A Guide to Hong Kong Sea Caves

1. Mok Min

For those who want to visit a sea cave in Hong Kong without using a boat or canoe, Mok Min sea cave is probable the most impressive one that can be reached on land. When the tide is low, you can actually go inside and walk through. Make sure to check the tidal information before climbing down into the cave though — it’s recommended to go at low tide, which is 0.8 metres or below.

How to get there: Mok Min Cave is located just off the MacLehose Trail Stage 1. Take a taxi to Pak Lap Village and from there the walk will take less than an hour. (Use a map, as road signs are limited.) You’ll need to walk back the same way you came.

2. Basalt Island

Basalt Island and neighbouring Wang Chau and Bluff Island are some of Hong Kong’s most spectacular natural wonders — and a great place to see not only sea caves and sea arches, but volcanic cliffs too. Part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, the area features rigid rock formations that date back to the Cretaceous period. You might spot a monument on Basalt Island while kayaking around it — it’s in remembrance of a tragic aircraft accident that happened there in 1948.

How to get there: As it’s located in a core protection area, you won’t find any public piers or trails around here. Instead, you’ll need to travel by boat or kayak. For the latter, you could start at Ham Tin Wai, where you can rent a kayak and paddle out. A warning that it’s a few kilometres of open water, so it’s best for those with some experience. It can also be dangerous on the rocks, so it’s strongly advised to stay in the boat and not try to go ashore.

3. High Island

High Island is a former island now connected to the Sai Kung Peninsula by two dams, including the High Island Reservoir East Dam. On the edge of the dam you’ll find a large sea cave surrounded by columns of volcanic tuff. Depending on the sea conditions, you can paddle or walk into the cave. As it’s also part of the Global Geopark, there’s plenty of wildlife to discover in the area too.

How to get there: You could get a taxi or a bus to Pak Tam Chung, and from there walk along Tai Mong Tsai Road to the junction ahead. Turn right on to the Maclehose Trail and walk about nine kilometres. Alternatively, book yourself an East Dam Half-Day Tour through Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark through their Volcano Discovery Centre, or A Team Edventures offers kayak exploration trips that start at 10:30 a.m. and include lunch.