Honda Bay Islands
Puerto Princesa - Philippines
Spot Type
Flat
Water
Crystal Clear
Beach
Sand
Rider Lever
beginner
Spot characteristics
Spot Type
Flat
Rider Skill
beginner
Crowd
Seasonal Crowd
Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Crystal Clear
Tide Influence
Tide independent
Description of Honda Bay Islands (Philippines)
Honda Bay, sitting just off the coast of Puerto Princesa in Palawan, is one of those destinations where kitesurfing is possible but where the sport shares the stage with a broader range of activities rather than taking center place. The bay is primarily known for its island hopping and snorkeling, and the collection of small islands with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters scattered across it make it easy to understand why those activities dominate the visitor experience here.
Wind conditions in the bay are moderate for most of the year, picking up during the Amihan season between November and April when consistent northeast winds make kiteboarding a realistic option. The sandy beaches provide a workable surface for launching kites when conditions are favorable, but riders should be prepared to share the shoreline with swimmers, snorkelers, and day-trippers, which requires extra awareness and can limit the available space depending on how busy the beach is at any given time. Finding a dedicated area without interruption from other beachgoers is the main practical challenge here, and it is worth scouting the options before committing to a session.
Honest as it is to say, Honda Bay is not optimized for kitesurfing in the way that more dedicated spots in the Philippines are, and riders whose primary goal is maximizing time on the water would likely be better served by heading to Emerald Playa or other more purpose-suited locations in the Puerto Princesa area. That said, for kitesurfers who are already in the region and want to combine a session with everything else Honda Bay has to offer, the surrounding islands and the quality of the marine environment make the extra organizational effort worthwhile.
Beyond the water, Palawan continues to deliver on rest days. Mangrove forest tours, island hopping around the bay, and the consistently excellent fresh seafood available at restaurants throughout Puerto Princesa all contribute to making Honda Bay a rewarding stop even for visitors whose main focus is kitesurfing rather than beach tourism.
Spot Gallery (6)
Spot best suited for
Spot profile
Adventure spot
That dream place out of the normal touristic routes. Once you reach it, you feel in paradise, it can be anything extraordinary, a hidden gem, remote and fascinating.
Equipment
Kiteboard, kite size suitable for moderate winds, harness, wetsuit (if needed), and safety equipment.
Wind Conditions
Main wind directions
% of Windy days per month
Wind Speed Range
From 5 to 10 Knots
Suggested sizes
Forecast on Windy.com
Dangers
Strong currents can occur, especially during peak wind season. Always check local conditions and follow safety guidelines.
Location
Closest City
Puerto Princesa
How to get There
From Puerto Princesa City, take a jeepney or tricycle to the Honda Bay Pier, and then charter a boat to the various islands.
Access
public
What to do besides kitesurfing
Honda Bay and the surrounding Puerto Princesa area are well set up in terms of amenities, which makes organizing a stay here relatively straightforward compared to some of the more remote spots in the Philippines. Accommodations covering a broad range of budgets are available in Puerto Princesa, from simple guesthouses to more comfortable resorts, and the town has a solid selection of restaurants, local shops for basic supplies, and tour agencies that handle snorkeling and island hopping excursions without much fuss.
The island hopping tours that depart from Honda Bay are genuinely worth organizing, as each of the surrounding islands has its own character and offers a slightly different experience. Spending a full day moving between stops, snorkeling over rich marine ecosystems, swimming in clear waters, and eating freshly prepared seafood at small restaurants right on the islands is the kind of day that tends to stand out in the memory of a trip to Palawan. The marine biodiversity in the area is impressive enough to reward even those who have already snorkeled extensively in other parts of the Philippines.
Back in Puerto Princesa, the local markets are worth taking some time to explore. Handmade crafts and regional souvenirs reflect the cultural identity of Palawan in a way that the more generic tourist shops do not, and picking something up from a local market feels like a more meaningful way to bring a piece of the destination home. The overall blend of relaxed beach time, active water sports, good food, and cultural exploration makes Honda Bay an easy destination to recommend for kitesurfers who want their trip to amount to more than just sessions on the water.