Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park

Hoi Ha Wan is a shallow, sheltered bay on the northern side of the Sai Kung peninsula, protected as a marine park since 1996, and the combination of warm shallow water and shelter from open swell has given it the densest hard coral cover reachable on a day trip from the city, with dozens of coral species and the fish, sea urchins and horseshoe crabs that go with them. Glass-bottom boats run from the beach for people who would rather stay dry, and snorkelling is straightforward from the shore. A small village sits behind the bay with a marine life centre, a Tin Hau temple and a couple of shops, and a walking trail continues along the coast.

History

On the eastern shore of the inner bay stand the remains of four lime kilns, two of them fairly intact, from one of Hong Kong's oldest industries, which ran from 1800 to 1939 and burned oyster shells or coral to make lime for building and farming (Wikipedia, Hoi Ha Wan).

Highlights

• Hard coral in shallow water - the densest cover near the city.
• Glass-bottom boat trips - the reef seen without getting in.
• Horseshoe crabs and sea urchins - the shallow-water life on the flats.
• The village and marine life centre - the settlement behind the beach.

When to go

April to October for water temperature and visibility; summer is hottest and busiest. Half a day. Weekends fill the minibus and the beach; go on a weekday if possible.

Practical notes

Standing on or touching coral kills it, and damage from visitors is a real problem here. Water clarity varies and can be poor after rain. There are no lifeguards. The minibus queue at weekends can run over an hour.

Nearby

Sai Kung town is south; Tap Mun lies north across the water.

Key facts