Honda Bay Island: Island Tour with Lunch & Transfer

If you’re planning a trip to Palawan and want to experience some of its most beautiful coastal treasures, the Honda Bay Island tour offers a compelling day out. This guided excursion takes you through a handful of island stops, each with its own distinct charm—from snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to relaxing on powdery white beaches. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, the detailed information paints a picture of a well-organized, value-packed experience that appeals to a broad range of travelers.

What immediately stands out about this tour is the combination of natural beauty and convenience. The included hotel transfers mean you don’t need to worry about transportation logistics in Puerto Princesa, allowing you to focus on soaking in the scenery. Plus, with a dedicated guide, you’re likely to gain some local insights and safety tips that enhance your day. Our favorite features? Snorkeling in Starfish Island and the chance to enjoy a beachside lunch on Cowrie Island. The possible downside? It’s a full day, so if you’re not a fan of long tours, it’s worth considering your stamina.

This tour works best for those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free introduction to Honda Bay, especially travelers who value guided experiences over DIY island hopping. It’s suitable for families, seniors, and anyone who appreciates a mix of water activities and relaxing beach time. If you’re after a more private or exclusive experience, an upgraded private tour is also available. Now, let’s explore what makes this trip a worthwhile option—and where it might fall short.

Key Points

• Convenient roundtrip transfers from Puerto Princesa eliminate transportation worries.
• Multiple island stops give a well-rounded taste of Honda Bay’s beauty.
• Snorkeling at Starfish Island offers a chance to see vibrant marine life in clear waters.
• A beach picnic lunch on Cowrie Island provides a relaxed meal in a stunning setting.
• The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring small-group attention.
• Additional costs such as environmental fees and optional rentals are not included in the base price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose This Honda Bay Tour?

The appeal of this tour lies in its balanced approach: a full, engaging day with opportunities for both active and passive enjoyment. You’ll start with hotel pickup—an often overlooked but highly appreciated feature—then journey to Honda Bay’s famous spots without the hassle of coordinating transport or entry fees. Once there, the itinerary is designed for variety: snorkel in a vibrant marine environment, relax on pristine beaches, and enjoy a picnic on a secluded island.

The itinerary is carefully structured to maximize your time at each location while respecting the overall 8-hour duration. The early start means you’ll beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, which makes snorkeling and beach lounging more pleasant. The tour concludes with a return transfer, leaving you free to explore more or unwind at your hotel.

How the Itinerary Unfolds

Pickup and Transfer

The day begins with pickup from your hotel in Puerto Princesa, a critical detail that simplifies your day. The transfer takes about 45 minutes to Honda Bay’s terminal, giving you a chance to glimpse the local scenery. The small group size (limited to 15 participants) promises a more personal experience and chances to ask questions or share comments with the guide.

First Stop: Starfish Island

Your adventure kicks off with a boat ride to Starfish Island, a highlight for many travelers. The water here is famously clear, and snorkeling reveals a vibrant underwater world populated by starfish and tropical fish. As one reviewer notes, “We loved the way the guide explained the marine life, making it educational and fun.” The short snorkel stop is perfect for beginners and those who prefer not to dive deep.

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Second Stop: Cowrie Island

Next, you’ll visit Cowrie Island, known for its soft sands and welcoming vibe. Here, the tour includes a lunch break—either a packed picnic or a meal from local vendors. The relaxed atmosphere lets you swim, take photos, or just soak up the sun. Some travelers mention that the lunch includes a buffet or packed lunch, which adds to the convenience.

Third Stop: Luli Island

The final island stop is Luli Island, a small, shifting landmass that appears and disappears with the tides. It’s a quirky, photogenic spot perfect for relaxing in shallow waters or exploring the shoreline. Reviews highlight that “the tide changes make Luli Island even more interesting,” and it’s a place where you can float in the shallow waters or take a quick walk.

Return and Reflection

The trip wraps up with a boat ride back to Honda Bay’s terminal, then a transfer back to your hotel, usually arriving around 5 pm. This timing leaves space for evening plans or just a restful night after a full day of island-hopping.

What’s Included and What’s Extra?

The value of this tour largely depends on what’s included: hotel transfers, boat rides, entrance fees, and a meal. The $54 per person price covers most essentials, making it a cost-effective way to see Honda Bay. The hotel pickup and drop-off are especially appreciated, saving you from coordinating transport. Plus, the knowledgeable guide adds context and safety.

However, travelers should note that additional costs such as the Environmental Fee P200 per head are not included, nor are kayak rentals or snorkeling gear. These extras can add up, so plan accordingly if you want to extend your water activities. The tour is also limited to a small group, enhancing intimacy but possibly affecting availability during peak seasons.

How does this compare value-wise?

When you factor in the hassle-free logistics, the guided experience, and the included lunch, the $54 price begins to look quite reasonable. Private upgrades are available for those seeking exclusivity, at a higher cost, but for most, the shared tour offers great value.

The Experience: Authentic, Fun, and Family-Friendly

The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, which makes the trip both educational and enjoyable. They’ll share insights about the islands, marine life, and local customs, enriching your understanding of this beautiful region.

The tour’s pace is steady but not rushed, allowing you to relax and really enjoy each spot. Families or travelers with children will find the tour’s accessibility and safety measures reassuring. Likewise, seniors and non-swimmers are accommodated, with options to stay on the boat or on the shore.

Some reviews mention that the snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so if you’re eager to explore underwater, you might want to bring your own or rent locally. The tour’s emphasis on small group size and guided commentary makes it a comfortable way to experience Honda Bay without feeling overwhelmed.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera—the scenery is picture-perfect.
• Wear swimwear and bring a towel for snorkeling and beach lounging.
• Prepare some snacks and water to keep energized between stops.
• Remember, smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted on the islands or during the tour.
• Check the tide schedule if you’re keen on Luli Island, as the shore appearance depends on the tides.
• Consider renting snorkel gear locally if you want to snorkel more extensively.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Honda Bay Island trip is ideal for travelers craving a well-organized, all-in-one day out that balances water activities with relaxing beach time. It’s perfect for families, first-time visitors to Palawan, or anyone who prefers guided experiences over self-planned excursions. The small group size fosters a friendly, intimate atmosphere, making it suitable for solo travelers, couples, or small groups.

If you’re someone who enjoys snorkeling or simply loves spending time on beautiful beaches, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. But if you’re prone to seasickness or dislike long days in the sun, you might want to reconsider or prepare accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Honda Bay tour packs in a lot of highlights—snorkeling, beach relaxing, and a tasty lunch—all in one manageable day. The convenience of hotel transfers and the personal touch of a knowledgeable guide help justify the price. While there are optional costs for extras, the core experience delivers a beautiful introduction to Palawan’s island life.

For travelers seeking a straightforward, enjoyable day out on the water that doesn’t break the bank, this tour offers genuine value. It’s especially suited for those wanting a guided, small-group experience that balances adventure and leisure.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it easy to start and end your day without worry.

What is the tour duration? The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours, from pickup in the early morning to return in the late afternoon.

Are meals provided? Yes, a picnic lunch or local restaurant meal is included, offering a convenient way to refuel amidst the island stops.

How many people are in the group? The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personal and attentive experience.

What should I bring? Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. It’s also wise to prepare for the sun and saltwater.

Can non-swimmers join? Yes, the tour is suitable for non-swimmers, with options to stay on the boat or relax on the beach.

Are snorkeling gear and rentals included? No, snorkeling equipment is not included, so consider bringing your own or renting locally if desired.

Is the tour suitable for children and seniors? Yes, it’s designed to be accessible and safe for children, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

What additional costs should I expect? An environmental fee of P200 per person is payable on-site, and optional rentals like kayaks or snorkeling gear are extra.

In sum, this Honda Bay Island tour is a thoughtfully organized, scenic introduction to Palawan’s marine and beachside wonders. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day or a chance to snorkel among starfish, it provides a solid, affordable way to experience the region’s natural charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: