Honda Bay

Honda Bay, a shimmering arc of turquoise water just north of Puerto Princesa, is Palawan's gateway to island-hopping bliss. This isn't a single beach but a scattering of coral-fringed islets and sandbars, each with its own lazy charm. The air smells of salt and grilling seafood, and the vibe is unhurried—perfect for those who want to trade city noise for the gentle lap of waves.

Highlights & What to See

• Island-hopping by bangka: The classic Honda Bay experience. Traditional outrigger boats whisk you to three or four islands—Starfish Island (where you can wade among vivid blue sea stars), Luli Island (a sandbar that vanishes at high tide), and Cowrie Island (with a shaded picnic area and clear shallows for snorkeling).
• Snorkeling over healthy coral: The bay's marine sanctuary teems with parrotfish, clownfish, and the occasional sea turtle. Snorkel gear is usually provided on tours, and the water is calm enough for beginners.
• Pandan Island's laid-back lunch: Many tours include a seafood lunch cooked on the beach—grilled fish, squid, prawns, and fresh mango. The bamboo tables under palm-thatch umbrellas are pure tropical escapism.
• Sunset from the bay's edge: After the boats return, grab a table at a waterfront eatery in Barangay Sta. Lourdes to watch the sky melt into peach and violet over the islands.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors dedicate a full day to Honda Bay—tours typically depart around 8 am and return by 4 pm. This gives you time to visit three islands, snorkel at two spots, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. If you're short on time, a half-day tour (skipping the lunch stop) is possible, but you'll miss the unhurried island vibe. Arrive in Puerto Princesa the evening before so you can start fresh; the bay is about a 40-minute drive north of the city.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site with an underground river you can explore by boat. It's a full-day trip, so plan it on a separate day from Honda Bay.
• Puerto Princesa City – The provincial capital has a lively baywalk, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (home to crocodiles), and a growing café scene. Use it as your base for Honda Bay tours.
• Sabang – The coastal village at the gateway to the Subterranean River. It offers beachfront accommodation and mangrove paddle tours.
• Dos Palmas Island Resort – A private-island resort with excellent snorkeling right off the beach, about 45 minutes by boat from Honda Bay. Worth a splurge for a night or two.

Please check official sources for current details.