Honda Bay Snorkeling: Private Island Hopping Tour

Three islands, three reef systems, one boat and a picnic lunch between them

A private snorkeling tour from Puerto Princesa to Honda Bay takes you by traditional outrigger boat to Starfish Island, Cowrie Island and Luli Island over 7 to 8 hours, with hotel pickup, lunch and a licensed English-speaking guide included. The tour operates as island hops. You swim and snorkel at each stop, then move to the next. Rough seas can make Starfish Island inaccessible, in which case the guide extends your time at Luli or Cowrie instead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

• Travel to Honda Bay
• Visit Starfish Island
• Visit Cowrie Island
• Visit Luli Island
• Enjoy picnic lunch on island
• Swim and snorkel at islands
• Relax on the beach

The experience

You start from your hotel in Puerto Princesa, picked up and driven the 30 minutes to the Honda Bay departure point. The boat is a traditional Filipino outrigger, the kind built to move between shallow reefs and sandy shallows without the draft of a larger vessel. Your guide speaks English and stays with the group throughout the day, handling the boat logistics and pointing out what lives in the water.

The three islands (Starfish, Cowrie and Luli) sit close enough that the boat ride between them takes minutes. At each one you get in the water to snorkel the reef, or to wade in the shallows if you prefer. Starfish Island is the draw if the sea cooperates. Rough conditions can close it, and when that happens the guide simply keeps you longer at Luli or Cowrie instead of cutting the day short. Lunch is a picnic served on one of the islands while you're there, not back at the dock.

The boat, the guide, the transfers from your hotel, and lunch are all included in the price. Snorkel gear (mask, fins and snorkel) is not. Bring your own or plan to rent it separately before you book. The day runs 7 to 8 hours total, which accounts for the boat time, the stops, and the lunch break. Children must have an adult with them at all times in and around the water.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel to the dock.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private boat transfers between the three islands.
• lunch served on one of the islands.
• all park fees and taxes.
• a licensed English-speaking tour guide for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 12:00

AgesAdult (6 to 65 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 45 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by PALAWAN PRIVATE TOURS

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private boat and guide for the day: the outrigger moves at your pace between the islands, and you control how long you spend snorkeling at each stop instead of following a fixed schedule with a larger group.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 5 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like for snorkeling at these three islands?

Honda Bay's reefs are shallow and sheltered, so the water stays calm most days. Starfish Island has the most dramatic marine life, but Cowrie and Luli both have healthy coral and reef fish. Visibility depends on the tide and the weather that morning, but the outrigger boat can move you to the clearest spot if needed.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear, or is it provided?

Snorkel gear (mask, fins and snorkel) is not included and must be rented separately or brought from home. Arrange rentals before the tour if you don't have your own equipment.

What happens if Starfish Island is closed due to rough seas?

If rough conditions make Starfish Island inaccessible, your guide extends the time at either Luli or Cowrie Island instead, so you still get a full day of snorkeling. A partial refund is not offered in this case.

Is the guide with us the whole time, and what language do they speak?

Yes, a licensed tour guide stays with the group throughout the day and speaks English. They handle the boat and help with any questions about what you're seeing in the water.

How far is Honda Bay from Puerto Princesa, and what's the travel time?

Honda Bay is 30 minutes by car from Puerto Princesa. Hotel pickup is included, so you don't arrange your own transport to the dock.