Island hopping beats staying on shore. I love the snorkeling time plus the included lunch, and this one-day route hits Cowrie, Lu-Li, Honda Bay, and the Starfish Sandbar so you are not stuck on one beach all day.

It is mostly a boat-and-sun day, so if you burn fast or hate waiting between stops, pack smart; this tour also needs good weather to run.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Cowrie + Lu-Li together: two classic swimming and snorkeling stops with time to sunbathe and take photos
• Lunch is built in: you are not forced to hunt for food between islands
• Honda Bay is the long stretch: the biggest time block for water time and beach moments
• Starfish Sandbar is short: 1 hour means photos fast, then back on the move
• Limited group size: up to 50 people, plus licensed guide and boat transport

The Smart, Photo-Friendly Island Circuit in Puerto Princesa

This is the kind of Puerto Princesa day trip that makes sense when you want variety without doing complicated planning. You get round-trip transfers and a boat plan that strings islands together: Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island, Honda Bay, and the Starfish Sandbar (Starfish Sandbar Resort). The goal is simple—time in the water, time on the sand, and time to take photos—while keeping the cost down with a group format.

What I like most is how practical it feels. With the included lunch in the middle of the day, your energy stays steady instead of turning into a snack hunt. I also appreciate that the tour is run with a licensed tour guide and organized boat transportation, so you are not left guessing what happens next.

One caution: the whole day depends on conditions at sea. If weather gets rough, plans can change. And since you are moving by boat between stops, you should go with the mindset of a long, sun-heavy day rather than a chill, stay-in-one-place beach outing.

Pickup, Ride Comfort, and How the Day Actually Flows

You are picked up from your hotel, airport, or port, and you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour also uses boat transportation between islands, and it can involve a few island stops in one day (typically 2 to 3 islands). The total time is listed at around 8 hours, so the schedule is active.

If your hotel is within the main city or city center, pickup is free. If you are staying farther out (the tour mentions examples like Astoria, Four points, and Daluyon), there is an extra fee per booking of $100 for out-of-town hotels.

This matters because it affects your real cost. At $60 per person, the base price is reasonable, but your final number can climb if your hotel is outside the pickup area. If you are on a cruise or staying in the center, this tour is a better deal.

Stop 1: Cowrie Island for Swim, Snorkel, and Easy Beach Time

Cowrie Island is your first chance to get in the water. Expect swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and plenty of photo time. This stop is listed for about 2 hours, which is long enough to do a couple of water sessions—plus enough time to dry off, reset, and get ready for the next island.

What makes Cowrie Island appealing on a day like this is balance. It is not just a quick look—it gives you time to actually enjoy the water. And if you are new to snorkeling, this kind of time window helps. You can test the gear, get comfortable, then spend more minutes enjoying what is under the surface.

One practical note: snorkeling equipment is not included. So if you want the hassle-free version, either bring your own or plan to rent locally. Doing nothing and hoping you will be provided gear can turn into an avoidable snag.

Stop 2: Lu-Li Island, Lunch Moment, and Another Round in the Water

Lu-Li Island (often written as Lu-Li or Luli) is where the day starts to feel like a full “island-hopping” loop. Like Cowrie, you get swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and picture taking, with another 2-hour block.

Then lunch happens here. Having lunch after your first two water stops is a smart rhythm. You get enough time to work up an appetite, and then you get fed before the longer later stretch.

The tour provides lunch, and that is a big value point for this price. Food can be a sneaky expense in island days, and having it included keeps the day predictable.

A small, real-world detail: the operator has said they changed the restaurant/caterer that prepares lunch after feedback. So you should still treat lunch as a “included island meal,” not a gourmet restaurant moment—but you are not stuck with an unresponsive service model.

Honda Bay: Where You Spend More Time and Actually Settle In

Honda Bay is the long stop. It is where you get more sustained time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and picture taking, and lunch is also included as part of the day flow.

Honda Bay is the place you tend to enjoy most when you want a bit of freedom. After the first two stops, you can settle into your own pace—do you want longer in the water, more time on the sand, or a slower mix of both? The format gives you room to make that call.

Here is the trade-off: because it is the biggest time block, you will feel the sun more. This is not the day to show up with only a hat and hope. Bring sunscreen, a cover-up, and something for sun protection. If you are the type who burns in ten minutes, plan to reapply and build in breaks out of direct heat.

Also keep in mind: there is a guide keeping the group moving. In practice, that usually means you get a clear sense of timing and what is next—especially if your guide is the type who communicates well.

Starfish Sandbar Resort: The 1-Hour Rush for Starfish Photos

Then comes the most iconic-looking stop: the Starfish Sandbar Resort area, with about 1 hour on the sandbar. You are there for swimming and picture taking. With only an hour, you want to treat it like a quick, focused photo and water window.

This short timing is worth understanding before you go. If you are the type who wants a long, slow hangout session, 1 hour may feel short. But if you want the classic starfish sandbar experience and you are okay moving at an active pace, it fits the day well.

Photo tip that matters here: start with the shot you care about most first. Starfish sandbar time can go fast once people are in the water and the sand is busy with movement. If you are with a friend, decide who is grabbing wide shots vs. close-ups before you jump in.

Guides Make the Difference: Jake, Ana, and Joel’s Role in the Day

The best island day depends on two things: good timing and calm communication. This tour includes a licensed tour guide, and the difference shows up in the details.

I’m impressed by the way some guides run the day with safety-first energy and friendly personality. One standout name you may run into is Jake, praised for both intelligence and a genuinely good vibe. Another guide name that shows up is Ana, who was described as keeping people informed and organized during the island time blocks. There’s also mention of Joel as an exceptional driver in the land portion of the day.

Even better, there are hints that guides adjust the plan to match the group’s needs. One person noted the itinerary changed to suit different needs, and that kind of flexibility is often what keeps a day from feeling rushed or mismatched.

One practical request you can make (and I think it is worth doing): ask your guide about photos. One guide took snorkeling photos, and it would have been convenient to receive them by email. If that matters to you, bring it up in a simple, friendly way.

Snorkeling Gear and Water Comfort: Plan for What’s Not Included

The tour is built around swimming and snorkeling, but snorkeling equipment is not included. That is not a dealbreaker—just don’t assume you will be handed gear at the dock.

If you bring your own, you control fit and comfort. If you do not, you will likely need to rent or use whatever is available locally at each stop. Either way, you will enjoy the day more if you go prepared instead of improvising.

Also consider this based on how the day is structured: you are in-and-out of boats, then swimming and snorkeling, then moving again. That’s why sunscreen, water shoes (if you prefer them), and a towel or quick-dry option can make your life easier.

And if you have mobility issues, this tour is not recommended. With boat transfers and time on sand, it is not built for easy wheelchair-style access.

Price and Value: Is $60 Actually a Good Deal?

At $60 per person, the value is strong when you compare what is included. Your price covers:

• round-trip transfers within the main city area
• boat transportation
• a licensed tour guide
• lunch
• admission tickets/fees for the island stops
• all fees and taxes
• air-conditioned vehicle

That is a lot bundled for one day. The main “gotchas” are the things not included: snorkeling equipment, tips, and the possible extra $100 pickup fee if your hotel is outside the city proper.

So the math is simple. If you are centrally located, this tour is a cost-smart way to hit multiple bays and sandbars without paying separate day tours. If you are out of town, do the quick check: the extra pickup fee can erase some of the value advantage, depending on your hotel and how many people you are going with.

Finally, consider the refund reality. The experience needs good weather to run, and the operator has stated it is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. That matters if you are booking with tight timing.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This day trip is a good fit if you want:

• a one-day island-hopping plan from Puerto Princesa
• a mix of Cowrie, Lu-Li, Honda Bay, and the Starfish Sandbar
• included lunch and pre-arranged transport
• a group format that still gives real time at each stop

It is not the best choice if you want a quiet, unhurried beach day. You are moving, swimming, and switching locations on a schedule. And it is not recommended if you have mobility limits due to boat and sand conditions.

If you are with a small group and you care about attention in the water, some people opt for a private upgrade. One account described a private-style setup where a guide could focus more on snorkeling comfort, especially for someone who did not know how to swim. If you value that kind of support, it might be worth asking about your options—while remembering the base pricing is for the group experience.

Should You Book This Puerto Princesa Cowrie–Lu-Li–Starfish Day?

I’d book it if you want an organized, value-friendly way to see several Puerto Princesa Bay highlights in one day—especially if you can handle a boat-and-sun schedule and you are ready to plan for snorkeling gear yourself.

Skip it if you hate switching locations often, you need long stretches in one place, or you are sensitive to sun and sunburn without solid protection. Also think twice if your trip window is tight and you cannot afford the possibility of weather-related changes.

If you do book, do three simple things:

• bring snorkeling equipment or plan your rental
• pack sun protection like it is part of the tour
• ask about photo handling during snorkeling if you care about getting shots

FAQ

What islands does this Puerto Princesa shore excursion include?

It includes Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island, Honda Bay, and Starfish Sandbar Resort, with boat transportation between the stops.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Where does pickup happen, and is it free?

Pickup is included from your hotel, airport, or port. It is free if your hotel is within the main city or city center. For hotels out of town, there is an extra $100 per booking.

What happens if weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any other reason.