From Puerto Princesa: Honda Bay Island Hopping Full-Day Tour

Starfish spotting, straight from Puerto Princesa, is the kind of day that feels simple yet special. This Honda Bay island hopping tour takes you across three islands with time to snorkel and see sea life while a picnic lunch keeps the day from dragging.

I especially like the tight focus: Starfish Island for shore spotting and lunch, then Cowrie and Luli for more water time. It’s also good value for what’s included, with air-conditioned van transfers, boat transport, and island entrance fees bundled in.

One drawback to watch for is time balance. A few past bookings reported feeling that the schedule can be uneven, so if Starfish Island is the main goal for you, plan to manage expectations and give that stop real attention when you’re there.

Key things to know before you go

• Three islands in one day: Starfish, Cowrie, and Luli, timed for a full 7-hour outing
• Starfish shore spotting with a lunch picnic on Starfish Island
• Snorkeling-friendly stops where you can swim with fish and other sea creatures
• Lunch is included as a picnic served on the island stop labeled for Starfish
• Snorkel gear is not included, so bring your own mask and snorkeling setup if you want a comfortable fit

Starfish, Cowrie, and Luli, the Honda Bay Trio

This tour is built for one goal: a full day of island life on Honda Bay without the stress of planning boats, stops, and fees yourself. You’ll bounce from Starfish Island to Cowrie Island, then on to Luli Island, with hotel pickup from Puerto Princesa early in the morning and a return in the early afternoon.

Starfish Island is where the tour leans into the headline experience. You’re meant to look for starfish along the shore, then cool off with swimming time where you can also see small sea creatures out in the water.

Cowrie Island and Luli Island are the follow-up acts that keep the day going. Cowrie is often the stop people enjoy most for the feel of the shoreline and the water time. Luli is the one where snorkeling time happens in a designated water area, but it can feel more variable depending on how the day’s timing goes.

The 7:00 AM Pickup to 3:00 PM Return Schedule

Your day starts with a hotel pickup around 7:00 AM, and the tour runs about 7 hours total, with hotel drop-off around 3:00 PM. That timing matters because it controls what you actually experience at each stop. You’re not doing long, slow beach hangs, you’re doing several smaller windows.

Logistics are also straightforward, but you need to be ready. You should be waiting at your pickup point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The driver will not wait longer than 15 minutes after the scheduled pickup, so late starts can mean missed connections.

Because the tour is run by a motorized boat with multiple island stops, you’ll also want to keep your gear simple and reachable. Stow swimwear, a towel, and water shoes so you can jump in quickly when your time comes.

Starfish Island: Shore Spotting and the Included Picnic Lunch

Starfish Island is the anchor point of the day. The tour includes time to see starfish at the island shore, and it’s also where the included picnic lunch is served.

This is a great setup if you like a day that has both a moment to look closely and a moment to relax. You can treat the starfish spotting like your morning mission, then settle into food and beach time without worrying about lunch plans.

A practical note from real-world travel experience: starfish can be easier to spot when you’re not rushing and when you’re moving slowly along the shoreline. If you’re traveling in strong sun, give yourself time to cool off between searches.

Also, sun protection is not optional here. One traveler tip that’s worth taking seriously is wearing long sleeves to reduce burn risk. Even on a short outing, the combination of sun, salt air, and water reflection can be rough.

Cowrie Island: Quick Beach Time and Snorkel Chances

Cowrie Island is one of the highlights for many people because it feels like the classic island stop, with a shoreline vibe that works well for relaxing and swimming. The tour includes access to the island and time to enjoy the water, with the idea of seeing sea life while you’re in.

One thing to keep in mind is pacing. If your day’s timing gets shifted, Cowrie might feel like a shorter hit than you hoped. If you want the full experience, arrive with your swim kit ready and be ready to get in and out quickly.

What makes Cowrie valuable in this kind of itinerary is how it balances comfort and water time. It’s the stop that can feel easiest to enjoy, even if you’re not an all-day snorkeling person. If you’re traveling with someone who gets bored in the water, Cowrie also tends to have that shore-friendly feel.

Luli Island: The Snorkeling Area Stop, and Setting Expectations

Luli Island is where the tour includes time at Luli’s diving area for getting in the water. Since the tour’s focus is swimming and sea life, this is one of the stops where you’ll likely want your snorkeling setup ready.

Here’s the honest consideration: a couple bookings reported that the time spent at Luli felt longer, and that they expected more from the stop. That doesn’t mean the island is bad. It means your enjoyment will depend on how the day is paced and what you consider the main payoff.

If you’re the type of traveler who wants one clear “wow” stop, you might find Luli to be more work than reward on some days. If you enjoy repeating short swim sessions and you’re okay with a schedule that flows, Luli can still be a good part of the day.

Your best move is to approach Luli as your swimming-focused segment. When you’re there, prioritize time in the water and keep your expectations aligned with what a set island hopping schedule can realistically deliver.

What’s Included vs. What Costs Extra

The tour price is $41 per person, and it’s structured to cover most of the big, annoying parts of island hopping. You’ll get round trip air-conditioned van transfers from Puerto Princesa, a motorized boat, and the entrance fee for the islands included in the tour: Cowrie, Luli, and Starfish.

Also included are shed and terminal fees, plus the services of a licensed tour guide and the boat captain and crew. That coverage matters because it removes some of the on-the-spot payment stress.

What’s not included:

• Environmental fee: Php 150 for adults, Php 120 for guests under 18, and Php 120 for senior citizens
• Kayak use
• Mask and snorkeling gears

So the true cost can be a bit higher than the headline price once you factor in the environmental fee, and it can be more if you need to rent gear. If you already own a mask and snorkel, you’ll get the best value. If you don’t, budget for either rentals or buying what you need.

Booking Value: When $41 Feels Like a Smart Deal

For a full day, $41 can be very reasonable, especially because the package handles boat transport and island entrance fees for three stops. In practice, that means you’re paying for a day’s movement and entry costs, not just a generic sightseeing label.

The picnic lunch being included on the Starfish stop is another value piece. It reduces the chance you’ll spend part of your day searching for food or paying convenience store prices near the dock.

The main reason this tour can feel less valuable is simple: if you’re expecting a lot of time at one specific island, the schedule will challenge that. This is a multi-stop day, not an open-ended beach vacation. If you like your time broken into swim sessions and short island moments, the price matches the format.

Bring This and You’ll Enjoy the Day More

Pack like you’re going to live in swimwear for a while. The tour guidance is clear on what helps most: swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sandals, camera, and waterproof camera if you’ve got one.

Water shoes are also a smart add because you’ll be moving between boat and shoreline. Snorkeling gear is not provided, so if you’re particular about comfort and fit, bring your own mask and snorkeling equipment.

Don’t forget the travel essentials that prevent headaches:

• Bring your own bottled water and snacks
• Bring beachwear and a setup that dries fast
• Bring a camera plan that can handle splashes

One more tip based on sun reality: even if you plan to swim, you’ll likely spend time standing, walking, and waiting in direct light. Long sleeves can help keep your skin from getting fried, as one traveler advised.

When the Boat Stops Feel Tight: Pace and Group Flow

This tour is run with a structured order of stops: you go to Starfish for starfish spotting and lunch, then you continue to Cowrie and Luli, and then you’re back to your hotel around 3:00 PM. That structure is exactly why the tour works for many people. You get multiple highlights without losing your whole day.

But the same structure is why some people feel disappointed when they wanted more time at a single place. If you’re the kind of traveler who counts on slow pacing, you may feel rushed.

The good news is you can control your experience. Keep your routine simple: swim, snorkel, take your photos, then re-group quickly when called. If you treat each stop like a segment instead of a destination you must fully master, the day tends to feel smoother.

English Guide and Common Sense Communication

The tour includes a live tour guide in English, along with a licensed guide, plus the boat captain and crew. That means you can ask practical questions, get help finding the right spots for swimming, and understand what’s coming next.

That said, guides in island-hopping tours often spend a lot of time on safety and coordination. If you want a tour guide who acts like a storyteller, you might not always get that style. The tour’s main job is keeping the day running and managing boat and island timing.

So here’s how I’d approach it: ask one or two clear questions at the start of each segment. Where should I focus for starfish? What area is best for snorkeling at Luli? Then enjoy the rest of the time without needing constant commentary.

Who Should Book This Honda Bay Day Tour

I think this tour fits best if you want:

• A single full day of multiple island experiences, not a slow beach stay
• A snorkeling-friendly schedule where you can swim and see sea creatures
• Included logistics that reduce planning effort, especially the boat and island entry fees

It may be less ideal if:

• Starfish Island is the only thing you care about, since time is shared across three stops
• You need very long on-island downtime
• You dislike structured schedules and prefer flexible, self-guided days

If you’re traveling as a couple, a small group, or a family that wants a fun water day with an included meal, this is a solid fit. If you want a quiet, uncrowded, all-day stretch of one beach, you’ll probably find the multi-stop format too scheduled.

Should You Book This Tour or Skip It?

If you’re looking for a value-focused, easy-entry island hopping day in Honda Bay, I’d say it’s worth considering. The included air-conditioned transfers, boat ride, entrance fees for three islands, and the picnic lunch are exactly what make this kind of tour attractive.

Just book with eyes open. Bring your own snorkeling gear, plan for the extra environmental fee, and keep sun protection front and center, especially if you burn easily. Also, be punctual for pickup because the driver won’t wait much past the scheduled time.

If your top priority is maximum starfish viewing time, you should be ready for the schedule to split attention between islands. But if your goal is a fun mix of shore spotting, swimming, and a day on the water, this tour can deliver what you want without extra planning headaches.

FAQ

What time does the tour pickup happen?

Hotel pickup starts at around 7:00 AM, and you should be ready at least 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is about 7 hours, with hotel drop-off around 3:00 PM.

Which islands are included?

The tour includes Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, and Luli Island, with entrance fees for these islands included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. There is a picnic lunch served on Starfish Island.

What does the price include?

Included are round trip air-conditioned van transfers, a motorized boat, entrance fees for the three islands, shed and terminal fees, and services of a licensed tour guide, boat captain, and crew.

What environmental fees are not included?

An environmental fee is required: Php 150 for adults, Php 120 for guests under 18, and Php 120 for senior citizens.

Are snorkeling masks and gear provided?

No. Mask and snorkeling gears are not included, so you should bring your own if you want them.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, sandals, camera (and optionally a waterproof camera), snacks, and your own bottled water. Water shoes are also recommended, and snorkeling gear if you have it.

Is the tour guided and in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live tour guide and it is listed as English.

Is intoxication allowed?

No. Intoxication is not allowed.