Palawan: Honda Bay Island Hopping Cruise

Honda Bay makes sense if you want a classic Palawan day without the hassle. From Puerto Princesa you head out to a cluster of tiny islands where the water is calm enough for beach time and quick snorkeling stops. It is a fast trip to island life, usually within about 30 minutes of the city.

I love that this is a shared tour, so you are not stuck alone with your own thoughts all day, and you can chat with other people on the ride and between stops. I also like the fact that lunch is included, and one of the better surprises is that the BBQ fish part of the meal can be genuinely filling.

The main drawback to plan for is that the snorkeling experience can be hit or miss. One stop can feel more like a crowded swimming platform, and if you are chasing lots of coral, you may find less than you expected.

Key things to know before you go

• Three island stops: Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island, so you are not doing one beach and calling it a day
• Shared van + shared boats: more social, also more waiting around at stops
• Lunch is part of the deal: picnic-style and often a highlight, including BBQ fish
• Snorkeling quality varies: some areas can be packed, and coral may be limited at certain sights
• Plan for extra costs: environmental fee is not included, plus snorkeling rentals may cost extra

Honda Bay from Puerto Princesa: why this tour is popular

Honda Bay is an easy yes for a lot of people because it is close to Puerto Princesa and built for day-trippers. You get multiple island moments in one block of time, instead of spending your day changing plans, catching different rides, or trying to piece together boat schedules on your own.

The vibe is also simple. This is not a “wander in secret coves” kind of outing. It is an organized island-hopping circuit: boat ride, beach time, a few snorkel pauses, then lunch, then more water time. If you like clear, straightforward travel days, you usually end up happier.

Price helps explain the pull. At $40 per person, you are paying for a package that covers a lot of moving parts: a motorized boat, entrance fees, guide time, and hotel pickup and drop-off within city proper. That is a real value angle, as long as you keep expectations realistic about snorkeling and crowding.

Pickup, van group size, and how the day actually moves

This is a 9-hour tour, and that matters because it gives the circuit enough time to do three islands without turning into a sprint. It is also why the day feels “scheduled” rather than casual. You will move as a group, stop as a group, and likely wait a bit for everyone to get back together.

Pickup is included, but only for hotels in city proper. The provider also runs it with a van group of about 13 people. For me, that is a good size for social energy without feeling like a school bus every five minutes. Still, it is not private, so you should expect shared timing and shared space.

One practical tip: bring a waterproof bag before you arrive. The tour expects you to be able to go from land to boat to beach without turning your phone into a science experiment. Swimwear and sunscreen are also non-negotiable in the sun-heavy part of the day.

The boat ride: comfortable, but watch your sea legs

You use a motorized boat, and you will be given a life vest. That is the safety baseline, and it is one reason this feels approachable even for first-timers. The trade-off is simple: it can be bumpy, and the tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

If you are the type who feels queasy on boats, do yourself a favor and skip this one. There are other ways to enjoy Palawan without risking a miserable day.

Island stop 1: Starfish Island (what you are really there for)

Starfish Island is one of the headline stops for Honda Bay, and it is usually where people set their tone for the day. Expect a strong beach-and-sun focus. You are there to enjoy the water views, relax, and get some photos, and you are not going to feel like you are in a quiet, private beach scenario.

In terms of what to pack and wear, think comfort first. You will likely get wet, you will be stepping around on and off boats, and you will want your sunscreen to still be on when you hit the sand.

Snorkeling here is usually not the main point for most people. If you do want underwater time, treat it as a bonus rather than the guarantee. The overall tour snorkeling can be inconsistent, and one of the key patterns is that certain snorkel zones can get crowded.

Island stop 2: Luli Island, the underwater gardens idea

Luli Island is where the tour’s “marine life” promise starts to feel more real. Honda Bay is known for marine life like fishes, corals, and giant clams, and this stop is often positioned as part of the underwater gardens concept.

Here is the honest planning approach. You are going to see underwater life if conditions and site layout cooperate, but the amount and quality can vary by spot and crowd level. One experience I would treat as a caution: some snorkeling zones are described as cramped and can be more like a platform setup than a wide, reef-like swim area.

That does not mean it is not fun. It just means you should not build your day around seeing “everything.” If you want the kind of coral viewing that blows your mind, you may end up comparing against places that are better known for reefs.

Island stop 3: Cowrie Island and the beach finale

Cowrie Island is your final big island stop, and it works best if you already used your first snorkeling chance to set expectations. By this point, you usually want the combo of beach time and an easy swim, not a high-pressure exploration mission.

This is a good stop to take things slower. You will likely have spent enough time in the water that your body clock is ready for a relaxed finish. If the sun is out, enjoy it, because the views from the bay can be one of the most rewarding parts of the day.

Lunch break: the real value boost

The lunch is included, and it is not just a token meal. One of the standout notes people made is that the lunch is filling and tasty, with BBQ fish singled out as a favorite.

That matters for value. Many island tours give you something basic, you eat fast, and you feel hungry again right after. With a meal that actually sticks, you can enjoy the water stops without getting cranky.

One more practical thing: treat lunch as your “fuel check.” After sun and boat time, hydration helps too, even if drinks are not mentioned as included. I like to plan to keep sipping water between swimming periods, especially on hotter days.

Snorkeling expectations: fun, social, and sometimes crowded

Honda Bay is not just beaches. The tour is also sold as a way to see marine life, including corals and giant clams in the bay area. But your snorkeling experience will depend on three things you can’t fully control: weather, where the group is directed, and how many people are in the water at the same time.

Two patterns show up in the experience feedback you can plan around:

• Some snorkel stops can be very crowded, making the water feel busy and narrow
• Coral visibility can be limited depending on the specific sight and conditions

So here is how I’d set expectations: go for the chance to see fish and enjoy the water, not for a guaranteed reef show. If you are coming from places with exceptional reef systems, keep your attitude flexible. You will still likely have a good day if you focus on the overall island-hopping rhythm and not just one perfect snorkel moment.

What is included, what costs extra, and how to budget

At $40 per person, this tour includes a lot: hotel pickup and drop-off within city proper, a DOT accredited tour guide, picnic lunch, motorized boat, life vest, island entrance fees, and terminal and wharf fees.

What is not included is where you want to pay attention, because it can change your total.

• Environmental fee: 150 PHP per person (not included)
• Mask and snorkel rental: not included
• Aqua shoes rentals: not included

That last point matters more than people think. Wet sand plus coral edges, rocks, or awkward steps can turn “fun beach shoes” into “why did I do this.” Even if you do not rent aqua shoes, wear something that gives grip and protection.

Also remember the rules: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. It is a shared day on the water, so keep it clean and straightforward.

Weather and the horizon factor

A big chunk of why people enjoy Honda Bay is simply the day itself. Clear sunshine turns the bay into an easy place to relax, and the horizon views can be stunning when the sky cooperates.

This is why timing matters. The tour is 9 hours with starting times based on availability. If you have flexibility, pick a day with better weather forecasts. You do not control the sky, but you can improve your odds.

Who this tour is best for

This is a good fit if you want:

• A short, organized taste of island hopping from Puerto Princesa
• A day that mixes beach time with some snorkeling chances
• Included lunch and boat logistics, without doing planning math all morning
• A shared group atmosphere where you can meet other people

It is also a smart pick if you are visiting Palawan and want one easy “sea day” without committing to a longer multi-island or more rugged program.

Who should skip it

Skip this tour if:

• You are prone to seasickness
• You are only excited by top-tier coral viewing and want a reef-focused experience
• You dislike crowded water areas and shared group pacing

One more note. If you are sensitive to service rhythm, go in with the mindset that you may need to ask questions. This is a shared, commercial-style tour, so you should be ready to get information directly from your guide or confirm the next steps with the group.

Practical packing checklist for Honda Bay

Keep it simple. You will be in swim mode more than you think.

• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof bag
• Something for wet steps (either water shoes you bring, or plan for rentals if available)

If you rent mask and snorkel, confirm what you need before you leave. Since rentals are not included in the package, it is on you to handle that extra step.

Should you book Honda Bay island hopping for your Palawan trip?

I think you should book this tour if you want a straightforward day on the water with three island stops, included lunch, and a chance to see marine life without the planning burden. At $40 plus the environmental fee, the included boat, guide, and entrance fees are what make it feel like a fair deal.

You should pause before booking if your main goal is reef perfection. Snorkeling can be crowded, and coral viewing may not match your hopes. If you are comparing your experience to top snorkeling regions you already loved, this may feel more “beach and break” than “world-class reef.”

If you book, go in with the right mindset: enjoy the sun, take the island-hopping circuit for what it is, and treat snorkeling as a bonus. With that approach, Honda Bay can land as a fun, easy Palawan highlight instead of a disappointment.

FAQ

How long is the Palawan Honda Bay island hopping cruise?

The tour duration is 9 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, but only for hotels within city proper. If your hotel is outside the proper, an additional charge may apply.

Which islands do you visit?

The tour visits Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.

What does the price include?

Included items are hotel pickup and drop-off (city proper only), a DOT accredited tour guide, picnic lunch, motorized boat, life vest, island entrance fees, and terminal and wharf fees.

What extra costs should I expect?

The environmental fee of 150 PHP per person is not included. Mask and snorkel rental and aqua shoes rental are also not included.

Is the tour suitable if I get seasick?

No. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.