Shared Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Honda Bay island hopping is one of those rare days where you can do a lot, without planning a lot. In about half a day to a full day, you’ll hop between Lu-Li Island and Cowrie Island, with time to swim, snorkel, and just chill in the sun.

I also like how this tour is built for real relaxation, not a speed run. Lu-Li gives you an easy first swim stop plus hammock time, and Cowrie Island is where you slow down for lunch and extra water fun. The one consideration is that snorkeling gear and water shoes are not fully included, so you should be ready to rent or bring what you need.

Key highlights in plain language

• Small group size (max 15) helps your guide keep track of everyone during the jumps between islands
• Lu-Li hammocks + mini bar make the first stop feel more like a beach break than a checklist
• Cowrie is the lunch stop with a generous swimming area and optional add-ons like massage
• Hotel pickup from select hotels saves you time versus finding transport on your own
• Snorkeling gear is on you (rent or bring), and water shoes can be a separate cost

Honda Bay shared island hopping: what the day feels like

This shared tour runs in the Honda Bay area around Puerto Princesa, and it’s designed as an easy, guided day in the water. You’re looking at 6 to 8 hours total time, plus the travel time to and from your pickup point. It’s not a private boat experience, but that’s also the point: you get a guide, a set route, and a shared vessel without the big-group chaos.

If you like your vacation days simple, you’ll probably appreciate the structure. You get a local guide, lunch, and planned time at each island, so you’re not stuck trying to figure out where to go once you arrive. And because the group is capped at 15 travelers, the experience tends to feel more manageable than the mega-tours.

One more detail that matters: this is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor and the tour gets canceled, you’ll be offered an alternative tour or date. That’s not a deal-breaker, it just means you should keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Price and value: $38 plus the extras you should budget

At $38 per person, this tour is priced as a solid “pay once, enjoy the day” option. The parts you get for that money include hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only), a local guide, lunch, and admission tickets for the two island stops.

What’s not included is where you can get surprised if you don’t plan ahead:

• Government fees: ₱150 per person
• Snorkeling equipment: not included
• Use of snorkeling equipment: not included (yes, this is listed twice, which basically means you should treat it as not included)

The practical takeaway: if you want to snorkel comfortably, plan either to bring your own gear or rent it once you’re there. Based on what I’ve seen in the real-world flow of this kind of tour day, there’s often an opportunity to rent water shoes and snorkeling items early, which can reduce stress. But you should still expect that to cost extra.

Also remember: exact pickup time is provided the day before through your hotel’s receptionist. That removes guesswork, but it does require you to be reachable.

Pickup, meeting point, and how to avoid transfer headaches

This tour offers round-trip transfers for guests staying at select hotels. If your hotel is beyond 10 miles (15 km) from the airport, pickup and drop-off may not be included. There’s also a specific note for Astoria Palawan, where guests should book transfers separately.

If you are within the pickup zone, you’ll likely appreciate the convenience. You don’t have to coordinate taxis or worry about getting late. Still, double-check your pickup eligibility before you pay, especially if you’re staying at a property that may not be on the route.

If you end up using the meeting point instead, the start location is listed in Puerto Princesa City at Barangay Sta Lourdes, RPX5+876. The tour ends back at that same meeting point. So you’re not dealing with a complicated drop-off later.

Finally, transfers are approximate because time can shift with traffic and the time of day. Build in some patience. Island-hopping days run on water schedules and road traffic schedules, and both can be out of sync with perfect timing.

The route: Lu-Li Island first, then Cowrie Island for lunch

This tour keeps the day simple: two island stops, one main lunch stop, and plenty of water time in between. Expect it to feel like a beach day with a plan, not a full “site tour” day.

Stop 1: Lu-Li Island (about 1 hour)

Lu-Li is your first taste of Honda Bay. You’ll have about 1 hour there, and you can focus on swimming and lounging. This stop is especially good if you like the “arrive, get in the water, relax” rhythm.

Two small details that make Lu-Li more pleasant:

• Hammocks: you can actually slow down and rest, not just stand in line for photos.
• Mini bar with cocktails: if you want a laid-back vibe, this is where it shows up.

Snorkeling may be a part of this day, but your time is limited at Lu-Li, so don’t plan on mastering snorkeling skills here. Think of it as a fun first swim stop where you can get comfortable with the water.

One drawback to plan for: with only about an hour, you’ll want to move efficiently. If you’re the type who needs extra time for gear, use sunscreen early, and get set quickly once you’re at the island.

Stop 2: Cowrie Island (about 2 hours, plus lunch)

Cowrie Island is where the day shifts into “sink into vacation mode.” You get about 2 hours, and lunch is served here. This is your bigger window, so it’s the best stop for swimming longer, resting, and doing optional add-ons.

Here’s what you can do at Cowrie:

• Swimming in a generous area
• Sunbathing
• Water activities (the exact options aren’t itemized, but you’ll have choices once you’re there)
• Massage if you want to recover those sun-soaked shoulders
• Coco water as a simple refresh while you’re relaxing

This is also where you eat Filipino lunch. It’s the kind of meal that hits better when you’re already wet, warm, and hungry, not when you’re still thinking about how you’ll find food later.

The timing works well: the longer Cowrie stop means you don’t feel rushed as soon as lunch is over. If you’re trying to balance snorkeling with relaxing, Cowrie is the stop where you can do both without feeling like you’re always behind.

What about snorkeling and water shoes?

Snorkeling is a big reason people book Honda Bay trips, but you should plan like snorkeling is your job, not the tour’s job. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and the day has a strong “rent or bring it” vibe.

Also, water shoes matter more than you’d think. A common issue on island beaches is slippery entry points or rough patches underfoot. One practical tip to follow: wear water shoes, and if you need to rent them, consider doing it early on in the day.

In a shared tour setting, it’s normal that gear rentals happen as part of the early flow, like an initial stop you pass on the way out. That means you can sort gear without losing island time. Still, don’t assume it’s free just because snorkeling sounds like the main activity.

If you want the smoothest day:

• Bring your own snorkel mask if you’re picky about fit
• Pack water shoes if you hate last-minute rentals
• Bring a small dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and wallet

Group size and guide attention: why 15 people matters

With a maximum of 15 travelers, this shared tour has a real advantage. On boat-and-island days, the group size affects everything: when you board, where people stand, and how easy it is for the guide to check that you have everyone.

A small group also tends to mean the guide can give faster practical direction. You can spend more of your mental energy on the water and less on figuring out where to go next.

It’s also why the tour description emphasizes small-group attention. When you’re hopping between islands, you don’t want to guess at timing. A good guide makes it easier to enjoy the day instead of managing logistics.

Lunch on Cowrie Island: simple, filling, and timed well

Lunch is included and served on Cowrie Island. That alone is a big value point. On island days, it’s usually easy to find food, but it’s rarely easy to find food that fits your schedule. Here, lunch is part of the flow, so you don’t waste time hunting or waiting.

What you should expect is Filipino lunch. It’s the kind of meal that works after swimming because it’s substantial, not just snacks. If you’re someone who burns through energy in warm water, you’ll appreciate having food lined up when you’re ready.

Also, eating on the island keeps the vibe relaxed. You’re not mentally stuck planning the next meal. You’re just enjoying the day.

How to pack for a shared Honda Bay island day

If you want this to feel effortless, pack with water reality in mind. You’re going to be warm, likely wet, and outdoors for hours.

I’d bring:

• Swimwear you’re comfortable leaving on for some time
• Water shoes (or budget time to rent them)
• Sunscreen and a hat or cap
• A dry bag for phone, cash, and anything you hate getting wet
• Towel if you prefer your own, since rentals or towels are not mentioned
• Cash for ₱150 government fees and any gear rentals

If you’re renting snorkeling gear, you’ll want to plan around comfort and fit. Masks that don’t sit right turn snorkeling from fun into fiddly. Better to handle that early.

One more tip: the mini bar exists at Lu-Li, and there’s a coco water option at Cowrie. You might want cash on hand for these extras, depending on how the prices work on the day.

Best fit: who this tour suits

This shared Honda Bay tour is a great match if you want:

• A guided day with a set route
• Plenty of time to swim and snorkel
• A short list of stops so you don’t feel rushed
• A group size that stays small enough for some attention from the guide

It’s especially good for couples and friends who want an easy itinerary with lunch included. Families can do it too, but note that children must be accompanied by an adult.

If you’re the type who wants a lot of historical sightseeing, this is not that kind of day. It’s a water day, pure and simple, with time to relax as much as time to swim.

Quick call: should you book this Honda Bay shared tour?

I think this is worth booking if your priority is a relaxed island day with lunch and guided logistics. The value is strongest when you benefit from hotel pickup, you want a small group, and you’re fine handling snorkeling gear decisions yourself.

I would hold off if you hate paying extras for essentials like snorkeling gear and water shoes, or if your schedule is too tight for weather changes. Also, if you’re staying at Astoria Palawan, confirm the transfer arrangement early since you may need to book transfers separately.

If you plan for the gear, bring water shoes or budget for rentals, and accept that this is a beach-focused day, this Honda Bay tour is a very practical way to get Lu-Li and Cowrie Island in one smooth outing.

FAQ

What is the duration of the shared Honda Bay island hopping tour?

The tour runs about 6 to 8 hours, depending on conditions and the day’s timing.

How much does it cost and what’s included in the price?

The price is $38 per person. Included are hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only), a local guide, and lunch, plus admission tickets for the island stops.

Are snorkeling equipment and water shoes included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included. Water shoes are also something you may need to rent or bring.

Are there extra fees besides the tour price?

Yes. There is a government fee of ₱150 per person.

Do I get hotel pickup if I’m staying far from the airport?

Pickup and drop-off are for select hotels. If your hotel is beyond 10 miles (15 km) from the airport, pickup/drop-off may not be included.

What if weather conditions are poor?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative tour or date. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.