Honda Bay Island: Island Tour with Lunch & Transfer

Honda Bay is a classic Palawan day trip for one big reason: you get a full island-hopping loop in a single outing, with swimming stops and beach time that feel like you found a secret cove. I especially like the way the itinerary strings together Starfish Island and the beachy Luli Island experience, plus a planned break on the sand for lunch.

Two things I really enjoy about this tour are the straightforward rhythm of a guided boat day, and the fact that hotel pickup and drop-off are handled for you. One possible drawback to keep in mind is that you may need to actively ask your guide for the practical game plan, like how long you’ll have at each stop, especially if you want extra time for photos or a longer swim.

Key highlights to look for

• Starfish Island swimming and snorkeling in clear water, with plenty of time to get in and out
• Cowrie Island picnic lunch on the beach, a real break instead of just a snack stop
• Luli Island tide timing, where the shoreline changes as the water level shifts
• Small-group pace (max 15 people), which usually means less waiting around on the boat
• Hotel transfers included from Puerto Princesa (and an airport pickup option)

Why Honda Bay works so well as a Puerto Princesa day trip

If you’re basing yourself in Puerto Princesa, this is the kind of outing that turns “I want the beach” into something organized. You’re not trying to figure out boats, schedules, and island entrances on your own. Instead, you follow a guided route through Honda Bay, and you spend most of the day doing the fun parts: swimming, relaxing, and snorkeling when conditions allow.

What makes Honda Bay especially rewarding is the variety packed into a single day. Starfish Island is the clear-water, marine-life stop people come for. Cowrie Island is where you slow down, eat on the sand, and reset. Then Luli Island brings you a different shoreline experience where the water level matters. It’s a good mix if you want variety without burning a whole vacation week on logistics.

Getting picked up and transferred (including airport option)

This tour is built around an easy start. You’ll have roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off from Puerto Princesa, and you can also choose pickup from Puerto Princesa International Airport. The transfer time is listed at about 45 minutes, which is helpful because it sets expectations. You’re not losing half your day just getting out of town.

The pickup window is handled by the operator, and on the day of the tour you’ll wait in your hotel lobby. Your driver meets you holding a sign with your name, so you’re not wandering around asking random questions. If you’re staying inside Puerto Princesa, you’re generally covered. One note to remember: if your hotel is Astoria Hotel, there may be an additional charge, so it’s worth confirming ahead of time.

If you like to travel calmly, this kind of transport setup is a real value. When you’re trying to catch boat times, the difference between a smooth pickup and a missed connection can be huge.

The boat day feel: small group, English guide, and skip-the-line comfort

Once you reach Honda Bay, you check in and board. The tour is described as small group, limited to 15 participants, and it runs with a live English guide. In practice, that usually means you spend less time herding people and more time enjoying the stops.

You’ll also see a “skip the ticket line” detail. That matters more than it sounds, because peak times can create lines that eat into your island time. Getting aboard quickly helps keep the day on schedule, which is what you want when the itinerary has set return timing.

One detail I like is the guided structure. You’re not just dropped at each beach with no context. A guide helps with what to look for and how to move between islands safely. And based on one traveler’s experience, the guide can be a big part of the vibe, sometimes keeping the group active with games between swims. That can make a tour feel more like a day out with a group than a rigid bus ride.

Still, there’s a practical consideration: ask questions early. If you want clear guidance on timing, don’t wait. Check in with your guide right after boarding and ask how long you’ll have at each stop, especially if you’re the type who likes to plan your photos and swim time.

Starfish Island: swimming and snorkeling in clear water

Starfish Island is the star of this itinerary. The schedule has the tour arriving around 9:00 AM, with swimming and snorkeling time built in. The reason this stop is so popular is simple: the water is described as crystal-clear, and you can look for starfish and marine life when conditions are right.

A quick reality check for planning: snorkel equipment is not included. That means you should bring your own snorkel, or plan to rent separately if rental is available. If you show up without snorkel gear, you can still enjoy swimming, but you’ll miss the main reason most people booked this stop.

Also, watch your comfort level. This tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and snorkeling generally means you’ll be focused in the water, not stuck taking breaks. If you know you get queasy on boats, be honest with yourself, because switching to “just hang back” can be tricky on a tight schedule.

If you can snorkel comfortably, this is where you’ll want to spend your energy. Get your swim rhythm early in the day. Your best chance for good visibility tends to come when everyone is fresh and the group is still on the earlier portion of the route.

Photo stops and the pacing between islands

Between the big named stops, the itinerary includes a photo stop and another visit and swimming block with about one hour set aside. That’s the part many tours skip, but here it’s built in. It can be a chance to capture views from the boat and reset before the more “hang out on the sand” segments.

This is also the time where you can adjust your plan. If you overspent your energy on Starfish Island, you can pace yourself here. If you’re feeling great, you can use this block to get one more swim before lunch and Luli Island beach time.

Again, it helps to ask your guide early how these in-between blocks are handled, because different operators can shift practical timing a bit based on weather and boat conditions.

Cowrie Island lunch on the beach: the best value break

Cowrie Island is where the tour turns from sightseeing into a proper meal break. The schedule lists visiting Cowrie Island around 10:30 AM, then lunch around 12:00 PM, with Cowrie Island time (including lunch) roughly 1.5 hours.

Lunch is described as either a buffet or a packed lunch, depending on the operator. The key point for your planning is that you should treat lunch as included food service, not something you need to hunt down. That is real value, because island days in Palawan can be expensive and chaotic if you’re buying everything yourself.

You’ll also get the beach element. Cowrie Island is set up for relaxing, with time to swim and hang out on sand. This matters because without a lunch pause, boat days can feel exhausting. Here, you get a moment to sit, eat, and reset your body before the later Luli Island stop.

One smart move: bring snacks only if it makes sense for you. The tour includes lunch, but you might still want water and a small snack buffer, especially if you arrive hungry or you burn calories in the morning sun. Just don’t assume there will be endless food options, and don’t let snacks replace hydration.

Luli Island and the tide trick you need to plan for

Luli Island is scheduled for the early afternoon, around 1:30 PM, with about one hour of time. What makes this island different is explicitly called out: the shoreline changes with the tides, with parts of the beach appearing and submerging as the water moves.

That means you should arrive ready to be flexible. If the tide has the waterline farther out, your beach walking area might look different than you expected. If it’s higher, you might get more water access. If it’s lower, you might find more exposed sand and a different layout to explore.

This is also a good reason to time your photos. The look of the coastline can change within the hour. If you want the classic “beach stretch” photo, aim to do it when the waterline matches your target shot, then switch back to enjoying the sand and swim time.

If you’re planning your energy for the day, Luli Island is usually where you’ll want the lighter touch. Starfish Island can involve more equipment and more active searching underwater. Luli is simpler: swim, lounge, and enjoy the changing coastline.

What you really pay for: price vs. included extras

The listed price is $54 per person for an 8-hour day with transfers. Here’s the value lens that matters.

Included:

• Roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Princesa (plus airport pickup option)
• Boat ride for the island-hopping day
• Island entrance fees
• Lunch (buffet or packed lunch depending on operator)
• Local guide in English

Not included:

• Environmental fee P200 per head
• Snorkel
• Kayak rental (if you want one)

That’s a pretty solid package. The biggest hidden costs on island days are often boat logistics and entrance fees. By rolling those into the ticket, you avoid a lot of annoying add-ons. Lunch inclusion also helps, because buying meals separately on a tight schedule is usually more expensive and less predictable.

The two items that can trip you up are the environmental fee and the snorkel gear. Plan for both, even if you’re a confident swimmer. If you want to snorkel at Starfish Island, missing a snorkel is like bringing a camera with no battery.

What to pack so you do not waste a moment

This tour is built around water time, heat, and sand. So pack for that reality.

Bring:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Snacks (optional, but helpful as a buffer)

If you’re snorkeling, bring your snorkel. Since snorkel rental is not included, treat your snorkel as a “must bring” item unless you know you can rent separately.

Also, remember the rules: smoking and alcohol and drugs are not allowed. It’s not a party tour. It’s a daytime nature and beach outing, with swimming and time on sand.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip

This itinerary is designed for people who want a guided beach-and-water day with multiple stops. It’s described as safe and enjoyable for children, seniors, and persons with disabilities, which suggests the operator aims for a smoother day rather than a tough adventure.

You should book if:

• You want guided island hopping without handling boat logistics
• You can swim comfortably and want Starfish Island snorkeling time
• You like a structured day with a lunch break

You should skip if:

• You’re a non-swimmer
• You’re prone to seasickness

That last point matters. Even if you plan to stay calm on the boat, you might still spend time near open water when snorkeling and swimming stops happen. If you know your stomach turns quickly at sea, choose a different kind of plan on this trip.

A few practical tips that make the day smoother

Here’s how I’d set yourself up so you get the best day out of the 8 hours.

First, plan your timing around the sun. Morning is usually cooler, so snorkeling is a better bet early. Save your longest lounging for the beach segments later in the day.

Second, take control of the “how long do we have here?” question. One traveler noted that their guide played volleyball and kept a good mood, but the group didn’t get clear instructions on what to do and how long each stop lasted. The fix is easy: ask at the start, and again before each island if you’re unsure.

Third, protect your gear and electronics. Cameras are encouraged, but sand and water are part of the experience. Keep valuables in a safe bag and consider how you’ll handle them when you go into the water.

Should you book Honda Bay Island Tour with Lunch and Transfer?

I’d book this tour if you want a single-day plan that combines snorkeling time, a beach picnic lunch, and two different island beach experiences, all with hotel transfers. For $54, the included boat ride and entrance fees plus lunch make it feel like a fair deal, as long as you plan for the extra environmental fee and snorkel gear.

I would not book it if you can’t swim or if boats reliably make you nauseous. Also, if you prefer ultra-detailed instructions at each stop, show up ready to ask questions early so you can guide your own timing and expectations.

If you like organized beach time without the stress of coordinating everything yourself, this is one of the cleaner ways to see Honda Bay in a day.

FAQ

What is the duration of this Honda Bay island tour?

The tour duration is listed as 8 hours.

How does hotel pickup and drop-off work?

Roundtrip transport is included from your hotel in Puerto Princesa, and the tour also lists pickup options from Puerto Princesa city or Puerto Princesa International Airport. On the day of the tour, you wait in your hotel lobby and your driver meets you holding a sign with your name.

What islands are included in the tour?

The tour includes Starfish Island for swimming and snorkeling, Luli Island for visiting and swimming, and Cowrie Island for a photo stop and lunch.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is listed as either a buffet or a packed lunch depending on the operator.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Snorkel is not included.

Are there extra fees besides the tour price?

Yes. There is an environmental fee listed as P200 per head.

What is the group size and language of the guide?

The tour is described as a small group limited to 15 participants, and the live tour guide is in English.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers or people with seasickness?

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

Can I cancel and is pay later available?

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now, pay later option.