While it’s tempting to spend the entire sweltering Hong Kong summer indoors – in air-conditioned comfort – it’s also the perfect time to get out there and enjoy some of the city’s natural seaside gems. We’re not talking lounging on the beach, however. Take to the waters with the best water sports in Hong Kong, ranging from kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding to windsurfing and snorkelling. Get ready to dive right in.
Treasure Island Group
Located on picturesque Pui O Beach in Lantau, Treasure Island Group offers a number of surf and adventure camps for kids. You can also rent surfboards, kayaks or stand-up paddle boards, and take lessons. Want to make a weekend of it? Stay in one of their beachside tents or cabana rooms overnight. The company also does beach and adventure parties, and other such events.
Pui O Beach, Lantau Island, 2546-3543
Blue Sky Sports Club
With a variety of rentals and classes, Sai Kung-based Blue Sky Sports Club offers up some of the best water sports in Hong Kong. Try your hand at kayaking, surfing or stand-up paddle boarding. Its biggest claim to fame, however, is probably its transparent kayaks and “monster” stand-up paddle boards that can hold up to 10 people at once.
Sha Ha Beach, Sai Kung, 2791-0806
Hong Kong Wakeboard
Hong Kong Wakeboard offers daily wakeboarding and wakesurfing classes run by a number of highly qualified coaches. Classes are priced at $850/hour on weekdays, and $900/hour on weekends and public holidays. Booking in advance is highly recommended. They even offer daily flyboarding and hoverboarding classes ($1,500/hour) for the more adventurous among us, making this some of the most exhilarating water sports in Hong Kong.
101 Tai Tam Tuk Village, Tai Tam, 9454-5772
Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre
A bit of a legend among windsurfing enthusiasts, the Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre has been running since 1975, and was founded by Cheung Chau islander Lai Gua. Who, incidentally, is the uncle of windsurfing Olympic gold medalist Lee Lai-shan (aka. San San). Rent a kayak, windsurfer or stand-up paddle board, or sign up for a beginner, intermediate or advanced-level windsurfing class. Afterwards, enjoy a bite to eat at the centre’s cafe.
1 Hak Pai Road, Cheung Chau, 2981-8316
Splash Hong Kong
Splash Hong Kong organizes dives in Clearwater Bay ($500) and Sai Kung ($620) every weekend. You can even get your scuba diving license after completing a five-lesson course with them for $4,800. Equipment rental is $250 per day.
Unit 5, 1/F, Ko Fu House, 58-72 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, 2792-4495
Countryside Adventures
Countryside Adventures runs a range of outdoor tours where you can explore intriguing locales from caves to ghost villages. But what we’re most interested in are the snorkelling trips in Hoi Ha and Sharp Island, where you can expect to see a wide variety of corals and marine life.
6053-6076
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