Six hours of island hopping, minus the hassle. This Puerto Princesa Honda Bay tour packs multiple islands into one day, with serious time to swim, sunbathe, and see marine life up close. I especially like the practical pace (you’re not stuck on the boat all day) and the fact that your day includes pickup from select city hotels plus lunch.

The tour also has a human touch: one guide name that shows up is Ana, and she’s praised for going the extra mile, even cooking the masarap lunch herself. The one consideration is that this is a weather-dependent outing—if seas get rough, the route can adjust and you might not reach every planned stop.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• Close to Puerto Princesa: It’s a short boat ride out to Honda Bay, so you lose less of your day in transit.
• More water time than sitting time: The schedule gives you multiple island breaks for swimming and snorkeling.
• Lunch is built in: You get a provided meal during the day (buffet style is described).
• Snorkeling gear isn’t included: Plan to rent masks and snorkels or bring your own.
• Small-group comfort, big-tour capacity: Maximum is 100 travelers, and it runs with shared air-conditioned minivan pickup.
• Guide quality matters: Ana is singled out for warmth and extra effort, including lunch preparation.

Honda Bay in one day: what makes this tour click

Honda Bay is the kind of place you come to for simple pleasure: warm water, sandy edges, and quick access to multiple small islands without a complicated itinerary. This tour is built for that. You get several stop-and-go stretches where you can actually get wet, then move on before you start craving a chair and shade.

I like that the day is structured around real island time—swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling—rather than long lectures or long waits. You’re also not responsible for entry fees at each stop: the schedule lists admission tickets included at all the main points.

The biggest practical advantage is how the tour handles the “how do we get there?” problem. Pickup and drop-off are included for select hotels, and the transport is an air-conditioned minivan. That matters in Puerto Princesa, where hopping around by taxi can eat into your relaxation.

Price and logistics: does $100 feel fair?

At $100 per person for about 8 hours, the value depends on what you would otherwise do on your own. If you’re planning to visit multiple islands and still want hotel pickup, this package can make sense because it bundles transport, guided handling, and lunch.

Here’s what you’re getting for the money, based on what’s included:

• Shared hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only, city proper is free)
• A driver/guide
• Lunch (buffet described; picnic-style lunch is also described in the schedule)
• Admission tickets included for each stop
• A mobile ticket and confirmation at booking

Now the part to watch: snorkeling gear isn’t included. If you don’t bring your own mask and snorkel, you’ll need to rent equipment. That cost isn’t huge, but it’s a real add-on. Also, since it’s a shared tour, your time will be managed around the group and the day’s conditions.

Getting picked up in Puerto Princesa (and where the process starts)

This tour runs with shared pickup by air-conditioned minivan. Pickup is free only if your hotel is in the city proper; outside the city proper there’s an extra charge.

Your first pickup is noted at D Lucky Garden Inn, and then the van proceeds to other city hotels. That means if you’re staying near the center, you’ll likely start quickly and avoid extra dead time.

A small but important detail: pickup and drop-off are only for select hotels. If your hotel isn’t on their list, you may need to make a plan with the provider or meet the group elsewhere—so double-check before you commit.

Stop 1: Honda Bay—your first chance to swim and snorkel

Honda Bay is your launch point. The time here is listed as about 1 hour, and the activities are the classic hits: swimming and snorkeling.

Think of this stop as your warm-up. You’ll settle into the water, get oriented, and (if you’re renting gear) handle mask/snorkel logistics right away. In practice, equipment rentals often happen once you arrive, since gear is not included in the tour price.

Because the schedule gives you only about an hour at this first stop, I’d come ready to move. If you want the best underwater time, don’t spend the entire window negotiating fit or trying to understand how your gear works.

Stop 2: Cowrie Island—more time, more beach, and lunch in the mix

Cowrie Island is where the tour slows down a bit. You get around 2 hours, with a menu that includes swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and lunch.

Cowrie is a good fit if you want a mix of water time and relaxed beach time. The schedule sets it up as a mid-day reset before you head to the next islands.

If snorkeling is your top priority, keep your expectations practical. One island can be “best” for starfishes and another can be “nice” for beach vibes. Cowrie is described as enjoyable for the beach, even if it may not be the strongest option for snorkeling compared with the standout islands later in the day.

Stop 3: Lu-Li Island—sunbathing and fish watching

Lu-Li Island comes next, also with about 2 hours of time. The focus here is swimming, picture taking, and sunbathing, with a real chance to enjoy fish watching.

This is the kind of stop where you can do two different styles of travel in one: you can snorkel and then take breaks to just float and watch the surface. If you like taking photos, Lu-Li’s setup is meant for that—short walks, beach time, and easy opportunities to capture the day’s colors.

I’d treat Lu-Li as your “slow down and enjoy” island. Don’t plan to rush through it like it’s an attraction checkpoint. You’ll get more out of it if you stay flexible and take breaks.

Stop 4: Starfish Sandbar Resort—where the day often peaks

The final stop is Starfish Sandbar Resort for about 1 hour. Lunch is described as served picnic-style in a cottage hut here, so this stop often plays double duty: a payoff beach moment plus a final meal.

This is the island many people highlight as a favorite, mainly because you can see lots of starfishes in the shallows. It’s not just a quick photo spot—it’s a place where the water’s calm and the experience feels more personal than you’d expect from a group tour.

Two practical notes:

1. You only get about an hour, so plan to arrive ready to look closely (and to keep your movements calm in the shallows).
2. This part of the plan depends on conditions. This tour requires good weather, and if the day turns rougher, the route can be adjusted.

What about snorkeling—gear, technique, and comfort

Snorkeling gear is not included: masks and equipment aren’t part of the package. The overview also signals that you’ll need to rent your own gear.

My advice is simple: rent early if you need to, and do a quick fit check before you get in the water. If you’re unsure about comfort, a snug mask beats a perfect-looking one that leaks.

Water sandals are worth it. Even if the islands look sandy, you’ll still step around rocks, boat edges, and shallow entries. Also, if you plan to bring anything to attract fish, know that it’s not guaranteed to be allowed everywhere in marine areas. One tip that pops up is bringing old bread for fish feeding, but I’d treat that as a permission-based activity—ask your guide first.

Lunch and the small things that make it feel worth it

Lunch is included, and the schedule describes buffet lunch plus picnic-style cottage-hut service. Either way, the point is that you’re not left hunting for food while the group moves on.

This is also where guide quality can really show. Ana is specifically praised for personal effort, including cooking the masarap lunch. That kind of attention doesn’t change the ocean view, but it changes the vibe of the day. You feel taken care of, not herded.

And since the tour is built for an 8-hour day, having lunch handled matters. You’ll have a lot of sun and movement, so “we’ll figure it out later” can be a bad plan.

Group size and pacing: how crowded does it feel?

The tour caps at 100 travelers, and it runs as a group experience. That means you should expect some busy moments—especially on boats and during the transition times between islands.

Still, the schedule allocates specific blocks of time at each stop (1–2 hours each). Those time windows give you a fighting chance to find your own space even in a larger group. I’d just avoid assuming you’ll have the perfect beach solitude at every moment.

If you hate crowds, I’d plan your day around flexibility. The morning tends to feel easier; later stops can get more crowded if conditions keep boats clustered.

Weather reality: why this itinerary can change

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund (so you’re not stuck holding the bag).

But even on days that aren’t canceled outright, sea conditions can influence how the route plays out. One practical caution from real-world experience: if wind is rougher, you might get a shortened plan and miss a stop (like Starfish Sandbar) even if you’re still sailing.

So yes, this tour can be fantastic. Just treat it like an ocean day, not a guaranteed checklist.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A multi-island day from Puerto Princesa without planning your own boat connections
• Time to swim and snorkel with minimal logistics
• A provided meal so your energy doesn’t crash mid-day
• A guide who stays involved (Ana is a name you may hear)

It’s less ideal if:

• You want long, deep snorkeling sessions with minimal moving around (the schedule is time-boxed)
• You dislike group tours or want total privacy
• You have no interest in water time and would rather stick to land attractions

Kids can join too, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, but bring your common sense: use sun protection, drink water between swims, and don’t overdo it if you’re not a strong swimmer.

What to bring (so your day feels easy, not stressful)

Because snorkeling gear isn’t included, you’re responsible for your comfort and equipment. I’d pack:

• Mask and snorkel (or money/time to rent once you’re there)
• Water sandals
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
• A quick-dry towel and a change of clothes

If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions before you start. The day includes boat travel, and Honda Bay waters can feel different from shore.

Should you book the Puerto Princesa Honda Bay island-hopping tour?

I’d book it if you’re in Puerto Princesa for a limited time and you want a straightforward water day with built-in convenience: pickup from select hotels, admission included, and lunch handled. It’s also a smart value play compared with piecing together multiple stops by yourself.

I’d think twice if your priority is advanced snorkeling or if you’re traveling during periods when winds and waves are more likely to cause route changes. In that case, you might still enjoy the day, but plan for the possibility that the itinerary can shift.

If you want a simple rule: book it when you’re flexible with sea conditions and excited to actually swim, snorkel, and relax between islands. This tour is made for that kind of day.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour?

The tour runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included as a shared service for select hotels. Pickup is free if your hotel is in the city proper; if you’re outside the city, extra charges may apply.

What islands are included in the tour?

The stops are Honda Bay, Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island, and Starfish Sandbar Resort.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as part of the tour, with a buffet lunch described and picnic-style lunch service described at the Starfish Sandbar Resort stop.

Do I need snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling gear, including masks and other equipment, is not included. You can rent your own gear once you’re there or bring your own.

Are entrance/admission fees included?

Yes. Admission tickets are listed as included for the stops on the itinerary.

What if weather is bad?

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

Can I cancel and get my money back?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or request an amendment, the paid amount is not refunded.

Is there a minimum group size or age requirement?

A minimum of 2 people is required per booking. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour states that most travelers can participate.