Are you looking for a fun weekend activity to do with your friends or family? Do you want to explore the hidden secrets of Hong Kong, from scenic views to beautiful beaches? If you’re wondering where to kayak in Hong Kong, look no further, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a beginner looking to rent a kayak for a few hours to explore the sea or an expert in search of an adventure into the sea caves, Hong Kong has it all, and here are the best spots to kayak this summer.
Hong Kong Geopark — Sai Kung
Perhaps the most picturesque kayaking spot in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Geopark is part of the global UNESCO geopark network. With beautiful scenic formations and crystal clear water, this little oasis will truly transport you out of Hong Kong. Known for its historic volcanic rock formations, including caldera, sea arches, steep cliffs, and rock columns, there is beauty at every corner of the geopark.
This natural wonder can be explored through private kayak rentals as well as organised tours.
To rent a kayak to explore the UNESCO park, you can try Ah Kwok Water Sports which is a small, private shop located on Sha Ha Beach. Single canoes and kayaks can be rented for HK$ 100 (weekdays) or HK$ 150 (weekends and public holidays), and you can count HK$ 200 or HK$ 300 for two-seated vessels.
Sea Kayak Hong Kong offers guided one-day trips around Sharp Island for HK$ 750 per person. For more in-depth explorations, you can join The Ung Kong Group tour offered by the Blue Sky Sports Club, which takes you on an exploration of Bluff Island, Wang Chau, Basalt Island, and the four biggest sea caves in Hong Kong.
Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park — Sai Kung
Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park has a rich and diverse marine life ecosystem, with 64 stony coral species and 120 species of coral-associated fishes that you can swim with if you like snorkeling and diving.
This wildlife haven is just a 20-minute ride from Sai Kung town centre on minibus no. 7. Walking through Hoi Ha village to the beach, you will come across some local vendors where you can rent kayaks with ease, a cheaper and convenient option. Or, to experience the majesty of the marine park, you can join the Hoi Ha Paddle-guided tour with Wild Factor. It is beginner-friendly and the itinerary can be adjusted as per your needs.
Count between HK $600 and HK$ 800 per adult (depending on the size of the group) and HK$ 400 for children.
Yan Chau Tong — Sai Kung
The Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, aptly known as Double Haven, is truly a hidden gem. With stunning views in every direction, this hard-to-access piece of heaven is an experienced kayaker’s dream.
It is calm with clear waters and tons of beaches to explore! It is also home to some of Hong Kong’s natural wonders such as natural mangroves and seagrass beds, where marine animals roam abundantly. This is however an intermediate or advanced kayaking trip and EDventures offers a two or three-day tour. This is a unique adventure where you can soak in the beauty of Sai Kung, learn about local history, and enjoy sea kayaking.
Stanley Main Beach — Hong Kong Island
Only a 30-minute bus ride from Central, an easily accessible option to introduce you to kayaking is the tourist hotspot Stanley. Known for its famous market and chill restaurants, Stanley has many kayaking options for both newbies and experts.
The main beach has many kayak rental options, including Stanley Main Beach Water Sport Centre, Hiwindlover Water Sports and Aqua-Bound Water Sport Centre. Count HK$ 80 per hour or HK$ 200 for 3 hours for a single kayak, or HK$ 150 per hour and HK$ 350 for 3 hours for a double kayak. Both tours and courses are available.
Watching the busy streets of Stanley melt away as you kayak into the serene waters will be the touch of vacation that you’re looking for!
St. Stephen’s Beach — Hong Kong Island
The smaller St. Stephen’s Beach is only a 5-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Stanley Market.
The St. Stephen’s Beach Water Sports Centre offers kayak rentals and tuition for first-timers. With gorgeous views of Lamma Island and a less popular beach, St. Stephen’s offers an incredible option for those who want to venture into the sea with their kayaks. The cooler fall months entail calmer waters compared to the choppy seas in summer. The centre also offers sailing dinghies and windsurfing boards if you are looking to widen your water sporting skills!
Lower Cheung Sha Beach — Lantau
The Lower Cheung Sha Beach in Lantau is known for its long sandy beach and its cows hanging here and there, but there’s also a centre, Long Coast Seasports, which offers sea kayaks with 1, 2, or 3 seats so that you can bring your little ones for easy exploration of Lantau shores. There are many routes for exploring, including Pui O, Tong Fuk, or nearby islands, based on your experience. Count HK$ 70 per hour for a single-seat sea kayak, HK$ 210 for a half-day, HK$ 120 or HK$ 360 for 2-seaters, and HK$ 140 or HK$ 420 for 3-seaters.
If you’re looking to enjoy a night in the wild, Long Coast Seasports also proposes glamping options, including safari tents and caravan packages. To get there, take the ferry to Mui Wo, and then a short ride on bus no. 1 or 2 to Cheung Sha to enjoy your day or weekend of adventure.
Kwun Yam Wan Beach — Cheung Chau
Besides being famous for its charming fishing village and delicious snacks, Cheung Chau, which is just a ferry ride from Central, is also home to amazing water sport activities. This is especially true at Kwun Yam Wan, the well-known beach where Olympic windsurfing champion Lee Lai Shan trained.
The Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre – they offer both single and double sea kayaks by the hour, with which you can paddle around the island to discover breathtaking views. There is also an accompanying outdoor café boasting delicious tapas and light meals (including vegetarian options) along with reasonably priced drinks. Count HK$ 100 for a single-seat kayak, HK$ 150 for a double-seat kayak, and HK$ 180 for a triple-seat kayak per hour.
For a lesser-known kayaking spot in Cheung Chau, venture slightly further down to Kwun Yam Beach, where family-owned business Hing Kee Beach Store offers not just kayaking equipment but also a range of local and international snacks and drinks!
The beach also has barbecue pits, and you can pick up all your ingredients at the store. This 70-year-old shack has been in the family for generations, and current owner Derek Liu has maintained its low-key, homey vibe.
Plover Cove — Tai Po
In the midst of a gorgeous country park is the largest reservoir in Hong Kong. Plover Cove and Tai Mei Tuk village are only 30 minutes away from Tai Po Market, and either minibus no. 20C or 75K can drop you there. This picturesque location, where you are surrounded by hills and calm waters, is ideal for beginner kayakers and water sports lovers. You can rent your kayak at Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Centre.
Venture out and explore this area not just through water, but also through roads, as this is a well-known spot for hiking and cycling!
FAQ about kayaking in Hong Kong
When is the best time to go kayaking?
While the weather in Hong Kong is consistent mostly across the year, it is advised to talk to the rental shop to know more about the sea condition, especially during typhoon season.
What should I wear to kayak?
Wetsuits are best to keep you protected from the intense sun and dry from the salty water, but a swimsuit with layers (not cotton) should be sufficient if you have a good sunscreen. Do ensure you wear a lifejacket for your safety.
Is it safe to kayak if I’ve never done it before?
Absolutely! Do check with your rental shop if you don’t feel safe, but most locations mentioned above can be achieved by non-experienced kayakers.
Is it safe to kayak with kids?
Kayaking is safe for children as long as they are accompanied by an adult. For younger children, consider getting a two- or three-person kayak. Also, ensure that the kids are wearing life jackets, sunscreen, that the sea is relatively calm, and that they stay hydrated.
Hong Kong is a city with many hidden wonders, and one of these is water sports activities. Kayaking is suited to people of all backgrounds and ages, so it’s the perfect activity to round up your friends and family and go explore and enjoy the beautiful beaches, calm waters, and unique views.
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