Honda Bay Island: Island Tour with Lunch & Transfer

Honda Bay’s best feature is its easy mix of clear water, small islands, and a beach lunch in one full day. You can snorkel around Starfish Island, watch Luli Island appear and disappear with the tide, and finish with a relaxed meal at Cowrie Island. I like the included hotel transfer and the small group size, capped at 15 people. I also like that the schedule leaves about an hour at the main swimming stops instead of rushing you off the boat.

The main drawback is that the day can feel loosely directed. Ask your guide how long you have at each island and what you should bring from the boat. A recent outing had a cheerful guide who even played volleyball for a long time, but guests still needed clearer instructions. Bring your own snorkel if you want to explore, since equipment rental costs extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Starfish Island is the best water stop: Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel for snorkeling and swimming.
• Luli Island depends on the tide: Its shore can emerge and submerge, so the scenery changes during your visit.
• Cowrie Island is the lunch stop: Expect a packed or buffet-style meal, depending on the operator, with about 90 minutes there.
• Transport saves planning time: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Princesa are included, with airport pickup and drop-off also offered.
• The extra costs are modest but easy to miss: Budget P200 per person for the environmental fee, plus any snorkel or kayak rental.
• A small group keeps the day manageable: The maximum group size is 15 people, but this is still a shared boat trip rather than a private escape.

What the Honda Bay day is really like

This is a classic Palawan day out: a morning transfer, a shared boat, three island stops, lunch by the water, and a ride back to town. At $54 per person, the price makes sense if you want transport, boat service, island fees, a guide, and lunch handled in one booking.

You are not paying for a luxury cruise. The value comes from convenience. You do not need to arrange a tricycle or van to Honda Bay, negotiate a boat at the terminal, or sort out each island fee on your own. The trade-off is a set schedule and the usual limits of group travel.

The tour lasts about eight hours. Pickup is offered from Puerto Princesa hotels and Puerto Princesa International Airport, with return to either Puerto Princesa or the airport. The stated road transfer takes about 45 minutes, so keep the full day open rather than scheduling a tight afternoon flight.

Pickup is given as a time window from around 7:00 to 8:00 in the morning. Wait in your hotel lobby, where the driver is expected to meet you with a sign bearing your name. An extra charge applies for pickup at Astoria Hotel, so check that cost before confirming.

Reaching Honda Bay before the boats leave

The first part of the day is practical rather than scenic. You ride from town to the Honda Bay terminal, check in, and board the boat for the island run. The boat ride is included for the full tour, along with entrance fees for the islands.

A small group of up to 15 people is a useful middle ground. You get some help from a guide without the feel of a large coach excursion. Still, boat groups can spread out once everyone starts swimming, so keep track of your meeting point and listen for the next departure time.

This is also the moment to ask the questions that make the rest of the day easier:

• How long is the stop?
• Should you take your bag ashore?
• Is lunch served at the next island or later?
• Are snorkels available, and what is the rental price?

Those questions matter because the schedule includes several stops, and instructions may not always be detailed enough. A little clarity at the terminal can prevent you from leaving your towel or camera on the boat, or missing the start of lunch.

Starfish Island for swimming and snorkeling

Starfish Island is the first major water stop, scheduled for about an hour. The attraction is straightforward: clear water, swimming, and the chance to see starfish and other marine life.

If snorkeling is important to you, this is the stop to prepare for. The tour does not include a snorkel, so bring your own or pay to rent one. A mask that fits well makes a bigger difference than fancy equipment. Pack it where you can reach it quickly, rather than burying it under dry clothes.

You should also keep your expectations sensible. The tour promises a chance to see marine life, not a private reef session with unlimited water time. One hour gives you time to swim and look around, but it includes getting ready and returning to the boat. If you prefer to stay dry, Starfish Island still works as a short swim stop, but non-swimmers are specifically advised against booking this outing.

Sun protection matters here. The supplied guidance recommends a hat, sunscreen, water, and a towel. Bring a waterproof case for your phone if you want pictures from the water, and remember that a camera is useful only if you can keep it safe from splashes.

Luli Island and its changing shoreline

Luli Island is the most unusual stop because its beach changes with the tide. Parts of the shore can appear and disappear, giving the island a different look depending on when the boat arrives.

The visit lasts about an hour and includes time for swimming and relaxing. This is a good place to slow down after the first water stop, though the changing shoreline means you should not expect a fixed, wide beach throughout your visit.

Luli is also a reminder that island tours are shaped by nature, not just by a printed clock. Water levels may affect where you sit, swim, or take photographs. Wear sandals or other secure footwear if you have them, and follow the guide’s directions about where to step and where to leave your belongings.

The experience is best for people who enjoy simple coastal stops rather than a long list of structured activities. You may have time to swim, take photos, or sit on the sand, but the tour does not promise organized entertainment at every island.

Cowrie Island, lunch, and the longest stop

Cowrie Island is scheduled as the main lunch stop, with about an hour and a half for photographs and a meal. This is likely to feel like the most relaxed part of the day because you have more time to eat, swim, and sit on the beach.

Lunch may be packed or buffet-style, depending on the operator. Some food may also be available from local restaurants on the island. That variation is worth noting if you have dietary needs or are particular about meals. The safest move is to bring a small snack, which is also on the recommended packing list.

At $54, including lunch adds real value, especially since the tour also covers transport, the boat, island fees, and a guide. The meal itself should be viewed as practical island-tour food rather than a reason to book the trip on its own.

Cowrie Island is also where you may want to use the extra time for a kayak, but kayak rental is not included. If you want one, ask about the price before hiring it. You should also bring cash if you plan to buy snacks or rent equipment, though the supplied information does not specify payment methods.

The friendly tone of the guiding can be a plus here. On one outing, the guide joined a long game of volleyball and helped keep the mood easygoing. That kind of good humor suits a beach day, but it should not replace clear instructions. Ask directly when to return to the boat.

A close look at the timing

The advertised day begins with pickup between 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning. Arrival at Honda Bay is listed around 8:00, with the boat leaving at about 8:30. Starfish Island follows near 9:00, Cowrie Island comes later in the morning, lunch is around noon, and Luli Island is planned for about 1:30 in the afternoon.

The boat returns to the Honda Bay terminal around 4:30, followed by the drive back to Puerto Princesa and an expected arrival near 5:00. In practice, exact times can shift because the day includes road traffic, boat loading, tides, and shared-group decisions.

That makes this a poor choice if you need to reach the airport at a precise time after the tour. Airport pickup and drop-off are offered, but you should confirm the schedule carefully before combining this day with a flight. A relaxed return to your hotel is the safer plan.

What to pack for a smoother day

The basic packing list is simple:

• Hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear and towel
• Camera or phone case
• Drinking water
• Snacks
• Any personal snorkel gear

You are allowed to swim and snorkel, but a snorkel is not included. Kayak rental is also extra. The environmental fee is P200 per person and is not included in the advertised price, so add that to your budget.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. The tour is described as suitable for children, seniors, and people with disabilities, but the separate guidance says it is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness. Those points can both matter: the general setting may be accessible, while the boat ride and open-water swimming may still be difficult for someone who cannot swim or becomes ill at sea.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking. No special seasickness support is listed. You might find it helpful to speak with your doctor about suitable preparation, but the supplied tour details do not promise medication, a private boat, or a shorter ride.

How the $54 price compares with the experience

The $54 rate is reasonable for a full day if you value having the major pieces bundled together. You receive roundtrip transport within Puerto Princesa, the boat, island entrance fees, lunch, and an English-speaking local guide.

The additional P200 environmental fee is not a large charge, but it does mean the advertised price is not the final cost. Snorkel and kayak rental can raise the total as well. If you bring your own snorkel and skip optional rentals, the package remains fairly easy to budget.

A private upgrade is available if you want more control and fewer group compromises. That upgrade may appeal to families, couples, or photographers who want to set their own pace, but no private-tour price is provided here. Ask for the exact amount before booking.

For a shared outing, the main value is structure. You get three named island stops without arranging several separate services. For a more independent day, you may prefer to organize your own boat, but that also means taking responsibility for transport, fees, food, and timing.

Who should book this Honda Bay outing?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full island day with little planning. It fits people who enjoy swimming, simple snorkeling, beach time, and a social atmosphere. Families and older visitors may appreciate hotel transport and the stated attention to accessibility, provided everyone who enters the water can swim safely.

It also works well for first-time visitors to Puerto Princesa who want to see Honda Bay without spending time arranging a boat at the terminal. The English-speaking guide can help with the basic flow of the day, and the group limit of 15 is more comfortable than a large excursion.

I would hesitate if you dislike shared schedules, want long uninterrupted snorkeling sessions, or are prone to seasickness. You should also reconsider if your day depends on exact timing, since the boat and road sections can affect the return hour.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want three island stops, lunch, and hotel transfers in one straightforward package. Starfish Island gives you the clearest reason to bring swim gear, Luli adds a tide-shaped bit of character, and Cowrie Island provides the longest pause with food and beach time.

Before paying, confirm the pickup point, the Astoria Hotel surcharge if relevant, lunch style, and the cost of snorkel rental. Then add P200 per person for the environmental fee. If you can accept a shared boat and remember to ask about stop lengths, this is a practical, fairly priced way to spend a full day around Honda Bay.

FAQ

How long does the Honda Bay island tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including hotel transfer, boat travel, island visits, lunch, and the return trip.

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 at Astoria Hotel.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, but it may be a packed meal or buffet depending on the operator. Food may also be available from restaurants at Cowrie Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkel rental is not included, so you should bring your own or pay for rental equipment.

What extra fee must I pay?

The environmental fee is P200 per person and is not included in the tour price. Kayak and snorkel rental also cost extra.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness?

No. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness. It is otherwise described as suitable for children, seniors, and people with disabilities, subject to their ability to manage the boat and water activities.