If you’re searching for a memorable escape from the city, a full-day tour of Honda Bay offers a perfect blend of stunning scenery, marine adventure, and relaxing downtime. This tour from Puerto Princesa is praised for its friendly guides, crystal-clear waters, and delicious local food—at a surprisingly fair price. We particularly like how it balances active snorkeling and beach lounging, making it suitable for nature lovers and sunseekers alike.
However, there’s a caveat worth considering. The tour is weather-dependent; if storms roll in or seas are rough, you might need to reschedule or face a shorter day. Still, with flexible cancellation policies, you’re covered if the skies turn unfavorable. This experience appeals most to travelers who enjoy laid-back beach days, snorkeling, and a taste of authentic island life without breaking the bank.
If you’re visiting Puerto Princesa and crave a genuine, well-organized day on the water, this tour could be just what you need. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown that will help you decide whether Honda Bay is your perfect escape.
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
- Starting Point and Transportation
- The Stops: What Makes Each Island Special
- What’s Included and What’s Not
- Duration and Practical Tips
- The Experience According to Travelers
- Weather and Flexibility
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Puerto Princesa
- More Tour Reviews in Puerto Princesa
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Puerto Princesa we have recnetly reviewed
Key Points
- Balanced itinerary: Combines snorkeling, beach relaxation, and island exploration.
- Value for money: At $37, it includes transportation, lunch, and optional massage, making it a good deal.
- Guided experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with local insights and safety attention.
- Stunning scenery: Expect powdery beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
- Flexible options: Optional massages at Cowrie Island add a touch of luxury.
- Weather-dependent: The tour relies on good weather; cancellations allow rebooking or alternatives.
👉 Check out our guide to the 3 Best Guided Tours In Puerto Princesa
An In-Depth Look at the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Princesa.
Starting Point and Transportation
The adventure begins with a 30-minute drive from Puerto Princesa to the Honda Bay Wharf in Barangay Sta. Lourdes. This short ride is comfortable in an air-conditioned van, and it’s a good chance to get a quick overview of local life en route. Once there, you’ll rent snorkel gear, aqua shoes, and fins—necessary equipment to fully enjoy the marine parks.
The boat transfer is smooth, with a friendly crew ready to take you on the water. Group sizes are small, with a maximum of 13 people per van, ensuring a more intimate experience and personal attention from guides and boat staff.
The Stops: What Makes Each Island Special
Luli Island is the first stop, famous for its dynamic sandbar that appears and disappears with the tides. The name itself—meaning “to appear and disappear” in Filipino—gives a good hint about this island’s unpredictability. When the tide is low, powdery cream-colored sand stretches for yards, perfect for sunbathing or taking photos. The clear, calm waters invite you for a swim or a quick snorkel, with a dive platform for those feeling adventurous. A small cocktail bar serves local drinks, adding a fun, relaxed vibe. As one reviewer notes, “the water was so beautiful, and the sandbar offers great photo opportunities.”
Pambato Reef is the next highlight, renowned as a top snorkeling site. Covering about 16 hectares with an average depth of 13 meters, it’s teeming with coral and colorful fish like lapu-lapu (grouper), parrotfish, and spadefish. We loved the way guides tend to guests, helping even non-swimmers enjoy this vibrant underwater scene, as a reviewer mentions, “they even helped my youngest who wasn’t a strong swimmer.” The reef’s tranquility and abundant marine life make it an ideal spot to cool off and marvel at nature’s underwater craftsmanship.
Cowrie Island is the main event—where most of the day unfolds. Here, you’ll enjoy a buffet-style lunch featuring local flavors, with enough variety to satisfy all tastes. The island’s powdery sands and crystal waters make it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Many reviewers, including those who’ve been here multiple times, praise Cowrie Island as especially beautiful and relaxing. One review describes it as “little paradise” with plenty of options to keep everyone entertained, from lounging to jet skiing, and a massage center to unwind after a day of activity.
What’s Included and What’s Not
For $37 per person, this tour is quite a value considering it covers transportation, boat transfers, guides, entry fees, and a hearty lunch. Optional extras like snorkel gear and aqua shoes are available for rent, and there’s a small environmental fee of PHP 150 (around USD 3).
The optional massage at Cowrie Island is a sought-after treat—many travelers appreciate the chance to relax with a local massage after the water activities. If you wish, hotel pick-up and drop-off can be arranged for an additional fee, especially if your accommodation is outside the 5 km radius from the airport.
More Great Tours NearbyDuration and Practical Tips
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 10 hours, with most of the time spent enjoying the islands and waters. It typically ends around 2:30 PM, leaving you plenty of time to explore Puerto Princesa or relax afterward.
Remember to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. The tour is not suitable for unaccompanied minors or cruise ship passengers, and children must be supervised. The group size keeps it manageable, and guides are fluent in Tagalog and English, with many reviews praising their helpfulness and local knowledge.
The Experience According to Travelers
Guests repeatedly mention how friendly and helpful guides make all the difference. “Our guide Rich was lovely,” says one reviewer, emphasizing personalized service. Others highlight the beauty of the islands, snorkeling, and the delicious lunch—some even remarking how the pace was slow and relaxing, perfect for unwinding.
Multiple reviewers raved about the marine life, with many noting how easy it was for non-swimmers to enjoy snorkeling thanks to the provided gear and guides. Some enjoyed spontaneous activities like henna body art or the opportunity to feed schools of fish, as one review mentions.
Weather and Flexibility
Because weather can impact the tour, if storms or rough seas hit, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled. Fortunately, the flexible cancellation policy allows for full refunds with 24 hours’ notice, giving peace of mind. Many guests appreciated how guides handled delays or unforeseen weather with professionalism and care, often offering alternative plans.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This Honda Bay island-hopping trip is ideal for travelers who want a full day of exploring pristine beaches, snorkeling, and local cuisine without the fuss of complicated logistics. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo, as long as you enjoy being on the water and relaxing on beautiful beaches.
It’s also a good pick for those seeking value for money, as it combines transportation, guides, meals, and optional massages into one package. However, if you’re looking for a quick or more intense adventure, this might feel a bit slow-paced.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?
For an authentic taste of Puerto Princesa’s coastline and marine life, this Honda Bay tour offers a balanced mix of activities and relaxation. The friendly guides, well-maintained equipment, and stunning scenery make it a worthwhile experience, especially at the reasonable price of $37.
You’ll love the variety of stops—from the disappearing sands of Luli Island to the vibrant reefs of Pambato, and the peaceful sands of Cowrie Island—each offering a different aspect of island paradise. The optional massage adds a perfect touch of indulgence, rounding out a day that many travelers describe as memorable and fun.
While weather can be unpredictable, the tour’s flexible policies help ensure you get your money’s worth or reschedule easily. Whether you’re on a honeymoon, family vacation, or just seeking a relaxing day on the water, this tour hits the right notes of authenticity, comfort, and natural beauty.
Puerto Princesa: Honda Bay Island Hopping & Optional Massage
“I really enjoyed the tour. Our guide, Jed, was great. The locations were good, snorkelling wasn't the best but that's down to the weather I think. …”
FAQ
Is pickup included in the tour?
Pickup is optional and available within 5 kilometers of Puerto Princesa Airport. For accommodations outside this radius, an additional fee of $80 applies.
How long does the tour last?
The experience generally lasts 7 to 10 hours, with the main part ending around 2:30 PM.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable during the day.
Can children join the tour?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is not suitable for unaccompanied minors.
Is snorkeling included?
Snorkel gear is available to rent, and the stops at Pambato Reef make snorkeling a highlight of the trip.
What if the weather cancels the tour?
The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled, you can rebook or choose an alternative date. Full refund is available if canceled 24 hours in advance.
Is the tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
No, due to timing constraints, cruise ship passengers should book the private option rather than the regular tour.
In all, this Honda Bay island-hopping experience delivers a well-rounded taste of Puerto Princesa’s natural beauty, with friendly guides, stunning scenery, and good value for the price. It’s a great choice for travelers wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation in a true tropical setting.
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