Kayak | 4 top kayaking spots in hong kong + essential gear list!

Located in the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, Sharp Island is known for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and rich marine life. It offers a comprehensive range of facilities, including beaches, changing rooms, shower facilities, toilets and barbecue pits, and is a popular destination for swimmers, snorkellers and other water sports enthusiasts. Many people come here to see the tombolo that connects Sharp Island to the nearby Kiu Tau island.

Sharp Island is also one of Hong Kong’s most popular spots for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. The island is situated to the west of Kau Sai Chau, which acts as a barrier against large waves. Many people like to make the journey to Sharp Island by kayak – there are a number of smaller islands to stop off at along the way (e.g. Yeung Chau, Cham Tau Chau and Pak Sha Chau), and the return journey is around 5-6 km, making it ideal for beginners. There is a small kiosk on the island, as well as a regular kaito ferry service to Sai Kung town centre if you wish to arrive by public transport or leave the island in an emergency. Experienced kayakers can visit the three Hong Kong famous sea caves at the south of the island by kayaking. This part of the island is close to shipping lanes and is not sheltered. Therefore it is only suitable for experienced paddlers.

If you don’t have your own boat for kayaking, you can also rent a kayak from the water sports centre at Sha Ha Beach, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from Sai Kung Pier. Whatever you do, don’t forget that Sharp Island is a protected area within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. It is forbidden to damage or remove any stones or coral from the island.

Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is one of Hong Kong’s oldest marine parks. The park is rich in biodiversity – in addition to a wide range of animal and coral species, the crystal-clear water offers views of the sea bed several metres below the surface. The area is very popular with water sports enthusiasts, who come here for a close-up view of sea cucumbers, sea urchins, starfish and other marine animals.

Thanks to its sheltered location, the sea around Hoi Ha Wan is usually very still and therefore ideal for beginners or people with no prior kayaking experience in Hong Kong. Hoi Ha Wan is accessible via minibus. You can rent kayaks and other gear from the village store and explore the marine wildlife before returning to the shore for lunch.
Experienced kayakers can leave the bay and take a longer tour to Devil's Fist or Grass Island. However, this requires a good fitness level and excellent kayaking skills, as the area outside the bay can be choppy and there are no stopping points en route. Beginners are likely to get lost and should not attempt without supervision! Finally, do not take any wildlife or shells with you as a souvenir, even if they are already dead. Instead, use your eyes to discover the local wildlife and take photos to capture the most memorable moments.

Once you’ve decided where to go, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the right gear. Read on to see our list of recommended gear.

If you’re planning a longer kayaking tour, you’ll need some extra gear in addition to the basics listed above.

-       Waterproof whistle
-       Spray skirt (for sitting in a kayak)
-       Towline
-       First aid kit
-       Headlamp/light with spare batteries
-       Bilge pump/sponge
-       Snacks
-       Maintenance kit
-       ID card
-       Small amount of cash