Nine hours of island sun in Palawan. Honda Bay island hopping out of Puerto Princesa is a straightforward way to hit multiple postcard beaches, see marine life around the islands, and keep the day moving with a motorized boat and life vest included.

What I like most is the chance to bounce between three well-known islands (Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island) without needing to figure out transport. I also really appreciate the way the tour is built around comfort and food: you get a picnic lunch with Filipino dishes, and one popular detail is a filling spread that can include BBQ fish.

One thing to think about before you book: snorkeling here can be more about quick stops and swimming areas than long, coral-rich reef time, and some of the snorkel setups can feel crowded.

Key things to know before you go

• Shared group, small van size: The van holds about 13 people, and you’ll be mixed in with other tourists on the same tour.
• Beach-and-marine day, not a reef marathon: You’ll have marine-life chances, but don’t expect a perfect, quiet coral scene everywhere.
• Lunch is part of the package: Picnic-style Filipino food is included, and many people rate it as filling.
• One extra cost to plan for: There’s an environmental fee not included (150 PHP per person).
• Snorkel gear isn’t included: You may need to rent a mask and snorkel separately.
• Seasickness matters: If you’re prone to it, this isn’t the best fit.

Why this Honda Bay cruise is a smart Puerto Princesa day

Honda Bay is on the eastern shore of Puerto Princesa, and it’s made up of small islands with beaches and resort-style spots. The payoff is simple: you get a whole stretch of Palawan coastal scenery in a single outing, with boat time and short island breaks.

I also like that it’s a “day trip close to town” setup. You’re not committing to a multi-day island circuit to get the sandy beach look, and you can still keep an open evening back in Puerto Princesa.

The tour is priced as a package for a reason: boat transport, entrance fees, and a guide are wrapped in, so you’re not trying to cobble together pieces while you’re on vacation.

From hotel pickup to the wharf: how the day actually moves

The tour runs about 9 hours, so you’re signing up for a full day with a clear structure. You’ll be picked up from a hotel within the city proper, and the guide will contact you from the lobby area so you’re not left guessing where to wait.

Once you’re at the pickup point, you’ll board a motorized boat for the island hopping portion. Since the ride can involve open-water movement, it’s worth taking seriously if you’re sensitive to waves.

One practical bonus: you’re not traveling alone. Because it’s shared with other tourists, it tends to be easy to meet people for conversation between stops, and you’ll often hear useful tips from others on what to expect next.

Starfish Island: the soft-sand stop you’ll remember

Starfish Island is one of Honda Bay’s most famous names, and the reason is obvious once you’re there. Expect white sand, calm-looking shallows for hanging out, and that classic “this is what people mean by Palawan beaches” feeling.

This is the kind of stop where you’ll get your relaxing time first, not just action. If you want a day that mixes photos, sun, and a casual swim, Starfish Island is where that mood starts.

What to watch for: starfish and marine-life moments can be very dependent on conditions and how busy the area is that day. If you’re traveling for wildlife photography, go in with patience and don’t assume every moment will be perfectly calm.

Luli Island: snorkeling time, but manage your expectations

Luli Island is where snorkeling often becomes the headline. Honda Bay is described as a place with fish, corals, and even giant clams, so you’re in the right region for marine sightings.

Here’s the honest part: at least some snorkel setups can feel like a small, crowded swimming area rather than an open, reef-covered playground. One review flagged that an island stop felt more like a pontoon-style location, which usually means you’re snorkeling from a limited platform area with less room to spread out.

Also, don’t build your day around coral certainty. Some people have reported that there wasn’t much coral visible at certain snorkel sights, so consider snorkeling a bonus if the water and visibility cooperate, not the guarantee of a reef show.

Still, if you’re new to snorkeling or you just want the feeling of being in the water with tropical fish around you, this can be a fun change of pace from pure beach lounging.

Cowrie Island: more beach time and that horizon view

Cowrie Island adds another layer of beach scenery to the day, and it’s a good partner to the earlier stops. This is where you’ll likely settle into the “island day” rhythm: swim, take photos, relax, and repeat.

One highlight from reviews is the sheer look of the horizon and mountainous shapes in the background. When the weather cooperates, the views from the water and around the islands can be stunning in a simple, natural way—no special effort required.

If you’re deciding how much you’ll care about snorkeling versus scenery, Cowrie tends to fit the “scenery first” traveler. Even if snorkel conditions aren’t perfect, you still get a full beach experience.

Picnic lunch on the water: Filipino food that hits the spot

Lunch is included as a picnic-style meal, and it’s not treated as an afterthought. One standout mentioned in feedback is that the BBQ fish can be a real highlight—filling and tasty, especially after a morning of sun and swimming.

Because you’ll be moving around most of the day, an included meal matters more than you’d think. You don’t want to spend money hunting for food between stops, and you don’t want your energy crashing at the wrong time.

Plan to eat what’s served and pace yourself. With boat time and beach time stacked back-to-back, the people who do best usually keep lunch simple, hydrate, and save their biggest snorkeling push for when they feel freshest.

Price and value: what $40 covers, and what doesn’t

At about $40 per person, the tour can feel like good value because several real costs are already included. You get hotel pickup and drop-off within the town proper, a DOT-accredited tour guide, the motorized boat, life vest, island entrance fees, and terminal/wharf fees.

But you should budget for two common extras:

• Environmental fee: 150 PHP per person is not included.
• Snorkel essentials: mask and snorkel rental are not included (and aqua shoes rentals aren’t included either).

So the true “all-in” cost depends on what you already own. If you already have your own mask or you’re comfortable skipping snorkeling, you’ll likely spend less on the spot. If you need rentals, factor that into the decision so the final price feels fair.

One more value angle: the tour is shared, which means you’re paying for a coordinated day rather than a private escape. If you want full control and zero crowding, this setup won’t match that dream. If you want a well-run day with major logistics handled, it often feels worth it.

How to pack for Honda Bay (and not hate snorkeling)

This is a water-and-sun day, so your best packing strategy is comfort, not perfection. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag so you can keep your phone and valuables safe during boat stops.

For snorkeling, check what you have before you go. Since mask and snorkel rental isn’t included, you’ll want to know whether you plan to rent on site or bring your own gear. Aqua shoes rentals also aren’t included, and footwear can matter if you’re stepping around boats or uneven beach areas.

Also, skip alcohol and drugs. The tour notes they’re not allowed, and it’s one of those rules that helps keep the day smoother and safer for everyone on the boat.

If you’re unsure about motion sensitivity, treat it as a serious factor. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and pushing through can ruin the day fast.

Service style on a shared cruise: expect a practical, busy day

This is a commercial-style, time-managed day trip. Reviews reflect both sides: some people loved the relaxed weather and sunny conditions for sunbathing and felt the tour delivered on what it offered. Others found it more crowded and less information-rich than expected, including comments about limited guidance on the boat.

So I’d set your mindset accordingly. Don’t assume every step will be explained in detail without you asking. If you like clarity, watch for cues from the guide, and don’t be shy about asking basic questions like where everyone is heading next.

Because it’s shared with other tourists, the pacing can feel standardized. That can be good for efficiency, but it can also mean less flexibility if you’re hoping for a slower, more customized experience.

Who this Honda Bay cruise suits best

This tour fits best if you want an easy, structured day in Palawan with minimal planning. It’s especially good for:

• First-timers in Puerto Princesa who want the classic island-hopping look
• Travelers who care about beach time as much as snorkeling
• People who want lunch included and would rather not hunt for food between stops
• Solo travelers or couples who like a shared group vibe for company between islands

If your top priority is coral-heavy snorkeling with lots of space to swim quietly, you may feel disappointed. Honda Bay can be wonderful, but the snorkel experience here isn’t consistently described as reef-rich or uncrowded.

Should you book this Honda Bay island hopping cruise?

Book it if you want a solid 9-hour Palawan day that mixes beach scenery, marine-life chances, and an included picnic lunch—without extra planning stress. It’s also a good value when you remember boat transport, entrance fees, and guide service are already covered.

Skip it (or be extra selective) if snorkeling quality and coral visibility are your main goal, because the snorkel setup and crowd levels can vary. If you’re seasickness-prone, take that warning seriously and look for a different style of day.

If you do book, my practical advice is simple: pack for sun and water, plan for possible snorkel limitations, and treat Cowrie and Starfish as your main “wow” stops for scenery and relaxation. You’ll get the most out of the day if you go in wanting a beach-and-snorkel combo, not a full-on reef expedition.

FAQ

How long is the Honda Bay island hopping cruise?

It lasts about 9 hours.

What islands does this tour visit?

You’ll visit Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, but only if your hotel is within the city proper.

What food is included?

Lunch is included as a picnic-style meal.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Mask and snorkel rental are not included.

Are life vests provided?

Yes, life vests are included.

What extra fee should I expect?

There’s an environmental fee of 150 PHP per person that is not included.

Is the tour suitable for people who get seasick?

No, it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What languages are the guide available in?

The live guide speaks English and Tagalog.