THE TRIP IN WORDS
The UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK
About 140 million years ago, a series of violent volcanic explosions occurred in what is now Hong Kong. During this period, a giant volcano of over 20 kms diameter was situated in the region now known as Sai Kung. This huge volcano had a series of eruptions, ejecting a huge amount of volcanic ash and lava (over 70 cubic kilometers of the earth’s surface was catapulted into the stratosphere)!
These explosions formed the distinctive and dramatic islands that you see today. Over time the hollowed out volcano collapsed and subsided forming a caldera.
This is the largest area of volcanic tuff on planet Earth, the rock type that forms the incredible crystalline columns that create such a dramatic coastal environment.
Sharp Island
Sharp Island was once at the edge of this huge caldera and is a modern reminder of the natural events of these ancient times that created Hong Kong.
On this sea kayak trip into the UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK, we explore Sharp Island and Yim Tin Tsai, the inner islands of Shelter Bay. Our journey takes us into the ancient caldera, through floating fishing villages and sandy mangrove forests. Stopping briefly in Yim Tin Tsai to appreciate the thousands of years of Chinese settlement and the birthplace of the Chinese pearling industry (Pearl River Delta). We have a fresh lunch on a deserted white sand beach where we can swim and snorkel over a small but vibrant coral reef.
After lunch (depending on the wind direction and speed) our journey takes us around Sharp Island passing the southern-most tip to visit the sea caves, or north around the forested shores to the famous Sharp Island tombolo.
A fantastic day exploring a beautiful part of Hong Kong.
SKILL LEVEL: This trip is suitable for fit beginners.
FITNESS LEVEL: You will need basic fitness to complete this distance.
KAYAKING EXPERIENCE: No kayaking experience is required
DURATION: 1 day – moderate distance (approx.14 kms)
DEPARTS: Daily, 10:00 am – Sha Ha Rd carpark, Sai Kung (see map below).
PRICE: HK$750 pp
the trip in pictures
The most unique, pristine and globally recognised marine environment in Hong Kong that very few international visitors ever see.
This is arelatively easy sea kayak trip in protected waters which will cover about 14 km’s, paddling to two of the the inner islands of the UNESCO Global Geopark from Sai Kung.
Our trip departs somewhere in Shelter Bay (Sai Kung) depending on the prevailing winds. We head east towards Sharp Island, the edge of the volcanic crater that created this amazing sea kayak destination.
Each island has its own character and beauty. Sharp Island because of it’s global geological significance. Here we stop to climb to hike on the famous Tombolo and snorkel over corl reefs.
Yin Tim Tsai because of its cultural and historical importance in Chinese and local history and uniques sand bottom mangrove system.
Our actual route is always determined by the weather conditions on the day.
what's included
We use double sea kayaks for less experienced paddlers or paddlers with children. Doubles are faster and more stable making it easier for people to do the distances required per day.
Our single sea kayaks are stable and easy to control. Available on request.
This includes spray skirts, paddles & spare paddles, buoyancy vests, paddle floats, pumps etc.
Our guides are seasoned professionals with international qualifications. Not only are they familiar with the regions in which they paddle, they are also fully trained in sea kayak rescues, first aid and emergency procedures.
We provide a picnic lunch during the trip as well as fruit snacks and drinking water.
We will be taking photos all the trip which will be freely available for download after the tour is over.
Snorkeling equipment is available for people wishing to explore the underwater world around the islands we visit.
We take a short hike on Sharp Island to view the ancient caldera .
