If you’re heading to Puerto Princesa in Palawan and looking for a day of sun, sand, and marine adventures, the Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour is a popular choice. With a solid 4.0/5 rating based on 27 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this experience worthwhile — especially for those craving a relaxed day exploring multiple islands without the hassle of planning.

What we love about this tour? First, the short boat ride from Puerto Princesa makes it accessible without long travel times. Second, the variety of islands — from Luli, Cowrie, to Starfish Island — each offering different sights and activities. Third, included hotel pickup and lunch make the day smooth and stress-free. The only real consideration? Seas can get a little choppy, so it’s not ideal if you’re prone to motion sickness or bad weather.

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of relaxation, snorkeling, and scenic views. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers eager for a taste of Palawan’s coastal beauty without needing to spend days exploring.

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Key Points

Short and manageable duration of about 8 hours makes this an easy day trip.
All-in-one experience with hotel pickup, boat rides, island visits, and lunch.
Multiple islands—Luli, Cowrie, Starfish—each with unique charm and activities.
Authentic marine encounters with opportunities to swim and snorkel.
Good value for money considering the included lunch and transfers.
Variety of reviews highlight friendly guides, scenic views, and fun experiences.

A Practical Look at the Experience

Looking for more options in Puerto Princesa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

How the Tour is Structured

This 8-hour adventure begins early, with hotel pickup in Puerto Princesa (if your hotel is within the city proper). The minivan transport is air-conditioned, which is a bonus in the tropical heat. The first stop is Honda Bay, just a quick boat ride away, where the actual island-hopping begins. You’ll visit three main islands and a sandbar, each offering different highlights like swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up the sun.

The Islands and What You’ll Do

Honda Bay itself acts as the jumping-off point. The boat trip is relatively short, typically around an hour, giving you quick access to the islands. From reviews, it’s clear that the islands are the star of this tour.

Luli Island is favored for its laid-back vibe, picture-perfect vistas, and snorkel opportunities. One reviewer loved swimming, picture-taking, and sunbathing here, praising its relaxed atmosphere.
Cowrie Island is more about the beach experience. While some say it’s a waste of time for snorkeling, it offers a great spot for lounging and enjoying the buffet lunch in a beachside cottage.
Starfish Island often steals the show for marine life. Guests frequently mention “seeing a ton of starfish,” making it ideal for snapping photos and observing marine creatures closely, especially if you bring your own snorkeling gear. One reviewer even proposed to his fiancée here, highlighting its romantic appeal.

The Food and Comfort

A buffet lunch is included, served picnic-style at Starfish Sandbar Resort or Cowrie Island. The reviews consistently mention the delicious food and friendly service, with some guides even preparing the meal personally. This adds a warm, authentic touch to the day.

Hotel pickup is a major convenience, especially if your accommodation is within the city. However, if your hotel is outside the city proper, there’s an extra charge. The tour operates with a group size of up to 100 travelers, but in practice, it often feels more intimate because guides stay with you throughout the day, providing helpful information.

The Guide and Service Quality

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable and helpful guides, with Ana standing out as a particularly praised individual who went above and beyond — even cooking lunch herself. From helping with snorkeling gear to ensuring everyone feels comfortable, guides seem to be genuinely dedicated.

One guest remarked that the guides are helpful and provide good information about the islands, which enhances the experience for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.

There's plenty more to explore in Puerto Princesa

The Pros and Cons Based on Experience

Pros:

Clear communication and organized itinerary
Friendly, attentive guides
Beautiful scenery and marine life opportunities
Lunch included, saving time and effort
Convenient pickup and drop-off options

Potential Drawbacks:

Snorkeling gear is not included, so you’ll need to rent or bring your own
Some reviews mention that Cowrie Island might be less appealing for snorkeling compared to the others
Weather can impact the experience; overcast or choppy seas might limit island visits, especially to Starfish Island. One reviewer noted they didn’t get to visit due to weather conditions.

Value for Money

At $100 per person, the tour offers a lot for the price — hotel transfers, boat rides, a multi-island experience, and a tasty buffet. When you consider that some reviews mentioned well-organized guides and a “great day,” it’s clear that this tour provides decent value.

Keep in mind, if you’re eager to snorkel, you’ll need to rent gear separately, which adds a small extra cost. Still, for those who want a stress-free way to explore Honda Bay’s highlights without additional planning, this tour hits the mark.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed day with easy access to scenic islands and marine life. Families with children, couples looking for a romantic day, or solo travelers wanting to meet others on a well-organized trip will find it suits their needs. It’s also perfect if you prefer a stress-free, all-in-one package with included food and transportation.

However, if you’re a snorkeler wanting total independence or prefer a more private experience, you might find this tour a bit too organized or busy.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour offers a convenient and enjoyable way to spend a day exploring Honda Bay’s stunning islands. With friendly guides, good value, and plenty of opportunities to relax or snorkel, it’s a solid choice for those new to the area or visitors short on time.

While weather can sometimes affect the itinerary, the overall experience delivers beautiful scenery, authentic marine encounters, and a tasty lunch that makes it worth considering. If you’re looking for an accessible, well-reviewed adventure that balances comfort with authentic island charm, this tour is worth your consideration.

For travelers who prioritize organized, friendly service and scenic beauty without the hassle, the Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if your hotel is within Puerto Princesa city proper. For hotels outside the city, there’s an extra charge.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off (in city proper), boat rides, visits to three islands plus a sandbar, and a buffet lunch.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling gear is not included, so you’ll need to rent or bring your own if you want to explore underwater.

How long is the tour?
The whole experience lasts around 8 hours, with most of the time spent at the islands relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the scenery.

What should I wear?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable sandals or water shoes. A waterproof camera or phone is also a good idea for capturing memories.

What if the weather is bad?
If poor weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Seas can be rough, so check the forecast if you’re sensitive to motion sickness.

This detailed review aims to give you all the practical insights you need to decide if the Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour is right for you. Whether it’s your first time in Palawan or a repeat visit, the islands await with their promise of sunshine, marine beauty, and laid-back island life.