Summer is approaching, and for outdoor activity lovers like you, I’m sure you’re ready for water sports this summer! What water sports can you do in Hong Kong? The answer could astound you—wake surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, canyoning, and snorkeling are just a few options. And of course, banana boating, which is my particular fave! There are so many things you may do to stand out in the city!
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, you’ll find plenty of options to get your adrenaline pumping and soak up the sun this summer. We’re gonna showcase the top 16 water sports to try in Hong Kong and highlight the best spots to do them. What’re you waiting for? Grab your wetsuit, and let’s dive in!
Table of Contents: Waters Sports in Hong Kong
Stay fit and active this summer with all these exciting water sports!
- Wake boarding
- Wake surfing
- Skim boarding
- Kayaking
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
- Jet Skiing
- Banana Boating
- Kitesurfing / Wingsurf
- Hydrofoiling
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkelling
- Dinghy Sailing
- Dragon Boat Racing
- Flyboarding
- Canyoning
- Inflatable Water Park
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Wake boarding
The first one on our list is wakeboarding, a thrilling water sport that involves being towed behind a motorboat while riding a specially designed board. With wakeboarding, you can jump, spin, and perform all sorts of tricks on the water. It’s an exciting challenge that’s perfect for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers.
Beginner classes are available in Hong Kong, and some of the best spots to try wake boarding include Shek O Beach, Deep Water Bay, and Stanley Main Beach. The cost for an hour-long wakeboarding session can range from HK$900 to HK$1,500.
Wake surfing
Second on our list is wakesurfing, a popular water sport that’s gaining traction in Hong Kong. Wakesurfing involves riding the waves created by a motorboat or jet ski, without being attached to the boat. Instead, the rider uses the power of the wave to propel themselves forward.
If you’re new to wake surfing, don’t worry; there are plenty of beginner classes available in Hong Kong. You’ll learn the basics of balance, stance, and how to ride the wave. Some of the best spots to try wakesurfing in Hong Kong include Shek O Beach, Tai Tam Bay, and Repulse Bay. The cost of a wakesurfing session can range from HK$500 to HK$1,500, depending on the location and duration.
For gear recommendations, we suggest bringing a wetsuit, a life jacket, and a wakesurfing board. Many providers offer rental equipment as well. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to ride the waves and experience the thrill of wakesurfing in Hong Kong!
Skim boarding
Where to go skimboarding in Hong Kong? Here are a few skimboarding hot spots in Hong Kong.
Big Wave Bay or Shek O
Grab your skimboard and hit up Big Wave Bay or Shek O on the southern part of Hong Kong Island; it takes only a quick 30-minute jaunt from the city. The best beach breaks are usually from October to March during the winter; while in the summer, be aware of the typhoon season.
Tai Long Wan at Sai Kung
Tai Long Wan at Sai Kung are known for more stable beach breaks. This beach is bigger, and the water is cleaner. But the only drawback is that you’ll have to hike over an hour to reach the beach from Sai Kung Country Park. Alternatively, hop on a 30-minute sampan ride from Wong Shek Pier (if the swell isn’t too rough).
Cheung Sha or Pui O
When the SW wind is blowing in the summer, head to Cheung Sha or Pui O on Lantau Island, near the airport. First, get to Tung Chung, then hire a taxi. The taxi driver usually adds HK$10 extra for each board (talk about highway robbery!). Once you arrive, remember: don’t let go of the taxi driver; ask him or her to stay a bit, then go out and take a look at either one of the beaches to check the waves.
Consider getting your first skimboard; check out X Game H.K. for some special offers.
Kayaking
Hop on a sea kayak and paddle your way through the stunning coastline of Cheung Chau. The breathtaking views of serene nature will give you a unique perspective on life. You can get your squad together or even go kayaking with your bae. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss.
And guess what? There’s more! You’ll meet the tour group at a common location, where you’ll learn the ropes of kayaking from the pros. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the bioluminescent algae while you’re at it!
After kayaking, you can even explore the town and indulge in some local chores, which is a great way to end the evening. Without a doubt, Cheung Chau is one of the best places in Hong Kong for water sports activities.
How much does kayaking cost? Here’s the reference price from Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre:
| Single Kayak | HK$100 per hour / HK$180 for 2 hours |
| Double Kayak | HK$150 per hour / HK$280 for 2 hours |
| Triple Kayak | HK$180 per hour / HK$340 for 2 hours |
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Taking stand-up paddleboarding (or SUP) to a whole new level, Blue Sky Sports Club offers monster stand-up paddle boarding where up to 10 people can get on the same board. Monster SUP is a great team-building exercise and challenges your core strength, but it also promises plenty of laughs and falling over too. If you’re looking to paddle board solo, renting starts from HK$320 to HK$820. Blue Sky also offers a different kayaking experience with their transparent kayaks, which start at HK$400 and let you see down into the waters as you go.
Jet Skiing
Hey there, professional riders, wanna try riding a motorboat on water this summer? You can try jet skiing in Sai Kung at Wake2Chill for HK$1,800 for the first hour and HK$1,600 for each additional hour. (with a HK$1,500 deposit)
Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before, because there will be friendly staff there to guide you on how to operate the jet skis safely and accompany you on board. And for the pros out there, you can only rent out a jet ski to ride solo with a Grade 2 license.
Banana Boating
Banana boating is a must-try sport activity with your friends to have a blast! This activity involves being towed behind a speedboat while sitting on a large inflatable banana-shaped raft. You can expect lots of onboard laughter and screaming!
You can find banana boating services in a junk boat rental package. So you can rest assured to have fun with your friends!
Kitesurfing / Wingsurf
If you’re up for a different style of surfing, give kiteboarding a try!
Ready to test your limits with a kitesurfing adventure? This heart-pumping sport is like a mix of paragliding, wakeboarding, and surfing. Sounds like a lot to handle, right? But don’t sweat it; just let the wind take you and use your body weight to steer the kite. Of course, that’s easier said than done; only by trying will you know how it feels. Try a 3-hour beginner class with Hong Kong Kiteboarding School for your first kiteboarding lesson on Lantau Island! It costs only HK$499!
Hydrofoiling
Hydrofoiling is a relatively new water sport that is gaining popularity in Hong Kong. It involves riding a board with a hydrofoil attached to the bottom, which lifts the rider out of the water and allows them to soar above it. It’s a thrilling experience that gives you a sense of flying over the water.
Take an experience class with the Wing Foiling Association of Hong Kong.
Scuba Diving
The waters surrounding Hong Kong are crystal-clear and ideal for scuba diving. There are various dive sites available, including shipwrecks and coral reefs. One of the many diving schools in Hong Kong, like Diving Adventure, offers courses for beginners.
Prices for a scuba diving course vary depending on the school and the level of certification you want to achieve, but you can expect to pay around HK$3,000 for a beginner’s course, which will include pool and open-water dives.
Snorkelling
A tour through an underwater wonderland is what snorkeling offers as an immersive experience. You are taken to a tranquil and calm environment where you can escape the difficulties and haste of everyday life as you lower your head under the water and look through your mask.
If you haven’t tried this activity yet, then try it in Hong Kong and check it off your list, as it is one of the best water sports in Hong Kong you can opt for.
Where to go Snorkeling in Hong Kong? Sai Kung!
If you ask any snorkeling lover where to go for snorkeling, Sai Kung will be the answer you get. Experience snorkeling in the serene nature, swimming in crystal-clear water, and if you’re lucky, you can find Nemo’s friends (Coral reef fishes!) near Sharp Island.
Not only that, you can find abandoned shipwrecks in Hoi Ma Marine Park.
How much do you need for Snorkelling?
The cost of snorkeling in Hong Kong varies depending on the tour or rental company. On average, renting snorkeling gear can cost around $100 to $150, while guided snorkeling tours can range from $350 to $650 per person. It’s always best to check with the specific company for their pricing and package options.
Dinghy Sailing
Dinghy sailing is a fun and exciting water sport that involves racing small boats called dinghies. It’s a great way to experience the thrill of sailing without having to invest in your own yacht. Hong Kong has a number of sailing clubs that offer dinghy sailing courses and rentals for those who want to give it a try.
Dragon Boat Racing
Ready to channel your inner dragon and sail through the waters of Hong Kong? Dragon boat racing is the ultimate team sport that combines strength, speed. Paddle with up to 22 of your friends in a boat decorated with a fierce dragon head and tail, racing against other teams like a boss.
Don’t worry if you’re a newbie; there are plenty of dragon boat associations in Hong Kong that offer beginner classes and flexible training programs. From the Stanley Dragon Boat Association to the Sha Tin Dragon Boat Association, these clubs have got you covered.
Costs for joining a dragon boat team vary depending on the club and the length of the season, but most of them offer affordable packages that include equipment, coaching, 10 sessions for 20 people, and a training program for standard dragon boat that costs HK$28,000. (HK$140 per person, per session)
Flyboarding
I bet you had imagined yourself flying in the sky like Iron Man at some point; here’s your chance-try flyboarding! You will strap yourself to a board that shoots water out from underneath, propelling you high above the waves. It’s like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s real – and it’s available in Hong Kong!
Check out Flyboard Hong Kong for an introductory lesson. They offer 1-hour sessions for beginners, which include all necessary equipment and instruction. Prices vary depending on location, but you can expect to pay around HK$2,200 for a 1-hour session. So, Iron Man or Iron Lady, are you ready?
Canyoning
Not a fan of beaches or the sea, but a fan of rivers and streams? Canyoning is the sport for you!
One of the best locations for canyoning in Hong Kong is Ping Nam Stream in Kam Shan Country Park. The cost varies depending on the tour provider, but it usually ranges from HK$600 to HK$900 per person.
Inflatable Water Park
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day out with family and friends, head over to the inflatable water park at Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong. This floating playground is filled with obstacles, slides, and trampolines, making it the perfect place to splash around and have a blast.
The water park is suitable for all ages. Prices start at HK$460 for adults and HK$322 for children. (The price may be adjusted in the summer season.)
Summary
So there you have it: our top 16 water sports activities to try in Hong Kong! Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a fun way to spend your leisure time, these activities offer something for everyone. From flyboarding to canyoning, water skiing to inflatable water parks, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in this vibrant city. So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, head down to the waterfront, and dive into the adventure of a lifetime!
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