Puerto Princesa: Honda Bay Tour with Lunch

Honda Bay is a simple, sun-first day trip from Puerto Princesa, and that is exactly why it works. You get sea time, white-sand beaches, and a stop where you might spot hundreds of starfish under the waterline.

I especially like the pick-up and drop-off inside Puerto Princesa, which makes the day feel low-stress. I also like that the tour is built around real water moments: time at Luli Island, a beach lunch on Cowrie Island, and marine activities like snorkeling plus options such as banana boat and kayak.

One thing to watch is timing and communication for pick-up. Since the tour includes hotel pick-up and a set route, you’ll want to confirm your pick-up location and time clearly so your day does not start with stress.

Key things to know before you go

• Luli Island sandbar time to play in calm water on a long, flag-decorated stretch
• Cowrie Island picnic lunch on the beach, plus snorkeling among underwater life
• Starfish Island where starfish can be visible just below the surface
• Watersports options like banana boat and kayak, with chances for each person to join in
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off within Puerto Princesa included for convenience
• Mask and snorkel are not included, so plan ahead

Getting to Honda Bay from Puerto Princesa: pickup, boat ride, and your day flow

This tour is designed as a full, single-day change of scenery. You start with hotel pick-up within Puerto Princesa, then head to the Honda Bay wharf where the day kicks off.

Once you arrive, you’ll meet your English-speaking guide and tour operator and board a motorized boat. That boat ride matters more than people think, because it sets the pace for everything after, and it’s also your first real taste of Palawan’s coastline.

A practical tip: if your hotel is near the edges of Puerto Princesa, double-check that it’s clearly inside the pick-up area. A smooth morning here can make the rest of the day feel easy instead of rushed.

Luli Island and the flag-decorated sandbar where you actually get to relax

Luli Island is where the tour starts leaning hard into beach time. You’ll head out by boat, then spend time around the sandbar, described as long and decorated with flags.

This stop is built for casual fun, not complicated planning. You can walk along the sand, float and swim in the calmer water near shore, and take photos that look like they belong on a postcard without needing a fancy camera setup.

If you get seasick easily, this is the part to take slowly. The boat is motorized, so move gently at the start, hydrate, and keep your eyes on the horizon when the water is choppy.

Cowrie Island lunch on the beach, plus snorkeling and sea-life time

Cowrie Island is the lunch stop, and it is meant to feel like a real break. You’ll get a picnic lunch by the beach, and the overall package also includes lunch as part of the tour setup.

After eating, you can shift straight from sand to water. The day includes snorkeling opportunities where you can look at underwater gardens and colorful coral reef in the Palawan sea.

There’s also mention of a bat sanctuary as part of what the tour covers. That likely means you’ll see that theme tied into the route and stop timing, even if it is not the headline moment like the beach and snorkel.

One more good detail: you often get more value when you treat snorkeling as short-and-sweet. Spend time where you feel comfortable, then come back to the beach instead of pushing too long.

Starfish Island: when the best “wow” moment happens under the waves

Starfish Island is the tour highlight for a reason. The tour experience is timed so you might see hundreds of starfish beneath the waves, which is the kind of nature moment that sticks with you.

To make this part work well, plan your expectation: starfish sightings depend on where and when the water is clear enough. You can still enjoy the underwater scenery even if you do not spot as many as you hoped, but you’ll likely get the best odds by following your guide’s cues on where to swim.

If your group includes non-swimmers, you can still enjoy this stop. The beach and shallow-water views give you plenty of chances for photos and just watching the sea life activity.

Watersports you can try: banana boat and kayak time (without overthinking it)

Not every beach day includes a chance to do active water fun, but this one does. The tour is set up so each person gets a chance to participate in watersports, including banana boat and kayak, plus snorkeling options.

This is valuable because it means your day does not hinge on one single activity. If you love floating and reefs, focus on snorkeling time; if you want movement and adrenaline, you can choose the banana boat and kayak moments.

Safety-wise, the big practical rule is common sense. Wear a life vest if one is provided or recommended, keep your gear secured, and listen closely before you jump in. It’s a simple day, but a busy one too.

Pambato Reef and how to get more out of the snorkeling stops

You’ll also hear Pambato Reef named as a highlight. That matters because reefs in Palawan can be a big part of why people book this tour in the first place.

What you can do to get more value is manage your effort. Snorkel with purpose, look slowly, and avoid thrashing the water, which can stir up sand and reduce visibility. If you want photos, try to keep your breathing steady so you can pause and frame shots without panicking.

If you do not bring your own snorkeling mask, that’s something to prepare for ahead of time. The tour lists mask and snorkel as not included, so factor that into your budget or packing list.

Price and value: what $39 covers and what you still need to budget

At $39 per person for a 1-day tour, this price can feel like a good deal if you care about the included pieces. You get hotel pick-up and drop-off within Puerto Princesa, a tour guide, and entrance fees tied to the experience.

The tour also includes a buffet lunch and beach food setup on Cowrie Island, plus boat transport between the islands. When a package bundles those core costs together, you save time shopping around for separate transport and separate tickets.

What is not included is important. You’ll still need to budget for:

• An environmental fee
• Mask and snorkel (not provided)

So the smart move is to keep a small cash reserve for those extras and any on-the-spot needs. The tour asks you to bring cash, which is a strong hint that paying in advance is not always the rule for every add-on.

What the group day feels like, and how to protect your comfort

This is a multi-stop island-hopping day, so it comes with a natural rhythm. You’ll move between islands by boat, then spend concentrated time at each beach or reef area before boarding again.

That rhythm is great for people who want an active day, but it’s not ideal for anyone who hates schedules. If you want a slow, private beach day with no coordination, you may find this style of tour too structured.

For comfort:

• Bring water-friendly items and keep them dry when you’re on the boat.
• Use sunscreen early, since you’ll be outdoors for multiple segments of the day.
• Wear something quick-drying for the water stops.

Also, this tour is not suitable for pregnant women, so if that applies, look for other Palawan options that match your needs.

What to bring for Honda Bay (camera, cash, and your snorkeling plan)

The tour lists a simple packing set: bring a camera and cash.

For the rest, you’ll want to think in categories:

• Water gear: because mask and snorkel are not included, either bring your own or plan to arrange them on your own before the day.
• Sun protection: you’ll be on white-sand beaches and in the water across the route.
• Photo power: even a basic camera or phone works well if you keep your lens dry and wipe it before shots.

If you’re thinking about clothing, choose practical swimwear plus a cover-up you can put on quickly between stops. The day moves boat to beach to boat again.

Rules that keep the day smooth: alcohol, drugs, and simple behavior

The tour states that alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That’s consistent with most shared island activities and helps keep the day safer and easier for everyone.

You’ll also get more out of the experience if you treat the marine environment with care. Watch where you swim, avoid touching coral, and follow your guide’s instructions for any reef and snorkeling segments.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a real plus for people who need that option.

Because this is an island-hopping day with boats and beach stops, accessibility can still vary in practice, so it’s smart to ask your operator how they handle boarding and beach transitions at each stop. You can then match the plan to your comfort level.

Who should book this Honda Bay tour, and who should skip it

I think this tour is a strong choice if you want a classic Palawan day without having to plan an itinerary from scratch. It fits people who like a mix of beach time plus reef time, and who are comfortable joining a guided group experience.

It also works well if you want lunch handled for you. Cowrie Island’s beach lunch turns the middle of the day into a real reset, not just a snack break.

Skip it if:

• You are pregnant (not suitable for this tour)
• You dislike fixed schedules and repeated boat transfers
• You do not want to manage your own snorkeling gear, since masks and snorkels are not included

Should you book the Puerto Princesa Honda Bay tour with lunch?

If you’re choosing between doing Honda Bay on your own versus booking a structured island-hopping day, I’d lean toward booking if you value convenience and planning help. The combination of pick-up in Puerto Princesa, lunch on Cowrie Island, and multiple island stops makes the day feel organized without being complicated.

The main reason to think twice is the one practical weak spot you should protect against: start-time expectations and pick-up clarity. Before your day begins, confirm your pick-up details carefully, and make sure you’re easy to find at your hotel. That one step can turn a stressful morning into a genuinely fun beach day.

If you’re coming prepared with cash and a snorkeling plan, this tour can deliver a satisfying mix of sand, sea life, and those unforgettable starfish sightings.

FAQ

How much does the Honda Bay Tour with Lunch cost?

The price is $39 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 1 day.

Does the tour include hotel pick-up and drop-off in Puerto Princesa?

Yes, the package includes convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off service within Puerto Princesa.

What islands are included in the Honda Bay tour?

The tour includes Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and Starfish Island, and it highlights Pambato Reef.

Is mask and snorkel included?

No, mask and snorkel are not included.

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?

No, alcohol and drugs are not allowed.