Honda Bay Island: Island Tour with Lunch & Transfer

Island time starts early here. This Honda Bay trip gives you three different island moods in one day: snorkeling around Starfish Island, beach time at Luli Island, and a picnic lunch on Cowrie Island. I especially like the included hotel transfer and the small group limit of 15 people, two details that make an island day easier to manage.

I also like that the tour includes the boat, island entrance fees, lunch, and an English-speaking guide in its $54 price. The main drawback is that you must pay an environmental fee of P200 per person, and snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel, or budget for a rental.

Key Points Before You Book

• Three islands, three different stops: Starfish Island is for snorkeling, Luli Island is for swimming and beach time, and Cowrie Island is the main lunch stop.
• Hotel pickup saves time: Roundtrip transport is provided from Puerto Princesa, with airport pickup and drop-off also available.
• Expect about eight hours: Pickup usually falls between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, with a return to your hotel at about 5:00 PM.
• Pack your own snorkel gear: Snorkels and kayak rental cost extra, while the P200 environmental fee is also separate.
• The small group helps: A maximum of 15 participants is more manageable than a large boatload, though the exact pace can still depend on the group.
• Plan for open-water conditions: The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.

Why Honda Bay Makes a Good Day Trip

Honda Bay is a practical choice when you want a taste of Palawan’s island scenery without committing to a longer trip. From Puerto Princesa, the transfer to the bay takes about 45 minutes, followed by a boat ride between the islands.

That combination matters. You do not spend the whole day in a van, but you also do not need to arrange separate transport, boat hire, entrance fees, and lunch yourself. For $54 per person, the package covers the main pieces of a full day on the water.

The experience is best understood as a relaxed island-hopping circuit rather than a serious snorkeling expedition. You get roughly an hour at the main island stops, time for photos and swimming, and a longer break at Cowrie Island for lunch. The schedule gives you variety, but it does not leave endless time at any one beach.

The group size is limited to 15, which is a useful middle ground. You get the convenience of an organized outing without the feel of a very large excursion. If you want more control over departure times and time spent at each island, a private upgrade is available.

The Early Pickup From Puerto Princesa

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Puerto Princesa, usually within a 7:00 to 8:00 AM window. Wait in the hotel lobby, where the driver is expected to meet you with a sign showing your name.

The pickup service received the strongest praise from the available feedback. It worked well both at the start and at the end of the day, so this is one part of the trip you can reasonably count on to reduce stress. Just remember that a window pickup is not the same as a precise departure time.

Transport is also available from Puerto Princesa International Airport, with the same airport listed as a drop-off option. If you are arranging an airport transfer around the tour, confirm the timing carefully. An eight-hour activity plus road transport makes this more suitable for a flexible arrival or departure day than for a tight flight connection.

There is an extra charge for pickup connected with Astoria Hotel. If you are staying there, check the added cost before paying so the final price does not surprise you.

Checking In at Honda Bay Terminal

The road transfer to Honda Bay takes about 45 minutes. At the terminal, you check in before boarding the boat for the island circuit.

The terminal is the point where the day shifts from road travel to sea travel. Keep your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, camera, and water where you can reach them. You will not want to dig through a large bag once the boat is underway.

A hat is useful during the open-air parts of the trip, and snacks are worth bringing even though lunch is included. The morning can feel long if you eat lightly before pickup, and meal arrangements can vary between a packed lunch and food available at Cowrie Island.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. This is a family-oriented day, and the tour information describes it as suitable for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. At the same time, the activity is specifically not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness, so those two points should guide your decision.

Starfish Island: Your Main Snorkeling Stop

Starfish Island is the water-focused part of the day. You can swim and snorkel in clear water, with the chance to see starfish and other sea life.

This is where your own equipment becomes important. Snorkel rental is not included, so bring a mask and snorkel if you have them, or ask about rental arrangements before you leave. Without gear, you can still swim, but you will miss the main reason this island is included.

You get about an hour at the stop. That is enough for a swim and a look below the surface, but it is not a long session for anyone hoping to spend most of the day snorkeling. Use the first few minutes to get comfortable in the water, then make the most of the remaining time rather than lingering on the boat.

The water can look especially inviting, but clear water does not remove the need for care. Follow the guide’s instructions, stay within your comfort level, and remember that the activity is not designed for non-swimmers. If you are not confident in open water, you may find this stop less relaxing than the beach portions of the day.

Luli Island and Its Changing Shoreline

Luli Island gives you a different kind of island stop. You can swim, relax on the beach, and take photos of a shoreline affected by the tide.

The name is commonly explained through the island’s changing appearance: parts of the shore emerge and submerge as the water level changes. That makes the visit more than a simple beach break. The island you see on arrival may not look quite the same later in the day.

You should allow about an hour here. Take a moment to look at the shoreline before heading straight into the water, since the changing tide is one of the distinctive details of this stop. A camera is useful, but protect it from splashes and keep sunscreen close.

Luli Island is likely to appeal most to people who want a simple pause between boat rides. It is not presented as a long cultural visit or a guided nature walk. You come for the beach, swimming, views, and the unusual tide effect.

Cowrie Island: Lunch by the Beach

Cowrie Island is the most substantial stop, with about an hour and a half set aside for lunch and free time. This is where you can enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, swim, relax on the sand, or buy a snack from a local restaurant.

Lunch may be a packed meal supplied by the operator or a buffet-style meal, depending on the arrangements for your departure. That small uncertainty is worth keeping in mind if you have a strict diet or need particular foods. The tour includes lunch, but the exact format is not fixed.

Cowrie is also a good place to slow down. The first half of the day involves a road transfer, terminal check-in, boat travel, and a snorkeling stop. By the time you reach lunch, a longer break feels welcome.

The beach setting adds value to the price because you are not simply eating at the terminal or on a moving boat. You have time to sit on the sand and make the middle of the day feel like a proper island stop. Bring water and snacks anyway, since extra food and drinks are not clearly covered beyond the provided lunch.

The Return Boat Ride and Hotel Drop-Off

After the islands, you return to the Honda Bay terminal by boat, generally around 4:30 PM. The drive back to Puerto Princesa follows, with hotel arrival commonly around 5:00 PM, although pickup windows and road conditions can affect the exact timing.

The return transfer is one of the most useful parts of the package. You do not need to negotiate a ride from the terminal after a full day in the sun, and the driver brings you back to Puerto Princesa or the airport, depending on the arrangement.

Keep a little energy for the final ride. Eight hours is a full day, especially when it includes swimming, heat, and boat travel. A towel, water, and dry clothes will make the ride home more comfortable.

What the $54 Price Really Covers

At $54 per person, this is a fair package if you value convenience. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat, island entrance fees, lunch, and a live English-speaking guide. Arranging those pieces separately may take more time and may not save money.

The price is less attractive if you already have easy access to a private boat, your own transport, or your own lunch arrangements. The organized format is the product here. You are paying for a ready-made day, not just a boat seat.

Set aside the additional P200 environmental fee per person. Kayak rental and snorkel rental are also excluded. These are not large complications, but they change the true cost, especially for a family or group.

A private tour upgrade may be worth considering if you care about flexibility. On a shared trip, the group’s pace affects how long you stay at each island. A private arrangement should suit you better if you want more space or a more personal schedule, but the standard tour offers better value for solo visitors and couples who do not need that control.

How to Prepare for a Better Day

The most useful packing list is simple:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water and snacks
• A camera
• Your own snorkel and mask, if available
• Dry clothes for the ride back

Put your essentials in a small waterproof bag. You will move between hotel, van, terminal, boat, beach, and lunch area, so a large suitcase is awkward and unnecessary.

Wear something that dries quickly and use sunscreen before leaving the hotel. Reapply during the day, especially after swimming. The tour includes several outdoor stops, and shade may not always be available where you want it.

You should also be realistic about sea conditions. Anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. Eat a light breakfast, bring water, and consider the boat portion before committing, but do not book this activity if open water usually makes you ill.

The tour is described as accessible for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Since the day includes boarding a boat, swimming areas, and beach stops, ask the operator for specific access details if you have mobility needs. The broad accessibility note is encouraging, but individual assistance needs can vary.

The Guide and the Pace of the Day

The guide is there to assist with the stops and explain the area in English. A good guide can make a shared island tour much easier, especially when you need to know where to swim, where to eat, and when to return to the boat.

One particularly memorable detail from the available feedback was the guide’s good mood and willingness to play volleyball for a long time. That suggests a friendly, relaxed atmosphere rather than a stiff, scripted outing.

Still, the same feedback points to a practical weakness: instructions about each stop were not always clear. You may not be told promptly how long you have at an island or what you should take with you. I would solve that by asking two questions every time you step off the boat: What time do we return, and what should we bring?

That small habit protects you from missing the departure and helps you enjoy the stop without watching the clock. On an island tour, clear timing matters as much as a cheerful guide.

Who Will Enjoy This Honda Bay Tour?

This outing suits you if you want an easy introduction to Palawan’s island scenery from Puerto Princesa. It works well for couples, families with confident swimmers, and small groups that prefer an arranged day rather than a do-it-yourself boat rental.

You will probably like it if you enjoy variety. One stop focuses on snorkeling, another on the tide-shaped shore, and another on lunch and beach time. The changes keep the day from feeling repetitive.

It is less suitable if you want hours of serious snorkeling, complete control over the schedule, or a quiet private boat. You should also skip it if you do not swim or regularly suffer from seasickness.

The 4.2 rating from four published ratings suggests a generally positive experience, but the small number means you should not treat it as a guarantee. The clearest strengths are the dependable pickup and return service, friendly guiding, included lunch, and straightforward island selection. The main concern is the need for clearer instructions during the stops.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if you want a reasonably priced, full-day introduction to Honda Bay with transport, boat service, lunch, and entrance fees handled for you. The mix of Starfish, Luli, and Cowrie gives you snorkeling, beach time, and a proper lunch break without complicated planning.

Before you book, add the P200 environmental fee, check the Astoria Hotel surcharge if relevant, and arrange snorkel rental or bring your own gear. Ask the guide about return times at every stop, especially if you want to enjoy the water without worrying about the boat.

Skip it if you are a non-swimmer, prone to seasickness, or looking for a private and highly flexible day. For everyone else, this is a sensible way to get out of Puerto Princesa and spend a full day among Honda Bay’s islands.

FAQ

How long does the Honda Bay island tour last?

The activity lasts about eight hours. Pickup usually takes place between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, and return to your hotel is generally around 5:00 PM.

Where can I be picked up and dropped off?

Pickup and drop-off are available in Puerto Princesa and at Puerto Princesa International Airport. An additional charge applies for pickup connected with Astoria Hotel.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and may be provided as a packed meal or buffet, depending on the operator’s arrangements. Food may also be available from local restaurants at Cowrie Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkel rental is not included, so bring your own equipment or arrange a rental separately. Kayak rental is also excluded.

Is the environmental fee included?

No. You must pay an environmental fee of P200 per person separately.

Is the tour suitable for children, seniors, and people with disabilities?

The tour is described as safe, enjoyable, and accessible for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. It is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.