Shore excursion: Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour

Honda Bay gives you an easy island day without a long journey from Puerto Princesa. In one outing, you visit Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island, and Starfish Sandbar Resort, with time for swimming, sunbathing, fish watching, and snorkeling. I like the simple rhythm: ride out, enjoy a beach stop, eat lunch, then move on before the day feels repetitive.

I also like that lunch and shared hotel transport are included, which takes much of the fuss out of planning. The guide stays with you through the day, and one especially praised guide, Ana, even cooked the meal herself. The catch is that the islands can feel busy and the schedule depends heavily on weather. Strong wind may limit the route, and snorkeling gear costs extra.

Key points to know before you book

• Three island stops in one day: Visit Cowrie, Lu-Li, and Starfish Sandbar Resort during an approximately eight-hour outing.
• Starfish Island is the favorite stop: The shallow water and visible starfish can make this the most memorable part of the day.
• Snorkeling gear costs extra: Bring your own mask and equipment if you have it, or rent locally.
• Lunch is included: Expect a buffet or picnic-style meal served at a cottage hut, with Cowrie Island commonly used for lunch.
• Weather controls the route: Rough seas can shorten the trip or prevent access to Starfish Island.
• Shared transport keeps things simple: Pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels in Puerto Princesa city proper.

Leaving Puerto Princesa for Honda Bay

The appeal of this excursion is its modest scale. You do not spend the whole day traveling to a distant resort area. Honda Bay is close to Puerto Princesa, and the boat ride gets you onto the water quickly.

The day usually begins with shared pickup in an air-conditioned minivan. Pickup is free when your hotel is within the city proper, but an extra charge applies for hotels outside that area. The first pickup is at D Lucky Garden Inn, followed by other city hotels, so your morning may not begin at the exact advertised start time.

The tour can handle up to 100 people, although your actual boat and group may be smaller. It is still a shared outing, not a private escape. That matters if you prefer quiet beaches and flexible timing. It matters less if you want an affordable, organized day with transport and lunch handled for you.

If you arrive by cruise ship, confirm the pickup arrangement before booking. A guide may meet you at the port and take you to the boat by taxi rather than using the hotel pickup system. That arrangement has worked well for cruise passengers, but it is worth checking the meeting point clearly.

Honda Bay sets the pace

The first stop is Honda Bay itself, where the day shifts from vehicle to boat. The main activities are swimming and snorkeling, with time to look at the water and get used to the boat routine before the longer island stops.

You should bring water sandals or similar footwear. The tour involves boats, shorelines, and beach areas, and sturdy footwear is more useful than bare feet. A towel, sun protection, dry bag, and spare clothes also make sense, although only the listed inclusions are guaranteed.

Snorkeling is available, but masks, fins, and other equipment are not included in the price. You can rent gear in the area, or bring your own. If snorkeling is a major reason for booking, bring familiar equipment rather than treating the rental as an afterthought.

The quality of the snorkeling can vary by stop. This is not a specialist marine expedition. You may see fish and other sea life in clear, shallow water, but visibility depends on the day, tide, weather, and location.

Cowrie Island: good beach time, mixed snorkeling

Cowrie Island receives roughly two hours, making it one of the longer stops. That gives you time to swim, sunbathe, eat, and settle into the day instead of rushing from boat to beach.

The beach is the main attraction here. If you want a relaxed stretch of sand and a chance to sit down with lunch, Cowrie does the job. The island also provides a practical base for the meal, with the buffet commonly served here.

For snorkeling, keep your expectations measured. The water may be pleasant for swimming, but this stop is not always the strongest choice for fish watching. If you are choosing between sitting on the beach and spending all your time in the water, Cowrie is better suited to the first option.

Lunch is included and may be served buffet-style. In another part of the schedule, the meal is described as picnic-style in a cottage hut, so expect a straightforward group meal rather than a restaurant experience. The food is one of the better values in the package, especially since you do not need to arrange lunch separately during an already full day.

A guide can make a noticeable difference here. Ana received particular praise for cooking a tasty local meal and taking personal care with the group. That is not a promise that Ana will lead your departure, but it shows the kind of hands-on service that can shape the day.

Lu-Li Island offers photos and an easy swim

Lu-Li Island, also called Luli Island, receives about two hours. The stop is built around swimming, photos, sunbathing, and light fish watching rather than a packed activity schedule.

The name is commonly associated with the island’s changing sandbar, though the supplied tour details focus on the practical experience rather than explaining the name. Plan on a scenic beach stop where you can take pictures, cool off, and enjoy open time.

Lu-Li can be a good middle portion of the day because you are not required to snorkel continuously. You can swim for a while, sit in the sun, and let the guide handle the timing. If you want an active day from start to finish, two hours here may feel long. If you prefer a slower island outing, the extra time is useful.

Fish watching is possible, but conditions vary. Gentle weather usually makes any island stop more pleasant. On windy days, the water can become rough and the coast guard may limit where the boat can go.

Starfish Sandbar Resort is the highlight for many

Starfish Sandbar Resort gets about an hour, and this is often the stop that gives the excursion its strongest identity. The draw is the chance to see starfish in shallow water, sometimes in impressive numbers.

You need to treat the wildlife respectfully. Look closely, but do not handle or remove starfish. The experience is about seeing them in their natural setting, not turning them into props for photographs.

The short visit can feel just right because the sandbar is a focused attraction. You get time for photos, water time, and a look at the marine life without needing to fill half a day. It can also feel too brief if conditions delay the boat or if the group is large.

Weather is especially important here. Strong wind and rough seas may prevent the boat from reaching Starfish Island. In that case, the guide may suggest another stop or adjust the route. The coast guard can restrict the range of the tour, so no operator can guarantee all three island stops in every condition.

What lunch and the guide add to the day

The included meal is more than a minor convenience. Island hopping leaves you exposed to sun, wind, and water for much of the day, so having lunch arranged keeps the schedule moving.

The format is simple: a buffet or picnic-style meal served in a cottage hut. Do not expect a long restaurant lunch with a wide menu. Instead, see it as a practical island meal that gives you time to sit, eat, and recharge.

The guide is another important part of the value. The guide and driver handle the transfer from hotel to port, and the guide stays with you during the island visits. Good organization matters when boats, weather, lunch, and multiple beaches all need to fit into one day.

One guide named Ana was praised for being unusually attentive and for cooking the lunch herself. Another guide was noted for giving helpful information about the islands. The experience is therefore not only about scenery. A warm, capable guide can make the day feel personal rather than like a simple boat transfer.

Is the $100 price fair?

At $100 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Honda Bay, but the price includes several useful pieces: shared hotel pickup and drop-off from selected city hotels, a driver and guide, the boat-based island outing, and lunch.

You still need to budget for snorkeling equipment, tips, and hotel transport if you stay outside the city proper. If you already own a mask and snorkel, the added cost is smaller. If you need to rent everything, the final price rises.

The value is strongest if you want convenience. You do not need to negotiate your own ride to the port, arrange a boat, plan lunch, or work out the island sequence. The value is weaker if you are seeking a private boat, empty beaches, or a highly flexible schedule.

A minimum of two people is required per booking. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can take part. The tour is capped at 100 people, but that still allows for a fairly busy experience during popular periods.

Weather can change the entire experience

Honda Bay is an outdoor trip, so weather is not a side issue. Wind affects the boat ride, swimming conditions, snorkeling visibility, and which islands you can reach.

Choose the calmest forecast you can. One practical suggestion from the tour experience is to aim for gentle winds during the summer months, though conditions can change. If the weather turns poor, the operator may cancel the tour and offer another date or a full refund.

The booking terms are otherwise strict. Once booked, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. If you need to cancel, you should assume you will lose the amount paid unless the operator cancels because of weather or an insufficient number of participants.

This is also why you should avoid planning a major onward connection immediately after the tour. The stated duration is about eight hours, but shared pickup, boat conditions, and route changes can affect the exact finish time.

Who will enjoy this island day?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want an uncomplicated introduction to Puerto Princesa’s nearby islands. It suits couples, families with children accompanied by adults, first-time visitors, and cruise passengers who want a full day outside the port area.

It also works well if you like a mix of activities. You can snorkel for a while, swim, sunbathe, take photographs, watch marine life, and eat lunch without committing to one demanding activity.

You may want a different plan if you dislike shared transport, organized meal stops, or busy beaches. The islands are attractive, but this is a popular package-style outing. The experience is more about seeing several places efficiently than finding complete solitude.

Snorkeling enthusiasts should also be realistic. Cowrie Island may offer the best beach setting, while Lu-Li is suitable for swimming and fish watching, and Starfish is the special wildlife stop. The quality of the water and marine life can change with weather and timing.

Should you book the Honda Bay island-hopping tour?

Book it if you want a convenient full-day outing with three named island stops, lunch, and city hotel transport included. Starfish Sandbar Resort is the strongest reason to choose this particular route, while the guide’s care and the simple logistics add real value.

Before paying, check three things: your hotel’s pickup zone, the forecast, and the cost of snorkeling rental. Bring water sandals, sun protection, and your own gear if you have it.

Skip it if your priority is privacy or guaranteed access to every island. Rough weather can shorten the route, Cowrie may feel ordinary for snorkeling, and the beaches may be crowded. For most visitors who want a straightforward taste of Honda Bay, though, the tour offers a solid day at sea for the price.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, including transport, boat travel, island visits, activities, and lunch.

Which islands are included?

The planned stops are Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island, and Starfish Sandbar Resort, with Honda Bay listed as the starting area for island hopping.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as a buffet or picnic-style meal, served in a cottage hut. Cowrie Island is one location where lunch may be served.

Is hotel pickup included?

Shared hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels in Puerto Princesa city proper. Hotels outside the city proper may require an additional pickup fee.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Masks, snorkels, and other equipment are not included. You can rent gear locally or bring your own.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum capacity of 100 people. It is a shared tour rather than a guaranteed private outing.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Rough conditions may also limit the islands you can visit.

Can I cancel after booking?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. A refund is offered only if the operator cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not met.