In the far north of Sai Kung lies a bay so clear and rich it feels like an aquarium you can swim in. Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park protects one of Hong Kong’s finest stretches of fringing coral — a calm, shallow refuge for marine life and a perfect gentle eco-adventure for families.
What is Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park?
Hoi Ha Wan — the name means “under the sea” — is a sheltered bay enclosed by green hills on the northern edge of the Sai Kung West Country Park coast. It was designated a marine park to protect its unusually rich underwater habitats: extensive fringing corals, seagrass beds and the fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and shellfish that depend on them.
Because the bay is shallow, calm and well protected from the open sea, sunlight reaches the seabed and corals thrive close to shore. That same calm makes it remarkably easy and safe to explore — you don’t need to be a diver to see the marine life here. For many Hong Kong children, the rock pools and coral of Hoi Ha are a first encounter with the living sea.
What to see and do
Snorkelling over the corals
The signature experience is snorkelling. Slip into the warm, clear shallows with a mask and you’ll drift over branching and boulder corals busy with small reef fish. Visibility is best in the warmer months. The water is shallow and sheltered, ideal for beginners and confident children with supervision, but always enter gently and never stand on or touch the coral, which is fragile and easily killed.
Glass-bottom boat tours
If you’d rather stay dry, glass-bottom boats operate from near the village pier, gliding over the coral gardens so you can watch the underwater life through the hull. It’s an excellent option for young children, grandparents and non-swimmers, and a relaxed way to understand why this bay is so treasured.
The village of Hoi Ha
The tiny seaside hamlet of Hoi Ha is part of the charm. Once a fishing and lime-burning settlement, it’s now a quiet cluster of village houses with a few small cafés and shops that hire snorkel gear and serve drinks and simple meals. There’s a small marine life centre / WWF facility in the area that runs education activities, and the surrounding woodland and shore are pleasant to wander. The slow village pace is a world away from the city.
Rock pools and shore walks
Even without getting in the water, the rocky shore and tidal pools reward a careful look — crabs, anemones and small fish shelter in them at low tide. Short paths along the bay and into the country park edge make for easy strolls.
Conservation rules — please follow them
Hoi Ha Wan is special precisely because it is protected. As a designated marine park, strict rules keep it healthy, and visitors must respect them:
- No fishing of any kind within the marine park.
- No anchoring on the corals or seabed; boats must use designated moorings.
- No collecting — do not take corals, shells, sea urchins, fish or any marine life, alive or dead.
- Do not touch or stand on corals, which can take decades to grow and moments to destroy.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen where possible, and take all litter home.
- Powered watercraft and water sports are restricted to keep the bay calm and safe.
Following these simple rules is what allows the next family to see the same vibrant reef you did.
How to get there
Hoi Ha is remote, which is part of its appeal — and reaching it is a small adventure. There is no MTR station in Sai Kung, so first get to Sai Kung Town (see the getting to Sai Kung guide), then take the village minibus.
| From | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sai Kung Town | Green minibus 7 | To Hoi Ha village; the main public route |
| City | Bus 92 (Diamond Hill) or minibus 1A (Choi Hung) | To Sai Kung Town first, then transfer |
From Sai Kung Town centre, green minibus 7 winds up over the hills and down to Hoi Ha village, from where it’s a short, signposted walk to the bay. Minibuses are smaller and can fill up on weekends, so allow extra time and check the last return service before you settle in. For the full picture of local connections, see the getting around Sai Kung guide. Octopus is accepted on the minibus.
Best time to visit
- Late spring to autumn (roughly May–October) brings warm water and the clearest visibility for snorkelling.
- Weekday mornings are calmest and least crowded; weekends and holidays can be busy at this small bay.
- Avoid rough or rainy weather, which clouds the water and makes boat trips unpleasant or unavailable.
- Check tides — higher tide generally makes snorkelling over the corals easier and safer.
Practical tips and safety
- Bring or hire a mask, snorkel and water shoes; the rocky entry can be slippery.
- Wear a rash guard or T-shirt in the water for sun protection rather than relying on heavy sunscreen near the corals.
- Supervise children closely in and near the water at all times.
- Carry water, snacks and cash — the village has only a few small shops, and many places don’t take cards.
- Take everything home: facilities are limited and the marine park depends on visitors keeping it clean.
- There are no lifeguards; swim and snorkel within your ability and stay near shore.
A perfect family and eco day
Hoi Ha Wan is one of Sai Kung’s best outings for a gentle, nature-focused day with children. Pair the morning’s snorkelling with a picnic, a short shore walk and a glass-bottom boat ride, and you have a full, memorable day. It slots beautifully into a wider family day trip to Sai Kung, and rewards anyone curious about the marine life that thrives just beneath Hong Kong’s surface. Plan your connections with the getting around guide and head north to one of the territory’s loveliest protected bays.
Frequently asked questions
Can you snorkel at Hoi Ha Wan?
Yes. The sheltered, shallow bay is one of Hong Kong’s best spots for easy snorkelling over fringing corals, and glass-bottom boat tours run from the pier for those who prefer to stay dry. Always respect the marine park’s no-touch, no-collecting rules.
How do I get to Hoi Ha?
Take green minibus 7 from Sai Kung Town to Hoi Ha village, then walk a short way to the bay. See the getting around guide for connections.
Is fishing allowed in the marine park?
No. Hoi Ha Wan is a designated marine park where fishing, anchoring on the corals and collecting marine life are prohibited. The protection is exactly why the corals and fish are so abundant here.
