Hong Kong is a contradiction of modernization and nature. One of the best ways to enjoy the island’s natural beauty is on a sea kayaking trip to Sai Kung. I joined a day kayaking trip in Hoi Ha Wan, a protected marine sanctuary, to experience one of the most remote areas of Hong Kong.
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Where to go Kayaking in Sai Kung
Sai Kung is known as the “back garden of Hong Kong”. Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, Sai Kung Country Park East and West preserve this vast green area. Sai Kung is known for excellent hiking, biking, and boating from the mountains to the sea.
Hoi Ha Wan translates to “bay beneath the sea” as it is part of a sunken volcanic caldera that formed the Sai Kung area. This bay is known for its clear waters and hard corals, particularly brain corals. Snorkeling on sea kayaking trips is popular to admire the many species of coral.
Kayaking in Sai Kung with Wild Hong Kong
I participated in the sea kayaking trip with Wild Hong Kong. This adventure company offers hiking, biking, and kayaking trips throughout the Sai Kung area. Besides the kayaking trip in Hoi Ha Wan, they offer two levels of kayaking trips in the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. On the Geopark trip, paddlers will see sea arches and paddle through sea caves.
The outfitter uses sturdy sit-on-top kayaks for its trips. Sit-on-top kayaks offer stability in rough seas and a great platform to slip into the water for snorkeling. The company has good life jackets, paddles, water shoes, and dry bags to lend.
Logistics for Sea Kayaking in Sai Kung
I went on the sea kayaking trip in Hoi Ha Wan Bay in mid-December. It was quite windy and cold so I was happy to have clothing layers to stay warm. I was particularly impressed with my hooded paddling shirt that kept the sea spray off my head.
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Sea Kayaking Gear
My recommended essential gear for a warm weather kayaking day trip with links
Clothes
Wide brim hat or baseball cap
Gear
Sunglasses with floating retainer
The best time to go on the Hoi Ha Wan kayaking trip is during the summer. The hot sun and glass-calm waters make for perfect kayaking and snorkeling. However, since I was visiting in December, I decided to give it a go. While it was chilly with rough seas, we were assured that we were the only boats on the entire bay. Therefore, the remoteness gained from paddling out of season was delightful.
The guide mentioned that on a weekend day in the summer, the multiple stacks of hundreds of kayaks I saw were all out on the bay. Besides going on a guided trip, you can travel to Hoi Ha Wan and rent a kayak to go out on your own.
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Sea Kayaking in Hoi An Wan Trip Specifics
I met the guide near the Sai Kung public pier to start out the trip. The pier is the centerpiece of the bustling town. For example, vendors hawk boat tours on the bay, and seafood restaurants display fresh seafood for diners to choose.
With the guide and a Hong Kong local couple on the trip, we jumped in a taxi to travel north to Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park. The journey winds through the magnificent greenery of Sai Kung Country Park.
After arriving at the small village near the marine park, we dressed for kayaking. The company has changing tents and showers to rinse off after the trip. I was traveling across the country, so I left my luggage at the office during the day.
The company has single and double kayaks to accommodate any paddling arrangement. There was surf crashing on the beach and small whitecaps from the change in weather precipitated by the coming monsoon. Therefore, I was surprised when the guide didn’t offer directions about how to get in the boat or paddle in rough water.
However, everybody did fine and later the guide gave some pointers about paddling when we reached the first beach.
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We paddled across the remote bay with misty mountains rising all around the shores. The guide said it was possible to see China when the mist cleared. We were kayaking on the more distant waters in Hong Kong.
Seeing a Sea Eagle
Right before we landed on the first beach, a huge black and white bird flying like an eagle caught my eye. Subsequently, the guide confirmed that it was the rare White-bellied Sea Eagle. It was a sweet sighting among all the soaring Black Kites that are common in Hong Kong.
After a quick rest on the beach, we headed out around an island and across the bay to paddle along the far shore. The waves were breaking over the kayak, with salt spray coating me. It was fine adventurous kayaking in the stable sit-on-top boats.
We reached the protection of the other shore and cruised with the wind to a spacious beach for lunch. Normally, the beach would be a great place to swim and relax. However, with the wind and cold, we were happy to quickly eat the food we brought along and head out. There was a bit of surf on the beach so it was a wet launch.
We paddled back to the take-out and walked to the office to change into dry clothes. A bus ride brought us back to the pier in Sai Kung.
Overall, conditions weren’t the best for a leisurely paddle to a sunny beach for swimming and snorkeling. However, the weather allowed us to be the only boats out on the vast bay. The feeling of remoteness in a busy place like Hong Kong was special. Surrounded by green forests and rocky cliffs added to a fabulous kayaking trip.
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Logistics of Sea Kayaking in Sai Kung
Travel to Sai Kung
Public transportation in Hong Kong is efficient, cheap, and easy to figure out. Signs are in English and locals are happy to help you out. Of the many countries I’ve visited, Hong Kong has to be the easiest one to get around. Sai Kung, though far from the cities, enjoys many transportation options. I took a taxi there and returned via minibus to the city. Taxis and Uber are reasonably priced. There are many bus routes as well, which are super cheap.
I used the Octopus app on my phone to pay fares. The Octopus card for tourists is so handy. You load the card with money and use it for transportation and for any other expenses you have while traveling. I used it for vending machines, meals, snacks as well as transportation fares. You can top it up when you are low. At the end, you just request a refund of the remaining balance to your credit card.
Therefore, since it’s so easy to get to Sai Kung, jump on a bus and head out there for superb kayaking.
Accommodations in Sai Kung
Sai Kung has few accommodations, especially on busy weekends, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.
For those on a budget, I recommend the YHA Bradbury Jockey Club. It’s located out of town on Plover Cove Reservoir. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the wildness of Sai Kung parks. Hiking trails start from the hostel, and transportation to kayak venues is easy.
For an affordable luxurious hotel in the town of Sai Kung, the Pier Hotel fits the bill. It’s on the water in a quieter part of town. A short walk brings you to beaches and fabulous restaurants.
Communications in Hong Kong
The best way to get data in Hong Kong is to get an E-sim for your phone.
I’ve become a fan of E-sim cards for communication on international trips. An E-sim card can be bought online and easily installed on your phone before you travel. When you reach your destination, you turn on the E-sim in your settings and you have data to use when you are away from Wifi.
I use an Airalo E-sim card for all my international travel. E-sims are significantly less expensive than my phone carrier’s international charges. Plus, it’s easy to top them off when you run low on data.
Wrap Up of Sea Kayaking in Sai Kung
In addition to its modern skyscraper cities, Hong Kong has many beautiful natural areas where the land meets the sea. Sea kayaking on jade green waters is a wonderful way to take a break from the city chaos to immerse in the quiet remoteness of Sai Kung.
Although it was too cold to enjoy the famous snorkeling of Hoi Ha Wan Bay, the scenery was stunning. I enjoyed the adventure of bobbing up and down on the waves. Certainly, the backdrop of green-shrouded peaks surrounding the bay is sensational.
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5 Comments
Kristina · January 8, 2025 at 6:31 pm
I love your beautiful photography and wonderful tips. This is a true bucket list experience.
Felicia · January 10, 2025 at 10:10 am
I have wanted to visit Hong Kong for so long this just makes me want to visit more. The kayaking sounds beautiful. Thanks for the tips.
Kailey · January 8, 2025 at 9:25 pm
Honestly, I like to do things in the off-season. It’s much more low-key and less crowded. This sounds like a dream to me, as long as I’m dressed appropriately of course LOL. Also, it’s so nice to hear how easy it is to travel and get around in the area, that’s always one of my big anxiety points when traveling outside of the country. I’m definitely going to save this for future reference and send it to my boyfriend as a hint hint.
Tania · January 8, 2025 at 11:37 pm
Oh I love this! I recently returned from Hong Kong and was surprised at the amount of green spaces. Next trip I’m planning to explore more of the blue places too!
SamH Travels · January 9, 2025 at 12:17 am
I must admit I had always considered that Hong Kong to be a very built up metropolis, therefore to read about the large open spaces where activities such as kayaking can be enjoyed has inspired me to look into planning a visit. Thanks for sharing!