Honda Bay Island Hopping

Exploring the captivating islands of Honda Bay is a must-do activity for any visitor to Puerto Princesa. This shared tour whisks travelers away to a tropical oasis, offering a chance to swim, snorkel, and savor a delightful Filipino-style lunch. With the guidance of licensed professionals, participants can enjoy the area’s picturesque landscapes and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re seeking a day of adventure or simply a chance to soak up the sun, the Honda Bay Island Hopping tour promises an unforgettable experience. But what secrets do these idyllic islands hold, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• A shared tour of 9 hours that visits three islands – Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island – offering swimming, snorkeling, and Filipino cuisine.
• The tour is priced at €33.35 per person and includes transportation, boat rentals, life vests, and a DOT-licensed guide.
• Opportunities for swimming and watersports, but not recommended for those prone to seasickness.
• Positive customer feedback on guides’ cooking skills and the natural beauty of the islands, though some reports of disorganization and uninteresting stops.
• Booking process allows reservation without upfront payment, and the tour includes necessary amenities like transportation, picnic lunch, and equipment.

Activity Overview

The Honda Bay Island Hopping activity is a popular shared tour that allows visitors to explore the picturesque islands off the eastern coast of Puerto Princesa.

Priced at €33.35 per person, the tour lasts 9 hours and is available in English and Tagalog. It’s a shared experience, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour takes you to three famous islands – Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island – where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy Filipino cuisine during the included lunch.

The package covers transportation, boat rentals, life vests, and a DOT-licensed guide, though seasickness-prone individuals may want to avoid it.

Itinerary and Experience

Visitors can expect to explore the picturesque Honda Bay, located on the eastern shore of Puerto Princesa.

The tour takes them to three famous islands: Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island. Guests can enjoy a delicious Filipino-style picnic lunch included in the package.

The tour also provides opportunities to experience the area’s marine life, with chances for swimming and watersports.

While the tour is suitable for most travelers, it’s not recommended for those prone to seasickness.

Visitors are advised to bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag, and to avoid bringing alcohol and drugs.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Honda Bay Island Hopping tour package includes pickup and drop-off within the city proper, a picnic lunch, motorized boat transportation, life vests, and the services of a DOT-licensed tour guide. Plus, all island entrance fees and terminal/wharf fees are covered. However, the tour is not suitable for individuals prone to seasickness. Travelers are advised to bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag, as alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Pickup/Drop-off	Not suitable for seasickness-prone
Picnic Lunch	No alcohol/drugs allowed
Motorized Boat	Bring own swimwear, sunscreen, waterproof bag
Life Vest
DOT-Licensed Guide
Island Fees
Terminal/Wharf Fees

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews of the Honda Bay Island Hopping tour paint a mixed picture, with an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.

Positive feedback praised the guides’ cooking skills and the beautiful islands and beaches experienced.

However, some customers reported disorganization, delays in getting boats, uninteresting stops, poor snorkeling equipment, and suggested going directly to the popular Cowrie Island.

While the tour includes pickup, lunch, boat transportation, and other amenities, the mixed reviews indicate room for improvement in the tour’s execution and overall guest satisfaction.

Booking Details

Booking the Honda Bay Island Hopping tour is a straightforward process, with options to reserve a spot without upfront payment.

Customers can check the tour’s availability and starting times online, and a tour guide will contact them upon arrival for pickup. This "reserve now & pay later" approach allows travelers to secure their spot in advance without the need for immediate payment.

The tour includes transportation, a picnic lunch, and the services of a DOT-licensed guide, as well as the necessary equipment like life vests.

With flexible booking and a range of inclusions, the Honda Bay Island Hopping experience is easily accessible for interested travelers.

Island Highlights

Although the Honda Bay Island Hopping tour visits three distinct islands, each offers its own unique charm and highlights.

Starfish Island is renowned for its abundant population of vibrant starfish, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe these fascinating marine creatures up close.

Luli Island boasts pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Lastly, Cowrie Island is home to a diverse array of marine life, making it an excellent spot for those seeking to enjoy the wonders of the underwater world.

Each island presents a distinct experience, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Honda Bay.

Tour Guide Credentials

According to the provided information, the tour guides for the Honda Bay Island Hopping activity are DOT-licensed, ensuring a certain level of expertise and professionalism.

The service of these licensed tour guides is included in the package, allowing visitors to navigate the islands and experience the marine life with confidence.

The guides’ credentials suggest they’ve the necessary knowledge and skills to lead the tours, providing an informative and engaging experience for the participants.

While some reviews mentioned issues with disorganization, the inclusion of DOT-licensed guides is a positive aspect that should enhance the overall quality of the island hopping adventure.

Packing Recommendations

When preparing for the Honda Bay Island Hopping activity, visitors are advised to pack essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The tour’s location and activities require specific gear, including:

• Swimwear – Guests will have opportunities to swim and engage in water activities, so packing comfortable swimsuits is a must.

• Sunscreen – Spending time outdoors on the islands means adequate sun protection is crucial.

• Waterproof bag – Bringing a waterproof bag or pouch can help keep personal belongings dry during the boat rides and island visits.

• Towel – A lightweight, quick-drying towel can be handy for drying off after swimming.

Following this packing list will help make the Honda Bay Island Hopping adventure a memorable and hassle-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Additional Activity Options Available at Each Island?

At each island, travelers can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. There may also be opportunities to explore the islands’ beaches, see wildlife, and participate in various watersports, though the details are not specified in the provided information.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Based on the provided information, travelers can bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on the Honda Bay Island Hopping tour. However, alcohol is not allowed on the tour.

Is There an Option to Visit the Islands Independently Without a Guided Tour?

There’s no option to visit the islands independently without a guided tour. The package includes a motorized boat, tour guide, and all necessary fees to access the islands, making it the only way to experience this tour.

How Long Do We Typically Spend at Each Island During the Tour?

The tour typically spends 1-2 hours at each island, allowing visitors to explore the beaches, swim, and experience the marine life. The exact time spent can vary depending on the itinerary and schedule of the day’s activities.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Tour to Operate?

The activity doesn’t mention a minimum group size requirement. It’s stated as a shared tour with other travelers, so it likely operates with a flexible group size as long as the tour has enough participants to run.

Recap

The Honda Bay Island Hopping tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the stunning islands of Starfish, Luli, and Cowrie. With a Filipino-style picnic lunch, guided snorkeling, and DOT-licensed guides, this 9-hour shared adventure provides an unforgettable experience in the paradise of Puerto Princesa. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking a day of relaxation, this tour is a must-consider for your Palawan itinerary.