Summer is upon us, so it’s the ideal time to take a look at some of best ways to get wet – or at least enjoy a seaside view – in HK. From watersports centres to beachside glamping, here are 20 water activities in Hong Kong for everyone to enjoy.
#1 Go Geopark Exploring
HK has a surprise at every turn, and if you’ve not been out to see the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, you’re in for a pleasant one. Opened in November 2009, and comprising eight major geological sites of international stature, the park can be explored by boat or, for the more adventurous, via a walking tour. geopark.gov.hk
#2 Dive into the Depths
Thanks to a strict limit on permits for fishing in Marine Parks in the New Territories, you can find an abundance of coral and fish species in these waters, from clownfish to barracuda. The South China Diving Club organises training and guided dives throughout the year. scdc.org.hk
#3 Take the Right Tack
Hong Kong is a dream posting for anyone who loves yachts. The territory has numerous sailing clubs ranging from the historical and prestigious Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in Causeway Bay to the lesser-known Hong Kong Hobie Club on To Tei Wan beach, facing Tai Tam Bay. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department also offers sailing courses at five public watersports centres. rhkyc.org.hk | hobieclub.org.hk | lcsd.gov.hk
#4 Dine by the Water
If you’re hungry rather than hankering for a hike, head out to some of the villages on the outlying islands and indulge in a seafood feast! You’ll find heaps of options on Lamma, Cheung Chau and Lantau. Our go-tos differ every visit, but you can’t go past a simple wok-fried fish of the day, and maybe some clams in black bean and garlic – yum!
#5 Throw in a Line
There are many reservoirs in Hong Kong open to the public for fishing out of the breeding season every year. Permits are cheap and valid for three years; visit the website of the Water Supplies Department and click on “Application for Fishing Licence” for more information. wsd.gov.hk
#6 Freestyle across the Harbour
The annual New World Harbour Race had been a date on Hong Kong’s sporting calendar for over 100 years until the pandemic messed things up last year! No details are confirmed yet for a 2021 swim across Victoria Harbour, though the event is normally held in October, so hopefully there is time yet for it come together. hkharbourrace.com
#7 Peek into the Past
Spend the day finding out about Hong Kong’s aquatic history at the Maritime Musuem. Located at Pier 8, close to the Star Ferry dock, this is a good spot for the whole family, with more than a dozen galleries, including a simulator that gives kids the chance to experience what it’s like to drive a ship right into Victoria Harbour! hkmaritimemuseum.org
#8 Jump aboard a Junk
If you want to experience something of the city’s nautical past, take a trip on the last authentic Hong Kong junk, Duk Ling. Restored in the 1980s, the boat takes passengers on an hour-long harbour cruise. And don’t miss our special on junk companies and caterers in this issue, for a fun day out with friends! dukling.com.hk
#9 Support the Seas
There is an increasing awareness in the community about the importance of protecting our natural resources. If you want to do your bit, log on to the Hong Kong International Coastal Clean-up Challenge website for details of annual events, or join a plastic-free seas event. For up-to-date facts on beach grading and water quality, visit the website of the Environmental Protection department (epd.gov.hk). plasticfreeseas.org | hkcleanup.org
#10 Plunge into a Pool
There are 44 public swimming pools across the city – exactly half of them at on Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon, and the other half are in the New Territories. Most have a wide range of facilities such as kiddie pools and water slides to make a visit a fun family day out. What’s more, they’re cheap as chips! www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro
#11 Spot a Pink Dolphin
Hong Kong is home to rare pink dolphins, which are sadly facing extinction due to the threat to their habitat in the Pearl River Estuary. You can still spot them if you’re lucky, though – check out the website of Hong Kong Dolphin Watch for details of upcoming ecotours. hkdolphinwatch
#12 Kitesurf for Kicks
Lantau is the destination of choice for some kitesurfing fun on the water. The Hong Kong Kiteboarding School offers training approved by the International Kiteboarding Organisation. There’s also a big wakeboarding community in Hong Kong, and you don’t have to be on a junk to spend the day enjoying the sport. fb.com/HongkongKiteboardingSchool | aquabound.com.hk
#13 Camp or Glamp
For a family weekend with a difference, camp out in a teepee or go glamping at one of the territory’s waterfront campsites. Sai Yuen Farm on Cheung Chau has plenty of options for a fun family camping trip. Check out the website for updates on offerings and restrictions. saiyuen.com/en/News-Feed/Covid-19
#14 Join a Club
The Victoria Recreation Club was founded way back in 1849 as the Victoria Regatta Club, offering competitive rowing and swimming to some of the first colonials. Its two clubhouses on HK Island and at Tai Mong Tsai welcome families and watersports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the sociable Aberdeen Boat Club has facilities including two waterfront clubhouses in Aberdeen and Middle Island. victoriarecreationclub.com.hk | abclubhk.com
#15 Overnight at Ocean Park
Hong Kong’s Ocean Park is great for a sea-themed day out with the kids, but you can also check in for a staycation at the Ocean Park Marriott Hotel. There are three family-themed rooms: Whiskers Submarine, Red Forest and Bao Bao Paradise. oceanpark.com.hk
#16 Climb through Canyons
For the ultimate aquatic adventure in Hong Kong, why not sign up for a day of canyoning? Hong Kong Rock Climbing Adventure offers the chance to explore Ping Nam Stream and Ma Tai Stream on foot, as you jump, abseil and waterfall slide from one cool pool to the next. hkrca.com
#17 Surf and SUP
Hong Kong is no Bondi or Maui but it’s still possible to go surfing. Families favour Big Wave Bay for its manageable waves and beachside amenities. More serious surfers make the one-hour trek to beautiful Tai Long Wan, which is classed as the city’s best surfing beach. Try Treasure Island for a SUP day. treasureislandhk.com
#18 Hit the Harbour
The queen of Hong Kong’s waterscapes is of course Victoria Harbour, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy our grand dame. You can take a stroll on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, taking in the Avenue or Stars; dine somewhere in the glow of the nightly LED-lit “Symphony of Lights”; jump on the Star Ferry for a cheap and memorable ride from one side to the other; or ogle the passing harbour traffic from on high – try the Sky100 observation deck atop the ICC, or, of course, the Peak. discoverhongkong.com
#19 Cruise in a Kayak
Adventure company Sea Kayak Hong Kong conducts tours of the more out-of-reach and beautiful parts of Hong Kong’s coastline, including the stunning Global Geopark in the northeast of the New Territories (see #1). seakayakhongkong.com
#20 Find Your Best Beach
The city is home to a surprising number of pleasant beaches. Whether you’re southside at little ol’ South Bay or travel further afield to a stunning spot in the New Territories, there are options aplenty, from Cheung Sha Beach to Turtle Cove Beach, and Shek O to Pui O. expatliving.hk/top-hong-kong-beaches
This article first appeared in the Summer issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
