Joiners Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Exploring Puerto Princesa’s Honda Bay: An Honest Review of the Joiners Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

If you’re heading to Puerto Princesa and looking to enjoy the stunning islands surrounding the city, the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour is often recommended as a must-do. Based on numerous positive reviews and detailed tour descriptions, it’s clear this experience offers a great mix of natural beauty, relaxed pace, and value for money.

What we love about this tour? First, the accessibility and ease of logistics, with hotel pickup included, making the day hassle-free. Second, the visits to three distinct islands with different vibes—perfect for those wanting varied scenery in one trip. Third, the knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary that keeps the day moving smoothly.

However, one thing to consider is the additional costs, such as the environmental fee and optional snorkeling equipment. These aren’t included in the base price but are common for island tours in the Philippines.

This tour suits travelers who prioritize a straightforward, all-inclusive experience with a small group size—max 10 people—that ensures more personalized attention. If you’re after beach relaxation, scenic views, and easy transportation, this trip checks most boxes.

Good To Know

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• Affordable and Value-Packed: At just $38 per person, this tour offers great value, especially considering the inclusion of lunch, boat transfers, and island entrances.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, less crowded outing.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Visits to Cowrie Island, Luli Island, and Starfish Island, each offering unique sights and activities.
• Professional Guidance: The licensed guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, enhancing the experience.
• Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickup between 7:30 and 8:00 am makes departure easy, with a return around 4 pm.
• Extra Costs to Consider: Environmental fee of PHP 150 and snorkeling gear rental if desired.

👉 See our pick of the 25 Best Tours In Puerto Princesa

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Morning Pickup and Transfer

Your day begins early, with pickup from your hotel between 7:30 and 8:00 am. The tour uses air-conditioned vans, which are a comfort after a night or morning of travel. The van ride to the Honda Bay wharf is straightforward, and the process of finding parking was noted as hassle-free by other travelers—an underrated convenience, especially in busy tourist spots.

The Boat Ride and First Stop: Cowrie Island

Once at the wharf, you’ll board a boat to your first destination: Cowrie Island. This island, often the highlight for many, is famous for its white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Reviewers describe it as a perfect spot for swimming, relaxing on the sand, or enjoying a volleyball game. The island’s vibe is lively but laid-back, with some guests mentioning the presence of bars and massage services—ideal for unwinding.

Luli Island: For Relaxation and Sandbags

Next, you’ll visit Luli Island, known for its vast sandy beaches and a diving platform. Reviewers like William S. mentioned that Luli feels similar to a “giant sandbag,” emphasizing its peacefulness and the relaxing environment. Expect to lounge on the soft sand, swim, or even take photos of the shallow waters that surround the island. The platform allows for light water activities, making it a favorite spot for those wanting a tranquil break.

Starfish Island: Fishes and Underwater Fun

The third stop is Starfish Island, renowned for its abundance of starfish and wildlife. You might find yourself spotting colorful fish and starfish, which makes it a perfect location for snorkelers or those simply wanting to see marine life close-up. One reviewer highlighted the advantage of the snorkeling equipment, although note that this is an optional extra costing PHP 200.

Lunch on the Islands

A major plus of this tour is the included picnic lunch, which is typically served on Cowrie or Luli Island. The meal usually consists of local dishes, providing a taste of Palawan’s flavors and keeping you energized for the day’s activities. Reviewers appreciated this thoughtful touch, especially since it removes the hassle of finding somewhere to eat during the busy day.

Return Trip and Hotel Drop-off

The tour wraps up around 4 pm, with the boat returning to the wharf and the van taking you back to your hotel. This efficient schedule leaves plenty of time to relax or explore further in Puerto Princesa after the tour.

Why This Tour Shines

Knowledgeable Guides and Smooth Logistics

Multiple reviews praised the licensed tour guides for their professionalism and helpfulness. They provided clear information about each island and ensured the group was comfortable and informed. One reviewer, Chad G, noted that everything was communicated well in advance, making the experience stress-free.

Stunning Views and Great Photo Opportunities

From the white sands of Cowrie Island to the lively marine life at Starfish Island, the scenery is impressive. The boat ride itself offers panoramic views of Honda Bay, making it an enjoyable part of the trip. Reviewers often mentioned how the views exceeded expectations, perfect for snapping memorable photos.

Good Value for Money

At $38, including transfers, island entrances, lunch, and a guided experience, this tour offers solid value. The small group size enhances the experience, avoiding the crowded feeling common in larger tours. The optional snorkeling gear is an easy add-on if you want to see more marine life.

Flexibility and Convenience

The pickup and drop-off service simplifies logistics, especially for travelers unfamiliar with local transportation. The early start allows for a full day of exploration, and the return time makes it easy to plan the rest of your day in Puerto Princesa.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While most aspects of the tour are praised, the extra costs could be a minor concern for budget-conscious travelers. The PHP 150 environmental fee and snorkeling gear rental are not included in the base price, so budget accordingly.

Weather can also impact the trip—poor weather might mean cancellations or rescheduling, though the provider offers full refunds or alternative dates in such cases. Travelers should also have moderate physical fitness to comfortably enjoy swimming, walking on sand, or climbing onto boat platforms.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy easy-paced, scenic day trips with a small group, this tour suits you well. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to relax and take in the beauty of Honda Bay without the hassle of planning each detail. Nature lovers will appreciate the marine life and beach scenery, while those craving a taste of local island life will find it satisfying.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides pickup from your hotel between 7:30 and 8:00 am, making it very convenient.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, from pickup to return around 4 pm.

Are snorkeling equipment and other activities included?
Snorkeling gear is optional and costs PHP 200 per person. The tour itself includes visits to the islands, boat rides, and a picnic lunch.

How many people are in each group?
The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and less crowded experience.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and possibly a waterproof camera. Extra cash for optional snorkeling or souvenirs is recommended.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellation is free if you do so at least 24 hours in advance, with full refunds. The tour is weather-dependent, and poor weather may cause cancellations with a full refund offered.

Final Thoughts

The Joiners Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour offers a well-rounded, affordable way to experience some of Palawan’s most beautiful islands. With a focus on comfort, knowledgeable guides, and stunning scenery, it’s a great pick for travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic day out without overcomplicating the logistics.

While the extra costs are worth noting, the overall experience delivers excellent value—especially for those wanting to see diverse beaches, marine life, and enjoy a hassle-free day. Perfect for small groups and solo travelers alike, this tour promises memorable moments amidst Honda Bay’s natural splendor.