Water Sports To Try in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s coastline is far more than a backdrop — it’s a playground for thrill-seekers and leisure lovers alike. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned water sports enthusiast, these five activities are the perfect way to make the most of summer on the water.
01. Kiteboarding & Kitesurfing
Part wakeboarding, part airborne adventure, kiteboarding is one of Hong Kong’s most exhilarating water sports — and South Lantau is the undisputed home of it. When the wind conditions align, the skies above Shui Hau Wan come alive with colourful kites and skilled riders carving through the waves. It’s a sport that takes real commitment to learn, so getting proper lessons before hitting the water is highly recommended. Kite2High offers customised introduction sessions as well as wing foil lessons and kite boards for sale.
02. Snorkelling & Scuba Diving
Hong Kong’s waters may not be tropical, but venture a little further out and you’ll be surprised by what lies beneath the surface. Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay are the go-to spots for both snorkelling and scuba diving, offering accessible conditions for beginners and more experienced divers alike. Sai Kung Scuba is a PADI-accredited dive shop running weekend fun dives and regular open water courses, making it an excellent starting point for anyone keen to explore Hong Kong’s underwater world.
03. Windsurfing
Windsurfing has a proud history in Hong Kong — this is, after all, the city that produced Olympic gold medallist Lee Lai-Shan. Cheung Chau is its spiritual home, and the Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre — opened by Lee’s uncle — is the most fitting place to take your first lesson or hire equipment for the day. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your technique, the centre’s instructors and island setting make for an unforgettable experience on the water.
Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre
04. Wakeboarding
A natural crowd-pleaser on a junk boat day out, wakeboarding is one of the most popular water sports in Hong Kong. Wake Plus is a well-regarded wakeboarding club based in Sai Kung, offering a great setup for riders of all abilities looking to get out on the water. Whether you’re stepping on a board for the very first time or working on more advanced moves, it’s a brilliant way to add some excitement to a summer day on the sea.
05. Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
Stand up paddle boarding is one of the most accessible and enjoyable water sports Hong Kong has to offer, and the city’s sheltered bays and outlying islands provide the perfect conditions for it. Blue Sky Sports Club in Sai Kung is a one-stop shop for SUP enthusiasts, offering guided tours, lessons and even monthly memberships for those who want to get out on the water as often as the mood strikes. With some of the most scenic paddling routes in the city right on its doorstep, it’s hard to beat.