best boat rides in hong kong - ferry - day trips
Cover Add one of these awesome Hong Kong boat routes to your upcoming weekend getaway itinerary (Photo: @surewinking/Instagram)

In need of a break from the hectic pace of life to recharge? These secret boat rides will offer you a relaxing urban escape full of fun activities and sightseeing opportunities

Hong Kong is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels that make for the perfect holiday break we crave. However, look beyond its gleaming skyscrapers, you’ll also find our city is filled with exciting outdoor adventures. From scenic hiking trails to beaches and seaside towns, there are plenty of activity options available in town to break your boring void.

But if you’ve been seriously bitten by the travel bug and are itching for a change of scenery, a scenic boat ride ticks all the boxes. An iconic symbol of Hong Kong’s heritage, the ferry is one of the city’s oldest forms of public transport and a great way to admire the beauty of Victoria Harbour.

In Hong Kong, boat routes fan out in multiple directions across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and outlying islands. While Star Ferry has been the most famous of all boat services in town, there are also some lesser-known boat rides that take you to picturesque spots with fun activities and gorgeous scenery on offer. Keep scrolling for our roundup of the best, most unique boat rides to enjoy in Hong Kong. 

Read more: 10 Instagram Spots in Hong Kong That’ll Make You Feel Like You're on Holiday Abroad

1. Sai Wan Ho to Lei Yue Mun

Often overshadowed by its trendier neighbours, Tai Koo and North Point, Sai Wan Ho has a nostalgic charm that’s often hard to find on Hong Kong Island. Besides its scenic views and a tempting array of local eateries, this place is also worth a visit for a ferry trip to Lei Yue Mun—a quaint fishing village that feels worlds away from the city’s concrete streets. Arrive early to enjoy a scrumptious meal at one of the seafood restaurants, take in the beautiful sea views, and head to the Tin Hau Temple to relax in quiet contemplation.

Don't miss: Neighbourhood Guide: What to Eat, Drink and Do in Sai Wan Ho

2. Sai Wan Ho to Tung Lung Chau

The Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier also offers boat rides to Tung Lung Chau, a secret beautiful island that packs in everything you could want in a nature escape: fresh air, panoramic sea views and spectacular rock formations to admire. This area is also a go-to destination for avid rock climbers of all skill levels, but if you’re not into adventure sports, there are also plenty of gems to explore, including the 300-year-old fort, ancient rock carvings and a photogenic lighthouse that makes for the perfect backdrop for your ‘gram.

3. North Point to Kowloon City, Kwun Tong, Kai Tak and Joss House Bay

Many people would only visit North Point for its authentic local food offerings and unique Instagram spots, but only a few know that this charming neighbourhood also offers a boat ride to the Kowloon City Ferry Pier—the very first permanent pier in Hong Kong which was built after World War II and started operation in 1956. Known as Hong Kong's Little Thailand, Kowloon City is filled with history, heritage, and plenty of excellent Thai eats for you to explore.

The North Point Ferry Pier also takes passengers to the old airport terminal Kai Tak and Kwun Tung—another up-and-coming hood brimming with great restaurants and lifestyle shops that’s definitely worth a visit. But the real gem here is the ride to Joss House Bay (aka Tai Mun Wan), a secluded place where Hong Kong’s oldest Tin Hau temple is located.

The ride is only available on the days around the annual Tin Hau Festival, which transports people to worship Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea. Be sure to check the ferry schedule before planning your visit to avoid disappointment.

Read more: The Best Stargazing Spots In Hong Kong

4. Central to Sok Kwu Wan

A short ferry ride from Central will connect you to the hidden side of Lamma Island, Sok Kwu Wan. Unlike Yung Shue Wan, the more well-known part of the island which boasts cool cafes and quaint boutiques, Sok Kwu Wan is more secluded with quieter footpaths that's perfect for those who’re looking to enjoy serenity and nature. After treating yourself to a delicious seafood meal, you can also walk to Yung Shue Wan via Lamma Island Family Trail to explore further.

Don't miss: Island Guide: What to Eat, Drink and Do in Lamma Island

5. Wong Shek Pier to Tap Mun

Sitting pretty in the north-eastern reaches of Sai Kung, Tap Mun is one of the most secluded and photogenic islands in Hong Kong. Just a short boat ride from the Wong Shek Pier in Sai Kung, passengers will be transported to an oasis filled with breathtaking natural scenery and wandering cows.

Aside from camping and enjoying kite flying, Tap Mun also has a couple of Insta-worthy spots where you can visit for some artsy shots, including the Tin Hau Temple and the vast hillside lawn around the Hilltop Pavillion. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the teahouse Sun Yau Kee at the Fisherman’s Village by the pier for a taste of their famous fresh sea urchin fried rice.  

Read also: 5 Lesser-Known Instagram Spots in Hong Kong for a Picturesque Escape

6. Aberdeen sampan rides

A beautiful reminder of our city’s fishing heritage, the traditional sampan is a flat-bottomed wooden boat operated by the Tanka tribe, which had been a popular form of water transport in Hong Kong and was used as fishing boats in the past.

Today, we can relive the old days of Hong Kong and appreciate the cultural values of sampans with a unique boat ride in Aberdeen. For the full experience, we recommend booking a sightseeing tour, which includes a 30-minute ride guided by local residents at the village, a delicious lunch of traditional boat noodles prepared in a mobile sampan kitchen, as well as plenty of gorgeous scenery and photo opportunities to liven up your feed.

The sightseeing tour can be booked via Klook.

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