SUP board and kayaking are some of the simplest water sports, and Hong Kong’s numerous beaches are the perfect place to sail a rented kayak out to sea. If you want to explore the hidden sea caves of Sai Kung or just enjoy the sea, read about the best places for kayaking in Hong Kong.
What you should pay attention to before going sailing on a SUP board or kayak
Although you must be provided with a life jacket on all kayaking tours and rentals, keep in mind that water, wind, and weather conditions change rapidly.
Not all beaches in Hong Kong allow boating or kayaking!
- When renting a kayak or canoe, keep a safe distance from the shore and always arrange a time with the rental company so that she knows that you will be back within two hours. Do not go into great depths until you feel confident in your abilities.
- Keep in mind that your phone may not always receive a signal, so go only to places where it is convenient for you to return from.
- Kayaking may seem like a relatively calm water sport, but after spending a few hours on the waves in the sun, you will surely get tired. Bring plenty of water, light snacks, a waterproof bag for valuables and, of course, suitable sun protection products (sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, etc.).
Where to go kayaking in Hong Kong
1. Sai Kung Geopark
The UNESCO Geopark in Sai Kung is considered one of (if not the best!) a place for kayaking in Hong Kong. Intricate rocks formed as a result of a volcanic explosion and crystal clear blue waters make you forget that you are not far from the concrete jungle.
There are many suitable islands in the park, but the best places for individual kayaking are High Island, Port Island and the Ung Kong Group. All of these islands have unforgettable views and plenty of caves to explore.
If you want to go by kayak to one of the more remote islands, such as Sharp Island, Tiu Chung Island or Bluff Island, I recommend going with a tour group. Can be found on Tripadvisor.
I can also arrange such a trip for you! My contacts are at the bottom of the article.
How to get: MTR to Choi Hung, then take minibus 1A to Sai Kung Pier and then transfer to bus 99 to Muk Min Shan.
2. Hoi Ha Geopark
Inside the geopark there is a quiet village with a marine park called Hoi Ha Village. The waters around the village are relatively calm, with minimal waves.
Unlike some other beaches (especially on Hong Kong Island), you don’t have to go far to find clean water, so these two factors make this place ideal for beginners who want to learn how to kayak. There are also many marine life in the area, which you can see while paddling.
How to get: MTR to Choi Hung, then take minibus 1A to Sai Kung, then minibus 7 to Hoi Ha. Go straight through Hoi Ha Village to get to the beach.
3. Chang Chau Island – Kwun Yam Wan
Chang Chau has two main beaches for kayaking – Tung Wan and Kwun Yam Wan. I recommend going to the last one, it’s more peaceful and peaceful there, but Tung Wan Beach is often crowded with people.
How to get: Ferry from Central Pier 5 to Chang Chau. Walk past the Warwick Hotel, Tung Wan Beach will be a five-minute walk away, turn right and walk another eight minutes to get to Kwun Yam Wan Beach.
4. Stanley
Stanley on Hong Kong Island is a favorite beach of any resident of Hong Kong Island, and there are plenty of places where you can rent kayaks. Although the main beach can be crowded, there are many small sandy beaches nearby that are completely empty and have surprisingly clear water for swimming.
Watch as Stanley’s shore and Tai Tam slowly disappear as you move further into the calm water. The main beach is home to the Hong Kong Aqua-Bound Center, which offers both kayak tours and private and double kayak rentals. You can apply there. After you get tired of kayaking, you can explore the many shops and restaurants at Stanley Market and along the waterfront.
How to get: Take bus 6, 6A, 6X or 260 from Exchange Square, Admiralty or Wan Chai to Stanley Village stop and walk five minutes to the beach.
5. Cheung Sha
Chung Sha Beach is the longest beach in Hong Kong, stretching for 3.2 kilometers, with fine white sand and, most importantly for kayaking, sparkling blue waters.
Most water sports should be practiced on the Lower Chung Sha Beach. When you go kayaking, you will have a view of the stunning Lantau Mountains without a single skyscraper in sight. The only place to rent kayaks and tours here is Long Coast Seasports.
You can rent a kayak and just explore the surroundings, or you can take part in one of the tours that will take you to other islands in the area and give you the opportunity to see amazing rock formations nearby.
How to get: MTR to Tung Chung, then take bus 11, 11A or 23 New Lantau Bus at Tung Chung Bus Terminal to Lower Cheung Sha Village.
6. Sheung Sze Wan
The turquoise waters of Clearwater Bay, framing Sheung Sze Wan, make this remote place worth visiting for kayaking enthusiasts.
Kayak rentals at Sheung Sze Wan Kayak Hire are limited to three locations: Tiu Chung Island, Shelter Island and Green Egg Island.
The latter, the hidden gem of Sai Kung, Green Egg Island (also known as Lan Pan), is a popular destination for beginners. Tiu Chang Island or Jin Island is a little further away, but if you get there, you can admire the magnificent sea arches.
How to get: Take the subway to Hang Hau Station, then take a taxi to Sheung Sze Wan Village and follow the Hiu Po Path down to the beach.
7. St. Stephen’s Beach
If you want to stay on Hong Kong Island but avoid the crowds at Stanley Beach, then nearby (albeit smaller) St. Stephen’s Beach is the best place to retire and enjoy kayaking.
The Water Center under the Government organizes a wide range of training courses in water sports, and individual groups can also apply for packages of services or individual programs. When you step out into the water, you will be surrounded by lush trees, as well as the buildings of Stanley and Chum Hom Kok. In addition, the water here is usually much cleaner than on Stanley’s main beach.
How to get: Take bus 6, 6A, 6X or 260 from Exchange Square, Admiralty or Wan Chai to Hong Kong Sea School stop and walk 10 minutes to the beach.
That’s all.
I ride a SUP board myself and I can help you choose a place and rent equipment in Hong Kong!
Alex iurlov tour guide in Hong Kong, Macau and China Car transfers, yacht charters. +85268553629 (WhatsApp, Telegram, Wechat) Wechat id: iurlov info@hongkong.su www.hong-kong.su www.tour.hong-kong.su www.yachts.hong-kong.su www.alphard40.hk www.yurlov.com – my personal web site
