Joiners Honda Bay Tour

Planning a trip to Puerto Princesa and looking for an engaging way to explore its stunning coastlines? The Joiners Honda Bay Tour offers a well-rounded, hassle-free experience designed to showcase some of Palawan’s most beautiful islands. With a focus on comfort, convenience, and authentic natural beauty, this tour might just be the highlight of your trip.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? For starters, it’s a full-day adventure with round-trip hotel transfers, ensuring you don’t need to worry about transportation logistics. Second, the knowledgeable guides and included entrance fees make for a smooth, educational experience. Lastly, the variety of stops—from island beaches to snorkeling spots—caters to different interests, whether you’re into relaxing on the sand or exploring underwater life.

However, a consideration worth noting is that this tour is group-limited, capping at 10 travelers. If you prefer more privacy or a bespoke experience, it might feel a bit crowded. Also, snorkeling and scuba equipment aren’t included, so if underwater adventures are your main goal, you’ll need to arrange gear separately.

This tour suits travelers seeking a comprehensive, organized day exploring Puerto Princesa’s beaches and islands without the hassle of planning each detail. It’s perfect for those who value expert guides, convenient transfers, and a well-paced schedule. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned island hopper, this experience offers a solid mix of fun, relaxation, and scenic beauty.

Key Points

• All-in-one package: Includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and a licensed guide.
• Comfort and convenience: Round-trip hotel transfers and air-conditioned vehicle provide a relaxed day.
• Diverse stops: From the sandy beaches of Cowrie Island to the starfish-filled waters of Starfish Island.
• Authentic island hopping experience: Enjoy snorkeling, sightseeing, and beach time with minimal planning.
• Limited group size: Max 10 travelers, making the experience more intimate.
• Price reflects value: At $650 per person, it covers multiple activities and logistics, offering good value for a full-day adventure.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Lu-Li Island

Your journey begins with a visit to Luli Island, a small, picturesque spot renowned for its white sandy beaches and shallow waters. With just a 30-minute stop, you’ll have a chance to stretch your legs, snap photos of the stunning scenery, and perhaps dip your toes in the calm waters. The admission ticket is included, so no extra costs here, and the quick stop allows for a taste of the island without feeling rushed.

Reviewers mention the guide’s helpfulness and the organized nature of the visit, making this initial stop a smooth start to the day. Expect a peaceful setting ideal for relaxing or enjoying your first beachfront experience of the tour.

Stop 2: Cowrie Island and Lunch

The highlight for many is the two-hour stop at Cowrie Island, where you’ll be greeted with beautiful beaches, clear waters, and the chance to unwind. The tour includes lunch here, offering a chance to enjoy fresh local fare in a relaxed island environment.

This part of the tour truly shines when it comes to scenery — travelers rave about the stunning views and the chance to lounge on soft sands or take a swim. The admission ticket is included, and the relaxed pace lets you explore or simply soak up the surroundings.

Stop 3: Starfish Island

The final stop is Starfish Island, famed for its abundance of starfish in shallow waters. With around an hour allocated, you’ll have plenty of time to wade into the waters, spot starfish, and snorkel if you bring your own gear (note that snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so plan accordingly).

The guide’s expertise really shines here, helping visitors spot marine life and ensuring everyone stays safe. As the tour review notes, “Natural Arts Travel were truly amazing. So friendly, helpful and organised,” which underscores how helpful guides can elevate the experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• Lunch — a local meal served during your Cowrie Island stop.
• Air-conditioned vehicle — for hassle-free transfers.
• Entrance and environmental fees — all paid upfront, so no surprises.
• Licensed tour guide — knowledgeable, friendly, and fluent in guiding you through each stop.
• Boat fees — covering your island hopping between stops.
• Round trip hotel transfers — from your accommodation to the tour start point.

Not Included:

• Snorkelling equipment — if you want to explore underwater, you’ll need to rent or bring your own gear.
• Scuba equipment — for those interested in a deeper underwater adventure, this is not part of the package.

Practical Details

Duration: Approximately 6 to 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day out. The flexible schedule means you can enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Group Size: Limited to 10 travelers, fostering a more intimate atmosphere and personalized attention from guides.

Pricing: At $650 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience—covering transportation, entry, lunch, guides, and boat fees. Considering these are often the main costs of island hopping, this price provides good value, especially given the convenience and quality of the service.

Booking & Cancellation: Most travelers book about 21 days in advance, which suggests high demand. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, providing peace of mind if plans change.

What Real Travelers Say

A recent reviewer described the experience as “Excellent Travel and Tour Agents,” emphasizing how friendly, helpful, and organised the team was. The guide, Ms. Venessa, was praised for her extensive travel knowledge and understanding of travelers’ needs, making the entire day flow smoothly.

Another comment highlights the stunning views and the overall ease of the trip. The guide’s attentiveness, especially in helping identify marine life like starfish, added a layer of enjoyment that many travelers appreciated.

The Benefits of This Tour

• Ease of planning: Everything is taken care of, from transfers to entry fees.
• Expert guidance: Guides are well-trained and knowledgeable, ensuring you learn about the islands and marine life.
• Flexible stops: You can relax, swim, snorkel, or just enjoy the scenery.
• Family-friendly: The pace and inclusions suit families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a straightforward adventure.
• Authentic experience: With a small group and local guides, you’re likely to discover more authentic aspects of the islands.

Potential Drawbacks

• Limited snorkeling gear: If underwater exploration is your main goal, you’ll need to rent gear separately.
• Group size: Small groups are great for intimacy but might feel crowded if you prefer private tours.
• Price point: While comprehensive, $650 per person is on the higher end for island hopping, but the included amenities and expert guides make it worthwhile.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Honda Bay tour is ideal for travelers who want a structured, all-inclusive day without the fuss of planning transport, entry fees, or meals. It suits those who appreciate good guides and a balanced mix of relaxation and adventure. Perfect for families, first-time visitors, or anyone keen to see the best of Puerto Princesa’s islands in one day.

If you’re a solo traveler or in a small group looking for a more personalized experience, the limited group size will be a plus. However, if you prefer complete independence or private tours, you might find this setup a little too organized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers round-trip hotel transfers, making it convenient to start and end the day comfortably.

How long does the tour last?
Expect to spend around 6 to 8 hours on the tour, from pickup to drop-off, including all stops and meals.

Are entrance fees included?
Absolutely. All entrance fees to the islands and environmental fees are covered in the tour price.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so you’ll need to bring or rent gear if you want to explore underwater.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the relaxed schedule makes it family-friendly, but always check with the provider for age restrictions.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
The tour depends on good weather. In poor weather conditions, the tour can be canceled or rescheduled.

How many people will be in the group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, creating a more intimate experience.

What is the price, and is it worth it?
At $650 per person, the cost covers transportation, meals, guides, and entrance fees. Many consider it good value given the all-inclusive nature.

The Joiners Honda Bay Tour offers a dependable, well-organized way to see Puerto Princesa’s most beautiful islands with minimal hassle. Its focus on comfort, knowledgeable guides, and diverse stops makes it appealing for a broad range of travelers. While slightly pricier than independent day trips, the comprehensive package and peace of mind might be worth every peso for those who prefer a smooth, guided experience.

If you love scenic beaches, marine life, and a relaxed pace, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s especially suited for first-timers or travelers who want a stress-free day on the water with plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the views.

This Honda Bay Island Hopping tour delivers on its promise—it’s a great option for anyone wanting a balanced, authentic, and memorable Puerto Princesa experience.

Note: Always check the weather forecast before booking, as outdoor tours in Palawan depend on good weather conditions for safety and enjoyment.