Best Beaches in Hong Kong: Your Complete Guide

Hong Kong Has Beaches?

One of the biggest surprises for newcomers to Hong Kong is that the city has dozens of beautiful beaches. People picture skyscrapers and neon signs, but the reality is that Hong Kong is 75% green space, with over 200 km of coastline dotted with sandy beaches, secluded coves, and crystal-clear swimming spots.

Most gazetted beaches (those officially managed by the government) have lifeguards on duty from April to October, shark nets, changing rooms, showers, and barbecue facilities. Some of the best beaches are reachable within 30-45 minutes from Central. Here are the ones worth knowing about.

South Side Beaches (Hong Kong Island)

Repulse Bay

Repulse Bay is the most famous beach in Hong Kong and arguably the most convenient. A wide crescent of golden sand backed by luxury apartments and the iconic colonial-style Repulse Bay building, it feels like a slice of the Mediterranean transplanted to Asia. The water is clean, the sand is well-maintained, and there are restaurants and cafes within walking distance.

How to get there: Bus 6, 6X, or 260 from Central. Journey time approximately 25 minutes. The beach has full facilities including lifeguards, changing rooms, showers, and a barbecue area.

Shek O Beach

Shek O is the go-to beach for a lazy weekend day. The beach itself is a generous stretch of sand, and the village behind it has a handful of Thai restaurants, cafes, and small shops that give the area a laid-back, almost Southeast Asian feel. It is popular with families, surfers (when there is swell), and anyone looking to escape the urban intensity.

How to get there: MTR to Shau Kei Wan, then bus 9 to Shek O. Journey time approximately 40 minutes from Central. The village has restaurants but limited shade on the beach itself, so bring an umbrella or tent.

Big Wave Bay

Big Wave Bay is Hong Kong's surfing beach. When typhoon swells roll in, the waves here can be genuinely good — chest to overhead on the best days. Even when the surf is flat, it is a pleasant, slightly wild-feeling beach at the end of a winding road. The beach is smaller and less developed than Shek O, which is part of its charm.

How to get there: Bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan to Shek O, then a 15-minute walk or short taxi ride. Alternatively, hike the Dragon's Back trail and descend to Big Wave Bay.

Deep Water Bay

Deep Water Bay is a smaller, quieter beach between Aberdeen and Repulse Bay. It is popular with swimmers and kayakers. The water tends to be calmer here than at the larger beaches, making it good for swimming. There is a barbecue area and the Hong Kong Country Club sits adjacent.

How to get there: Bus 6 or 260 from Central. Journey time approximately 20 minutes.

Middle Bay and South Bay

These two small beaches are tucked between Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay. They are less crowded and more secluded, accessible by a short walk from Repulse Bay along the coastal path. Middle Bay is particularly popular with the LGBTQ+ community. South Bay offers good snorkelling when the water is clear.

Lantau Island Beaches

Cheung Sha Beach

Cheung Sha is the longest beach in Hong Kong, stretching over 3 km along the south coast of Lantau Island. It is divided into Upper Cheung Sha and Lower Cheung Sha. Lower Cheung Sha has a cafe-restaurant (The Stoep, serving South African food) and tends to be the more popular end. Upper Cheung Sha is quieter and feels more remote.

How to get there: Bus 1 or 2 from Mui Wo ferry pier, or bus 11 from Tung Chung MTR. The journey from Central involves a 35-minute ferry to Mui Wo followed by a 15-minute bus ride.

Pui O Beach

Pui O is a rustic, uncommercialised beach on the south coast of Lantau. Wild buffalo roam the grassland behind the beach, adding a surreal touch. The beach is quiet and uncrowded on weekdays. There are basic facilities but no restaurants directly on the beach — bring your own food and drinks.

How to get there: Bus 1 from Mui Wo. About 10 minutes from the ferry pier.

Sai Kung Beaches

Sai Wan (Long Ke Wan)

Long Ke Wan is consistently rated one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong. Accessible only by foot or by boat, this remote beach on the eastern edge of Sai Kung has powder-white sand and turquoise water reminiscent of Southeast Asian island beaches. The hexagonal rock columns of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark are nearby.

How to get there: Taxi from Sai Kung town to the East Dam of High Island Reservoir, then a 45-minute hike along the MacLehose Trail Section 1. Alternatively, hire a boat from Sai Kung town pier. This is a full-day excursion.

Hap Mun Bay (Half Moon Bay)

Hap Mun Bay is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach on Sharp Island, accessible by a short kaito (small ferry) ride from Sai Kung pier. The beach has clear water, good snorkelling, and a relaxed island atmosphere. There are basic facilities but no shops, so bring everything you need.

How to get there: Kaito from Sai Kung pier to Sharp Island. The journey takes about 10 minutes and costs around HK$15. Kaitos run regularly on weekends.

Tai Long Wan

Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay — not to be confused with the one near Shek O) is a stunning set of four linked beaches on the eastern Sai Kung Peninsula. Ham Tin Wan and Tai Wan are the most accessible. The area is wild and beautiful, with excellent surfing when swells arrive. Getting there requires a hike of at least 40 minutes.

How to get there: Taxi from Sai Kung town to Sai Wan Pavilion, then hike down to Ham Tin (about 40 minutes). This is a full-day adventure.

Practical Tips for Beach Days

Beach season runs April to October. Lifeguards are on duty and shark nets are in place during this period. Swimming outside these months is at your own risk.
Check water quality. The Environmental Protection Department publishes weekly beach water quality grades at their website. Most gazetted beaches maintain good to excellent water quality.
Bring sun protection. The subtropical sun is intense. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and consider a rash guard for extended time in the water.
Pack out your rubbish. Some beaches, especially the remote ones in Sai Kung, have no rubbish collection. Leave nothing behind.
Watch for jellyfish. Jellyfish are occasionally present, especially after storms. If you see warnings posted, take them seriously.
Go on weekdays if possible. Popular beaches like Repulse Bay and Shek O can be packed on sunny weekends. Weekday visits are far more pleasant.
Use the Octopus card. Buses to all beaches accept Octopus, making transport easy and affordable.