Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour From Puerto Princesa

If you’re heading to Puerto Princesa and looking for a spectacular day out on the water, the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour is a popular choice. Offered by CTPH TOUR, this full-day adventure takes you to some of the most photogenic and unique islands in the area, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, relaxing on pristine beaches, and enjoying a traditional Filipino picnic. The tour is especially appealing because it combines both well-known spots like Starfish Island with lesser-trodden gems such as Luli Island, making it a well-rounded experience.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is its private group setting, which allows for a more personalized experience. Plus, with included lunch, a knowledgeable guide, and all entrance fees covered, it offers good value for the price. However, a potential consideration is the lack of snorkeling gear included—so if you’re eager to snorkel, you’ll need to bring or rent equipment separately. This tour suits travelers who want a comfortable, guided island experience without the hassle of organizing transportation or entry tickets themselves.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Value: Entrance, island, cottage, port, and boat fees are included in the price.
• Flexible and Private: This is a private tour, perfect for small groups or families wanting a tailored experience.
• Snorkeling Opportunities: While gear isn’t provided, the islands are renowned for superb snorkeling, especially around Starfish Island.
• Timely and Convenient: Starts at 8:00 am with hotel pick-up within Puerto Princesa city proper.
• Authentic Experience: Visit two distinct islands—Luli Island and Starfish Island—and enjoy a local picnic lunch.
• Weather Dependent: As with all outdoor activities, good weather is essential; cancellations due to poor weather are possible but come with either a reschedule or full refund.

What to Expect from the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

This tour is a neat way to tick off multiple islands in one day, with a well-structured itinerary that balances travel time, relaxing beach moments, and snorkeling fun. It’s geared toward travelers who want to maximize their time in Puerto Princesa without the stress of planning each detail themselves.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at 8:00 am with hotel pickup within Puerto Princesa’s city proper—an advantage if you’re staying centrally, as the tour includes door-to-door service. This kind of logistical ease frees you up to start your day stress-free. The first stop is Luli Island. Named after the Filipino words lulubog and lilitaw, meaning “disappear and reappear,” the sandbar here shifts dramatically with the tide. Travelers often marvel at this natural phenomenon, and it’s a favorite for those wanting a quick, foot-in-the-sand photo op. The one-hour stop allows plenty of time for wading, exploring, and snapping pictures.

Next, the tour heads to Starfish Island, also called Tabuan Island locally. Its claim to fame are the countless starfishes that once made it a snorkeling haven. Although one reviewer notes that “starfish used to be abundant,” the island remains a beautiful sandbar and perfect for relaxing or spotting marine life if you bring your own gear. Again, you’ll have about an hour here, which is enough for a leisurely stroll and some beach lounging.

Finally, your last stop is Honda Bay itself. Here, the tour focuses on the scenic bay area, with an emphasis on the stunning views and calm waters ideal for swimming or brief snorkeling. This segment lasts about an hour, giving you a taste of the bay’s serenity and natural beauty.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price covers a comprehensive package: an English-speaking guide who can fill you in on local sights, lunch, and all necessary fees (entrance, island, cottage, port, and boat). The picnic lunch is a lovely touch, allowing you to enjoy local flavors amidst a scenic backdrop. However, you’ll need to prepare separately for snorkeling gear and bring your own towel, as these are not included.

Authentic Experiences and Insights

Since this is a private tour, the guide’s local knowledge and friendly attitude shine. One reviewer remarks on the guide’s helpfulness, which can turn a good day into a great one, especially when navigating island entry points and timing your sit-down for lunch. The tour’s flexibility means you can spend more or less time at each stop if needed, making it adaptable to your pace.

How Value Measures Up

At $163 per person, the tour is a fair investment considering the included transportation, guide, entrance fees, and lunch. For travelers eager to see multiple islands without worrying about logistics or extra costs, this package offers a hassle-free way to explore Honda Bay. Keep in mind, snorkeling gear and towels are extras, so if you’re keen on snorkeling, bringing your own might be worthwhile.

Experience Tips

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—the sun can be intense, especially during midday.
• Pack an underwater camera or waterproof phone case—the marine scenery is worth capturing.
• Arrive early to maximize your time on the islands.
• Consider bringing your own snorkeling gear if you’re eager to explore the underwater life more thoroughly.
• Check the weather forecast before booking; poor weather can lead to cancellations or less enjoyable conditions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or small groups who want a straightforward, guided experience. It’s perfect for those not looking to spend hours on the water but wanting a taste of Puerto Princesa’s stunning islands. If you’re a snorkeler, just be aware that gear isn’t included, so bring your own if you want to get closer to the marine life.

Travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and authentic local vibe will find this tour appealing. It’s also a good choice for anyone wanting a photogenic day out with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, especially if you’re staying within Puerto Princesa city.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Timing, and Cost

The tour begins promptly at 8:00 am with hotel pickup, which means early risers get the most out of the day. The total duration is about 6 to 7 hours, including travel time, island stops, and lunch. The group is private, which means fewer crowds and more personalized attention—great for small groups or families seeking intimacy.

While the main focus is on the islands, the cost reflects the convenience, guide expertise, and included meals. When considering value, think about how much hassle it saves in logistics and entry fees—this makes the upfront cost more justifiable.

Final Thoughts

The Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour from Puerto Princesa offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, relaxed exploration, and culture. It’s best suited for travelers who want a comfortable, guided day on the water without the fuss of organizing every detail themselves. The inclusion of a lunch and all fees makes it an excellent value for those eager to see the island’s highlights.

If you’re after photo opportunities, snorkeling, or just a peaceful day by the sea, this tour ticks many boxes. While it does require some planning—like bringing your own snorkeling gear—it compensates with the ease of logistics and personal service.

This tour provides a beautiful snapshot of Honda Bay’s charm and is perfect for those who want to experience Palawan’s waters in a relaxed, well-organized setting.

FAQ

What is the starting time of the tour?
It begins at 8:00 am with hotel pickup within Puerto Princesa city proper.

Does the tour include snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling gear is not included. If you want to snorkel, you’ll need to bring your own or rent gear separately.

Are entrance and island fees covered?
Yes, all entrance, island, cottage, port, and boat fees are included in the tour price.

How long is each island stop?
You’ll spend about an hour at each island—Luli Island, Starfish Island, and Honda Bay—giving you ample time to explore, relax, or take photos.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, it is a private tour ideal for small groups and families looking for a relaxed day out with a guide.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour relies on good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to experience some of Palawan’s best islands. With its combination of scenic stops, local flavor, and convenience, it’s particularly well-suited for travelers seeking a hassle-free day on the water—especially if you’re after memorable photos and a relaxed pace. Just remember to bring your snorkeling gear if you want to explore underwater, and keep an eye on the weather forecast for the best experience.