Best Boat Rides in Hong Kong

11/6/2017 ThomasIronmonk Activities Hong Kong 2197

If there’s something one can’t help but notice about Hong Kong is the territory’s relationship to water. The jagged edged Kowloon Peninsula juts out from the Chinese Mainland to confront Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island and a further 200 islets and outcroppings, all surrounded by the deep blue sea.

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Hong Kong’s history up until British annexation was one of seafaring. As inland Canton (Guangzhou) became a major trade center, so Hong Kong was established as a military stronghold aimed to bolster sea defenses. Lantau emerged and major salt trading base. Pirates operated out of various corners of Hong Kong while fishing villages, the likes of which one still finds peppering the coastline today, brought in a South Sea catch to feed the inland Cantonese, informing the famous southern cuisine that exists until this day.

The maritime Brits realized Hong Kong’s value as a deep-water port, the island sheltering ships from the frequent typhoons that shook the south. After the first Opium War, the imperial Europeans took over the island in 1842, securing an extension of territory in 1898. Hong Kong soon became a major entrepot thanks to its free port status. Connected to a network of British controlled colonies around the world, ships came and left in ever-increasing numbers. Today Hong Kong operates the world’s fifth busiest container port.

Should you wish to get, a better grasp of Hong Kong’s storied maritime history visit the Hong Kong Maritime Museum located at Central Pier 8. While concentrating on the South China coastline and its adjacent seas, the museum also covers global trends and provides a comprehensive account of Hong Kong’s development as a major world port and maritime centre by illustrating how China, its Asian neighbours, and the West have contributed to the development of boats, ships, maritime exploration and trade, as well as naval warfare.

Star Ferries

But of course the best way to view Hong Kong is from the water and this too is both possible and indeed popular. Hong Kong Star Ferries, though slightly slower than the subterranean MTR, afford a fine way to view the “Floating City” as Hong Kong is sometimes known. The charming Star Ferry boats, many of which were constructed in the shipyards of England, have been faithfully carrying passengers from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and back since 1888. The fleet of twelve ferries operates two routes across the harbor, carrying over 70,000 passengers a day, or 26 million a year. Many travel magazines have ranked the Star Ferries amongst the finest ferry rides on earth.

Cruises

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The classic way to experience Hong Kong is via a Red Sailed Junk Boat cruising through Victoria Harbour either by day to enjoy the majesty of the high-rise city or night when the symphony of lights plays our across Hong Kong Island. Various operators offer such trip, and some include dinner as well as visits to outlying islands as part of the itinerary.

Whenever you travel through Hong Kong, you won’t miss an enormous cruise ship invariably moored next to the Harbour City shopping precinct on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour. Some cruises begin and end in Hong Kong while others just visit Asia’s World City. To check cruise packages on some of the world’s most luxurious liners visit this government website for schedules.

Kayaking

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A more intimate way to experience the water is via a kayak canoe. With exposed shores of rare and beautiful geology riddled with sea caves and white sandy beaches and small uninhabited islands, Hong Kong really has a great deal to offer the keen kayaker. Several groups, organizations, and companies offer kayak classes and tours. Sha Ha Beach in Sai Kung town has several independent rental companies that offer kayaks for day use. Sea Kayak Hong Kong-based on Lamma Island runs individual and group trips as well.

Yacht Clubs

Hong Kong has several yacht clubs, some only open to members, while others offer restaurants and services for visiting sailing fiends. There’s always a regatta, a rowing race or some kind of sailing shindig to attend. You’d best check their websites. The most notable of clubs is the Royal Yacht Club which operates a comprehensive website to all up-and-coming water based events and attractions.

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