Honda Bay Palawan Island Hopping Tour

Honda Bay’s appeal is simple: trade Puerto Princesa’s streets for a day of boat rides, pale sand, and warm water. You’ll visit three stops, commonly Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and Pambato Reef or Starfish Island, with time to swim and snorkel along the way.

I like that hotel transfers, boat transport, entrance fees, and lunch are bundled into one day, and I like the mix of a sandbar, a relaxed beach stop, and a reef visit. One thing to plan around: snorkeling gear and the environmental fee cost extra, and pickup or departure delays can cut into beach time.

At a glance

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• Luli Island’s sandbar is the place to stretch your legs, wade, and enjoy the water, though the sandbar’s look and available space depend on the tide.
• Cowrie Island is the main beach-and-lunch stop, with time for swimming and optional activities such as kayaking or a banana boat ride.
• The reef stop varies: Pambato Reef is included in the stated itinerary, while the tour information also lists Starfish Island as a possible destination.
• Lunch is part of the package. It is served picnic-style, and guides such as Ariel and Cynthia have drawn particular praise for preparing tasty meals.
• Transfers are limited to downtown Puerto Princesa hotels. Confirm your pickup location and time ahead of the early start.
• Bring cash, a towel, beach shoes, and snorkeling gear if you own it. The environmental fee and some on-site purchases are not included.

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

A day on Honda Bay, from wharf to open water

This is a full-day outing, not a quick boat ride. The schedule begins around 7:00 a.m., with downtown hotel pickup, and returns at about 3:00 p.m. If you are not using the pickup, the stated wharf meeting time is 8:00 a.m. at Honda Bay Wharf Service Road in Sta. Lourdes.

After reaching the wharf, you meet an English-speaking guide and board a motorized boat. The boat carries up to 13 passengers, excluding the driver, according to the tour information. You also receive a life jacket, an important inclusion for anyone who would rather enjoy the bay than worry about the boat ride.

The exact order and mix of stops can change with weather and other conditions. The named destinations are Cowrie Island, Luli Island, and either Pambato Reef or Starfish Island. So treat the day as a three-stop island-hopping outing, rather than counting on one precise sequence or a guaranteed Starfish visit.

The ride itself is part of the change of pace. You leave the city behind and move between islands by boat, with open water and coastal views along the way. The schedule is shared, so you may spend some time waiting for the group to gather or for the boat to be ready. This is a good day to keep your expectations flexible and your beach bag handy.

Luli Island: sandbar time depends on the tide

Luli Island is known for its long, flag-decorated sandbar and calm water at the shore. It is a natural first stop for a walk, a quick swim, or photos with sea around you. The sandbar is the main event, so the tide matters: at high tide, there may be less exposed sand to stroll.

I would not plan to spend the whole day here. Think of Luli as a short, scenic stop that lets you get into the water and take in the setting before moving on. If your group arrives when the tide is high, enjoy the swim and boat views rather than expecting a broad stretch of dry sand.

The tour’s timing can be affected by traffic and weather, and the precise stop order may shift. That means Luli may not look quite the same from one departure to another. Bring beach shoes if you prefer some protection when walking in and out of the water.

Cowrie Island: the best place to slow down

Cowrie Island is the stop most likely to reward anyone who wants a proper beach break. The day includes a picnic lunch here, and the meal is a genuine part of the experience rather than an afterthought. Several guides, including Ariel and Cynthia, are praised for preparing generous, well-liked food, with mentions of seafood, grilled meat, fish, fruit, and soda.

The exact spread can vary, but you can expect a shared meal by the beach. That makes Cowrie a useful anchor in a day that otherwise involves moving between stops. You can eat, swim, rest, or use the time for an optional activity, instead of rushing straight back onto the boat.

Kayaking and banana boat rides are among the activities available around Cowrie. These are not listed as inclusions, and extra activities can mean extra spending. One specific practical note: a traveler found the kayaks uncomfortable because they had no backs. If you want a more active stop, ask about the equipment and price before committing.

Cowrie’s beach is also a good place to take a real break from the group’s schedule. Bring a towel, and do not assume there will be a chair waiting for you. One visitor specifically wished for more places to lounge, so pack what you need to sit comfortably if you prefer not to perch on the sand.

Pambato Reef or Starfish Island: know what the third stop means

Pambato Reef appears in the stated itinerary, and the package includes entrance fees for three destinations, named as Cowrie, Luli, and Pambato Reef or Starfish Island. The tour description also talks about Starfish Island, where you may see starfish beneath the water. Because the information names both possibilities, confirm which third stop is planned for your departure rather than assuming you will visit both.

At Pambato Reef, the draw is the underwater scenery and fish. You can snorkel among coral formations and marine life, but snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent gear at the wharf, though rental prices have been described as expensive. If you own a mask and snorkel, bringing them could save money and make it easier to get comfortable in the water.

A reef stop can also be the busiest part of the day. If you are hoping for quiet snorkeling, be prepared to share the water with other groups. The benefit is access to an underwater setting without arranging a separate boat trip yourself. A boat assistant may be able to help you get into the water, but you should still be comfortable swimming and follow the crew’s safety instructions.

If the route goes to Starfish Island instead, the attraction is the chance to spot starfish just below the surface. Do not handle or remove marine life. The point is to look, swim, and leave the animals where they are.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The join-in tour starts at US$31.45. For that price, the package includes round-trip transfers from eligible downtown hotels, the sightseeing boat trip, an English-speaking guide, a life jacket, entrance fees for three destinations, and a picnic lunch. Putting those basics together makes the tour a practical choice if you want to see several spots without arranging your own transport and boat.

The value depends on how you use the day. If you swim, enjoy the beach, and eat the included lunch, the package covers the main costs of a Honda Bay outing. If you need to rent snorkeling equipment, pay the environmental fee, and add water activities, your total spend will be higher than the starting price.

The environmental fee is collected directly by a city treasurer’s collector on arrival at Honda Bay. The stated fee is PHP150 for international visitors of all ages, valid for five days and covering both Honda Bay and the Underground River. Local rates listed are PHP150 for ages 21 to 59, PHP120 for ages 3 to 20, and PHP120 for people aged 60 or older with a Senior Citizens ID. Children aged 0 to 2 can join the activity free.

Other personal expenses and tips are not included. Bring cash for the fee, equipment rental, snacks, and activities. A GoPro or DJI camera rental has been offered for PHP1,200, according to one account, but availability and price may change, so check locally before budgeting around it.

Private options are also available, with prices varying by group size. They may suit a family or group that values its own schedule, but compare the quoted total carefully with the join-in rate. For solo travelers and couples who are comfortable sharing a boat and timetable, the join-in option is the lower-cost way to get out on the bay.

Transfers and timing: the day starts early

Free hotel pickup and drop-off are limited to downtown Puerto Princesa. Several hotels and areas outside the service zone are excluded, including Astoria Palawan, Sheridan Beach Resort, Sabang-area stays, and a range of properties farther from the city center. The exclusion list is extensive, and some locations outside it may also be beyond the downtown pickup area, so confirm your exact hotel before booking.

Pickup times are reconfirmed in advance, and this is a shared transfer. The van may arrive early or late as it collects other passengers. Most of the day can run smoothly, but the weak point is communication: some travelers have faced long waits or pickup confusion, including a reported mix-up involving guests with the same first name.

I would message or call to confirm the pickup time and make sure the operator has the right name, hotel, and room contact details. If you are meeting at the wharf instead, arrive 15 minutes early for the 8:00 a.m. meeting. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable, so do not cut the timing close.

The stated return is around 3:00 p.m., but weather and traffic can affect the schedule. Keep the evening reasonably open rather than booking a tight connection or fixed appointment immediately afterward.

Who will enjoy this outing most

This tour suits you if you want a straightforward beach day with transport, boat, lunch, and entrance fees organized together. It is especially handy if you are staying in downtown Puerto Princesa and do not want to piece together a wharf transfer, boat hire, and island stops on your own.

Solo travelers can also fit in easily on a join-in trip. The shared format gives you company for the day, and the activity has proved a comfortable way for people traveling alone to meet others. Families may appreciate the included life jackets, lunch, and transfers, though parents should consider how their children handle a long day that includes boat travel and time in the sun.

This is less suited to you if you want a quiet, private beach experience or dislike group timetables. Reef stops can be crowded, waits may happen, and there is no guarantee that every stop will match your ideal tide or preferred activity. The day is best approached as an easy, varied outing, not a secluded castaway escape.

What to pack and how to make the day better

Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and beach shoes. Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you have it, plus cash for the environmental fee and optional purchases. A dry bag can help keep your phone and valuables protected during boat transfers, but this is a practical suggestion rather than an included item.

Drink water and be ready for a long stretch outdoors. The tour runs from early morning to mid-afternoon, and there is no need to fill every stop with paid activities. You can get a satisfying day from swimming, strolling, snorkeling, and taking time over lunch.

The guide can make a noticeable difference to the day’s rhythm. Names frequently associated with warm, attentive service include Ariel, Cynthia, and Becca, but guides vary by departure. The useful thing to look for is clear communication about timings, where to meet the boat, and what is included at each stop.

Should you book the Honda Bay tour?

Book it if you want an affordable, all-in-one introduction to Honda Bay and are happy to share the boat, accept a flexible schedule, and pay separately for snorkeling gear and the environmental fee. The strongest reasons to go are the easy combination of islands and reef, the beach lunch, and the fact that transport and core entrance costs are bundled together.

Before paying, confirm that your hotel is inside the pickup zone, ask which third stop is planned, and check the expected pickup time. Bring cash and your own mask if possible. If those details suit your plans, this is a useful way to spend a day outside Puerto Princesa without organizing every piece yourself.

FAQ

How long does the Honda Bay island-hopping tour take?

The scheduled day runs from around 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hotel pickup is in the morning, and people meeting at the wharf are asked to arrive at 8:00 a.m. The timing can change with traffic and weather.

Which islands and stops are included?

The named stops are Cowrie Island, Luli Island, and Pambato Reef or Starfish Island. The planned third stop may vary, so confirm it before departure.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A picnic lunch is included, with Cowrie Island named as the lunch stop in the itinerary. The tour description also refers to lunch at Starfish Island, so ask the operator to confirm the planned location.

Are hotel transfers included?

Round-trip transfers are included for hotels in downtown Puerto Princesa. Hotels in several outlying areas are excluded, so confirm your pickup eligibility with the operator.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included, though you may be able to rent it at the wharf. Bringing your own equipment can help you avoid rental costs.

What extra fee should I bring cash for?

An environmental fee is collected at Honda Bay. The stated fee for international visitors is PHP150 per person, valid for five days and covering both Honda Bay and the Underground River. Other personal purchases and tips are also not included.