Starfish sandbars and clear water in one day. This Puerto Princesa bay outing strings together multiple stops—Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island, Honda Bay, and the starfish sandbar area—so you get beach time, snorkeling time, and a lot of photo moments without spending all day planning. It’s built as a group day trip, with round-trip transfers and an included meal to keep the budget sane.

What I really like is how practical it is. You get round-trip transfers from your hotel (when you’re in the main city area) and the day is structured around short, easy island hops by boat. I also like the mix of water activities and “just relax” time: you’re not forced into one long activity block.

One thing to think about: snorkeling gear isn’t included, and the day runs on a schedule with other people. Also, it’s not recommended if you have mobility issues since you’ll be moving around boats and shore areas.

Key things to know before you go

• Hotel-area pickup saves time so you’re not hunting for a meeting point before the boats leave
• Multiple island stops in one day keeps variety high (Cowrie, Lu-Li, Honda Bay, then the starfish sandbar)
• Lunch is included so you can focus on swimming and photos instead of finding food
• Admission tickets are included for the island stops, helping avoid surprise costs
• Snorkeling equipment is not included so plan to rent or bring your own
• Max group size is capped at 50 which is decent for a day trip, but still a group pace

Island-hopping rhythm from Puerto Princesa Bay

This is an all-in-one day format: you get picked up, ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, then switch to boat travel for the island segments. The whole outing is about 8 hours, and the vibe is “do a little of everything.” You’ll spend time swimming and sunbathing at the islands, and you’ll also have chances to snorkel and take photos without feeling rushed every minute.

Because it’s a group tour, you’ll want to be the kind of traveler who’s okay with a shared schedule. You won’t have the islands to yourselves, but the upside is value. The operator also caps the group at 50 travelers, which is large enough to keep costs down but small enough that you’re unlikely to feel like you’re in a giant crowd everywhere.

On the comfort side, you’re not just hopping boats all day with zero breaks. The plan includes downtime on the islands themselves, plus an included lunch that lands in the middle of the trip flow. And since you’re taking a boat between stops, you’ll get that “different view every segment” feeling without needing to arrange separate tours.

Cowrie Island: 2 hours of snorkeling and sun

Cowrie Island is your early launch point—about 2 hours to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and take pictures. This is the stop that tends to work well if you want easy water time right away. The goal here isn’t a long, complicated itinerary; it’s clear water, beach time, and a chance to get comfortable with the day’s rhythm.

Practically, snorkeling is a “try it, don’t panic” kind of activity on these stops. You’ll want to arrive ready to move: water shoes help if the shoreline is rocky or uneven, and you’ll do better with a simple plan—short snorkel session, then come back up, rehydrate, and keep the photos coming.

A heads-up from the tour details: snorkeling gear use is not included. If you don’t already have your own mask/snorkel, you’ll need to rent locally or bring your own setup so you can snorkel when you want to.

Cowrie is also a solid first stop because you’re still fresh. If the day’s weather is good and the water is clear, early snorkeling time usually feels better than trying to chase the best visibility later.

Lu-Li Island and lunch: best for photos

Lu-Li Island is another beach-and-water stop with about 2 hours built in. Expect swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing again, plus a lot of time for photos. If you care about capturing bright water and shoreline scenes, this is one of the segments where it really pays to take your time—get your timing right, then swap between water shots and dry-land shots without burning all your energy in one go.

Lunch is included during this part of the day. There’s a practical reason to love this: you’re not hunting for a meal while you’re already wearing swim gear and sunblock. I’ve also seen the operator adjust lunch service based on prior feedback, so it’s worth going in with the expectation that the meal is taken seriously, not treated like an afterthought.

If you’re picky about snorkeling attention, this is a good stop to aim for because guides can usually help you manage the flow—where to stand, when to go in, and how to handle the water time as a group. In past runs, guides like Jake have been praised for keeping people safe during water activities, and guide Ana has been praised for staying on top of information so you’re not wondering what happens next.

Honda Bay: the longer water-and-beach stretch

Honda Bay is the stop that typically gives you more of that “choose your own pace” feeling. You’ll see swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing listed again, along with picture-taking and lunch. So even though the day is timed, this is the segment where you can slow down and do the most of what you enjoy.

This is where I’d focus on smart energy use. If you go hard on snorkeling at the earlier islands, treat Honda Bay like a choose-your-moment stop: swim if you feel good, snorkel if visibility is still great, and take breaks without guilt. The day moves across multiple areas by boat, so the easiest mistake is trying to do everything back-to-back.

Also, remember you’re doing this in a group. If you want the best photo angles, the trick is to step away from the thickest spot at least once. Move to a slightly different shoreline spot and you’ll often get a calmer backdrop with less boat clutter in the frame.

Starfish Sandbar Resort: quick stop, big payoff

The starfish sandbar area is a shorter stop—about 1 hour—but it’s the one people remember most. You’ll have time to swim and take pictures, which matters because starfish sandbars are all about timing and water conditions. When water is clear and the sandbar is accessible, it’s a fun, special-feeling moment. When conditions aren’t ideal, the value of this stop is still in the scenery and the chance to get those sandbar-style photos.

This is also where it helps to be flexible. If you’re tempted to snorkel constantly during the short window, you may lose the best photo time. I like splitting your one hour into two parts: first, go in briefly for what you came for; second, get out, reassess, and take photos while you still have good daylight and clear sightlines.

Don’t forget the practical side: snorkeling gear isn’t included. So if you want water time here, plan ahead so you’re not stuck watching others snorkel while you wait to figure out equipment.

Price, guides, and logistics: is $60 a fair deal?

At $60 per person for a day tour that runs about 8 hours, you’re paying for a lot of included value: round-trip transfers, air-conditioned transport, boat transportation, licensed tour guidance, admission/tickets for the stops, and lunch. It’s also a group tour with a max size of 50, which is how the price stays reasonable.

Now, where $60 might not feel like a bargain is if you’re arriving from an out-of-town hotel. There’s an extra $100 per booking for hotels outside the main city areas (examples listed include Astoria, Four Points, and Daluyon). If you’re staying in Puerto Princesa city proper, pickup can be free, which is a big deal for convenience and time.

Guide quality is a major part of whether this feels smooth or chaotic. In the experiences tied to names like Jake, Ana, Ann, and driver Joel, the consistent theme is clear communication and good attention to safety in the water. I’d take that as a sign to ask questions early—when you’re on the boat, ask what the next timing looks like and confirm where to gather for the snorkel breaks.

What’s not included is equally important. You’ll want to plan for:

• Snorkeling equipment (not included)
• Tips (not included)

And note: it’s not recommended for mobility issues since boat and shore movement can be uneven.

If you want a straightforward, cost-controlled day that still feels like you’re seeing real islands instead of just one beach, this pricing is usually fair. If you’re hoping for a totally private setup and zero waiting time, you may find the group pace a letdown.

Should you book this Luli and starfish day trip?

Book it if you want an efficient, boat-based island day with a mix of snorkeling and beach time, plus lunch handled for you. The included admissions and transport make budgeting easier, and the stop variety (Cowrie, Lu-Li, Honda Bay, starfish sandbar) helps you avoid the feeling of a one-note day.

Consider skipping or adjusting plans if you fall into any of these buckets:

• You need snorkeling gear provided for you (it isn’t)
• You have mobility limits that make boats and shoreline movement hard
• You get stressed by group schedules and set meeting times
• Your hotel is outside the main pickup zone, since the added $100 per booking can change the math

One more practical thought: the tour depends on good weather, so treat it like a day trip where conditions matter. If weather forces changes, it’s set up to either offer another date or a full refund, but cancellations you make yourself aren’t refundable.

If your goal is a classic Puerto Princesa bay day—clear water, starfish sandbar fun, and a real lunch break—this one is built for that.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Princesa shore excursion?

It’s about 8 hours (approx.).

What islands or stops are included?

You visit Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island, Honda Bay, and the Starfish Sandbar Resort area.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

Are snorkeling masks and snorkels provided?

No. Use of snorkeling equipment is not included.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, if your hotel is within the main city or city center. Pickup is included for hotels in the city proper.

What if my hotel is outside the main city area?

An extra fee of $100 per booking applies for out-of-town hotels such as Astoria, Four Points, and Daluyon.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility problems?

It’s not recommended if you have mobility issues.

How far in advance should I book?

On average, this tour is booked about 30 days in advance.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.