Honda Bay Island: Island Tour with Lunch & Transfer

Few places feel this easy and this pretty.

This Honda Bay day trip strings together sand, sea life, and a beach lunch with a real local guide in a small group. I like that you get a structured plan for the day, but you still have time to swim at each stop. The tradeoff: the tour can feel fast in the late morning, so if you care about exact timing and what to bring, you’ll want to ask your guide early.

Two things I especially like are the smooth hotel pick-up and drop-off in Puerto Princesa, and the fact that the tour includes the boat ride and island entrance fees. That means less chasing tickets and fewer money surprises once you’re at the terminal. One possible drawback is that you may not get enough direction on how long you’ll stay at each island or what to do moment to moment, so come prepared and ask for clear guidance right after boarding.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (max 15): more personal attention and easier boat logistics.
• Starfish Island snorkeling: calm, clear-water stop focused on seeing marine life.
• Cowrie Island picnic lunch: a beach meal that keeps you moving without rushing.
• Luli Island tide changes: the shoreline appears and disappears, so timing matters.
• Snorkel not included: you might need to rent or bring your own.
• Not ideal for non-swimmers or seasickness: the day depends on water time.

Honda Bay timing and transport from Puerto Princesa

This is an 8-hour guided day tour with roundtrip hotel transport in Puerto Princesa. You’re picked up from your hotel lobby, and the driver will be holding a sign with your name. There are two pickup options listed, including Puerto Princesa (and Puerto Princesa International Airport), so if you’re arriving or leaving around the same time, you can often match your schedule.

The drive to Honda Bay is about 45 minutes, which is helpful because it keeps the day from feeling like pure transit. Once you reach the Honda Bay terminal, you check in and then the boat schedule kicks in. The day has a clear rhythm: morning water time, late morning beach time, then lunch on the sand, followed by another island stop before returning to the terminal and heading back.

One logistics tip that makes a difference: start the day with your day-bag ready before pick-up. Bring your swimwear and towel so you don’t end up doing last-minute towel wrangling on a moving boat. Also, plan on reapplying sunscreen later in the day. You’ll be in the sun for multiple island segments, not just one quick stop.

Starfish Island snorkel stop and what to expect in the water

Starfish Island is the main water-focused moment of the day. The schedule calls for a stop around 9:00 AM, with time to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water. The goal here is simple and fun: see starfish and other colorful marine life right in the shallows.

There’s one detail you shouldn’t ignore: snorkel equipment is not included in the tour price. That means you’ll either need to rent gear separately, or you’ll want to bring what you can. If you’re the type who hates fumbling with unfamiliar gear on a boat, sort that out before the day begins.

Also, be honest with your comfort level. This tour is labeled as not suitable for non-swimmers and not recommended if you’re prone to seasickness. Even if you don’t plan to go far from the surface, you still have to handle boat time and the reality of moving water conditions.

What I found useful in thinking about Starfish Island is this: you’re not doing an all-day reef mission. This is more like a targeted, time-boxed marine-life stop. That’s good for value and energy, but it also means you should be ready to get in quickly when your crew lets you.

Cowrie Island picnic lunch on the beach

Cowrie Island is where the day shifts from water time to food and downtime. Your schedule includes time there around 10:30 AM, then the lunch segment at about 12:00 PM. The lunch is either a buffet or a packed lunch, depending on the operator. Either way, the big idea is that you eat right on the beach.

If you’re trying to optimize your day, Cowrie is a smart pivot point. You get a chance to cool off, refuel, and reset before the last island stop. The tour also lists local food availability on Cowrie Island for snacks, so if you’re hungry for something specific, you may have options besides just the lunch.

One practical move: bring water and a few snacks even if lunch is included. It’s not about being over-prepared, it’s about smoothing out the day. In hot coastal weather, thirst and low energy creep up fast, and having your own water and snacks keeps you from feeling stuck waiting.

There’s also an important cost note. The tour includes lunch, island fees, and the boat, but it does not include an environmental fee of P200 per head. So factor that into your budget and have cash or payment method ready.

Luli Island beach time and the tide effect you must plan for

Luli Island is often the most relaxing part of the tour, and it comes after lunch. The schedule places it around 1:30 PM, with about one hour to swim and relax.

Here’s the unique part: pay attention to the changing tides. The information for Luli Island explains that the shoreline emerges and submerges depending on tide. Translation: the amount of beach and the water access you have can change during your visit.

That affects how you should prepare. Wear swim-friendly footwear if you’re picky about footing, and consider bringing a small towel you can quickly shake off. If you notice the waterline behaving differently than you expected, don’t panic. Just follow the guide’s cues and go where it’s easiest and safest to enjoy the sand and water.

This stop is also great for photos, but it’s more than a photo moment. It’s your chance to slow down, lie back, and let the day feel like a beach day rather than a checklist. If you want the calmest hour of the whole itinerary, Luli is usually where it happens.

Why the guide, small group size, and boat plan matter

This is a small-group tour limited to 15 participants with a live English-speaking guide. The tour also notes a skip-the-ticket-line experience, plus entrance fees are included. In real-world terms, that combination tends to reduce waiting and helps you stay on schedule, especially on a busy day at the terminal.

In my view, the guide role is biggest at the transitions. When you move between islands, you want someone who can explain what you’ll do next, where to go on the beach, and how long you’ll likely have. One provided experience described a guide who was in a good mood and even played volleyball with the group, but the downside was that there weren’t clear instructions about what to do and how long each stop would last.

So here’s what I’d do if I booked this: ask your guide immediately at the start, during the boat briefing or at check-in. Ask how long each main stop usually runs, and confirm the plan for snorkeling at Starfish Island. It’s a small question that can totally improve your day if the group moves quickly.

Also remember: the tour can be safe and accessible by design, including for children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Still, it’s fundamentally an island-hopping boat day with active beach time. Pay attention to your personal comfort and mobility when it comes to getting in and out of the water.

Price and value: is $54 fair for this day plan?

At $54 per person for an 8-hour island hopping day with hotel transfer, boat ride, island entrance fees, and lunch included, this is priced like a solid mid-range value. The better way to judge price here is by what you’re not paying for.

Included items:

• roundtrip hotel pick-up and drop-off
• boat ride for the island hopping
• island entrance fees
• lunch (buffet or packed lunch depending on the operator)
• local guide
• services for the full tour duration

Not included items:

• environmental fee P200 per head
• snorkel equipment
• kayak rental

So the only real extras you must budget for are the environmental fee and snorkeling gear if you don’t already have it. If you’re going to snorkel and you also need gear, that’s the one place where your total day cost can creep up.

The upgrade option is mentioned in the highlights, a private tour for more exclusive time. Since details aren’t listed here, I can’t promise what changes beyond the exclusivity. But if small-group logistics sometimes feel stressful for you, it may be worth asking whether the private option tightens the pacing and increases guidance.

Also worth noting: there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve and pay later. That makes this easier to fit if your flight or schedule is slightly uncertain.

What to bring for comfort, safety, and photos

The tour gives a straightforward packing list, and I agree with all of it. For a day that combines boating, sun, and beach time, you’ll want:

• hat
• swimwear
• towel
• camera
• snacks
• sunscreen
• water

I’d add one small practical habit: keep a zip bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and camera. You’re on water a lot, and even if you’re careful, a wave or splash can happen around boats.

Rules to keep in mind: smoking and alcohol and drugs are not allowed. If you’re the type who likes to bring a drink, you’ll need to plan around that.

Finally, consider who this tour is for from a safety angle. It’s designed as a safe and enjoyable day, but it’s still not for people who struggle with open-water swimming. If you’re a strong swimmer, great. If you’re unsure, the restrictions matter.

Who should book Honda Bay, and who should skip it

If you want a balanced day that includes guided island time, snorkeling, beach relaxation, and lunch without having to organize boats or tickets yourself, this kind of tour fits well.

You should especially consider it if:

• you like a clear schedule for your day
• you want hotel pick-up and drop-off
• you’re comfortable swimming and snorkeling for a set time
• you want a small group experience instead of a huge crowd

You may want to skip it if:

• you’re a non-swimmer
• you’re prone to seasickness
• you don’t want to deal with snorkeling gear, since snorkel equipment is not included

On the positive side, it is designed to be safe and enjoyable for a range of travelers, including children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Still, any boat and beach day depends on your comfort with getting in and out of water and spending time under the sun.

Should you book this Honda Bay tour?

I think this is a good booking when you want an easy, guided island day with real structure: Starfish Island for marine-life snorkeling time, Cowrie Island for a beach lunch, and Luli Island for that tide-driven sand-and-water beach hour.

Book it if you:

• can swim and you’re not seasickness-prone
• want hotel transport plus boat and island fees handled for you
• are okay bringing or arranging snorkeling gear

Consider booking another option or asking questions first if you:

• need very clear stop-time guidance, based on how the guide may manage pacing
• want to control the snorkeling experience more tightly, since gear is not included and the schedule is time-boxed

If you do book it, do one simple thing at the start: ask your guide how long you’ll have at each island and confirm where the snorkeling stop will focus. That one exchange can turn a good day into a smooth, worry-free one.

FAQ

What does the $54 per person price include?

It includes roundtrip hotel pick-up and drop-off in Puerto Princesa, the boat ride for the island hopping, island entrance fees, a guided tour, and lunch (buffet or packed lunch depending on the operator).

How long is the Honda Bay island tour?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

Where are the pickup and drop-off options?

Pickup and drop-off options include Puerto Princesa and Puerto Princesa International Airport.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkel equipment is listed as not included. Rental of kayak is also not included.

Do I need to pay an environmental fee?

Yes. There is an environmental fee listed as P200 per head that is not included in the tour price.

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

No. It is listed as not suitable for non-swimmers and people prone to seasickness.