Starfish Island sounds like a postcard, but the real fun is how the day flows: boat, swim, lunch, repeat. I like that you get three islands in one full day, and I also like the picnic lunch cooked for the group. The only real drawback to keep in mind is timing, because island time can feel uneven if the schedule shifts.

From Puerto Princesa, you’re treated to round-trip land transport and then a motorized boat day that keeps you moving. You’ll have a real chance to get in the water, see sea life close to shore, and take plenty of photos without needing to be an expert swimmer. Just be ready for sun and bring the right water shoes and swim setup, because this is a beach-and-boat day.

Key Points I’d Plan Around

• Three island stops in one day, so you’re not stuck waiting around in one place
• Starfish Island shoreline for quick wildlife spotting and easy photo time
• Cowrie Island downtime that’s made for snorkeling breaks and relaxing
• Luli Island underwater swim zone where you can meet more sea creatures
• Guide-prepared picnic lunch that keeps the day from feeling like a self-guided scramble
• You supply key gear, since mask and snorkeling equipment aren’t included

Getting to Honda Bay: 7 Hours of Boat-First Energy

This tour runs about 7 hours, starting with a 7:00am hotel pickup and ending with an ~3:00pm drop-off back in Puerto Princesa. That schedule matters because it’s built around daylight for swimming and shore time. It also means you should aim to be ready early, since pickup drivers won’t wait more than 15 minutes after the scheduled time.

You’ll ride in an air-conditioned van to the boat area, then head out on a motorized boat. The good news is that this structure is efficient: you spend your time on the water where it counts, not trapped in transit.

One small but important note: you’re expected to bring your own bottled water and snacks. That’s not just a “bring stuff” request, it’s a pacing tool. When your water is ready, you move better, you wait less cranky, and your snorkeling time feels more relaxed.

Starfish Island: Shore Spotting Plus Your Picnic Lunch Stop

Starfish Island is the headline, and for good reason. The plan is to go to the Starfish Island shoreline where you can see starfish near the water. This is the kind of wildlife moment that doesn’t require a complicated setup. You don’t need to be diving or doing anything technical. If you can stand on a beach edge and keep your balance, you can usually get the viewing and photos you want.

After that shoreline time, the day includes picnic lunch on Starfish Island. Having lunch built into the rotation is a big value perk, because you’re not hunting for food while the group is waiting to move on. The lunch is also described as delicious and prepared by the guide, which is a thoughtful touch. When food is part of the plan, you can keep your energy for the next swim stops.

Practical tip: starfish viewing often means shallow, sandy edges and slick spots. I’d wear water shoes if you have them. They protect your feet and help you walk without doing the sand-slide thing.

Cowrie Island: The Relaxation Stop That Actually Feels Like a Break

After Starfish Island, you’ll visit Cowrie Island. Cowrie is the “breather” stop in the rotation, and that’s how you should treat it. The goal here isn’t just to rush from activity to activity. It’s more about enjoying the island time you earned earlier, with a chance to swim and soak in the water views.

You’ll also see the same theme repeated across the day: a simple, beach-level wildlife experience plus snorkeling-style time. That means you’ll get sea life without needing to rely on extra gear that you might not have.

One thing I like about a stop like Cowrie is that it gives you room to adjust. If the morning felt hot or you got a little sun already, this is where you can slow down, drink water, and pace yourself before Luli.

Luli Island: The Underwater Swim Zone for More Sea Creatures

Next up is Luli Island. This stop is built around a diving area concept, but in plain terms, it’s where the underwater viewing is meant to be better than a quick splash-and-go. You can expect time in the water and the chance to see additional sea creatures, including more fish activity around the snorkeling area.

Here’s the key for managing expectations: you’re not training for an underwater course. You’re joining a guided island hopping schedule with a set amount of water time. That means your results will depend on conditions like how crowded it is and how the boat rotation shapes the day.

If you care about maximizing your time in the water, keep your gear organized before you reach Luli. Mask and snorkeling equipment are not included, so you should plan to bring your own or you’ll lose time sorting out what you can use on the spot.

Also, don’t ignore surface sun. If you burn easily, protect yourself early. One practical tip that really matters is wearing long sleeves to prevent sunburn. Light fabric can make your day more enjoyable, and it helps you keep snorkeling after the heat hits.

The Lunch, the Timing, and Why Schedule Balance Matters

On paper, a 7-hour tour with three islands sounds simple. In real life, the order and pacing can be everything. One part that came up clearly is that time allocation can feel off if the group is delayed or if a stop runs long. The most frustrating version of this is when you’re waiting for lunch while the day drags.

So what should you do? Here’s my straightforward approach:

• Eat snacks early in the morning so you’re not hungry while waiting.
• Stay ready to move. The moment you finish swimming, rinse off if you can and keep your bag secure.
• Use the “slow beats” wisely. If Cowrie feels calmer, take your breaks there, not later.

The upside is that the tour is designed to include what you need to keep going: transport, island entrance fees, a picnic lunch, and staffed support (licensed guide plus boat captain and crew). That reduces the chaos factor compared to self-planning. But yes, the day is still a rotation, so flexibility is part of the deal.

Price and Fees: What the $41 Really Covers

The price is listed as $41 per person, and that’s your starting point. What you get for it is a lot more than just the boat:

• Round trip A/C van transfers
• Motorized boat
• Entrance fees for Cowrie, Luli, and Starfish Island
• Picnic lunch on Starfish Island
• Shed and terminal fees
• Licensed tour guide, plus boat captain and crew

That makes the core value pretty clear. Most of your costs are already bundled, so you’re not juggling surprise ticket lines once you arrive.

There is one extra cost you should plan for: an environmental fee not included in the price. It’s listed as Php 150 for adults, Php 120 for 18 and below, and senior citizens also have a category fee. This is not optional, so treat it like part of your budget. If you show up without cash, you’ll slow the day down.

Cost check in plain language: if you would otherwise pay for a boat day, island entrance fees, and lunch, this price starts looking reasonable. If you hate group timing, you’re paying for convenience. If that convenience is worth it to you, the $41 is a fair trade.

What to Bring (and What You’ll Miss if You Don’t)

This tour is very clear about what works best for the day. You’ll want:

• Swimwear and change of clothes
• Towel
• Sandals and ideally water shoes
• Camera, plus a waterproof camera if you have one
• Snacks and your own bottled water
• Beachwear
• Snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel, plus anything you prefer)
• Snorkeling gear is especially important because it’s not included

This part is practical: without mask and snorkeling gear, you’re stuck either skipping underwater time or borrowing options that you might not have. The tour also doesn’t include kayak use, so don’t plan on extra water activities beyond what’s built into the island hopping schedule.

A quick “don’t be that person” note: intoxication isn’t allowed. Keep the day focused on water time, sun safety, and being able to follow the guide and boat crew instructions.

How to Make Pickup Smooth and Avoid a Bad Start

One of the more negative experiences tied to this tour is communication and pickup failure. I can’t control how your day goes, but you can control how prepared you are. Here’s my hard-won advice style, based on what can go wrong with group tours:

• Provide the required details ahead of time: your contact number, hotel name, and your full name
• Be at the pickup point at least 15 minutes early
• Turn on your phone and keep it charged, especially in the morning rush

Even if everything runs perfectly, this tour’s schedule depends on the group moving on time. If you miss pickup, the whole day can change fast.

Group Size Feel, Guide Support, and What English-Friendly Means

The tour includes a licensed tour guide and the day is run in English. That matters because questions about where to go, when to get in the water, and how to handle gear are faster to solve in a shared language.

The guide’s job also connects directly to comfort: they manage transitions between islands, keep the group moving safely, and handle lunch logistics. That’s why the picnic lunch being included feels like more than just food. It’s part of the structure that keeps the day from falling apart.

If you prefer calm, quiet pacing, you’ll still be in a group setting. Expect some waiting for the next boat hop and expect the day to run by rotation rather than by your personal ideal schedule.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This Honda Bay island hopping day suits you if:

• You want a full day of islands without the work of planning ferry schedules
• You like shore-level wildlife spotting, especially the starfish moment
• You enjoy snorkeling time but you’re okay bringing your own gear
• You value lunch included and a guided structure

It might not fit as well if:

• You get stressed by time pacing and prefer solo, custom schedules
• You’re counting on seeing every stop for a specific exact amount of time
• You don’t want to deal with sun, water shoes, and packing basics

For couples and small groups, this is often a strong choice because the group structure keeps costs predictable and the three islands add variety. For families, it can work well if everyone can handle water and beach transitions comfortably.

Should You Book This Honda Bay Island Hopping Day?

I’d book this tour if you want an efficient, guided island day with Starfish Island shoreline viewing, Cowrie relaxation time, and a Luli Island snorkeling-focused swim zone, plus a picnic lunch that’s part of the plan. The price is competitive for what’s bundled, and the guide-led structure is a real convenience.

I’d think twice if your top priority is rigid timing, like you absolutely need the Starfish stop to be the longest part of the day. This kind of tour runs by rotation, and if you’re sensitive to schedule changes, you’ll want to bring patience snacks and keep your expectations flexible.

If you do book, do it armed. Bring your own snorkeling gear, plan for the environmental fee, and protect your skin early with long sleeves if you burn.

FAQ

What islands are included in the tour?

The tour includes entrance fees for Cowrie Island, Luli Island, and Starfish Island.

How long is the Honda Bay island hopping tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

What are the pickup and drop-off times?

Pickup is at 7:00am from your hotel, and drop-off is around 3:00pm.

Is lunch included, and where is it served?

Yes. A picnic lunch is included and is served on Starfish Island.

Is snorkeling gear included?

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

Is there an extra environmental fee?

Yes. An environmental fee is not included: Php 150 for adults, Php 120 for 18 and below, and senior citizens also have a listed fee category.