Fish, sand, and a beach lunch in one day. This Honda Bay tour is a guided boat loop with snorkel time on Starfish Island, beach relax on Luli Island, and a picnic-style meal on Cowrie Island, all planned for a smooth day out of Puerto Princesa.

I especially like the simple structure: hotel pickup, a boat schedule with set stops, and island fees and a guide included. You also get real beach time rather than a drive-by photo stop, which matters when you’re paying for an 8-hour excursion.

One thing to consider: the pacing can feel rushed if you want extra explanation or long hangs at each island. If the guide doesn’t spell out how long you’ll stay and what to have ready, you’ll want to ask early.

Key points that matter

• Small group of up to 15 people, so the day feels more like a guided outing than a cattle-car tour
• Guided snorkeling stop at Starfish Island, with time built in to swim and look for sea life
• Cowrie Island picnic lunch on the beach, included as a packed lunch or buffet depending on the operator
• Luli Island tide reality check, where the shoreline changes as water levels shift
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Princesa, plus a direct 45-minute transfer to Honda Bay
• Snorkel gear is not included, so bring your own if you want to be water-ready fast

Entering Honda Bay: pickup, transfer, and how your morning flows

This is a full day, starting with hotel pickup in Puerto Princesa. The tour typically starts between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, and you’ll ride to the Honda Bay area with about a 45-minute transfer. Expect the day to feel structured, not spontaneous, which is a big plus if you want an easy first-timer plan.

At pickup, you wait in your hotel lobby and the driver comes holding a sign with your name. If you’re staying inside Puerto Princesa at Astoria Hotel, there may be an additional charge, so it’s worth confirming when you book.

Once you reach Honda Bay, you check in at the terminal and then you’re on a boat for the island hopping part. Your day runs until the late afternoon, and you usually get back to Puerto Princesa around 5:00 PM after the return drive.

Starfish Island snorkel time: what you should actually plan for

The first true water stop is Starfish Island, usually around the 9:00 AM mark. This is the part of the tour built for swimming and snorkeling in clear, shallow-looking water where you can see starfish and other marine life.

Do not treat this as a bring-anything-anyhow moment. If you want to snorkel comfortably, make sure your swimwear, towel, and water shoes (if you use them) are ready before you step off the boat. Also, snorkel equipment is not included, so if you don’t have gear, you’ll need to plan for that separately.

A practical tip: even if you’re confident in the water, keep your first entry calm. The tour is time-boxed, and you’ll enjoy it more if you spend the early minutes finding a rhythm rather than rushing. If you’re not a strong swimmer, this tour is not the right fit, because you’re expected to be in the water.

And yes, seasickness matters here. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, so if you know you get queasy on boats, take that seriously. A “maybe it’ll be fine” decision can turn the whole day sour.

The in-between stop: photo moments plus more swim time

After Starfish Island, there’s typically another stop that mixes quick sightseeing with swimming time. In the schedule, it’s framed as a photo stop followed by about an hour of swimming and visiting.

This is one of those “use it wisely” moments. If you love photos, this is where you’ll want your camera ready and your settings sorted. If you’re more focused on the water, go in thinking about a second snorkeling or swimming window, not a full extra beach day.

Since the tour runs on a boat schedule, you’ll feel the time pressure. One review experience highlighted that it helped when the guide clearly communicated how long each stop lasts and what to bring, so I recommend you ask right at the start: how much time at each island, and where the meeting point is for regrouping.

Cowrie Island picnic lunch: the best break in the day

Lunch is the high point for most people, and it happens on Cowrie Island. You’ll usually arrive around late morning, then lunch lands around 12:00 PM, right on the beach.

You can expect a picnic-style setup. The exact format depends on the operator, but lunch is either a buffet or a packed lunch. Either way, it’s included in the tour price, which is a value point you can feel right away. You’re not spending your day hunting for food between boat stops.

Here’s how to make it work for you. Treat lunch as a reset: eat, hydrate, and take a proper sunscreen break. Bring snacks and water, because having extra on hand makes the pacing feel easier, especially if you’re hungry earlier than planned.

One more practical note: the lunch stop is long enough (about 1.5 hours) that you’re not just handed food and pushed back onto the boat. You get time to settle on the sand, swim a bit, and enjoy the day without constantly checking your watch.

Luli Island tide timing: the shoreline changes, plan your timing

Then you move to Luli Island, usually around 1:30 PM. This is where the tour gets more “beach and relax” than snorkel-heavy.

Luli Island has a key feature you’ll want to understand before you arrive: the shore changes with the tides. Some areas emerge as the water level shifts, then get covered again later. That means the beach you see at first might not look the same later in the day.

In practical terms, arrive ready to pick your spot quickly. If you want a certain area to lie on or take photos, don’t wait. Check the waterline and think about when you want to swim, not only when you arrive.

This is also the part of the day where you can breathe. If you’re traveling with seniors or kids who need slower moments, Luli Island is usually the calmer stretch of the itinerary. Just remember: the tour is still a boat day, so you can’t float into “all day” mode.

Boat, guide, and small-group pace: comfort and communication

Your guide is live and the tour runs in English. Group size is capped at 15 participants, which makes it easier to keep track of people and it can feel more personal if the guide is good at managing the schedule.

One review experience praised the hotel pickup and drop-off timing as smooth and reliable. It also pointed out a communication gap: the guide had great energy and even played volleyball, but the group would have benefited from clearer instructions about how long each stop would last and what to bring to make the day easier.

So here’s my “do this and you’ll be happier” advice. Before the first island, ask for two things:

• How long you’ll spend at each stop
• Where the snorkel-waiting and regroup points are

That way you’re not relying on guesswork. And if your guide plays games or gets extra chatty, you still have the logistics in your head.

The tour includes the boat ride for the full island hopping route and island entrance fees. That’s valuable because it reduces surprise costs and keeps the day moving.

What’s included in the price, and what costs extra

The price is $54 per person for an 8-hour Honda Bay island tour with lunch and transfers. To judge value, look at what you’re not paying for on your own.

Included:

• Roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Princesa (with an extra charge note for Astoria Hotel)
• Boat ride for the island hopping portion
• Island fees for the stops
• A local guide (English)
• Lunch (buffet or packed lunch depending on operator)
• Entrance included and ticket-line skipping

Not included:

• Environmental fee of P200 per head
• Kayak rental
• Snorkel rental

That environmental fee is a small line item, but it’s still an extra cost. If you hate “cash surprise” moments, plan for it.

The big value driver is that you’re bundling transport, boat logistics, entrance fees, and lunch into one price. The trade-off is that snorkeling gear is on you. If you’re already carrying your own snorkel and mask, this tour becomes even more of a bargain.

You also have an option to upgrade to a private tour if you want a more exclusive experience. If your group is small, or you just dislike the rhythm of set schedules, a private format can make the day feel more relaxed.

What to pack for Honda Bay so the day feels easy

This is a beach and water day, so pack like you’re going to swim, not just watch. The list that matters most:

• Hat and sunscreen (sun shows up fast near the water)
• Swimwear and a towel
• Camera (you’ll want it for both water and beach time)
• Water and snacks (helpful for the time between stops)

Also bring any personal swim comfort items you like. Since snorkel gear is not included, if you want to snorkel, bring your own equipment or make sure you can rent it separately.

And keep it simple on rules. Smoking isn’t allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That’s good to know because it keeps the tour focused on safe, family-friendly fun.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

I’d aim for this tour if you want an organized day that includes snorkeling and beach time without spending hours planning. It’s especially good if you like the idea of a guided loop with lunch on a real island beach.

It’s also designed to be safe and enjoyable for children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. That said, the water expectations still matter. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it’s not for people prone to seasickness.

So if you fall into one of these categories, consider another option that avoids boat time or includes calmer water conditions. If you’re a confident swimmer and generally okay on boats, this type of itinerary can be a great first taste of Palawan’s island-hopping style.

Should you book this Honda Bay Island tour?

Book it if you want guided island hopping with lunch included, and you’re comfortable handling snorkel gear yourself. The best value is in the combination of hotel transfers, boat ride, island fees, and a beach lunch. You get a full day rhythm without having to coordinate taxis, tickets, and boat timing.

Skip or reconsider if you need more hand-holding on timing and gear. A past experience noted that clearer instructions about how long you stay at each stop would have helped. If you’re the kind of traveler who hates uncertainty, ask those questions immediately, and you’ll smooth out most of the risk.

If you want a calmer pace or more private attention, the private tour upgrade is worth thinking about. For $54 on a small group format, this is a solid deal for Honda Bay, as long as you’re truly ready for swimming and the boat part of the day.

FAQ

What islands are included in the Honda Bay tour?

The tour includes Starfish Island for swimming and snorkeling, Luli Island for swimming and relaxing on the beach, and Cowrie Island for a beach picnic lunch. There is also an additional photo stop and swimming time between Starfish Island and Luli Island.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Puerto Princesa. The tour also lists pickup and drop-off options connected to Puerto Princesa International Airport.

How long does the tour last?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

What time does the tour typically start and end?

A sample schedule has hotel pickup starting between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, with return to Puerto Princesa around 5:00 PM. Exact timing can depend on the day’s operations.

Is lunch included, and what type do you get?

Yes. Lunch is included and is either a buffet or a packed lunch depending on the operator. It’s served on Cowrie Island.

Is snorkel gear included?

No. Snorkel rental is listed as not included.

Are island fees included in the price?

Yes. Entrance fees to the islands are included in the tour price.

Is there an environmental fee?

Yes. An environmental fee of P200 per head is not included.

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

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it is also not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Can I cancel or book with flexible payment?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It also offers a reserve now and pay later option, so you can book without paying immediately.