Just a short boat ride from Puerto Princesa, Cowrie Island feels like the kind of place you picture when you think “tropical escape.” Soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and an easygoing island vibe make it one of the most popular stops in Honda Bay.
Why visit Cowrie Island?
Unlike some of the more rugged or remote stops in Palawan, Cowrie Island is designed for relaxing, swimming, and spending a full, carefree day by the sea.
The island gets its name from the cowrie shells once commonly found along its shores. These small, glossy shells were historically used as currency in parts of Asia, and while you’re less likely to spot them in abundance today, the name has stuck as a nod to the island’s natural history.
What draws visitors here is the balance: it’s developed enough to be comfortable, but still retains that laid-back, beach-culture charm.
Popular things to do at Puerto Princesa include:
- Swimming in the calm, clear water
- Snorkeling along the reef edges
- Beach lounging under palm trees or shaded huts
- Kayaking or paddleboarding (available for rent)
- Enjoying a fresh seafood lunch (included in most tours)
It’s the kind of place where you’re free to engage in relaxed activities without needing to plan much in advance. It’s a great way to spend a day recharging after a more active trip like the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour.
What to expect at Cowrie Island
Cowrie Island is typically one of the main stops on a Honda Bay island-hopping tour, and it often serves as the relaxation part of the day.
When you arrive, you’ll dock at a wooden jetty that opens onto a wide stretch of white sand. The beach is well-kept, with lounge areas, shaded tables, and small facilities that make it easy to settle in for a few hours.
The water here is one of the highlights. It’s shallow near the shore, making it ideal for casual swimming, and gradually deepens further out. Snorkeling is best around the edges of the island, where you’ll find patches of coral and small reef fish.
Compared to other Honda Bay stops, Cowrie Island feels more spacious and organized. There are designated areas for dining, chilling, and water activities, so it rarely feels chaotic even during busier days.
If your tour includes lunch (most do), this is often where it’s served — typically a buffet-style spread of grilled seafood, rice, fruit, and local dishes.
How to get to Cowrie Island (and cost)
Cowrie Island is part of Honda Bay, about 30–45 minutes from Puerto Princesa City.
Getting there
You’ll first travel by van or tricycle to Honda Bay Wharf, then take a motorized outrigger boat to the island. The boat ride itself takes around 15–20 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
There are two main ways to visit:
Option 1: Group island-hopping tour
Most visitors choose a shared Honda Bay tour, which usually includes Cowrie Island along with one or two other stops, such as Starfish Island.
- Cost: ₱1,200–2,000 per person
- Includes: boat transfers, lunch, guide, and snorkeling gear (varies by operator)
- Best for: convenience and value
Option 2: Private boat hire
If you want more flexibility, you can hire a private boat at Honda Bay Wharf.
- Cost: ₱2,500–4,000 per boat (good for small groups)
- Site entrance fee: around ₱100–150 per person (may be separate)
- Best for: customizing your schedule and avoiding peak crowds
There’s also a small environmental fee collected at the wharf before departure.
What to wear to Cowrie Island
Dress for a full day outdoors, in and out of the water.
- Swimwear under light, breathable clothing
- Sandals or flip-flops (easy to remove on the beach)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (apply before boarding your boat)
- Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection
- A dry bag for your phone and valuables
- A quick-dry towel and a change of clothes
If you plan to snorkel for longer periods, a rash guard or UV shirt is worth bringing — the tropical sun is stronger than it feels.
When to visit Cowrie Island
Timing can make a noticeable difference in your experience, especially when it comes to weather and crowd levels.
Best time of year
- Dry season (November–May): Calm seas, sunny weather, and the best conditions for island hopping
- Peak months (December–March): Ideal weather, but busier tours
- Shoulder months (November and May): Great balance of good weather and fewer crowds
- Rainy season (June–October): Occasional storms and rougher seas; tours may be canceled on some days
Best days and times
- Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends
- Morning departures (around 7–8 AM) are the most common
- If going private, arriving earlier or later than group tours helps you avoid peak crowds
Because Cowrie Island is part of a larger Honda Bay itinerary, your exact timing will depend on your tour — but even during busy periods, the island’s layout helps keep things comfortable.
FAQs on Cowrie Island
1. How do you get to Cowrie Island from Puerto Princesa?
To reach Cowrie Island, you first travel from Puerto Princesa City to Honda Bay Wharf, which takes around 30–45 minutes by van or tricycle. From the wharf, you board a motorized outrigger boat for a short 15–20 minute ride to the island. Most visitors join a Honda Bay island-hopping tour, which usually includes boat transfers, lunch, and stops at nearby islands.
2. Is Cowrie Island part of a Honda Bay island-hopping tour?
Yes. Cowrie Island is one of the most popular stops on Honda Bay island-hopping tours from Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island. It’s commonly paired with nearby destinations such as Starfish Island and Luli Island. Many tours spend the longest amount of time at Cowrie Island because it has beach facilities, swimming areas, and lunch setups that make it ideal for relaxing during the day.
3. What should you bring to Cowrie Island?
Bring swimwear, light clothing, sandals or water-friendly footwear, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. A dry bag is useful for keeping your phone and valuables safe during the boat ride, and a quick-dry towel or spare change of clothes can make the return trip more comfortable. If you plan to snorkel for a while, a rash guard or UV shirt is also a good idea.
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