Shared Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Honda Bay’s appeal is simple: warm water, two easygoing island stops, and a full day outdoors for $38 per person. The tour visits Lu-Li Island for swimming and hammock time, then Cowrie Island for lunch, water activities, and a longer beach break.

I like the included Filipino lunch and the round-trip transfer from select hotels. I also like the small maximum group of 15, which gives your guide a better chance to keep the day organized. The main catch is that snorkeling gear is not included, and a separate government fee of ₱150 per person is required.

Key points to know

• Lu-Li Island offers a relaxed first stop: Swim, use the hammocks, or order a cocktail at the mini bar.
• Cowrie Island gets the longest visit: Plan on two hours for lunch, swimming, sunbathing, and optional activities.
• The group is capped at 15 people: That is smaller and easier to manage than a large boat outing.
• Snorkel gear costs extra: Bring your own equipment or expect to rent it before heading out.
• Pickup depends on your hotel: Select hotels are covered, while properties more than 15 kilometers from the airport are excluded.
• Weather can change the plan: Poor conditions may lead to an alternative date or tour.

A Simple Day on Honda Bay

This is a classic Puerto Princesa day trip, built around sun, sea, and time on two islands rather than a packed schedule. The total outing lasts about 6 to 8 hours, including transfers, boat time, island visits, and lunch.

You will meet at Barangay Sta. Lourdes in Puerto Princesa City if hotel pickup does not apply. For covered hotels, the exact pickup time is sent to the hotel receptionist one day before the trip. That timing matters because road conditions and traffic can change the length of the transfer.

The boat carries no more than 15 people. That does not mean you should expect a private cruise, but it does keep the group fairly manageable. I would choose this format if you want some structure and help from a local guide without paying private-tour prices.

The day is mostly free time. You swim, lie in the sun, use a hammock, rent equipment, or order something to drink. If you prefer constant sightseeing and a guide explaining every minute, this will feel light. If you want an easy break from Puerto Princesa, the loose pace works well.

Lu-Li Island: Hammocks Before Lunch

Lu-Li Island is the first stop and lasts about one hour. Its role is to get you into the water and into island mode before the longer Cowrie Island visit.

You can swim, relax on hammocks, or order cocktails from the mini bar. That mix gives you a choice between activity and pure idling, which is exactly what many people want from a Honda Bay outing.

The one-hour visit is short, so do not expect a full island exploration. Treat it as a quick introduction to the bay. If you want to snorkel, remember that equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel or budget for rental gear.

Water shoes are a smart addition. A practical warning from the available tour details is that the first van stop may be a place where you can rent water shoes and snorkel equipment. If you already intend to use gear, ask what is included before the day begins. The tour information specifically lists snorkeling equipment as not included, so plan on an extra charge.

Lu-Li works best for a first swim, a few photographs, and a quiet stretch on a hammock. The mini bar adds a resort feel, though drinks are separate from the tour price.

Cowrie Island: Two Hours for Swimming and Lunch

Cowrie Island is the final stop and the main part of the island time. You get about two hours here, including a Filipino lunch.

The generous swimming area makes Cowrie the better place for a longer dip. You can also take part in other water activities, sunbathe with coconut water, or arrange a massage. These extras are not listed as included, so ask about prices before committing.

Lunch is a useful part of the package. You do not need to arrange a separate meal while moving between islands, and the midday break gives the group a natural chance to sit down and recharge. The meal is described as Filipino food, but no specific dishes or menu are provided. If you have dietary needs, confirm what can be served before booking.

Two hours is enough for a meal and a swim, but it can pass quickly if you want lunch, snorkeling, a massage, and plenty of sun time. I would choose one or two priorities before arriving. The schedule is not built for long, unhurried time at every activity.

Cowrie is also where the tour feels most like a beach resort stop. That is convenient, but it means the experience is not designed as a remote-island adventure. You will have access to organized activities and services rather than an entirely untouched beach.

What the $38 Price Really Covers

At $38 per person, the tour offers a practical package for a full day. The price includes a local guide, lunch, admission to the two listed island stops, and hotel pickup and drop-off from select hotels.

The value is strongest if you are staying within the covered pickup area and want transport handled for you. A day of boat travel, two island visits, and lunch would be more work to arrange independently, especially if you do not know the local departure process.

The price is less complete than it first appears. Add ₱150 per person for government fees. Snorkeling equipment is also extra, and water shoes may cost more if you rent them at the equipment stop. Drinks, massage, and some water activities at Cowrie Island are not listed as included.

I would set aside extra cash for those items rather than treating $38 as the final bill. The tour is still fairly priced for a shared day, but the best value goes to people who bring their own snorkeling equipment and do not need paid extras.

Group discounts are available, though no discount amount is given. If you are booking with several people, check the final price before payment.

Pickup Details That Can Affect Your Morning

Pickup is offered from select hotels. The exact time is supplied one day before the tour through your hotel receptionist, so keep an eye on the front desk and do not assume a standard departure time.

Hotels more than 10 miles, or 15 kilometers, from the airport are outside the included pickup and drop-off arrangement. Astoria Palawan is specifically excluded from the normal transfer setup and requires separate transfer booking.

If your hotel is not covered, you will need to reach the meeting point at Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City. The listed meeting point is also where the activity ends.

Transfer times are approximate. Traffic and time of day can change the journey, so avoid scheduling another fixed activity too close to your return. The tour lasts around 6 to 8 hours overall, but the longer end of that range is possible.

The area is near public transportation, which may help if you need to reach the meeting point independently. Still, confirm your transport plan before tour day rather than leaving it until the morning.

Snorkeling, Shoes, and What to Pack

The water is the main reason to book this experience, but the basic price does not include snorkeling equipment. You have two choices: bring your own mask and snorkel or rent them locally.

Water shoes are worth considering. The tour information notes a stop where water shoes and snorkeling gear can be rented, and one practical account specifically recommends wearing water shoes. They can make entry more comfortable, depending on the shoreline and conditions.

Pack light but useful items:

• Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Towel and sun protection
• Water shoes
• Personal snorkeling gear, if you have it
• Cash for the ₱150 government fee and optional rentals
• Extra money for drinks, massage, or water activities

Do not count on every water-related item being included. The lunch is included, but equipment and personal purchases are not.

The tour is subject to favorable weather. If conditions are poor, the operator may offer an alternative tour or another date. That policy is sensible for a boat trip, but keep some flexibility in your Puerto Princesa schedule.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends who want a straightforward day on the water. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate.

The maximum of 15 people is a useful middle ground. You get a social group and shared costs, but the boat should not feel like a huge excursion. If you want complete control over departure time, meal choices, and island stops, choose a private tour instead.

This trip also suits people who prefer a relaxed schedule. There are only two listed island stops, and both allow free time. You will not be rushed through a long list of attractions.

I would be more cautious about booking it if your top priority is serious snorkeling. Equipment costs extra, the schedule gives only a limited window at Lu-Li, and the tour description does not promise a dedicated reef session or a marine-life guide.

It may also disappoint you if you expect a fully secluded beach experience. Cowrie Island includes a mini bar, massage option, drinks, and organized water activities. The setting is made for convenience and recreation, not solitude.

Booking, Cancellation, and Final Value

The tour has a 4.6 rating from 20 submitted ratings, with 90 percent recommending it. That points to a generally reliable day out, while the practical details still deserve attention.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

I like the clear two-stop structure, included lunch, and modest group limit. The biggest weaknesses are the extra equipment costs, the separate government fee, and pickup restrictions. None of these are serious problems if you know about them in advance.

Should You Book the Honda Bay Tour?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, organized day with swimming, hammocks, a Filipino lunch, and two island stops. It is especially useful when your hotel qualifies for pickup and you are happy with a shared group of up to 15 people.

Bring water shoes and your own snorkeling gear if possible. Budget for the ₱150 fee and optional rentals. If you want an easy island day rather than a private or highly active expedition, this tour offers good value for the time and price.

FAQ

How long does the Honda Bay island tour last?

The full experience takes approximately 6 to 8 hours, including transfers and time on the islands.

What islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Lu-Li Island and Cowrie Island in Honda Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for select hotels. Exact pickup time is provided one day before the tour through the hotel receptionist.

What if my hotel is more than 15 kilometers from the airport?

Pickup and drop-off are not included for hotels beyond 15 kilometers from the airport.

Do Astoria Palawan guests receive included transfers?

Guests staying at Astoria Palawan must book transfers separately.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Filipino lunch is included and is served at Cowrie Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You must bring your own snorkeling equipment or rent it separately.

Is there an extra government fee?

Yes. A government fee of ₱150 per person is not included in the tour price.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather prevents the tour from running, you will be offered an alternative tour or another date.