Puerto Princesa shore excursion to Luli, starfish, cowrie island

If you like your day trip with clear goals, this Puerto Princesa bay island-hopping tour is a good fit. You hit multiple spots for snorkeling and beach time, not just one slow stop. I especially like that you get smooth round-trip pickup and a licensed guide, with names like Jake and Ana showing up in feedback for keeping the day organized and safe.

Two more things I like: you get an included lunch so you are not hunting for food between boats, and the group size is capped at 50, which usually keeps the pace from turning into a cattle-car. The one drawback to consider is that snorkeling gear is not included, so you’ll want to plan to rent or bring what you need.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Multi-island plan covering Cowrie, Lu-Li, Honda Bay, and Starfish Sandbar in one day
• Included lunch (and the tour has adjusted its lunch caterer after earlier feedback)
• Round-trip transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup free in the main city
• Boat transportation between islands, with time built in for photos and sunbathing
• Snorkeling is a centerpiece, but equipment use is not included
• Weather matters, since the experience requires good conditions

Puerto Princesa Bay in One Day: Why This Itinerary Works

This is a classic Puerto Princesa day excursion style, where the water does the heavy lifting. You start on the mainland with pickup, then spend your day hopping between islands in the bay, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and photos at each stop.

I like that the schedule is built around what makes these islands fun: clear-water beach time plus short bursts of snorkeling. You are not stuck doing one long activity for hours, which matters if your travel group includes different comfort levels in the water.

The other practical win is how the tour keeps costs down. You are paying for a group format, with a guide, boat rides, and fees included, instead of piecing everything together yourself. Just remember the booking note: the experience is not recommended if you have mobility issues, because you’ll be moving around boats and island areas.

The Pickup, Boat Ride, and Group Pace You Can Expect

You get round-trip transfers from hotel, airport, or port, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. Pickup is free if your hotel is within the main city or city center, and the tour lists examples of places outside that zone, like Astoria, Four Points, and Daluyon, with an extra fee of $100 per booking.

The group size has a maximum of 50. That sounds like a lot until you remember it is split across a day of boat stops, not one single long attraction line. Still, this is not a private charter, so your timing will follow the group.

Boat transportation is included, which is a big value point. Even if you were to arrange a boat locally, paying for it separately usually adds up fast. Your time at each stop also depends on weather and sea conditions, so keep your day flexible.

Cowrie Island: Beach Time Plus Snorkel-Friendly Water

Cowrie Island is the first island stop, with about 2 hours listed for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and picture taking. This stop is about easing into the day. You start calm, get your camera ready, and settle into the water before you move on.

What I like here is the balance. You are not forced into snorkeling the whole time. If you only want a bit of time in the shallows, you can do that, then shift back to sunbathing or taking photos.

One important practical note: snorkeling equipment is not included. If you do not want to rent, bring what you need. If you are relying on rentals, do not leave it to the last minute once you are on the pier.

Lu-Li Island With Lunch Built In

Next is Lu-Li Island, again with about 2 hours for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and picture taking. Lunch is included here, which helps keep the day from feeling like a constant hunt for food.

I like that lunch is placed into the flow of the island-hopping schedule. You get a built-in break while you are already set up for water time. That matters because the Puerto Princesa heat can sneak up on you between boat rides.

Here is a detail worth knowing: the tour provider includes lunch, all fees and taxes, and a licensed tour guide. That usually means fewer surprises in the middle of the day.

Also, based on service feedback, the company has adjusted its lunch caterer to improve the meal experience. So if you care about food quality, this is at least a sign they listen when something falls short.

Honda Bay: More Time in the Water and Plenty of Photos

Honda Bay is the next stop, with activities listed as swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and picture taking. The itinerary data shows a longer block of time here, but in plain terms, you should treat Honda Bay as the main stretch where you’ll spend extra time on the water.

This is the stop where you can slow down. If you are having fun snorkeling and want more time, it is usually easier to do that on the longer stop than on the shorter ones. If you are more of a beach person, you can also focus on relaxing and photography.

The big thing to plan for is sun and water time. Between Cowrie, Lu-Li, and Honda Bay, you could easily feel like you never fully get out of your swimwear routine. Bring reef-safe sunscreen if you use it, and consider a rash guard if your skin gets irritated from sun and saltwater.

Starfish Sandbar Resort: Short, Photo-Forward, and Very Water-Centered

The last listed island stop is Starfish Sandbar Resort. The time shown is 1 hour, with swimming and picture taking.

That short window is the main thing to manage. This is not the place to plan a slow, long beach day. If starfish and sandbar views are what you are after, aim to be ready as soon as you arrive.

Also, because it is photo-centered, you’ll likely want to keep an eye on tide and conditions as you hear the guide’s instructions. The tour is weather-dependent overall, and sea conditions can affect what you can comfortably do.

If you love quick-hit scenery and do not need long stops, you might actually enjoy this as a final burst. If you prefer lots of time to swim and stretch out, you might wish this last stop was longer.

Guides and Safety: What Makes the Day Feel Smooth

This is one of those tours where the guide’s role is bigger than it sounds. A licensed tour guide runs the day, and feedback highlights how guides like Jake and Ana help keep things moving and clear.

You can also expect guidance that focuses on safety and matching the pace to the group. One highlight from feedback is that the itinerary can be adjusted based on what the group needs. That is especially useful if someone in your group is less confident in the water or needs extra time.

If you want to maximize your snorkeling time, ask the guide questions before you jump in. Where to look, what depth feels best, and how to move around without tiring yourself out are the kinds of practical tips that can change the whole experience.

And yes, ask about photos. One review mentioned wanting snorkeling photos sent by email. If you care about the pictures, it’s smart to ask early and share your preferred email so you do not end up chasing it later.

Snorkeling Gear and What You Should Bring

Snorkeling equipment use is not included, so plan ahead. If you have your own mask and snorkel, you’ll avoid the hassle of renting. If you do not, you should assume you may need to rent on-site, so set aside time and a little extra budget for it.

Aside from gear, bring the usual island day essentials:

• water bottle (even if you think you’ll buy one later)
• sun protection
• a dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone
• quick-dry footwear for boat steps and rocky edges

Also, pack smart for a day that includes multiple swims. Small towel, change of clothes, and a plan for where you’ll store wet items will make the later parts of the tour feel easier.

Lunch Included: Simple Value, With One Catch

Lunch is included in the tour, and fees and taxes are covered. That means you are not paying extra when you are already tired and hungry after swimming.

The catch is you should treat lunch as included beach food, not fine dining. Still, the provider responded to earlier feedback by changing its restaurant caterer, so the team is actively working on getting this part right.

If you have strong dietary needs, the safest move is to communicate before the day starts. The tour data does not spell out special meal options, so do not assume you can request the usual vegetarian, allergy, or low-spice adjustments on the spot.

Price and Value: Is $60 a Good Deal?

At $60 per person, this tour prices itself as a budget-friendly group way to see several bay islands without doing the logistics yourself. What makes it feel like value is what’s included: round-trip transfers, boat transportation, a licensed tour guide, admission tickets, and lunch.

The big value compare is cost and time. If you try to hire separate transfers plus boats plus island fees, you’ll likely spend more. Here, the “bundle” effect is the point, and it works best if you are happy with group pacing.

Two cost notes to watch:

1) Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you may pay extra or rent.

2) Hotels outside the main city can have a $100 per booking extra fee for pickup.

If you stay in central Puerto Princesa, you get the pickup perk for free. That alone can make the $60 feel cheaper than it looks.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a great choice if you want a full day on the water but you do not want to organize boats and hopping yourself. It also fits couples, friends, and mixed groups where not everyone is equally interested in snorkeling.

It’s not recommended if you have mobility issues, based on the tour’s island and boat format. If that applies to you, you’ll likely find the boat steps and moving around on islands difficult.

If you are a strong swimmer and love snorkeling, you’ll probably enjoy the multiple stops. If you are nervous in open water, focus on the guide’s instructions and spend more time where conditions feel easiest.

And if you are the type who enjoys photos but hates rushed schedules, you’ll still have photo time. Just know the shortest stop is 1 hour at Starfish Sandbar Resort, so keep your camera ready when you arrive.

Weather and Cancellations: Plan for Real Life

This experience requires good weather. The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, which is the standard hard line for many outdoor tours.

But if the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If minimum traveler numbers are not met, you also get a different date or a full refund.

So the practical takeaway is this: check the weather close to departure, and if you are traveling during rainy or stormy weeks, have some flexibility in your schedule.

Bottom Line: Should You Book This Puerto Princesa Island-Hopping Day?

If you want a structured, reasonably priced way to see Cowrie, Lu-Li, Honda Bay, and Starfish Sandbar in one day, I think you’ll like this. The best parts are the combination of snorkeling-focused stops, a guide who keeps things organized, and included lunch that keeps you from wasting time.

Book this when you’re staying in the main city of Puerto Princesa and you are comfortable with boat travel and group pacing. If snorkeling gear matters to you, plan for equipment since it’s not included. And if mobility is a concern, skip it and look for an option that minimizes boat and walking.

FAQ

How much does the Puerto Princesa shore excursion to Cowrie, Lu-Li, Honda Bay, and Starfish Sandbar cost?

The price is $60.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Round-trip transfers are offered from your hotel, airport, or port. Hotel pickup is free within the main city or city center.

Where does the tour go during the day?

It visits Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island, Honda Bay, and Starfish Sandbar Resort.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. The use of snorkeling equipment is not included.

What is the maximum group size?

This activity has a maximum of 50 travelers.

What payment or ticket format do I receive?

You get a mobile ticket.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?

It is not recommended if you have mobility problems.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there extra fees for hotels outside the main city?

Yes. An extra fee of $100.00 per booking applies for out of town hotels, with examples including Astoria, Four Points, and Daluyon.