Honda Bay turns a day in Palawan into pure water time. You’ll split your trip between Lu-Li Island and Cowrie Island, both made for easy swimming, lounging, and sun-soaked breaks. For me, the best part was the straightforward flow and the chance to spend real time in the water, not just shuffling between stops.

Two things I’d put at the top: a Filipino lunch included at Cowrie, and a small group that helps you actually get answers from your local guide. The outing is built around simple fun—swim, snorkel, rest, repeat—so it feels like a day out, not a tight schedule.

One consideration: snorkeling gear and water shoes aren’t included, and you may find rental options at the start. Also, there’s a government fee to budget for on top of the tour price.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Two island stops with set swim time so you’re not racing the clock
• Lunch is handled for you at Cowrie Island
• Max group size of 15 usually means more help and fewer hassles
• Hotel pickup is selective and not every hotel is covered
• Snorkel gear and water shoes cost extra unless you bring your own
• Weather can change the plan, with an option for an alternative date or tour

A Shared Tour That Still Feels Personal (Honda Bay Edition)

This is a shared island-hopping day, but it’s capped at 15 travelers, which matters more than you might think. When you’re on boats and moving between docks, bigger groups can turn into slow line-waiting and less time actually relaxing. Here, the pace stays friendly, and your guide can spend a bit more effort helping you with practical stuff like where to go for calmer swimming or how to use your snorkeling setup.

You’ll also feel the difference in how the day is structured. It’s not “see everything in one day.” It’s “spend time in the water.” That’s a great trade-off in Palawan, where heat and sun can make long, frantic sightseeing feel exhausting fast.

The tour runs through Corazon Travel and Tours, so you’re dealing with a local operator who focuses on this specific Honda Bay setup—meaning the day stays efficient, from pickup to return.

Price and Value: What You Pay, What You’ll Still Need

The tour price is $38 per person, which covers the essentials that usually cost you time and effort: local guide, lunch, and (for select hotels) round-trip transfers. In practice, that’s the kind of value you want on a beach day—less logistics on your side, more time where you actually came to go.

But you should plan for two add-ons:

• Government fee of ₱150 per person (not included)
• Snorkeling equipment and water shoes (not included)

One useful tip from real-world experience: at the beginning of the tour, there can be a stop where you rent gear. That means even if you think you’re set, you might end up paying for water shoes if you don’t have them. If you want to avoid that, bring your own water shoes (or budget for renting) and consider bringing your own snorkel mask and snorkel if you’re picky about fit.

If you’re traveling as a pair or solo and you hate surprise costs, the best “value move” is simple: pack what you need and treat rentals as backup.

Pickup, Meeting Point, and Getting to the Dock Smoothly

Your day starts with pickup from select hotels. If your hotel is more than 10 miles (15 km) from the airport, pickup/drop-off may not be included. Also, guests staying at Astoria Palawan should book transfers separately. These details matter because island tours often assume everyone is nearby the pickup zone.

Exact pickup time is provided the day before your tour through the hotel’s receptionist. Since pickup windows can shift based on traffic, plan to be ready shortly ahead of time. Honda Bay days run on schedules, but roads and timing in the city can still move.

The tour meets at Barangay Sta Lourdes in Puerto Princesa City, and it ends back at the meeting point. It’s near public transportation, so you’ll still be able to get your bearings if you need to confirm where to go.

What to Bring for Lu-Li and Cowrie (So You Don’t Waste Time)

Because the day is built around water time, bring things that keep you comfortable in sun and splashes:

• Water shoes (strongly recommended)
• Sunscreen and something for reapplying
• Towel if you like having your own (some travelers bring it for comfort)
• Swimwear you can leave on
• A small waterproof bag or dry bag for phone and wallet
• Snorkel gear if you have it (the tour says snorkeling equipment isn’t included)

If you don’t have water shoes, check what’s available at the first stop. One helpful real-world note: there’s often a rental spot early on (including water shoes). That can save you from being stuck on the beach without proper footing—but it can also add cost. If you want to keep spending predictable, bring your own.

Also bring a bit of cash or payment-ready funds for the ₱150 government fee and any rentals you decide to add.

Lu-Li Island Stop: One Hour to Swim, Lounge, and Reset

Your first stop is Lu-Li Island, with about one hour on-site. This is a good “warm-up” stop. You’ll have time to swim and then switch into recovery mode: lounge, sunbathe, and use the hammocks found on the island.

Here’s the practical value of Lu-Li: it’s an easy, low-pressure arrival to Honda Bay. You’re not being rushed into a full-day snorkel grind right away. Instead, you get your first swim, a bit of downtime, and you can judge how you feel before your longer second stop.

You’ll also find a mini bar on the island that serves cocktails. The tour doesn’t say what’s included there, so treat it as a pay-as-you-go perk. If you’re the type who likes a cold drink with your sun time, it’s a nice touch and makes the island feel like more than a quick landing.

Drawback to consider: one hour can feel short if you love swimming. If that’s you, don’t worry—Cowrie Island gives you more water time after lunch.

Cowrie Island Stop: Lunch Island, Snorkel Time, and Island Haze

Your second stop is Cowrie Island, where you’ll spend about two hours. This is the main event. Lunch is served here, and the island offers a generous swimming area plus other water activities.

Two reasons Cowrie tends to work well for most people:

1. You eat where you play. Lunch is built into the stop instead of being a separate break.
2. You get more time in the water. Two hours gives you breathing room to swim, snorkel, rest, and swim again.

Cowrie also offers extras if you want a slower rhythm. You can have a massage (availability isn’t described in detail, but it’s listed as an option). You’ll also see coco water while sunbathing—an easy way to cool down without turning the day into a snack hunt.

One consideration: because this stop is longer, it’s also where you’ll feel the heat most. I recommend you plan your time like this: sunscreen before the first swim, then a planned shade break before you get too cooked.

Snorkeling Gear and Water Shoes: How to Avoid the Usual Friction

Snorkeling is part of the experience, but it’s not set up as “everything included.” The tour notes that snorkeling gear must be rented or brought. That means you’ll want to think about your comfort and fit before you step in the water.

A practical lesson from experience on similar tours: rental gear can be totally fine, but it may not match how you like your mask to seal or how long you can wear it. If you’re serious about snorkeling, bring your own mask and snorkel so you don’t lose time adjusting.

Water shoes are the other big one. They help with stepping around and give you more confidence when you’re moving in shallow areas. If you forget them, you can still often rent them at the start. The trade-off is simple: you’ll pay extra, and you might spend a few minutes sorting it out before you’re ready to swim.

So here’s the best approach:

• Bring water shoes if you can.
• If you can’t, don’t panic—just budget for renting at the start.

Either way, you’ll have a smooth day if you’re organized about comfort.

Time on the Water vs. Time in Transit (A Realistic 6 to 8 Hours)

The full trip runs about 6 to 8 hours. That range is normal for island hopping because boat timing and hotel pickup routing can change with traffic. Transfers are described as approximate, and the exact length depends on the time of day.

What you get for that time is a full beach-activity block:

• One shorter island stop for swimming and lounging
• One longer stop with lunch and more water time

This makes the tour a solid choice if you want a single “big activity day” without needing to plan multiple stops around Puerto Princesa.

If your schedule is tight, consider this an all-in-one day. If you already planned a lot of land activities, you may feel the fatigue from sun and boat time.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Different)

This shared Honda Bay tour is best for:

• First-timers in Honda Bay who want the simplest island setup
• People who like a mix of swimming and downtime
• Travelers who want lunch included and don’t want to think about where to eat
• Anyone who prefers a smaller group experience (max 15)

It may be less ideal for:

• Snorkel-first travelers who want a lot of underwater time and gear included
• Folks who hate extra spending on rentals or fees
• Travelers whose hotel pickup isn’t covered (you may need to plan your own ride to the meeting area)

If you’re traveling with kids, the tour notes that children must be accompanied by an adult. The stops are laid out as easy beach experiences, so it can work well for families who want water time without complicated instructions.

Should You Book This Shared Honda Bay Tour?

If you want a straightforward Palawan day—boat ride, two island stops, real swimming time, and lunch handled—this is an easy yes. The price is reasonable for what you get, especially because lunch is included and the group stays small.

Before you book, do two quick checks:

• Confirm whether your hotel is part of the select pickup list, and remember Astoria Palawan needs separate transfers.
• Decide whether you’ll bring snorkel gear and water shoes. If you don’t, plan for extra costs and allow a little time at the beginning for rentals.

If you handle those two things, you’ll spend your day exactly where you want to be: in the water at Lu-Li and then at Cowrie, with a simple rhythm that leaves you relaxed instead of rushed.

FAQ

How long is the Shared Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour?

The duration is approximately 6 to 8 hours, including transfers.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only for select hotels. If your hotel is more than 10 miles (15 km) from the airport, pickup/drop-off may not be included. Astoria Palawan requires transfers booked separately.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes a local guide, lunch, and hotel pickup/drop-off for select hotels. A government fee of ₱150 per person is not included.

Do I need snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and you must either rent it or bring your own.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What if weather is bad?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative tour or date. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.