Pickup works by waiting in your hotel lobby while the guide calls you when they’re on the way. That means you’ll want to be ready a little early, phone charged, and not wandering off to grab breakfast “just one more minute.”

The upside of this setup: you don’t have to figure out the boat terminal timing yourself. The downside: shared tours can move slower if people are late or if the pickup has multiple hotel stops. If you’re the kind of person who likes a tight schedule, give yourself margin.

Starfish Island: the beach stop you’ll spend the most time enjoying

Starfish Island is one of the headline stops for Honda Bay, and it’s typically where the day feels most like a beach holiday. Think white sand, low-key island vibe, and the kind of scenery you’ll want to slow down for. This is where you’re most likely to do the classic routine: change into swimwear, get sunscreen on early, then settle in for sunbathing and relaxed photos.

I also like that this stop is part of a bigger circuit. Even if the snorkeling later feels imperfect, you still get a strong “beach reward” built into the schedule.

Practical tip: wear something easy to remove and rinse. You’ll probably spend time on sand before and after water activities, and sand + dry skin + sunscreen overload is not a fun combination. A waterproof bag helps keep your phone and extra clothes from turning salty.

Luli Island: snorkeling time, plus the crowd factor

Luli Island is where snorkeling happens, and this is the stop where expectations can clash with reality. Some snorkeling spots in Honda Bay are more of a small access area than a big coral garden, and that can mean crowded water with limited visibility of standout reef life.

If you’re not a gear-first snorkeler, you’ll still get value here from simply being in the water with the group and checking out what you can see. But if you’re sensitive to crowds or you need clear coral for your best experience, plan for the snorkel time to feel more “try it” than “life-changing.”

Also, your package doesn’t include mask and snorkel rental, so you’ll need to arrange that separately (or bring your own if you have it). If you show up without the right gear, you’ll lose time and your energy, and that’s exactly what this kind of day can’t spare.

Cowrie Island: the calmer pacing reset

Cowrie Island is another key stop on the Honda Bay circuit, and it’s usually a chance to re-set the day after the snorkel emphasis. If Luli feels busy, Cowrie tends to help you shift back to beach time and island scenery.

This part of the day is a good moment to think about what kind of travel win you actually want from this cruise:

• If your goal is relaxing and sunbathing, Cowrie is your palate cleanser.
• If your goal is seeing marine life, treat Cowrie as a second chance, but don’t bet everything on coral being everywhere.

You’ll also want to stay hydrated here. Even on a sunny day, you can get sunburned fast because you’re out on open water and heat reflects off the sea. Sunscreen and a hat make a difference, even if the day is “only” a few hours.

Lunch on the cruise: what included meals feel like

Lunch is included, described as a picnic-style meal. From what I’ve seen in feedback, people often get a filling plate and fish options show up on the menu, including BBQ fish in at least some runs. That’s great value in a tour like this, because boat days can turn expensive if you’re buying food in bits and pieces.

This meal is best treated as part of the rhythm. Eat early enough that you’re not starving during the afternoon beach portion. Also, avoid overdoing it if you’re even slightly prone to nausea around water—heavy food plus waves can be a rough combo for some people.

If you’re picky about food, note that the details of exact dishes can vary, and it may lean more buffet style than a made-to-order setup. Bring a calm attitude and focus on the fact you’re fed without needing to find a restaurant near the wharf.

Gear and water shoes: what you bring can save your day

The cruise provides a motorized boat and life vests, so you’re not hunting for safety gear at the last minute. But mask and snorkel rental are not included, and aqua shoes rentals are also not included.

That matters because comfort equals confidence. If your feet hate sand and you try to walk in flip-flops near rocky boat steps, you’ll spend the day annoyed instead of relaxed. If you can, bring water shoes or plan to rent them separately. If you don’t, be ready to take it slow when getting on and off the boat.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• A waterproof bag

Skip alcohol and drugs; they’re not allowed on this activity. And if you care about photos, protect your phone. Salt spray and careless pockets are the most common way people ruin their day on island hopping tours.

Price and value: is $40 good for Honda Bay?

At $40 per person, this tour is priced like an affordable “big experience” day. The value comes from what’s bundled: hotel pickup and drop-off (within town proper), a DOT accredited tour guide, picnic lunch, island entrance fees, and terminal/wharf fees, plus the motorized boat and life vest.

But the total cost can climb because two key things are separate:

• Mask and snorkel rental are not included
• The environmental fee is 150 PHP per person

So, here’s the real way to judge value: if you want a structured day—pickup, boat, three island stops, and lunch—then you’re paying to remove planning stress. If you’re primarily hunting for the best coral snorkeling in Palawan, you might feel this is pricier than it delivers, especially if the snorkel areas are crowded or the coral isn’t obvious.

I’d call it good value for sun + easy water time. For hardcore reef lovers, it may feel like a “good enough” day rather than a top-tier snorkeling goal.

Who this Honda Bay cruise suits best (and who should skip)

This tour is a good match if you want:

• A simple day trip from Puerto Princesa
• Beach time plus snorkeling attempts
• An included lunch so you don’t juggle meals
• A shared-group format where you might meet friendly people fast

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re prone to seasickness
• You’re very sensitive to crowds at snorkel access points
• You’re expecting a lot of visible coral at every stop

The shared nature cuts both ways. It’s social, but you’re also part of a schedule. If you prefer quiet, private water time, this probably won’t feel calm enough.

My practical advice: if you’re even a little unsure about sea comfort, choose your day carefully. Sunny, calmer weather usually makes the ride easier and boosts your enjoyment on the beaches.

Should you book the Honda Bay Island Hopping Cruise?

Book it if you want a straightforward, mid-budget island day with pickup, lunch, and beach time baked in. Starfish Island gives you the classic sand-and-sun payoff, and you’ll likely leave feeling like you got your money’s worth in the “time on the water” sense.

Skip or rethink it if snorkeling is your single top priority and you need excellent coral right where you drop in. In that case, you may find some snorkel stops more like simple access points than reef gardens, and the crowd factor can drain the magic.

One last tip: pack sunscreen early, bring a waterproof bag, and don’t forget that snorkel gear isn’t included. Those small choices decide whether this becomes a smooth day or an annoying one.

FAQ

What islands are included on the Honda Bay island hopping cruise?

You’ll visit Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 9 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, but only if your hotel is within the city proper.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as a picnic lunch.

What safety and boat items are included?

A motorized boat and life vest are included.

Do I need to rent mask and snorkel gear?

Mask and snorkel rental is not included, so you’ll need to rent it separately if you don’t bring your own.

Are island entrance fees included?

Yes. Island entrance fees, plus terminal and wharf fees, are included.

What extra fee should I expect?

There’s an environmental fee of 150 PHP per person that is not included.

Is the tour suitable if I get seasick?

No, it’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

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