Shore excursion: Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour offers a taste of Palawan’s stunning marine life and idyllic beaches. For around $100 per person, you’ll spend roughly 8 hours exploring three beautiful islands—Luli, Cowrie, and Starfish—just a short boat ride from Puerto Princesa. With hotel pickup included from select locations, this tour makes it easy to enjoy a day of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun.

Two things we love about this trip are the convenience of included hotel pickup and lunch, which removes much of the hassle of planning logistics, and the variety of islands—each with its own character—giving you a well-rounded glimpse of Honda Bay’s natural beauty. That said, a consideration might be the variability in snorkeling gear availability, since gear isn’t included, so bringing your own or renting on-site is recommended.

This tour suits travelers looking for an accessible and fun day in the water, especially those wanting to combine sightseeing with some laid-back beach time. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups who enjoy swimming and snorkeling but aren’t necessarily looking for a deeply technical or exclusive experience.

Key Points

Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and included lunch simplify your day.
Multiple islands each offer different scenery and activities, from fish watching to lounging on white sands.
Guides are praised for their helpfulness and local knowledge.
Flexible options for swimming, snorkeling, and taking pictures make for a personalized experience.
Weather considerations can affect the itinerary, especially the starfish island visit.
Value for money is high, given the inclusion of lunch and guided service.

An In-Depth Look at the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

When planning a trip to Puerto Princesa, the Honda Bay island-hopping tour stands out as a popular way to experience the natural beauty of Palawan without venturing too far from the city. For many travelers, the appeal is in the short boat rides and easy access to some of the most picturesque islands in the area. The tour typically lasts about 8 hours, making it a manageable full-day activity that fits comfortably into your Puerto Princesa itinerary.

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The Logistics

Starting with hotel pickup from select locations in the city, the tour ensures you don’t have to worry about transportation—something that many reviewers appreciate. The air-conditioned minivan brings you to the port, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. Most trips are booked about 42 days in advance, indicating solid interest, and are capped at around 100 participants, so it’s not overly crowded.

The cost of $100 per person includes lunch, guidance, and admission tickets to the islands, making it a good deal for a full day of island fun. Note that snorkeling gear isn’t included, so if you want to see marine life up close, bringing your own or renting gear locally is wise.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Honda Bay

Your adventure begins with a short boat ride to Honda Bay, where the waters are calm and inviting. This first stop offers swimming and snorkeling opportunities, with admission tickets included. While the duration here is just about an hour, it sets the tone for a relaxed day of water-based fun.

Stop 2: Cowrie Island

Next up is Cowrie Island, famous for its beautiful beaches and good swimming spots. You’ll have around two hours here, with plenty of time to sunbathe, snorkel (you need to rent gear), or just enjoy the scenery. Lunch is served here in a picnic-style setup, giving you a laid-back dining experience right on the sand.

Stop 3: Luli Island

Luli Island offers a more intimate experience, with great photo opportunities and beach lounging. Reviewers rave about the fish watching at Luli, with one saying it’s “ok for fish watching,” but what makes it special is the calm, shallow waters and scenic surroundings. You’ll stay here for about two hours, giving ample time to explore or relax.

Stop 4: Starfish Sandbar Resort

The day wraps up at Starfish Island—the highlight for many visitors. Here, lazing on the sand and spotting starfishes is the main attraction. Lunch at a cottage hut is served picnic-style in this scenic setting. The about one-hour stay allows for swimming, photos, and soaking in the views.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Reviewers highlight the helpfulness of guides and the stunning scenery. Michael called his guide “the best ever,” mentioning she went “above and beyond,” even cooking their lunch. Others appreciated that guides provided helpful information and that the islands each had a unique vibe—Luli for fish watching, Starfish for its marine creatures, and Cowrie for beaches.

Some travelers noted the limitations of snorkeling gear, emphasizing the importance of bringing your own if snorkeling is a priority. Weather can also impact the experience, with one guest mentioning they couldn’t visit Starfish Island due to rough seas.

What to Expect on the Water

The boat rides are generally smooth, but seas can get rough depending on weather conditions, which might limit access to certain islands. The small group sizes and organized schedule mean you’ll spend plenty of time enjoying each location, rather than rushing. The lunch is hearty, with a buffet that many say hits the spot after a morning in the water.

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The Pros and Cons

Pros: The ease of logistics, the variety of islands, and positive reviews on guides and scenery make this tour a standout. The inclusion of lunch and hotel pickup means less planning for you, and the multiple stops provide a well-rounded view of Honda Bay.

Cons: The snorkeling gear is not provided, so if snorkeling is your must-do activity, bring your own. Weather can sometimes disrupt plans, especially if seas are rough, and Cowrie Island might feel like a “waste of time” for snorkelers according to some reviews, though its beach remains lovely.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a relaxed, guided day of island-hopping in Palawan, this tour offers great value, especially considering the lunch, transportation, and guided expertise. It’s especially suited for those who want a taste of marine life and beach relaxation without the hassle of planning multiple activities or transportation.

If you’re interested in a scenic day out, enjoy swimming and taking photos, and appreciate local guides who take pride in their work, this tour should meet expectations. Be prepared for the weather, bring your snorkel gear if you want to see the marine life up close, and remember that the islands vary from lively beaches to quiet sandbars—there’s something for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available outside the city proper?
Pickup is free if your hotel is within Puerto Princesa’s city proper. For locations outside the city, an extra charge may apply.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 8 hours, including travel, island stops, and lunch.

Are snorkeling equipment included?
No, snorkeling gear is not provided, so it’s best to bring your own if snorkeling is a priority.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, water sandals, snorkeling gear if you have it, and some cash for souvenirs or extra snacks.

Can children participate?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

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

To sum it up, the Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour offers an accessible way to see some of Palawan’s best beaches and marine life. Its combination of convenience, friendly guides, and beautiful scenery makes it a worthwhile choice for many visitors. Just be mindful of the weather and gear needs, and you’ll likely have a memorable day in Honda Bay.