Puerto Princesa: Honda Bay Island Hopping & Optional Massage

Honda Bay is a fine answer to the question, What can I do in Puerto Princesa without spending the night away? This full-day boat trip takes you from the city to three very different stops: a disappearing sandbar, a coral reef, and a beach island with lunch and optional massage. The water, white sand, and easy pace make it a pleasant break from town.

I especially like the variety of the stops and the generous picnic lunch, which is praised again and again for its quality and quantity. Guides including Jed, Jeff, Echo, Rowena, and Joseph have also helped make the day feel personal, especially for families and people who are not strong swimmers. The main drawback is the slow start: one recent pickup took nearly 1 hour and 50 minutes before the boat left, and snorkel gear and aqua shoes cost extra.

• Three distinct stops: Visit Luli Island, Pambato Reef, and Cowrie Island, each with a different purpose.
• Pambato Reef snorkeling: Look for branch corals, grouper, parrot fish, spadefish, and other reef life.
• A real island lunch: Eat a generous picnic meal prepared and served at Cowrie Island.
• Optional massage: Finish the day with a beach massage, with sauna included in at least one massage option.
• Small van groups: The air-conditioned van holds no more than 13 people, with private trips also available.
• Simple extras to budget: Allow PHP 150, about $3, for the environmental fee, plus rentals for snorkeling equipment and aqua shoes.

Why Honda Bay Makes a Good Day Trip From Puerto Princesa

Honda Bay lies on the eastern side of Puerto Princesa, so you can reach the wharf without giving up an entire night to transport. The drive from the city to Barangay Sta. Lourdes takes about 30 minutes in normal conditions, though traffic and pickup arrangements can make the overall morning longer.

The bay is dotted with small islands, beaches, resorts, coral areas, and shallow water. That gives the day a relaxed rhythm. You are not spending every hour in the boat, and you do not need to choose between swimming, snorkeling, sitting in the sun, or simply eating lunch with your feet near the sand.

I would choose this trip if you want a straightforward introduction to Palawan’s coastal scenery. It is not designed as a wilderness expedition. The islands are developed for day visits, with food areas, a cocktail bar, a jump platform, and optional water activities at some stops.

The tour lasts about seven to 10 hours. The listed schedule has the day ending at roughly 2:30 PM, but pickup time, traffic, loading the boat, and weather can change that. Keep the rest of your day flexible rather than booking a tight flight, bus, or separate activity.

The Morning Transfer and Honda Bay Wharf

Pickup is available from accommodation within five kilometers of Puerto Princesa City Airport. Transportation is by air-conditioned van, and the maximum group size in one van is 13 people. Private group bookings are available if you want more control over the pace or need a special arrangement.

The short city transfer is easy enough, but the morning may include waiting, equipment rental, registration, and boat loading. This is the part of the day most likely to test your patience. One person reported almost two hours from pickup to boarding, even though the distance to the wharf is modest.

I suggest bringing water and treating the early part as part of the outing rather than expecting a perfectly timed departure. Once you are on the boat, the day becomes much more scenic.

Before boarding, you can rent a snorkel, aqua shoes, and swimming fins. These are not included in the $36 price, so bring a little extra money. You will also need to pay the environmental fee of PHP 150, about $3.

If you already own comfortable snorkeling equipment, bring it. Aqua shoes are useful around beaches and shallow water, but they are optional if you are happy going barefoot where permitted.

Luli Island and Its Vanishing Sandbar

The first island stop is Luli Island, named from the Filipino phrase Lulubog at Lilitaw, meaning to sink and appear. The name refers to the sandbar’s changing shape. It can disappear at high tide and reappear as the water falls.

The appeal here is simple: pale cream-colored sand, clear blue water, and time to swim or sit in the sun. Luli also has a cocktail bar and a platform for jumping into the water, giving the stop a little more activity than a quiet beach visit.

This is a good place to get comfortable with the boat group and the warm-water setting. You can take photos, cool off, or stay dry and enjoy the view. Tide conditions matter, so the visible sandbar may not look exactly as expected on every departure.

Luli is not the main snorkeling stop. If you are most interested in fish and coral, save your energy for Pambato Reef. If you prefer a beach stop with easy swimming and a few simple extras, Luli may be one of your favorite parts of the morning.

Pambato Reef for Fish and Coral

Pambato Reef is the most important stop for underwater scenery. The reef covers about 16 hectares and has an average depth of roughly 13 meters. You will see branch corals and schools of fish, including lapu-lapu, or grouper, parrot fish, and spadefish.

Water clarity and light make a real difference here. On bright, calm days, the coral and fish can look excellent. Cloudy weather, rain, or rough water can make the colors less clear and the snorkeling less rewarding. Several departures have still had enjoyable water time in overcast conditions, but you should keep expectations flexible.

The boat crew can help people who are not confident swimmers. This has been particularly useful for families and first-time snorkelers. One family found that a crew member helped a young child take part, while another person who could not swim was assisted so they could safely enjoy the water.

That support does not mean you should ignore normal water safety. Tell the guide and crew if you are nervous, and follow their instructions before entering the water. The guide may also point out fish and explain the local marine life, which adds more value than simply being dropped at a snorkeling spot.

Pambato is where your rented snorkel matters most. If seeing fish is the main reason you booked, consider paying for the equipment rather than treating the stop as a quick swim.

Cowrie Island, Lunch, and the Longest Stop

Cowrie Island is the final and longest stop. It combines the classic beach setting with practical comforts, so this is where the day slows down.

The water is clear, the sand is powdery, and there is room for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and relaxing. You may also find optional activities and island services, though the exact offerings can vary. The important point is that you are not rushed through a ten-minute photo stop.

Lunch is served on Cowrie Island. It is a picnic-style meal prepared by the tour team, and the portions have been singled out as unusually generous for this kind of day trip. Some people found the presentation appealing as well as the food itself, and families appreciated having enough to feed everyone comfortably.

I would not book the trip solely for lunch, since menus can change. Still, food is a meaningful part of the value here. You are not left to search for an expensive meal on an island, and the meal gives the group a natural pause after the morning in the water.

Cowrie is also the best place to leave room for doing very little. Sit under cover if available, swim, take photos, or simply dry off. The island can feel busy when several groups arrive, but the longer stop gives you a better chance to find your own pace.

The Optional Massage at the End

A massage can be added for a relaxing finish. The massage center is at Cowrie Island, so you do not need to travel elsewhere after the boat trip. One massage option has included sauna access, which can be appealing after several hours in the sun and salt water.

The main caution is timing. A full hour may not fit comfortably into the island schedule. One person received a half-hour massage because there was not enough time for a longer treatment, though they still found it worthwhile.

If you select a massage, ask how much time is available when you arrive. You will then know whether to swim first, eat first, or keep the final part of the visit free.

Hotel drop-off after the massage costs extra and must be booked as an add-on. The standard pickup and drop-off area is within five kilometers of the airport. Accommodation farther away carries an additional $80 charge, so check your hotel location carefully before paying.

How the $36 Price Holds Up

At $36 per person, the trip offers a useful amount for the price: van transport, a local guide, boat transfers, entry fees, lunch, and the main island visits. You also get a full day out of Puerto Princesa without arranging separate transport to the wharf.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the snorkeling stop, eat the included lunch, and spend several hours enjoying Cowrie Island. A private trip will cost more, but it may make sense for families or groups that want a quieter boat arrangement.

The price is less complete than it first appears. Budget for the PHP 150 environmental fee, snorkeling equipment, aqua shoes, and extra food or drinks. The rental charges are not described here, so ask for the current rate if you are keeping your budget tight.

Compared with arranging every transfer and boat ride independently, the package is convenient. Compared with a simple beach visit, it is not the cheapest way to spend a day. The real value is the combination of transport, three stops, crew support, lunch, and a guide who keeps the day moving.

Guides, Crew, and Group Atmosphere

The guide can shape the experience more than the beaches do. Guides named in individual departures include Jed, Jeff, Echo, Rowena, Joseph, Mark, Shy, Rich, and others. Jed has been praised for helping with photos and sharing local culture, while Jeff has been described as energetic and proud of Puerto Princesa.

Echo has received praise for helping people in the water and offering useful suggestions beyond the trip itself. Joseph has been appreciated for being easy to talk with and helpful during the boat arrangements. These details matter because a good guide can make a mixed group feel more at ease.

The boat crew also plays an important role. They assist nervous swimmers and help people move safely during snorkeling. Families with young children may find this especially helpful, though children must remain with an adult.

Since this is a shared activity, you may spend the day with people you have never met. Most of the appeal is social and easygoing, but group personalities can vary. Keep conversation friendly and remember that a day on the water is shared space.

Weather, Timing, and What to Pack

The tour depends on favorable weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you can attend on another day or take an alternative tour. That policy is useful, but you should still avoid placing the activity on the final possible day of your stay if Honda Bay is a major priority.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Drinking water
• Extra money for the environmental fee and equipment rental

A dry bag would be useful, but it is not listed as required, so use your judgment. You should also expect sun, salt water, wet floors, and sand. Wear clothing that dries easily and protect your phone before boarding.

This tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers on the regular shared departure because of the time needed. Cruise passengers must book the private option. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, but unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Who Should Book This Honda Bay Tour?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors staying in Puerto Princesa who want a full day of beach time without arranging several separate services. It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and mixed-age groups, especially because you can choose between swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and massage.

It is also a good choice if you are not a strong swimmer. The crew has helped nervous and inexperienced people take part, although you should still be honest about your comfort level and listen to safety instructions.

I would be more cautious if you dislike waiting, shared tours, or fixed schedules. The morning transfer can take longer than expected, and equipment costs extra. If your only goal is serious snorkeling, weather and water clarity may disappoint you on a cloudy day.

Should You Book It?

Book this Honda Bay island-hopping trip if you want good variety for $36, a generous included lunch, and a relaxed beach day close to Puerto Princesa. The best parts are Pambato Reef for marine life, Cowrie Island for the long beach stop, and the helpful guides and boat crew.

Skip it if you need a tightly timed day, dislike group outings, or already have a private boat plan. For most people staying in Puerto Princesa, though, it is a practical way to see several small islands, get in the water, and end with the option of a massage without a complicated day of planning.

FAQ

How long does the Honda Bay island-hopping tour last?

The activity lasts about 7 to 10 hours. The stated schedule ends at approximately 2:30 PM, but traffic, pickup timing, boat loading, and weather can affect the total duration.

What islands and sites does the tour visit?

The planned stops are Luli Island, Pambato Reef, and Cowrie Island. Each stop has a different focus, including swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and lunch.

Is pickup from my accommodation included?

Pickup is available from accommodation within five kilometers of Puerto Princesa City Airport. An additional $80 charge applies if your accommodation is outside that radius.

Is lunch included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkels, aqua shoes, and swimming fins are available to rent before boarding. The environmental fee is also separate and costs PHP 150, about $3.

Can I book a massage?

Yes. Massage options are available at Cowrie Island. A massage can be selected when booking, and one option has included sauna access.

Does hotel drop-off after the massage cost extra?

Yes. Hotel drop-off after the massage can be arranged for an additional charge and must be booked as an add-on.

Are children allowed on the tour?

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

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. Live guiding is available in English and Tagalog.

Can cruise ship passengers join the regular group tour?

No. The regular tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers because of the time requirements. Cruise passengers should book the private option.