Shore excursion Honda bay Cowrie, Starfish & Luli island hopping

If you’re visiting Puerto Princesa and craving a relaxing, visually stunning day out, this island-hopping tour offers a fantastic way to explore Honda Bay’s best spots. For $60 per person, you get roughly 8 hours of fun, with visits to Cowrie, Starfish, and Luli Islands—each offering a mix of crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and picture-perfect beaches. What makes this tour appealing is how it balances organized group travel with enough free time to enjoy each stop at your own pace. Plus, the included boat transfers, lunch, and hotel pickup make it a fuss-free experience.

We love the convenience of round-trip transfers and the strength of having a knowledgeable guide—in reviews, guides like Ana and Jake earn praise for their friendly, informative service. The affordable price combined with access to several islands in one day makes this tour a good value for travelers looking to maximize their time. On the downside, the tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues, given the boat rides and walking involved, and additional costs may apply if you’re staying outside Puerto Princesa city.

This tour suits first-time visitors who want a straightforward, engaging way to see Honda Bay’s highlights without the hassle of planning each detail. It’s also ideal for families, couples, or groups seeking fun, photos, and snorkeling in a relaxed setting. If you’re on a budget but still want a well-organized adventure, this trip hits the sweet spot.

Key Points

• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and round-trip transfers within Puerto Princesa.
• Multiple island stops provide a variety of experiences—snorkeling, sunbathing, photo ops.
• Inclusion of lunch helps keep energy up for a full day of activity.
• Guides are well-reviewed, making the trip more enjoyable and informative.
• Group tours are more budget-friendly but may limit privacy or customization.
• Not ideal for travelers with mobility challenges due to boat rides and walking.

A Detailed Look at What You’ll Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

The tour’s main draw lies in visiting three beautiful islands—Cowrie, Starfish, and Luli—each with its own character. Your day begins with hotel pickup if you’re centrally located within Puerto Princesa, followed by a comfortable air-conditioned ride to the port. The boat ride is the gateway to these idyllic islands, and while the specifics aren’t detailed, you can expect scenic waters and a chance to spot marine life en route.

Cowrie Island is your first stop, where the focus is on swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and taking plenty of photos. With two hours allocated, you have ample time to relax on the sand and explore the underwater world. The reviews praise guides like Jake for their safety awareness and enthusiasm, making snorkeling both fun and secure.

Next up is Lu-Li Island, also with two hours dedicated to enjoying its beaches and marine activities. Here, lunch is served—an important highlight—allowing you to recharge and enjoy a meal right on the sand. The included lunch is acknowledged as part of the tour’s value, offering a break from the water activities but still plenty of time to snorkel or sunbathe afterward.

From there, the tour moves to Honda Bay proper for about seven hours of swimming, photo-taking, and more snorkeling. This extensive timeframe ensures you get a good dose of island life without feeling rushed. A highlight for many is the Starfish Sandbar Resort, reachable within an hour, where you can stand amongst starfish and snap memorable pictures, as one reviewer noted, “Terrific experience. We had so much fun swimming and snorkeling.”

What Makes This Tour Special

The value here is in how it combines several islands into one day, saving you the hassle of organizing transportation or multiple trips. The group setting means you’re sharing the fun with fellow travelers, which can enhance the experience, especially if guides like Ana or Jake facilitate good conversations and safety. The lunch included helps keep costs manageable, though some reviews note that the cuisine might not be gourmet, but it’s enough to satisfy.

The Real Deal: Authentic Experiences and Review Insights

Multiple reviews underscore the quality of guides—“Jake is a great guide!” and “Ana kept us informed,”—highlighting that attentive, knowledgeable guides make a real difference. Several travelers mention how guides tailored the itinerary, which adds a layer of flexibility not always present in group tours.

Snorkeling is consistently praised, with one reviewer calling it “superb,” thanks to the clear waters and vibrant fish. The beaches are described as clean and beautiful, perfect for relaxing after a swim or for capturing those perfect vacation photos. The starfish encounter is a favorite, with one guest saying, “So fun swimming among starfish; the waters were so clear and calm.”

Transportation and Timing: Why They Matter

The boat rides between islands are a vital part of the experience, offering stunning views and a brief adventure in themselves. Because the tour is about 8 hours, it balances enough time on each island with travel, without feeling overly long. The air-conditioned vehicle for transport within Puerto Princesa adds comfort and convenience, especially after a day in the sun.

Cost and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $60 per person, this tour offers good value considering all fees, taxes, boat transfers, and lunch are included. Comparing it with private options (which cost double) and reviews that indicate guides like Ana and Jake provide attentive service, it’s clear that this group tour packs a lot of punch for the price. The reviews also suggest that the organized nature of the trip ensures you don’t waste time figuring out logistics, which is often a travel pain point.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, well-organized day in Puerto Princesa’s Honda Bay, this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly suitable for first-time visitors wanting to see multiple islands without the hassle of DIY planning. Families and couples seeking relaxing beaches, snorkeling, and good photo ops will find plenty to love. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the affordable price point combined with quality guides and included meals.

However, those with mobility issues should consider that boat rides and walking on uneven surfaces may pose challenges. Also, if you prefer private, tailored experiences or have specific dietary restrictions, this group outing might feel limited.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup within Puerto Princesa, boat transportation, all fees and taxes, a licensed tour guide, and a lunch on one of the islands.

Are snorkeling equipment provided?
Snorkeling equipment is not included in the package, so if you want to snorkel, you’ll need to bring your own or arrange to rent it locally.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, from pickup to drop-off, with most of the day spent on the islands.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a group tour, so the itinerary is generally fixed. Guides may adjust the timing or focus based on weather or group preferences but within reason.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children should be comfortable with boat rides and walking. The tour is not recommended for those with mobility problems.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking about 42 days in advance is common, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.

How much does the tour cost?
The standard price is $60 per person, which covers most expenses but check if additional costs for equipment or out-of-town hotels apply.

What if there’s bad weather?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are the islands crowded?
As a group tour, expect some crowds, especially at popular spots like Cowrie and Luli Islands, but guides typically manage the flow to maximize your enjoyment.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuits, sunscreen, a hat, waterproof camera, and some cash if you want souvenirs or rental gear.

Final Thoughts

This Honda Bay island-hopping tour offers a well-rounded experience—beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and a smooth logistics setup—all at a price that feels fair for what’s included. Guides like Ana and Jake are clearly a highlight, bringing local knowledge and friendly service that elevate the trip beyond just the scenery. The inclusion of lunch, transfers, and multiple stops makes it an efficient way to see Puerto Princesa’s coast in a single day.

While it’s not a private, custom experience, the group format helps keep the cost down without sacrificing fun or safety. For travelers seeking easy access to stunning beaches and underwater life, this trip hits most marks. It’s particularly suited for first-timers, families, or couples who want a straightforward, enjoyable day in a beautiful setting.

If you’re after a reliable, well-organized tour that balances adventure with relaxation, this Honda Bay island-hopping trip proves to be a good pick. Just pack your swimsuit, a sense of adventure, and a smile—you’re in for a fun day out.

Remember: Always confirm your booking, check weather conditions, and clarify any additional costs ahead of time to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.