Honda Bay is Puerto Princesa's own island-hopping bay, a short drive north of the city, and it offers a gentler experience than El Nido. The linked tour is a full-day excursion that visits Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island and a starfish sandbar resort, and includes a buffet lunch, a driver-guide and shared pick-up from selected hotels by air-conditioned minivan. The islands offer clear shallow water, white sand and easy swimming, and the starfish sandbar is the stop most guests remember. The tour runs for about eight hours and is rated 4.2 from 28 reviews from guest reviews. It is a good fit for a rest day around the Underground River trip, particularly for families.
The format is simple. A minivan collects you from your hotel, you transfer to a boat at the Honda Bay port and then visit the islands in turn. Time at each stop is mostly free for swimming, snorkelling or relaxing on the sand. Snorkelling gear is not included in the linked tour, so hire it on the day or bring your own. Tips for guides are also extra. Operators note that the tour is typically booked about three weeks ahead, so reserve early in the dry season.
Environmental and island entrance fees vary by operator, so ask what is covered when you book. Shared pick-up applies only to selected hotels, which means you may need to meet at a central point if you stay in a smaller property. The tour operates year round, but the sea is calmest from November to May, and trips may be cancelled when the weather is poor.
Honda Bay is gentler and less dramatic than El Nido's limestone scenery, so manage expectations. It suits families, groups and anyone who prefers a relaxed beach day over a long boat route. If you are limited to one island day on Palawan and you are basing in Puerto Princesa, this is the natural choice. If you are travelling on to El Nido, you can save your island-hopping for Tours A to D there.
What to expect
The experience
A guided boat day from Honda Bay port with island stops, swimming, snorkelling and a buffet lunch.
Best time
The dry season from November to May, with a morning departure for calmer water.
How long
About eight hours including the drive and the boat time.
Tips
Bring snorkel gear and cash for tips, and ask which fees your ticket covers.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers based in Puerto Princesa who want an easy beach and snorkelling day.
- Families
- Very good, since the water is shallow and the pace is relaxed.
- Couples
- A pleasant, low-effort day with sandbar and beach time.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Underground River on a different day and the firefly trip in the evening.
- Time needed
- One full day.
Good questions
Which islands does the linked Honda Bay tour visit?+
It visits Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island and a starfish sandbar resort. Lunch is a buffet.
Is snorkelling gear included?+
No, snorkelling gear and tips are not included in the linked tour. You can hire gear on the day or bring your own.
Does the tour include hotel pick-up?+
It includes shared pick-up and drop-off from selected hotels by air-conditioned minivan. Check whether your hotel is covered.
How long does the tour take?+
About eight hours in total. Operators note it is typically booked about three weeks in advance.
Is Honda Bay better than El Nido?+
They are different. Honda Bay is gentler and easier, while El Nido's limestone scenery is more dramatic. Many travellers do both.
