Puerto Princesa: Honda Bay Island Hopping & Optional Massage

Honda Bay island hopping gives you a full day of sand, sea, and reef without the longer journey to El Nido. The route takes you to Luli Island, Pambato Reef, and Cowrie Island, each with a different purpose: swimming, snorkeling, and easy beach time.

I like the generous island lunch and the care shown by guides and boat crews, especially with children and nervous swimmers. I also like the optional massage at Cowrie Island, a simple way to finish a salt-and-sun day. The main drawback is the slow start: pickup, equipment rental, registration, and boarding can take close to two hours before the boat leaves.

Key points to know before booking

• Luli Island appears and disappears with the tide: The sandbar is best for a quick swim, photos, a cocktail, or a jump from the platform.
• Pambato Reef is the main snorkeling stop: Expect corals and fish such as grouper, parrotfish, and spadefish, with visibility affected by weather.
• Cowrie Island gets the longest visit: This is where you eat lunch, swim, sunbathe, and possibly book a massage.
• Lunch is a real strength: The picnic spread is plentiful and often one of the best parts of the day.
• Equipment costs extra: Snorkels, aqua shoes, and swimming fins are rented before boarding, while the environmental fee is PHP 150.
• The day suits relaxed swimmers and families: Boat staff can help children and people who are not confident in the water.

Why Honda Bay makes a good Puerto Princesa day trip

Puerto Princesa is often treated as a base for the Underground River, but Honda Bay gives you a very different day. Instead of a long road journey, you travel about 30 minutes by air-conditioned van to Barangay Sta. Lourdes, then transfer to a local boat at Honda Bay Wharf.

The bay is known for its small islands, coral areas, fish, and giant clams. You are not visiting a remote, untouched shore. These islands have facilities, beach services, and other tour groups. That makes the outing easier and more comfortable, but it also means the experience feels organized rather than wild.

The price is about $36 per person, before the environmental fee and rented water equipment. For that amount, you get transport within the stated pickup area, a guide, boat transfers, entry fees, and lunch. That is fair value if you want a simple, all-in-one beach day from Puerto Princesa and do not want to arrange a boat yourself.

The long morning before the boat leaves

Pickup is offered at accommodation within 5 kilometers of Puerto Princesa City Airport. The van is air-conditioned, and the group limit is 13 people per van. That keeps the road portion manageable, although the total morning can feel longer than expected.

The trip to the wharf itself is only about 30 minutes. Before boarding, you stop to rent snorkels, aqua shoes, and swimming fins. You should budget extra time for this process, plus any registration and local harbor arrangements. One reported schedule took about 1 hour and 50 minutes from pickup to getting onto the boat, so do not plan a tight afternoon appointment.

This is one of the tour’s few weak points. The actual island time is pleasant, but the start can feel slow. An early pickup is also common, so bring water and avoid assuming you will be relaxing on a beach immediately after leaving your hotel.

The guide makes a big difference here. Guides including Jed, Jeff, Echo, Joseph, Rowena, Shy, and V have been praised for helping with photos, explaining local customs, keeping groups together, and making nervous swimmers feel safe. Your assigned guide will vary, but the service is clearly an important part of the experience.

Luli Island and its changing sandbar

Luli Island is named for the Filipino phrase Lulubog at Lilitaw, meaning to sink and appear. The name refers to the sandbar, which vanishes at high tide and returns at low tide.

The island has pale cream sand and clear water. You can swim, sit in the shallows, take photographs, or use the platform for a jump into the sea. There is also a cocktail bar with local mixes, though drinks and extra food are not included.

Luli is a good first stop because it eases you into the day. You can get wet without committing to a long snorkeling session, and the setting is made for photographs. If you want quieter pictures, move a short distance away from the main photo area when possible. The stop can become crowded when several boats arrive together.

The tide matters here. The sandbar may be smaller or less visible than you expect, depending on the schedule and water level. Treat Luli as a pretty swimming and photo stop rather than the main reason to book the tour.

Pambato Reef, the best stop for marine life

Pambato Reef is the tour’s main underwater stop. The reef covers about 16 hectares, with an average depth of 13 meters, and supports branch and table-like corals along with schools of fish.

Look for lapu-lapu, the local name for grouper, as well as parrotfish and spadefish. The exact fish and coral viewing depends on sea conditions, tide, and sunlight. Several outings have had excellent snorkeling, while cloudy weather and rain have reduced visibility on other days.

This is why I would not book the tour only for perfect underwater photography. Honda Bay can offer very good marine viewing, but nature controls the result. Clear skies usually help you see color and detail, while overcast conditions can make the reef look flatter.

The boat crew is a major help. They assist people who cannot swim strongly and may accompany you in the water so you can enjoy the fish without feeling exposed. Families with young children have found this support useful, and one-year-old and three-year-old children have joined previous outings.

You still need to act sensibly. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and drinking water. If you are uneasy in the sea, tell the guide and crew before entering the water. Their help is useful, but you should not treat it as a substitute for personal water safety.

Cowrie Island, lunch, and the longest beach stop

Cowrie Island is where the day settles into a slower rhythm. Its clear water and pale sand give you time to swim, snorkel again, sunbathe, or simply sit on the beach.

You spend most of the day here, so this is the stop that determines how relaxing the trip feels. Unlike a rushed route with many brief photo stops, the schedule allows time to enjoy the beach. You might also find optional activities and services on the island, including a beach massage, fresh coconut drinks, and other paid extras.

Lunch is served here, usually as a picnic-style spread prepared by the tour team. The quantity is generous, and the meal has been praised for both its presentation and taste. That matters on a full sun-and-sea day. You are not trying to stretch a small snack between activities, and there has been enough food for large family groups with leftovers.

Food and drinks beyond the included lunch cost extra. Bring water even if you plan to buy drinks on the island. A full bottle is especially useful during the transfer between beach, boat, and snorkeling areas.

Cowrie Island is attractive, but it is not a private beach. Other groups use the island, and the atmosphere changes with the number of boats present. Still, the longer stay gives you room to find a calmer corner and enjoy the setting at your own pace.

Is the optional massage worth adding?

The massage is offered at Cowrie Island and can be selected when booking. It is a practical add-on after swimming and sitting in the sun, especially if the weather turns wet and you are taking a break from the water.

A massage may be around 30 minutes if the schedule is tight, while a longer treatment depends on the available stop time and selected option. Some packages include sauna access, but check the exact option before paying because not every booking necessarily has the same inclusions.

There is a tradeoff. Every minute on the massage table is a minute you are not swimming, snorkeling, or taking photographs. If you have already had enough sun, the massage is a pleasant finish. If Cowrie Island is your favorite part of the trip, you may prefer to keep the full beach time.

Hotel drop-off after the massage can be arranged for an additional charge. The regular return transfer brings you back to the wharf, where your driver meets you for the journey to your accommodation.

Timing, transport, and the end of the day

The full experience lasts about 7 to 10 hours. The return to the wharf is expected around 2:30 PM, although the exact timing depends on traffic, boat arrangements, group pace, and weather.

A typical flow looks like this:

• Van pickup in Puerto Princesa
• Approximately 30-minute drive to Honda Bay Wharf
• Rental of snorkel gear, aqua shoes, and fins
• Boat transfer to Luli Island
• Snorkeling at Pambato Reef
• Longer beach and lunch stop at Cowrie Island
• Optional massage and extra island activities
• Boat ride back to the wharf
• Van transfer to your accommodation

The advertised timing is not a guarantee. Traffic can slow the first or final road transfer, and weather can alter the order of stops or cancel the route. If bad weather cancels the outing, you can attend on another day or take an alternative tour.

This tour is not a good fit for cruise ship passengers on a standard shared booking. The time needed for transport and the 7 to 10-hour schedule do not match most ship timetables. Cruise passengers need to book the private option, according to the tour conditions.

The real cost and what you need to bring

At $36, the base price covers a useful set of services. You get pickup and return transport if your accommodation is in the included zone, a local guide, boat transfers, entry fees, and lunch.

Allow for these additional costs:

• Environmental fee: PHP 150, listed as about $3
• Snorkel rental
• Aqua shoe rental
• Swimming fin rental
• Extra food and drinks
• Optional massage
• Hotel transfer surcharge if you stay more than 5 kilometers from the airport
• Possible extra charge for hotel drop-off after a massage

The equipment rental is the most noticeable omission. Several people would prefer snorkels and water shoes to be included, especially since snorkeling is central to the itinerary. You can reduce surprises by carrying your own gear if you have it, though the tour does provide rental access before boarding.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch is sensible, though it is not listed as required. Keep your belongings simple. You will move between van, wharf, boat, reef, and beach during the day.

Who will enjoy this island hopping tour?

I would recommend Honda Bay for you if you want a relaxed day close to Puerto Princesa, with several easy stops and a proper lunch. It works well for couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who like a mix of beach time and light snorkeling.

Families should find the route manageable because boat staff can help children and weaker swimmers. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

The tour also suits people who prefer a slower pace. You are not racing through a long list of islands. Luli gives you a short swim and photo stop, Pambato offers marine life, and Cowrie gives you the longest period to rest and eat.

I would hesitate if your top priority is a quiet, uncrowded beach or highly controlled snorkeling conditions. Shared island stops can be busy, weather may reduce visibility, and the morning setup can take longer than expected. A private group is worth considering if you want more control over pace, companions, and timing.

Should you book the Honda Bay tour?

Book it if you are staying in Puerto Princesa and want a convenient day on the water with strong guide support, good food, and varied stops. The lunch is better than the usual token meal, and the boat crew’s help makes the snorkeling accessible to families and less confident swimmers.

Add the massage if you prefer a calm finish and do not mind giving up some beach time. Skip it if you want every available minute for swimming and snorkeling.

The main cautions are simple: expect a slow start, pay extra for equipment and the environmental fee, and keep your weather expectations realistic. If those points suit you, this is a well-priced Honda Bay introduction and a pleasant break from Puerto Princesa’s inland sights.

FAQ

How long does the Honda Bay island hopping tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 to 10 hours. The day is expected to finish around 2:30 PM, but traffic, boat arrangements, group pace, and weather can affect the timing.

Which islands and reef does the tour visit?

The standard route includes Luli Island, Pambato Reef, and Cowrie Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A picnic lunch is included and served on Cowrie Island. Additional food and drinks are not included.

Are snorkels and aqua shoes included?

No. Snorkels, aqua shoes, and swimming fins are available to rent before boarding the boat.

How much is the environmental fee?

The environmental fee is PHP 150, listed as approximately $3.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is available from accommodation within 5 kilometers of Puerto Princesa City Airport. Accommodation outside that radius incurs an additional $80 charge.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children can join when accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Can I add a massage?

Yes. A massage can be selected as an optional add-on, and it takes place at Cowrie Island. Hotel drop-off after the massage is available for an extra charge.