Shore excursion Honda bay Cowrie, Starfish & Luli island hopping

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour Review: Exploring Cowrie, Starfish & Luli Islands

Thinking about a day on the water in Puerto Princesa? The Honda Bay Cowrie, Starfish, and Luli Island hopping tour offers a mix of snorkeling, sunbathing, and sightseeing on some of the area’s most beautiful islands. It’s a group experience, packed with opportunities to relax, take photos, and enjoy local seafood—all for around $60 per person.

What we love most about this tour is the chance to explore multiple islands in one day without breaking the bank. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and all fees helps keep things straightforward and stress-free. A potential downside? Since it’s a group tour, timing can be a bit flexible, and the experience might feel a bit rushed for those wanting a more private, leisurely pace.

This tour suits travelers who want a cost-effective way to see several islands, enjoy snorkeling and beach time, and don’t mind sharing the boat with others. If you’re after a relaxed, fun-filled day on the water with a friendly guide, this could be the perfect option.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $60, it offers good value considering the boat rides, meals, and island visits.
• All-Inclusive: Includes fees, taxes, lunch, and hotel pickup within Puerto Princesa’s main city.
• Diverse Experience: Visit multiple islands—Cowrie, Luli, Honda Bay, and Starfish Sandbar—and enjoy different activities.
• Flexible & Fun: Plenty of time at each stop for sunbathing, snorkeling, and photo opportunities.
• Well-Reviewed Guides: Guides like Jake and Ana are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Group Tour Benefits: Cost savings, but expect shared space and a group atmosphere.

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

What to Expect from the Itinerary

This tour is designed to pack in as much scenery and activity as possible into about 8 hours. It begins with a hotel pickup within Puerto Princesa’s main city, making logistics smooth and easy. The first stop is Cowrie Island, where you’ll have roughly two hours to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and take photos of the vibrant surroundings. Many reviews mention the beautiful, clear waters here and how perfect it is for relaxing or snapping memorable pictures.

Next, the tour moves to Luli Island, also with around two hours to enjoy the beach, snorkel, or simply unwind. Here, the highlight is the pristine sandbar that emerges at low tide, offering a picture-perfect scene and fantastic photo ops. Reviewers like Ilenia_H mentioned how much fun they had swimming and snorkeling, praising the “beautiful fish & coral” and the safety-focused guidance from Jake, the guide.

The lunch stop is at Honda Bay itself, where a generous meal is served. The included lunch, often seafood-based, keeps everyone energized for the rest of the day. Guests like Millicent_G appreciated the “great experience” and the chance to snorkel with a focus on safety and fun.

Lastly, the Starfish Sandbar Resort gives you a final hour for swimming, taking pictures, and enjoying the peaceful environment. Reviewers point out how stunning the clear waters and white sand are, making it a perfect wrap-up.

Transportation & Group Size

Transportation is via air-conditioned vehicle, making the journey comfortable. The boat rides between islands are smooth, and the guides are known for their friendly manner and local knowledge. The maximum group size is around 50 travelers, which means you’re part of a lively, social environment—though some might prefer a private trip, as noted by Fiona_L, who recommended booking the private version for a more personalized experience.

Activities & What You Can Expect

Snorkeling is a key feature—many reviewers emphasize the beauty of the underwater life. The coral reefs and colorful fish are often described as “beautiful,” and safety is a priority, with guides like Jake ensuring everyone feels comfortable. However, snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so you might want to bring or rent your own.

Sunbathing and swimming are other highlights, with calm waters and sandy beaches perfect for relaxing or taking photos. The tour schedule allows for flexibility—if you’re a photographer, you’ll love the number of photo opportunities at each stop, from underwater shots to scenic vistas.

Photos seem to be a favorite activity for many guests. Ana, the guide, is praised for her informative commentary and keeping everyone engaged. Some reviewers request copies of the pictures taken during snorkeling, which might be a good idea to ask about beforehand.

Food & Refreshments

Lunch is included and typically features local seafood. While some reviewers mention the lunch as good and satisfying, others were initially disappointed with the quality or service but noted that the tour company responded by changing caterers. The meal helps keep everyone energized for the afternoon activities.

What the Reviews Say

Guides like Jake and Ana stand out for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience more enjoyable. Destinrental1408 called Jake “a great guide” and appreciated his personality, which enhanced their day.

Guests also love the stunning views and vibrant underwater life, with many describing snorkeling as “terrific” and the beaches as “beautiful.” The tour’s value is often highlighted, especially considering the inclusive costs.

However, some reviews mention the group nature of the tour as a drawback—if you prefer privacy or a more relaxed pace, the private tour option might be worth considering, even if it costs more.

Practical Tips for Booking & Enjoying

• Book early—most travelers plan around 42 days in advance, so secure your spot sooner rather than later.
• Carry your own snorkeling gear if possible, or prepare to rent if the option is available.
• Pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and waterproof camera or phone case.
• Be aware that the tour is non-refundable, so confirm your reservation and weather conditions beforehand.
• If you’re staying outside Puerto Princesa, additional fees may apply.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This island-hopping adventure is perfect for travelers who seek a fun, budget-friendly day on the water with multiple stops to relax, explore, and snorkel. If you enjoy group outings with a lively atmosphere and appreciate knowledgeable guides, you’ll find this tour a great fit. It’s especially suited for those who want to maximize their time exploring different islands without the hassle of organizing transport and meals themselves.

On the other hand, if you prefer more private, leisurely experiences or are concerned about group sizes, the private tour upgrade might be worth considering. Also, those with mobility challenges should note that the tour involves boat rides and some walking on sandy or uneven surfaces.

The Sum Up

The Honda Bay Cowrie, Starfish & Luli Island hopping tour offers a comprehensive, engaging way to explore some of Puerto Princesa’s most iconic islands. With friendly guides, stunning scenery, and inclusive meals, it provides excellent value for travelers looking to enjoy snorkeling, beach time, and beautiful vistas in a single day.

While it’s not a private experience, the lively group atmosphere and well-organized schedule make it a great choice for anyone wanting a fun, hassle-free adventure in Palawan. Whether you’re snapping photos of underwater life or relaxing on powdery sands, this tour helps you make the most of your time in Honda Bay.

Overall, if you’re after a balanced mix of activity and relaxation at a reasonable price, this island-hopping trip is definitely worth considering. Just remember to book early, bring your snorkel gear, and enjoy every splash and sunbeam along the way.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered for hotels within Puerto Princesa’s main city, making the start of your day convenient.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore each island.

Are snorkeling masks provided?
Snorkeling equipment isn’t included in the tour, so it’s recommended to bring your own or rent locally if available.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers all fees and taxes, boat transportation, lunch, a licensed guide, and hotel pickup within the city.

Can I upgrade to a private tour?
Yes, reviews suggest booking a private tour provides a more personalized experience, especially for couples or small groups.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
Most travelers can participate, though those with mobility problems should consider the walking involved and boat rides.

What is the quality of the lunch?
Most guests find the included lunch satisfying, with some reviews noting it was hearty and seafood-based; however, quality may vary depending on the caterer.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, waterproof camera or phone case, hat, swimwear, and a towel. Snorkeling gear is optional but recommended.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 50 travelers, creating a lively group environment.

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

Embark on this island-hopping trip if you’re eager to enjoy the natural beauty of Honda Bay, snorkeling, and relaxing beaches—all without breaking the bank. It’s a lively, well-organized way to soak in Palawan’s stunning coastal scenery.