Honda BayHonda Bay at a Glance
Costs: $25-60 per day - Shared island-hopping tours are inexpensive; private boat hires cost more (prices in PHP for local fares).
Safety: Generally safe - Typical low-crime tourist area but take normal precautions on boats and watch for strong sun and slippery rocks.
Best Time: November - April - Drier months have calmer seas and better visibility for snorkeling; the monsoon brings frequent heavy rain from June to October.
About Honda Bay
Honda Bay is a shallow, protected bay just northeast of Puerto Princesa on the east coast of Palawan. It contains a string of sandy islets and reefs - Cowrie, Starfish, Snake Island and Lu-Ii among them - visited on short, motorized banca trips from the city’s Honda Bay Wharf; most runs take about 20-30 minutes by boat.
Historically the islands were small fishing and foraging sites for local communities; in recent decades they have become easy-access day-trip destinations for visitors based in Puerto Princesa. The islands are notable for calm, clear shallows, patchy coral gardens and starfish aggregations, though coral health and visitor numbers vary by islet.
Visiting Honda Bay is simple: tours leave every day from the main wharf, and the experience is informal - think beach picnics, snorkeling off small reefs and short walks along sand tongues such as Snake Island. On-island facilities are basic: expect sun shelters, simple food stalls and, on some privately run islets, modest entrance fees.
Why Visit Honda Bay?
Travelers come to Honda Bay for quick, comfortable access to beaches and snorkel spots without the overnight logistics of Palawan’s far-flung islands. The bay is ideal for families and short-stay visitors based in Puerto Princesa who want a marine-day outing with minimal travel time. It also pairs easily with longer Palawan itineraries that include Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or northbound trips to El Nido, Palawan.
Honda Bay Bucket List
Don't Miss
Starfish Island - Shallow sandbanks and starfish make this a classic snorkeling stop where you can float over patches of marine life close to shore.
Snake Island sandbar - A long, curving sand tongue exposed at low tide that’s perfect for strolling, photos and shallow wading.
Cowrie / Lu-Ii islets - Popular for easy swimming, snorkeling and beach picnics; these islets are central to most standard island-hopping circuits.
Hidden Gems
Pandan and smaller islets - Less-visited tiny islands where snorkeling can be quieter - good if you prefer a more peaceful stop than the main attractions.
Local marine life spotting - Look for sea cucumbers, small reef fish and, with luck, juvenile reef species in the bay’s shallow seagrass areas.
Day Trips
Half- or full-day Honda Bay tour - Most visitors do a 3-6 hour island-hopping circuit that visits 3-4 islets and includes snorkeling and lunch on the beach.
Puerto Princesa city sights - Combine a Honda Bay trip with a morning or afternoon exploring Puerto Princesa’s baywalk, markets and seafood restaurants.
Underground River - The popular day trip to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is often paired with a stay in the city.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Honda Bay
Honda Bay is best visited in the drier months when the sea is calm and visibility is high for snorkeling. The heaviest rain falls in mid-year and the start of the northeast monsoon makes sea conditions rougher.
Dry season
Drier weather, calmer seas and good underwater visibility make this the most pleasant time for island-hopping and snorkeling.
Hot pre-monsoon
Temperatures rise and afternoons can be hot; mornings are still ideal for boat trips but bring sun protection and plenty of water.
Monsoon / wet season
Frequent heavy rain and choppier seas reduce visibility and can disrupt boat schedules - expect more cancelled or postponed tours.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1574 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 23° - 31° | 27° | 23 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| February | Ideal | 23° - 31° | 30° | 17 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Excellent | 24° - 32° | 31° | 25 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.5 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 25° - 33° | 32° | 41 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 2.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Good | 25° - 33° | 33° | 132 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 1.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| June | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 188 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.5h |
| July | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 189 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 190 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.3h |
| September | Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 212 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 219 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.9 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 218 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.6h |
| December | Very Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 120 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.5h |
Where to Stay in Honda Bay
Budget
Puerto Princesa city centre - $10-40/night
Most budget guests stay in the city where there are many hostels and guesthouses within easy reach of the Honda Bay wharf and local restaurants.
Mid-Range
Waterfront and near Honda Bay wharf - $40-100/night
Mid-range options around the bay and along the city waterfront offer more comfort and easier access to tour operators and transfers to the islands.
Luxury
Puerto Princesa or further afield - $100+/night
There are few true luxury resorts on Honda Bay’s small islands; for higher-end amenities look to select lodgings in Puerto Princesa or north toward El Nido.
Where to Eat in Honda Bay
Food on the islets is basic - think beach grills, picnic lunches and simple seafood stalls run by local vendors. For a greater choice return to Puerto Princesa, where Rizal Avenue and the baywalk have a range of eateries serving fresh seafood, Filipino dishes and inexpensive snacks.
Shopping in Honda Bay
Souvenir stalls, small markets and local handicraft shops in Puerto Princesa sell woven goods, shell crafts and palm-sugar products; the city market is the best place to buy fresh produce and local snacks before a boat trip.
Nightlife in Honda Bay
Nightlife around Honda Bay itself is virtually nonexistent; most evening entertainment is in Puerto Princesa, with low-key bars, live-music spots and seaside cafés clustered near the city waterfront.
How to Get to Honda Bay
Honda Bay is reached from Puerto Princesa, which is the transport hub for northern and central Palawan. Boats to the islets depart from the Honda Bay wharf on daily schedules and private hires.
- By Air: Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS): Flights from Manila take about an hour and arrive at Puerto Princesa International Airport. From the airport it’s a 20-30-minute drive to the Honda Bay wharf by tricycle, taxi or jeepney; expect about PHP 150-300 for a one-way city transfer.
- By Ferry: Manila to Puerto Princesa: Roll-on/roll-off ferries run between Manila and Puerto Princesa but take long (about 20-24 hours) and are less frequent than flights; schedules change seasonally and should be checked in advance.
- From Puerto Princesa city centre: The main Honda Bay wharf is a short ride from the city centre; many hotels can arrange tricycle or taxi transfers, and tours include transfer options and boat hire - shared tours cost less, private banca hires are more expensive (typical shared rates and private-boat rates vary; expect PHP-level fares for local transport).
How to Get Around Honda Bay
Getting around Honda Bay itself means taking small motorized bancas between islands; on the islands you walk short distances. Movements in Puerto Princesa use tricycles, jeepneys or taxis.
- Walking: Islets are small and easily explored on foot - bring reef shoes for rocky patches and sun protection for exposed sandbars.
- Banca (shared and private boats): Island-hopping is done by banca; shared tours are economical while private hires give flexibility - expect private-day hires and per-person shared tour prices in PHP.
- Tricycle / jeepney / taxi in Puerto Princesa: Short trips around the city are by tricycle or jeepney; short tricycle rides are usually PHP 50-150 depending on distance, taxis are slightly more.
Honda Bay FAQs
How long should I allocate for a Honda Bay visit?
A typical visit is a half- to full-day trip (3-6 hours) depending on how many islets you want to see; combine with some time in town if you plan to eat or shop. See the guided options in Best things to do in Honda Bay.
How do I get from Puerto Princesa airport to the Honda Bay wharf?
From Puerto Princesa International Airport it’s a 20-30-minute tricycle or taxi ride to the Honda Bay wharf; many tours include transfers from hotels or the airport. Check the practical directions in How to get to Honda Bay.
Which islands should I visit on a standard tour?
Most standard circuits include Starfish Island, Cowrie or Lu-Ii and Snake Island for snorkeling, swimming and beach time; quieter islets like Pandan are options on some tours. A rundown of common stops is in Honda Bay bucket list.
Are there entrance fees or permits for the islands?
Some privately managed islets charge small entrance or beach-use fees and tourist environmental fees may apply - bring cash in PHP for boat hires and local charges. For planning and costs see How to get around Honda Bay.
When is the best time to go snorkeling in Honda Bay?
The best time is during the drier months (roughly November-April) when seas are calmer and visibility is better; avoid the peak of the monsoon for clearer water and reliable boat schedules. Seasonal advice is in Best time to visit Honda Bay.
Can I rent a boat privately for a custom itinerary?
Yes - local operators offer private banca hires for custom island-hopping; private hires are pricier than shared tours but allow timing and island choice flexibility. See options and typical local arrangements in How to get to Honda Bay.
Is Honda Bay suitable for children and non-swimmers?
Yes - many beaches are shallow and protected, making them family-friendly, but supervise children around water and use life jackets on boats and while snorkeling. Safety tips and transport notes are in Honda Bay at a Glance.
Can I combine Honda Bay with other Palawan highlights?
Honda Bay pairs easily with city sightseeing in Puerto Princesa and day trips to the Underground River; longer itineraries commonly continue north to El Nido, Palawan. See suggestions in Why visit Honda Bay.