Coastal adventures, hidden trails, and ancient temples await just beyond the skyline

While Hong Kong is celebrated worldwide for its dazzling skyline and world-class dining, a new UNESCO Global Geopark boat tour is turning attention toward the city’s serene side. From picturesque coastlines and quaint fishing villages to sea caves and volcanic wonders, island hopping this summer offers travelers a fresh way to explore a different side of the destination.

Operated by local adventure outfitters, the newly launched boat tour navigates the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, a protected, ecologically rich and culturally significant area covering over 150 square kilometers of land and sea. With expert guides on board, guests cruise past fiery red sedimentary cliffs, towering volcanic columns, and time-sculpted rock formations like the Devil’s Fist, made up of sandstone estimated to be 400 million years old, during the two-hour excursion. Thrilling speedboat segments add a jolt of adventure between stops, making this one of the most exhilarating new ways to encounter Hong Kong’s natural beauty.

The UNESCO Geopark tour is also a gateway to something many visitors overlook: the more than 250 outlying islands, many of which are easily accessible and blissfully crowd-free. Thanks to a well-connected network of ferries and private charters, often reached with just an Octopus Card (a smart card used for e-payments on public transit systems), visitors can island-hop from windswept hiking trails to pristine beaches and spiritual landmarks all in a single day. Here are some top picks for your island-hopping adventure:

Island-Hopping Highlights

• Cheung Chau – For Artsy Vibes, Street Snacks, and Ancient Temples
  Just 30 minutes by ferry from Central, Cheung Chau is a car-free island full of seaside charm. Travelers can rent bikes, wander narrow alleyways, and visit the 18th-century Pak Tai Temple before sampling beloved street snacks like fish balls and mango mochi. For those looking to overnight, the Warwick Hotel Cheung Chau offers relaxed seaside accommodation with sweeping views.
• Lamma Island – For Beach-Hopping and Bohemian Culture
  Beloved for its laid-back vibe and hiking trails, Lamma is a favorite for nature lovers and creatives alike. The Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan hike weaves past beaches, seafood restaurants, and lush coastal scenery, offering an easy escape just a short ferry ride away.
• Peng Chau – For Slow Living and Artisan Culture
  Peng Chau offers a nostalgic slice of local life. Visitors can explore an abandoned leather factory, browse independent ceramic studios, and take in panoramic views from Finger Hill, all within 30 minutes of the city.
• Po Toi Island – For Rugged Scenery and Folklore
  Po Toi is Hong Kong’s southernmost island and a favorite among photographers and hikers. Known for its mythic seaweed soup and gravity-defying rock formations, the island feels worlds away from the urban skyline travelers know and love.
• Lantau Island – For Spiritual Retreats and Surf Breaks
  As Hong Kong’s largest island, Lantau is home to the iconic Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Adventurous visitors can also surf at Cheung Sha Beach or hike the Lantau Trail before unwinding at the 5-star Auberge Discovery Bay resort. Known for a laid-back vibe with stunning sea views, Discovery Bay has been a long-standing favorite resort-town escape among locals and visitors alike, boasting coastal hikes, white-sand beaches, and alfresco dining that’s as picturesque as it is delicious.

From volcanic sea arches to open-air seafood stalls and island temples, Hong Kong’s coastal offerings surprise even the most seasoned travelers. Whether you’re on a mission to uncover UNESCO-listed rock formations or simply want to hop from one tranquil island to the next, there’s never been a better time to explore Hong Kong by boat.

Plan the rest of your curated visit at DiscoverHongKong.com.

Source: BUSINESS WIRE