【Hoi Ha Wan, Sai Kung SUP Snorkeling Guide】Transportation, Route, Best Snorkeling Spots & Tips

Located in northern Sai Kung, Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is one of Hong Kong's first designated marine protected areas. With its calm bay and the richest coral communities in Hong Kong, it's the perfect summer destination for a SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) and snorkeling combo.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to SUP snorkeling in Hoi Ha Wan, including routes, transportation, equipment recommendations, and important tips. Read this before you go!

📍 Why is Hoi Ha Wan ideal for SUP + Snorkeling?

• Clear Water: Far from urban industry and busy shipping lanes, the water remains crystal clear several meters deep when sunny.

• Calm Waves: The bay's sheltered terrain makes it perfect for SUP beginners to practice balance and paddling.

• Rich Ecosystem: Home to over 60 species of hard corals (such as brain corals and staghorn corals), as well as various tropical fish, sea urchins, and starfish.

🗺️ Recommended Paddling Route and Snorkeling Spots

Hoi Ha Wan has a moderate water area. Here's a classic route suitable for a half-day trip:

Hoi Ha Village Beach (Starting Point) ➔ Lime Kiln Remains ➔ Chuen Lung Kok / Mo Pau Shek (Best Snorkeling Area) ➔ Return to Start

1. Hoi Ha Village Beach (Starting Point)

The sandy beach is gentle, suitable for water safety instruction, equipment adjustment, and initial balancing practice on the board.

2. Lime Kiln Remains (Coastal Sightseeing)

Paddle eastward along the coastline, and you'll pass the historically significant Hoi Ha Lime Kiln Remains. Along the way, you can admire unique rock formations and coastal scenery.

3. Chuen Lung Kok Waters (Coral Snorkeling Zone)

Paddle for about 20–30 minutes to reach the Chuen Lung Kok area. The water here is moderately deep, with high coral coverage, making it a prime area for snorkeling to see clownfish and hard corals.

🚗 Transportation Guide

The most convenient way to get to Hoi Ha Wan is from Sai Kung Town Centre:

• Green Minibus No. 7: Take it from the Sai Kung Pier Minibus Terminus directly to Hoi Ha Village Terminus. The journey takes about 30 minutes. (Note: On weekends and holidays, there are often large crowds, so it's recommended to arrive at Sai Kung Pier before 8:30 AM to queue).

• Taxi: Take a green taxi from Sai Kung Town Centre to Hoi Ha Village. The fare is approximately HK$100–120.

🎒 Equipment and Preparation

Essential Personal Items

• Covered Water Shoes / Non-slip Shoes: There are broken rocks and coral fragments near the shore and underwater; do not wear flip-flops into the water.

• Rash Guard / Long-sleeved Sun Protection Shirt: For sun protection and to prevent scratches from jellyfish or rocks.

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Hoi Ha Wan is a marine park; please use sunscreen products that do not contain harmful chemicals (like Oxybenzone) to protect the corals.

• Dry Bag and Drinking Water: Stay hydrated and keep your personal belongings safe.

💡 3 Practical Tips for SUP Snorkeling Beginners

1. Secure Your Leash: Regardless of whether you can swim, always wear your leash once on the board to ensure it doesn't float away from you.

2. Anchoring Strategy for Snorkeling: Before getting into the water to snorkel, secure your paddle to the marked area on your SUP board, and use an anchor or tie the boards together to prevent them from drifting away with the waves.

3. Maintain Distance from Corals: When snorkeling, kick horizontally to avoid stepping on corals with frog kicks; do not touch or remove any marine life.

🛠️ Equipment Rental and Experience Options

There are two main ways to enjoy SUP snorkeling at Hoi Ha Wan:

• Bring Your Own Equipment / Rent On-site: Suitable for experienced SUP enthusiasts who know how to read tides and wind directions.

• Join a Local Guided Tour: If you're a beginner, don't have equipment, or want a coach to guide you to the best snorkeling spots, you can choose to join a local tour group (such as Funpeak and other water sports organizations). These tours usually include SUP boards, snorkeling gear, safety instructions, and accompanying photography services, making it a more hassle-free experience.

Reminder: Hoi Ha Wan is a marine park protected by the Marine Parks Ordinance. Please strictly adhere to the "Leave No Trace" principle, take your trash with you, and jointly protect this beautiful glass sea!