Puerto Princesa: Honda Bay Tour with Lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Palawan, the Honda Bay island hopping tour offers a delightful escape from the hustle of Puerto Princesa’s streets. This tour promises a day filled with sun, sand, and sea, taking you to some of the most scenic spots in Honda Bay with friendly guides and a well-organized schedule. While it’s a solid choice for those wanting a relaxed, scenic day out, it’s worth noting that the trip is quite structured and may not suit travelers looking for a more offbeat or independent experience.

Two things we really like about this tour are the comfortable hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes logistics easier, and the variety of stops, from sandbars to snorkeling spots. On the flip side, some might find the additional costs for environmental fees and equipment (mask & snorkel) a minor inconvenience. This experience suits travelers who want a hassle-free, guided day to explore the marine beauty of Honda Bay without fuss.

Key Points

• Convenient pick-up and drop-off within Puerto Princesa simplifies logistics.
• Multiple island stops offer diverse experiences, from sandbars to reefs.
• All-included pricing covers entrance fees, a guide, and lunch, which adds value.
• Snorkeling and watersports are available but require optional equipment purchase.
• Authentic and knowledgeable guides enhance the overall experience.
• Suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking an easy, scenic day trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of Honda Bay Island Hopping

This tour is a classic way to experience the natural charm of Palawan’s Honda Bay. It’s designed for travelers who want to enjoy a full day of outdoors and underwater sights without worrying about logistics. The itinerary is straightforward: hotel pickup, boat rides, island stops, and a hearty lunch, all wrapped in a friendly, guided package.

The price point of $40 per person is quite reasonable considering it includes hotel transfers, entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and a tour guide. This all-in-one approach offers good value, especially for those unfamiliar with the area or who prefer a guided experience to maximize their time.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Pickup and Transfer

Your day starts with a hotel pickup in Puerto Princesa. The convenience of door-to-door service means you avoid the hassle of searching for transportation, allowing you to relax and get excited for the day ahead. Expect a friendly guide to greet you, who will provide some basic orientation and answer questions.

Arrival at Honda Bay Wharf and Initial Boat Ride

Once at the wharf, you’ll board a motorized boat with your group. The boat ride itself is part of the fun — bright and lively, offering glimpses of the coastline and the chance to settle in for the day’s adventure. The duration of each boat trip is manageable, keeping the day energetic and engaging.

More Great Tours Nearby

Luli Island: Flag-decorated Sandbar and Calm Waters

Your first stop is Luli Island, famed for its long, colorful flag-decorated sandbar. Here, you’ll find calm waters perfect for wading and relaxing. Many reviews mention the enjoyable atmosphere and the chance to play along the sandbar. The shallow waters are ideal for photography and light swimming, making it a hit for families and solo travelers alike.

Cowrie Island: Picnic and Watersports

Next, you’ll visit Cowrie Island, where a lunch buffet is served. The island’s natural beauty is complemented by its friendly vibe. During lunch, you’ll get a chance to savor local cuisine. Post-meal, you’ll have options for water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or banana boat rides if you choose to rent equipment.

Reviews highlight that the snorkeling at Cowrie Island offers a glimpse into vibrant marine life, with some travelers noting the beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish. The guided snorkel tour is often praised for its helpfulness and safety.

Starfish Island: Starfish and Underwater Wonders

The highlight for many is Starfish Island. As the name suggests, you might find hundreds of starfish just beneath the waves, providing excellent photo opportunities and a touch of wonder. The shallow waters here make it safe for both kids and adults to wade in and observe these fascinating creatures up close.

Return to Puerto Princesa

After a full day of exploring, the boat ride back offers a chance to relax and reflect on the day. The entire tour typically lasts around 8 hours, including travel time, providing an immersive yet manageable escape from city life.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable guides are frequently praised for their friendliness and insight, making the experience more engaging and informative. They often share interesting facts about marine life and the islands’ natural features, heightening your appreciation of the scenery.

The stunning views of the turquoise waters, white sands, and lush greenery create a postcard backdrop that’s hard to match. The combination of laid-back beaches and vibrant marine life makes it a perfect way to unwind and enjoy nature.

However, some reviews also point out minor drawbacks: additional costs for snorkeling gear and environmental fees aren’t included in the initial price, so budgeting a little extra cash is wise. Also, while the tour is well-organized, it’s somewhat fixed — if you’re a traveler seeking more independence or hidden spots, this might feel a bit structured.

Analyzing the Value

At $40, the tour offers a comprehensive experience — hotel transfer, boat rides, island visits, a buffet lunch, and guides. When you consider the costs of arranging these independently, it’s quite reasonable. Plus, the hassle-free booking and trusted operator add peace of mind.

The included lunch is a notable perk, saving time and additional expense. Most travelers find the food quality decent and enough to satisfy their hunger after a morning of swimming and exploring.

On the downside, the additional costs for items like masks, snorkels, and environmental fees mean you might want to bring some cash along. Also, the group size can vary, but reviews suggest it’s a manageable number, making the experience more intimate than a large crowd.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This is an ideal trip for families with children, couples, or solo travelers who want a straightforward, scenic day. It appeals to those interested in marine life, relaxing beaches, and easy outdoor activities. If your goal is to see the highlights of Honda Bay without worrying about planning logistics, this tour provides a solid, enjoyable option.

However, if you’re someone who prefers off-the-beaten-path experiences or has specific dietary needs, you might want to discuss options or prepare accordingly. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy guided tours and don’t mind a structured schedule.

The Sum Up

For anyone visiting Puerto Princesa and eager to experience Palawan’s famed island beauty, the Honda Bay tour offers a well-rounded, hassle-free day. It combines scenic boat rides, engaging stops, and a satisfying lunch, all guided by friendly, knowledgeable hosts. The stops at Luli, Cowrie, and Starfish Islands highlight the best of Honda Bay’s natural attractions — from pristine sandbars to vibrant underwater gardens.

This tour is particularly valuable for travelers who want to maximize their time with minimal planning and enjoy a safe, guided experience. It’s especially good for families, first-timers, or those with limited time looking to get a taste of Palawan’s island paradise.

While some extra costs are not included and the schedule is quite fixed, the overall experience delivers good value and memorable scenery. For a relaxing day of sun and sea, this tour hits most of the right notes.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour price includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off within Puerto Princesa.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience typically takes about 8 hours, including transfers, boat rides, and island stops.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera for photos and some cash for optional expenses like snorkeling gear or environmental fees.

Are meals included?
Yes, a buffet lunch is provided on Cowrie Island as part of the package.

Can I do water activities?
Yes, water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and banana boat rides are available, but they usually require renting equipment.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most reviews suggest it’s family-friendly, especially since the waters are calm and shallow at key stops.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely, many travelers praise the guides for their friendliness and helpfulness.

Are there any restrictions?
Pregnant women and travelers with certain health issues might need to check with the tour provider, as the tour might not be suitable for everyone.

In sum, the Honda Bay island hopping tour from Puerto Princesa offers a friendly, scenic, and affordable way to enjoy Palawan’s marine marvels, making it a worthwhile addition to your travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: