Shore excursion: Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour

Honda Bay gives you a full day of simple island pleasures without a long journey from Puerto Princesa. You move by boat between Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island, and Starfish Island, with time for swimming, fish watching, sunbathing, and a buffet lunch.

I like the convenience of included hotel pickup from select city hotels, and I like that the guide stays with you through the day. The main drawback is that this is a shared tour that may include up to 100 people, and rough weather can shorten the route or cancel the outing.

Key points to know before you book

• Starfish Island is the highlight for many visitors: It offers a chance to see numerous starfish in shallow water.
• Cowrie Island combines lunch and beach time: It is pleasant for swimming and sunbathing, but snorkeling may be less impressive here.
• Lu-Li Island is good for photos and fish watching: Expect a relaxed stop rather than a major adventure.
• Snorkeling equipment costs extra: Bring your own mask and gear, or rent equipment locally.
• Weather matters: Strong wind can limit the boat route, and the coast guard may prevent access to some islands.
• The tour suits easygoing beach days: It is less suitable if you want quiet beaches, a small private boat, or serious snorkeling.

A straightforward day on Honda Bay

This excursion takes you from Puerto Princesa to Honda Bay, a short boat ride from the city. The day lasts about eight hours, including shared transport, boat time, island stops, lunch, and the return journey.

The pace is designed for variety. You do not stay on one island all day. Instead, you get several different settings, with time to swim at one stop, take photos at another, and watch marine life at a third.

That variety is the main reason to book. You can try snorkeling without committing your whole day to it, then dry off on the beach or sit in the shade. I would think of this as an easy introduction to Puerto Princesa’s nearby islands, not as a remote-island expedition.

The tour costs about $100 per person. That is fair if you value transportation, a guide, a boat, and lunch in one package. It is less compelling if you already have a boat arranged or mainly want a quiet beach day. Shared tours also mean that your schedule follows the group.

Getting from Puerto Princesa to the boat

Pickup is included from select hotels in the city proper, using a shared air-conditioned minivan. The first pickup is at D Lucky Garden Inn, followed by other city hotels. If your hotel is outside the city proper, an extra pickup charge may apply, so confirm that point before paying.

The transport is useful because it removes the need to arrange separate rides to the port. If you are arriving by cruise ship, pickup arrangements need special attention. One successful outing began with a guide waiting at the cruise port and taking the group to the vehicle, but the published plan describes hotel pickup, not a guaranteed cruise transfer.

At Honda Bay, you join the boat for the island portion. The boat ride itself is part of the pleasure, but sea conditions matter. In rough weather, the coast guard can limit how far boats travel. That may mean skipping Starfish Island or replacing a planned stop with another option.

I would check the wind forecast before the day begins and keep your plans flexible. This is particularly important if seeing Starfish Island is your main reason for booking.

Honda Bay begins with water time

The opening Honda Bay stop allows about an hour for island-hopping activities such as swimming and snorkeling. It is a gentle start to the day, giving you time to get comfortable in the water and see how conditions feel.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Masks, snorkels, and other gear must be rented or brought with you. If you own reliable equipment, pack it. It saves money and avoids waiting while equipment is organized.

Bring water sandals, too. They are useful around boat landings, shallow water, and sandy or uneven areas. A towel, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes also make the day easier, though only the equipment charge is specifically excluded from the tour price.

Fish watching is one of the more enjoyable parts of the outing. The water experience is best approached with modest expectations. This is a popular island route, not a specialist snorkeling trip with a marine guide.

Cowrie Island: lunch, beach, and a mixed snorkeling stop

Cowrie Island receives about two hours, making it one of the longest stops. The usual plan includes lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

The beach is the attraction here. You can stretch out, cool off in the water, and have a proper break from the boat. The island works well for families and for anyone who prefers a mix of sitting and swimming rather than constant activity.

Lunch is described as a buffet. It may be served on Cowrie Island, and the overall plan also includes picnic-style food in a cottage hut at Starfish Island. The exact serving arrangement can change with the day’s route, so expect a casual island meal rather than a restaurant setting.

I would not choose Cowrie Island specifically for snorkeling. The water may be pleasant, but it is not regarded as the strongest fish-watching stop on this route. Its value is the beach, the longer rest period, and the chance to eat near the water.

This is also where the $100 price starts to make more sense for some people. You are not simply paying for boat transport. You are also getting lunch, ground transfers, and someone handling the timing between stops.

Lu-Li Island: photos and a relaxed swim

Lu-Li Island receives about two hours for swimming, photographs, and sunbathing. It is a slower stop, with enough time to enjoy the setting without rushing through a short photo break.

The island is also useful for fish watching. If you want to see marine life but do not plan to spend the whole day snorkeling, Lu-Li gives you another chance to look around in the water.

Bring your camera, but protect it carefully around the boat and shoreline. The best use of this stop is simple: take a few photographs, swim, then find a comfortable place to sit. It does not need a long list of activities to be enjoyable.

Some people may find the schedule repetitive here. After swimming at Honda Bay and Cowrie Island, another beach stop can feel similar. I see Lu-Li as a pleasant part of the day for visitors who enjoy an unhurried rhythm. If you want nonstop sightseeing, the two-hour stay may feel long.

Starfish Island: the most memorable marine-life stop

Starfish Island is scheduled for about an hour and is often the most anticipated stop. The name is practical rather than poetic. In suitable conditions, you can see many starfish in the shallow water.

This is the place to slow down and look carefully. You may enjoy it most if you are willing to watch rather than simply take a quick photograph. Follow the guide’s directions around the marine life and avoid handling starfish unless you are clearly told it is permitted.

Lunch may be served in a cottage hut here, picnic-style. That setting keeps the meal informal and fits the short stop. Do not expect a private dining room or a long restaurant lunch. You are eating as part of a beach day.

Starfish Island is also the stop most affected by weather. Strong wind and rough seas can make it unreachable. One outing was limited by sea conditions and could not include the island, so keep that possibility in mind before booking.

If you care most about seeing Starfish Island, ask about the forecast and the expected route on the morning of departure. A flexible attitude will prevent one missed stop from spoiling the whole day.

The guide can shape the experience

The guide stays with the group throughout the day, helping with transfers, island timing, and practical questions. That matters on a shared excursion, because the guide is the person who keeps the day moving when boats, weather, and group preferences do not line up perfectly.

Ana received especially warm praise for going beyond routine guiding and personally cooking a delicious lunch. You cannot assume she will be your guide, but her example shows the kind of personal care that can make a standard island route feel more welcoming.

Other feedback also highlights helpful guides and crew, including assistance at the port and information about the islands. The guide may help you decide what to do if weather closes one part of the route. Listen to that advice, since local conditions can change faster than the forecast suggests.

This is not a private tour by default. The maximum group size is 100 people, so the experience can feel busy. A large group may mean more waiting at pickup points, crowded boat transfers, and less freedom to linger. In exchange, the shared format keeps the day organized and can be more affordable than hiring a private boat.

What the $100 price really covers

The price includes a buffet lunch, driver and guide service, shared hotel pickup and drop-off from select city hotels, and the island-hopping program. It does not include snorkeling equipment, gratuities, or pickup outside the city proper.

That package is convenient for a first visit. You do not need to negotiate separate transport, find a boat operator, or arrange lunch on the islands. For a full day, the included services can represent reasonable value.

The price is harder to justify if you want only a short boat ride or already have transport arranged. You should also budget for gear rental if you plan to snorkel. Bring your own mask and snorkel if possible.

Tips are not included. Give one if you feel the guide and crew handled the day well, especially if they helped with special arrangements or made the schedule work around poor weather.

Group size, comfort, and the right expectations

Most people can take part, but children must be accompanied by an adult. At least two people are required per booking. The tour uses an air-conditioned minivan for the land transfers, then a shared boat for Honda Bay.

The experience is active in a mild way. You will board and leave a boat, walk around island areas, swim if you choose, and spend time in the sun. It is not a demanding adventure, but it is not a seated sightseeing tour either.

I would recommend it to couples, families, cruise passengers with a suitable pickup plan, and first-time visitors who want an easy day near Puerto Princesa. It also works for people who enjoy swimming but do not need a highly technical snorkeling program.

I would hesitate to book it for someone seeking solitude. The large possible group, popular islands, and shared schedule can make the day feel crowded. One assessment described the route as ordinary and the island stops as busy, which is a fair warning. The scenery can be lovely without feeling exclusive.

Weather and cancellation considerations

This experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the same type of alternative or refund applies.

Your own cancellation is different. The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. Read that condition carefully before committing, especially during a season with uncertain weather.

Even when the tour runs, conditions may alter the route. A cloudy or rainy day can reduce the pleasure of swimming and photographs, while wind can prevent the boat from reaching every island. A flexible schedule gives you the best chance of enjoying the day.

What to pack for a better island day

Pack lightly, but bring the items that matter around water and sun:

• Water sandals for boat landings and shallow areas
• Your own snorkeling mask and snorkel, if you have them
• Sun protection and a hat
• A towel and dry clothes
• Waterproof protection for your phone or camera
• Drinking water and small personal snacks
• Cash for equipment rental or gratuities

Some people also bring a little old bread to feed fish, but I would follow the guide’s instructions first. Feeding marine life may not be allowed or appropriate in every area.

Should you book this Honda Bay excursion?

Book it if you want a convenient, full-day introduction to Puerto Princesa’s nearby islands. The included transport and lunch simplify the day, while Cowrie, Lu-Li, and Starfish offer different reasons to get off the boat. Starfish Island is the strongest draw, and the guide’s support can make the schedule easier to manage.

Skip it if you want a quiet private outing, guaranteed access to every island, or serious snorkeling. The maximum group size is large, equipment costs extra, and weather can remove the stop you most wanted to see.

For most first-time visitors, I see this as a solid day trip with sensible convenience and a few important limits. Go for the swimming, island variety, and chance to see starfish. Just check the forecast, pack your own gear, and treat the route as flexible.

FAQ

How long does the Puerto Princesa island-hopping tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, including shared pickup and drop-off, boat travel, island stops, lunch, and return transport.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned stops are Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island, and Starfish Island, with island-hopping activities in Honda Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Shared hotel pickup and drop-off are included for select hotels in Puerto Princesa city proper. Hotels outside the city proper may require an extra pickup charge.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Masks, snorkels, and other snorkeling equipment are not included. You must bring your own gear or rent it separately.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included. It may be served on Cowrie Island, and the plan also describes picnic-style lunch in a cottage hut at Starfish Island.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can the tour visit every planned island in rough weather?

Not always. Strong wind and rough sea conditions can lead to route changes, and the coast guard may limit access to some islands.

Is this a private tour?

No. The standard experience includes shared transportation and can have up to 100 participants. A minimum of two people is required per booking.