Hong Kong's UNESCO Global Geopark is one of the least known wonders of the city, and this two-hour boat tour from Sai Kung is the easiest way to see it from the water. The group is limited to twenty travellers and meets outside the Seafood Street archway in Sai Kung Town, at 73 Hoi Pong Street, then boards a boat that visits a string of volcanic sights: the High Island Geo Trail, Po Pin Chau, Wang Chau, Basalt Island, Bluff Island and Tiu Chung Chau, with sea arches, stacks and cliffs of hexagonal rock formed by an ancient eruption. Each stop is short, from five to fifteen minutes, which keeps the pace brisk and gives plenty of photo opportunities. The tour ends at Sai Kung New Public Pier. A guide leads the trip and takes photographs for the group, life jackets are provided, and the booking page includes food and drinks, with past guests mentioning tea, water and snacks. Admission to all the stops is free, so the ticket covers the boat and guide. If you like the idea of the Geopark but not a long hike, this trip is a very efficient way to see its best coastal scenery.
What you actually see is spectacular but depends on the sea. The Geopark's rock is part of a huge volcanic field, and the sea arches are carved into the tuff by waves, leaving natural gateways you can pass through on a small boat. Reviewers mention clear water and dramatic cliff scenery, and the trip is popular with photographers. Calm, clear days are best; if the sea is rough or the weather is poor, the operator may cancel or change the route, so check conditions and the cancellation terms when you book.
Free cancellation is available up to twenty-four hours before the start. Confirmation is sent within forty-eight hours of booking, subject to availability, so book a few days ahead rather than at the last minute.
Practical details
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and it is not recommended for travellers with back problems, heart conditions, other serious medical conditions or pregnancy, because of the movement of the boat. Infants must sit on laps. Mobile tickets are used, and the tour is offered in English and several other languages. If you cannot find the guide fifteen minutes before departure, advises contacting customer service or the guide through the WhatsApp group.
Wear non-slip shoes, bring sunscreen and a light waterproof layer, and consider a motion-sickness remedy if you are prone to seasickness. The first stop includes a short stay on the Sai Kung promenade and Seafood Street, where you can browse the restaurants before boarding.
Compare this with the full-day snorkelling yacht tour and the free Sai Kung walks in this guide. The sea arches trip is shorter and cheaper than a full-day yacht, and it concentrates on geology rather than swimming. It combines well with seafood lunch in Sai Kung Town, which is one of the best seafood-eating districts in Hong Kong, and with a visit to the High Island Reservoir area if you have transport.
It suits couples, small groups and families with children old enough to wear life jackets and sit calmly on a boat. Allow a half-day including the journey from the city by MTR and minibus or taxi, which takes you through some of the greenest countryside in Hong Kong.
What to expect
The experience
A two-hour guided boat tour for up to twenty travellers from Sai Kung through the Hong Kong Geopark, visiting sea arches, rock formations and offshore islands, with life jackets, guide photography and snacks included.
Best time
Calm, clear mornings, outside typhoon season. Sai Kung Town is quiet on weekdays and busy at weekends.
How long
About two hours from the Seafood Street archway to Sai Kung New Public Pier.
Tips
Meet outside the Seafood Street archway at 73 Hoi Pong Street fifteen minutes early. Wear non-slip shoes, bring sunscreen and a light layer and consider motion-sickness tablets.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to see the Geopark scenery without a long hike.
- Families
- Good for children who can sit calmly with a life jacket; infants sit on laps.
- Couples
- A beautiful, photogenic outing, ending with seafood in Sai Kung Town.
- Pair with
- Seafood lunch on Sai Kung Seafood Street and a walk on the promenade.
- Time needed
- A half-day including transport from the city.
Good questions
Where does the tour meet?+
Outside the Sai Kung Seafood Street archway in Sai Kung Town Centre, at 73 Hoi Pong Street. It ends at Sai Kung New Public Pier.
What do I see?+
Volcanic sea arches, rock formations and coastal scenery in the Hong Kong Geopark, with stops at places such as Po Pin Chau, Basalt Island, Bluff Island and Tiu Chung Chau.
What is included?+
A guide, life jackets, photographs taken by the guide, and food and drinks. Admission to the stops is free.
Is it suitable for everyone?+
It is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for people with back or heart problems or pregnancy. Infants must sit on laps.
Can I cancel?+
Free cancellation is available up to twenty-four hours before the experience starts.
