The short answer
Honda Bay island hopping: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you want a relaxed half-day on the water. Go to the wharf in the morning, choose a shared or private boat, and ask for shade and life jackets. Wikivoyage suggests arriving before about 11 am for a small boat.
History and context
The story behind Honda Bay island hopping
Honda Bay takes its name from the Spanish Bahia Honda, meaning deep bay. Wikipedia notes subsistence and commercial fishing, boat rental, and environmental concerns tied to the former Palawan Quicksilver Mine, which operated from 1953 to 1976.
Useful facts
Honda Bay island hopping facts at a glance
- Location
- Honda Bay, east coast of Palawan
- Experience type
- Shared or private boat trip
- Departure
- Santa Lourdes wharf, about 25 minutes from the city
- Typical stops
- Small islands for swimming and snorkelling
- Timing tip
- Arrive before about 11 am for a small boat
- Cost
- Varies; ask for the total including fees
Why it matters
Why Honda Bay island hopping is worth your time
Honda Bay is the easy sea day from Puerto Princesa. Wikipedia describes it as ideal for snorkelling, with islands including Arrecife Island, which hosts an upscale resort, and Starfish Island. Unlike a long road trip, it needs little more than a morning and a wharf transfer, so it suits families who want water time without a full day on the road.
It also has a darker footnote. Wikipedia records that in May 2001 gunmen kidnapped 20 people from a resort in the bay, and mercury tailings from an old mine have affected a local community. Neither should stop a visit today, but go with a licensed operator and check current advisories.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Pick a private boat if you can
It lets you control the stops and ask for help with boarding.
- 02
Snorkel early
Water is calmer and clearer in the morning.
- 03
Carry your own lunch
Boat lunches are mostly grilled fish and meat, so pack food if you eat vegetarian.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Honda Bay (Bahia Honda, deep bay) has many small islands, many less than 45 minutes by boat from shore according to Wikipedia. A typical trip makes two or three stops at islands for swimming and snorkelling, with lunch on a beach. Wikivoyage says the wharf is about 25 minutes from the city and suggests getting there before 11 am for a small boat and by 2.30 pm for a larger one.
Choose between a shared and a private boat. Shared boats are cheaper but run to a fixed route and clock. A private boat costs more and suits a family of four or more, because you can shorten a stop, avoid the busiest island and ask the crew to anchor close to shore for older passengers.
Bring a hat, a light cover-up, reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes. Pack your own vegetarian or Jain lunch if you eat that way, as island lunches are mostly grilled fish and meat. Ask about the toilet situation before you go.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Go to the wharf early in the morning
- Ask for life jackets and shade
- Wear water shoes and bring a dry bag
- Arrange vegetarian or Jain food separately
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Honda Bay, on the eastern coast of Palawan near Puerto Princesa; boats leave from the Santa Lourdes wharf
- Time needed
- Half day to full day
- Best time
- Dry months, early morning
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Boarding is by wading over the side of a small bangka, and many island stops have little shade. Choose a private boat with crew help if anyone has knee or balance problems, and wear grip shoes.
- Tickets and access
- Boat trips are sold at the wharf and by hotels. Prices and island combinations vary, and environmental or island fees may be extra, so ask for the total before paying. Confirm everything locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Honda Bay island hopping
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Boarding is by wading over the side of a small bangka, and many island stops have little shade. Choose a private boat with crew help if anyone has knee or balance problems, and wear grip shoes.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Honda Bay safe for tourists?
Wikipedia notes an incident in 2001 at a resort in the bay. Today trips run daily from the wharf; use a licensed operator and check current advisories.
How long is the boat ride?
Wikipedia says many islands are less than 45 minutes by boat from shore, so a half-day trip with two or three stops is typical.
Is it good for older travellers?
Yes, with a private boat and crew help. The sea day is shorter and less tiring than the Underground River trip.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
