Joiners Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Exploring Puerto Princesa’s Best-Kept Secret: Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

If you’re dreaming of sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed day in the Philippines, the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour might be just what you need. Although we haven’t personally taken this trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a compelling picture of a memorable day out.

What we love about this tour is its stunning stops at three different islands, each offering unique experiences—from relaxing on soft sands to snorkeling with vibrant marine life. The inclusive picnic lunch offers convenience and good value, especially considering the overall cost of $38 per person. Plus, the small group size of up to 10 travelers means you’ll likely enjoy a more intimate and personalized experience.

However, keep in mind that additional fees, such as the Puerto Princesa Environmental Fee and snorkeling equipment rental, are not included in the base price. If you’re someone who loves detailed planning or has specific gear needs, these extra costs are worth considering. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day with straightforward logistics—perfect if you’re after accessible, well-organized island hopping.

Key Points

• Stunning Island Views: The stops at Cowrie, Luli, and Starfish Islands showcase gorgeous beaches and vibrant marine life.
• All-Inclusive Experience: The tour includes hotel pickup, boat transfers, a licensed guide, entrance fees, and a picnic lunch.
• Moderate Physical Activity: The tour requires a reasonable level of fitness for walking and light water activities.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 10 travelers, which encourages a more relaxed and personal experience.
• Additional Fees: Be prepared for extra costs like environmental fees and snorkeling gear.
• Great for Relaxation: Lulu Island, with its large sandbags and dive platform, is perfect for unwinding and soaking up sun.

The Itinerary in Detail

Hotel Pickup and Transfer

The day kicks off early, with pickup between 7:30 and 8:00 am from your hotel, which is a major plus for those who prefer to avoid the hassle of organizing transport. The air-conditioned van offers a comfortable ride to the Honda Bay wharf, setting a relaxed tone for the day ahead. Since the tour is a joiners experience, you’ll be sharing the trip with a small group—up to ten travelers—which tends to enhance the vibe and make coordination smoother.

Honda Bay Wharf and Boat Ride

Once at the wharf, you’ll board a boat that will whisk you across the calm waters of Honda Bay. The boat transfer is straightforward, with assistance from a licensed guide to ensure smooth sailing. The boat ride itself offers beautiful views of the surrounding islands and is a highlight for many travelers, giving you that classic tropical island feeling right from the start.

Cowrie Island: The Perfect Beach Day

Your first stop is Cowrie Island, known for its soft, white sandy beaches and clear, inviting water. According to the review by William_S, Cowrie acts like a “Basecamp”—a hub for swimming, volleyball, massages, and even bars. The island’s shallow waters are perfect for relaxing on the beach, and the vibrant surroundings make it an excellent spot for photos. The combination of beachfront amenities and natural beauty makes Cowrie a must-see during this tour.

Luli Island: Relaxation and Marine Fun

Next, you’ll visit Luli Island, which is famous for its large sandbags and a diving platform, perfect for those who want to dip their toes in the water or get a quick snorkel in. William describes Luli as “like a giant sandbag, very relaxing,” emphasizing its tranquil atmosphere. The shallow waters here are ideal for wading and floating, especially if you’re not into intense water sports. The island’s simplicity and laid-back vibe are favorites for unwinding after the more active parts of the day.

Starfish Island: Marine Life Encounters

Starfish Island is your final stop, an excellent place for snorkelers eager to see colorful marine life and starfish. The review notes that at Starfish Island, you can see the “nist fishes” (likely a typo for “best fishes” or “nice fishes”) and enjoy more underwater exploration. Many travelers find this stop especially rewarding because of the chance to observe marine creatures in their natural habitat. If snorkeling gear is rented (for an extra fee), you’ll enjoy a close-up view of vibrant fish and coral reefs.

Lunch on the Island

A highlight of the tour is the picnic lunch, prepared and served on one of the islands. This arrangement offers convenience and local flavor, though specific menu details aren’t provided. Expect a simple, refreshing meal that allows you to refuel without leaving the island paradise.

Return and Drop-Off

The tour concludes around 4:00 pm with a boat ride back to the wharf, followed by your transfer back to the hotel. The early start and reasonable duration make this a manageable full-day activity, especially for those who want to maximize their time exploring without feeling rushed.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights

William_S’s review sums up the experience well, highlighting the “very worthwhile” trip and noting that Starfish Island is perfect for seeing the “nist fishes,” and fans of snorkeling will appreciate the diving platform at Luli. He also mentions the island’s volleyball, massage options, and bars, hinting at the variety of activities available on Cowrie Island, which is more than just a beach stop.

Another point worth noting is the value for money—at $38 per person, including transport, guide assistance, entrance fees, and lunch, this tour offers a lot for a reasonable price. The small group size also means a more personalized experience and the chance to ask questions or get tailored attention from the guide.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Extra Fees: Be aware of the $150 environmental fee per person, which is payable on the day, and snorkeling equipment rental at around $200 if needed.
• Weather Dependency: Good weather is essential; if the weather turns poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund.
• Physical Fitness: Moderate fitness is recommended, especially if you plan to snorkel or walk around the islands.
• Timing: Arriving promptly for the 7:00 am start helps maximize your day. The tour wraps up around 4 pm, giving you ample time to relax or explore more afterward.
• Group Size: Limited to 10 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate but requires early booking, as it is often booked 15 days in advance.
• Bring Essentials: Sunscreen, hats, water, and waterproof cases for your valuables are advisable.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour offers an excellent blend of stunning scenery, relaxation, and light adventure. Its value-packed price point makes it accessible for most travelers, especially those keen to explore multiple islands without the hassle of planning individual boat trips.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, scenic day with a small group, comfortable transport, and beautiful beaches, this tour hits the mark. The stops are well-spaced, and the variety—from relaxing on Cowrie’s sandy shores to snorkeling at Starfish Island—caters to different interests.

Travelers who appreciate authentic, unpretentious experiences will enjoy this tour, especially since reviews highlight the relaxed vibe and natural beauty. It’s especially suitable for those who want a memorable day in Puerto Princesa’s marine environment without overcomplicating logistics or spending a fortune.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $38 fee covers hotel pickup, boat transfers, a licensed guide, entrance fees to the three islands, and a picnic lunch.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, the Puerto Princesa Environmental Fee of $150 per person and snorkeling equipment rental at around $200 are not included. These are payable separately on the day.

What is the best time to join this tour?
The tour starts early at 7:00 am, with pickup between 7:30 and 8:00 am, to make the most of the daylight hours and avoid afternoon crowds.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately a 7-hour experience, wrapping up around 4:00 pm.

Is this tour suitable for children or less mobile travelers?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended. While children can enjoy the beaches, some walking and water activities might require assistance or caution.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, hats, waterproof cases, water, and possibly snorkeling gear if you prefer your own. Some activities may involve light walking or wading.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, snorkeling is available, but equipment is rented separately. The coral and fish around Starfish Island are appealing for underwater viewing.

What makes this tour stand out compared to other island trips?
The small group size, inclusive lunch, and the variety of island experiences—relaxing beaches at Cowrie, sandbag lounging at Luli, and marine life at Starfish—make it well-rounded and hassle-free.

What if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?
The tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour promises a straightforward, scenic escape to some of Puerto Princesa’s most beautiful islands. Whether you’re after a laid-back beach day or a quick underwater adventure, this experience balances value, comfort, and natural beauty in a way that leaves most travelers with a big smile.