Hong Kong has 42 gazetted public beaches, and most of them sit empty on weekdays while the city’s nine million residents crowd into shopping malls and air-conditioned restaurants. For expats, the beaches are one of the city’s best-kept advantages: clean water, dramatic scenery, free entry, and lifeguard cover from April through October.
This guide covers eight beaches that range from a quick bus ride from Central to full-day hiking adventures on remote coastline. Every beach has been visited this spring. Transport directions, facilities, and water quality ratings reflect what is on the ground right now.
If you prefer trails over sand, see our guide to the best hiking trails in Hong Kong for beginners. For day trip ideas that combine beaches with food and villages, our Sai Kung day trip guide is a good starting point.
Repulse Bay
Repulse Bay is the most famous beach in Hong Kong and the one most expats visit first. The crescent of pale sand faces south, the water is calm and shallow near the shore, and the facilities are among the best of any public beach in the city. Changing rooms, showers, rafts, and shark nets are all in place during the swimming season.
What makes Repulse Bay work for expats is the location. Bus 6, 6X, or 260 from Central (Exchange Square bus terminus) takes about 20 minutes and drops you right at the beach. The Pulse, a low-rise shopping and dining complex at the southern end of the beach, has restaurants, cafes, and a supermarket if you want to pick up supplies on arrival.
The beach gets crowded on summer weekends, especially between 11am and 3pm. Visit on a weekday or arrive early on Saturday morning for a quieter experience. The water quality is rated Grade 1 (Good) by the Environmental Protection Department in most recent assessments.
For families, Repulse Bay is hard to beat. The shallow gradient means children can wade safely, and the surrounding area has public toilets, covered seating, and a temple complex (Kwun Yam Shrine) worth a short walk at the southern end.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 淺水灣泳灘 |
| Address | Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Southern District, Hong Kong Island |
| How to Get There | Bus 6, 6X, or 260 from Exchange Square, Central (20 min) |
| Lifeguard Season | April to October, daily |
| Water Quality | Grade 1 (Good) |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, showers, shark nets, rafts, BBQ pits |
| Best For | Families, convenience, first-time visitors |
Shek O Beach
Shek O sits on the southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island, and it feels like a different world from the skyscrapers 30 minutes away. The beach is wide, the sand is coarse and golden, and the village behind it has a handful of Thai and Western restaurants, a surf shop, and not much else. That is the appeal.
Take bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR station (Exit A3). The ride takes about 25 minutes through winding coastal roads with views that make the trip part of the experience. The bus drops you in Shek O village, and the beach is a two-minute walk.
The water is clean (Grade 1 in recent EPD assessments) and the waves are slightly larger than Repulse Bay, though still manageable for casual swimmers. A rocky headland at the northern end of the beach is popular for scrambling and has a small natural rock pool at low tide.
Shek O is the beach for expats who want a laid-back day that includes a meal. The village restaurants serve solid Thai food and cold beers at reasonable prices. The beach has changing rooms, showers, and a small shop selling snacks and inflatables.
Weekend crowds peak around midday. The last bus back to Shau Kei Wan runs until late evening, so there is no rush.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 石澳泳灘 |
| Address | Shek O Beach Road, Shek O, Southern District, Hong Kong Island |
| How to Get There | Bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR (Exit A3), 25 min |
| Lifeguard Season | April to October, daily |
| Water Quality | Grade 1 (Good) |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, showers, shark nets, BBQ pits, nearby restaurants |
| Best For | Relaxed day out, casual dining, couples |
Big Wave Bay
Big Wave Bay is where Hong Kong’s surf culture lives. Located just north of Shek O, the beach catches consistent swells and is the closest thing the city has to a surf break. Even if you do not surf, the beach is worth visiting for its relaxed atmosphere and the fact that it sits at the end of the famous Dragon’s Back trail.
Getting there is simple. You can take bus 9 to Shek O and walk 15 minutes along the coastal path, or hike the Dragon’s Back trail from Shau Kei Wan and descend directly to the beach. The hike-to-beach combination is one of the best half-day outings on Hong Kong Island.
The beach is smaller than Shek O and the waves are stronger, which is the point. A small cafe behind the beach sells drinks and basic food. Surfboard rental is available from local operators, though availability varies. Changing rooms and showers are basic but functional.
Water quality fluctuates more here than at nearby beaches due to the open exposure. Check the EPD Beach Water Quality Forecast before visiting, especially after heavy rain.
Big Wave Bay also has a Bronze Age rock carving site (a declared monument) on the hillside behind the beach, worth a quick detour if you are interested in Hong Kong’s prehistory.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 大浪灣 |
| Address | Big Wave Bay Road, Shek O, Hong Kong Island |
| How to Get There | Bus 9 to Shek O, then 15 min walk; or hike Dragon’s Back trail |
| Lifeguard Season | April to October (weekends and public holidays only) |
| Water Quality | Grade 2 (Fair), check forecast before visiting |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, showers, cafe, surfboard rental |
| Best For | Surfing, post-hike swimming, adventure seekers |
Clear Water Bay (First and Second Beach)
Clear Water Bay sits on the eastern side of the New Territories, overlooking the Sai Kung peninsula. It has two beaches: First Beach is smaller and more sheltered, Second Beach is larger with finer sand and a kiosk selling drinks and snacks. Both share lifeguard cover, shark nets, and clean facilities.
The beaches are a 15-minute taxi ride from Choi Hung MTR station, or you can take minibus 16 from Choi Hung. The journey passes through Clearwater Bay Road with views over Junk Bay. If you are driving, there is a car park near the beach entrance (fills early on weekends).
Water quality at both beaches is rated Grade 1 (Good). The bay is sheltered enough that the water stays calm even when other south-facing beaches have chop. This makes it one of the safest swimming spots in Hong Kong for young children.
The area around Clear Water Bay is worth exploring beyond the sand. The Clearwater Bay Country Park has walking trails, and the Tin Hau Temple at the far end of the peninsula is one of the oldest in Hong Kong (built in 1274).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 清水灣第一灣及第二灣泳灘 |
| Address | Clear Water Bay Road, Sai Kung District, New Territories |
| How to Get There | Minibus 16 from Choi Hung MTR, or taxi (15 min from Choi Hung) |
| Lifeguard Season | April to October, daily |
| Water Quality | Grade 1 (Good) |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, showers, shark nets, kiosk (Second Beach) |
| Best For | Families, calm swimming, country park walks |
Cheung Sha Beach (Lantau)
Cheung Sha is the longest beach in Hong Kong, stretching over three kilometres along the south coast of Lantau Island. It is divided into Upper Cheung Sha (quieter, more remote) and Lower Cheung Sha (more popular, with restaurants and facilities).
Lower Cheung Sha is where most visitors head. The Stoep, a South African restaurant right on the sand, is a long-standing favourite for post-swim meals. Several other cafes and restaurants line the road behind the beach. The sand is fine, the water is clean, and the setting, backed by green Lantau hills, feels far removed from the city.
Upper Cheung Sha is a 10-minute walk further along the coast. It is less developed and usually much emptier. If you want space and quiet, this is the section to choose. Facilities are more basic: showers and changing rooms but no food outlets.
To get there, take bus 1 or 2 from Mui Wo Ferry Pier (reached by ferry from Central Pier 6), or bus 11 from Tung Chung MTR. The ride from Mui Wo takes about 20 minutes along scenic South Lantau Road. For more on getting to Lantau by ferry, see our Octopus card and public transport guide.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 長沙泳灘 |
| Address | South Lantau Road, Cheung Sha, Lantau Island |
| How to Get There | Bus 1/2 from Mui Wo Ferry Pier, or bus 11 from Tung Chung MTR |
| Lifeguard Season | April to October, daily (Lower Cheung Sha) |
| Water Quality | Grade 1 (Good) |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, showers, restaurants (Lower), basic facilities (Upper) |
| Best For | Long walks, beachside dining, escaping the city |
St. Stephen’s Beach (Stanley)
Most expats heading to Stanley end up at Stanley Main Beach, which is fine but often crowded. St. Stephen’s Beach, a five-minute walk south, is the quieter alternative that locals prefer. It is smaller, more sheltered, and backed by a shaded park with BBQ pits and picnic tables.
The beach sits next to the Stanley Military Cemetery and the old St. Stephen’s College campus. The historical surroundings give it a character that the main beach lacks. A water sports centre on the beach offers kayak and windsurf rentals during the summer season.
Getting there is easy. Take bus 6, 6X, or 260 from Central to Stanley Village, then walk south along Wong Ma Kok Road for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, bus 14 from Sai Wan Ho stops closer.
Water quality is consistently rated Grade 1 (Good). The beach is sheltered from open sea swells, so the water is calm and suitable for children. Facilities include changing rooms, showers, and a lifeguard station.
Stanley itself has a market, waterfront restaurants, and Murray House (a relocated colonial building with dining options). Combining a morning at St. Stephen’s Beach with a Stanley lunch is a solid weekend plan.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 聖士提反灣泳灘 |
| Address | Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley, Southern District, Hong Kong Island |
| How to Get There | Bus 6/6X/260 from Central to Stanley, then 10 min walk south |
| Lifeguard Season | April to October, daily |
| Water Quality | Grade 1 (Good) |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, showers, BBQ pits, water sports centre |
| Best For | Quiet alternative to Stanley Main, kayaking, couples |
Long Ke Wan
Long Ke Wan is regularly called the most beautiful beach in Hong Kong, and it earns the title. The sand is fine and almost white, the water is clear turquoise, and there are no buildings, roads, or shops anywhere in sight. Getting here requires a hike, which is exactly why it stays pristine.
The standard route starts from the Sai Kung East Dam. Take a taxi from Sai Kung Town to the High Island Reservoir East Dam car park (about 20 minutes, HK$100 to HK$130). From the dam, follow the marked trail southeast for approximately 45 minutes. The path is well-maintained but involves some steps and uneven ground, so wear proper shoes.
Long Ke Wan is not a gazetted beach. There are no lifeguards, no shark nets, no changing rooms, and no fresh water. Bring everything you need: water, food, sun protection, and a bag for your rubbish. Swimming is at your own risk, though the water is typically calm and shallow near the shore.
The beach faces east and gets morning sun. Arriving by mid-morning gives you the best light and the warmest water. Most visitors leave by mid-afternoon. Camping is permitted on the grassy area behind the beach with a permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
This is not a casual after-work beach trip. It is a half-day commitment at minimum. But if you want to see Hong Kong at its most naturally beautiful, Long Ke Wan is the destination.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 浪茄灣 |
| Address | Sai Kung East Country Park, New Territories |
| How to Get There | Taxi to East Dam from Sai Kung Town, then 45 min hike |
| Lifeguard Season | None (not gazetted) |
| Water Quality | Excellent (unmonitored, consistently clear) |
| Facilities | None. Bring everything you need. |
| Best For | Hikers, photographers, nature lovers |
Tai Long Wan (Ham Tin Beach)
Tai Long Wan is a bay on the eastern coast of the Sai Kung peninsula containing four beaches. Ham Tin is the most accessible and the best for swimming. The sand is golden, the water is clean, and the backdrop of green hills dropping into the sea is as dramatic as anything in Southeast Asia.
The most popular hiking route starts from Sai Wan Pavilion (taxi from Sai Kung Town, about 25 minutes). From the pavilion, hike downhill to Sai Wan beach first (30 minutes), then continue along the coastal trail to Ham Tin (another 30 minutes). The total walk is roughly one hour from the road.
Ham Tin has a small village behind the beach with a couple of basic shops selling cold drinks, instant noodles, and snacks. There is also a simple campsite. Like Long Ke Wan, this is not a gazetted beach, so there are no lifeguards or formal facilities.
The waves at Ham Tin can be significant, especially in typhoon season and during autumn swells. This makes it popular with bodyboarders and surfers, but less ideal for weak swimmers. Check conditions before heading out.
Tai Long Wan is often combined with the MacLehose Trail Stage 2 hike, one of Hong Kong’s classic routes. For trail options, see our hiking guide. Plan for a full day: the hike in and out takes at least three hours total, and you will want time on the sand.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 大浪灣 (鹹田灣) |
| Address | Sai Kung East Country Park, New Territories |
| How to Get There | Taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion from Sai Kung Town, then 1 hour hike |
| Lifeguard Season | None (not gazetted) |
| Water Quality | Excellent (unmonitored, clean and clear) |
| Facilities | Basic village shops, camping area. No formal facilities. |
| Best For | Hikers, surfers, adventurous day trips |
When to Go and What to Bring
The official beach season in Hong Kong runs from April through October. During this period, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department provides lifeguard cover at all 42 gazetted beaches. Some beaches have lifeguards on weekdays and weekends, while smaller beaches may only have weekend and public holiday cover. Check the LCSD website for specific schedules.
Water quality is monitored by the Environmental Protection Department, which publishes daily forecasts for every gazetted beach. The forecast is updated each morning and rates beaches on a scale from Good (Grade 1) to Very Poor (Grade 4). Avoid swimming at any beach rated Grade 3 (Poor) or below, particularly after heavy rainfall when runoff can temporarily affect water quality.
Sun protection is essential from May through September. UV levels in Hong Kong are high, and the humidity makes sunburn deceptively easy. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, and consider a rash guard for extended time in the water.
Jellyfish are occasionally present between June and September, particularly at south-facing beaches. They are rarely dangerous, but stings are uncomfortable. If you see jellyfish warnings posted at the beach, stay out of the water.
For transport, an Octopus card covers bus and minibus fares to every beach on this list. Taxis are an option for Clear Water Bay and the Sai Kung trailheads. If you are new to the city, our first 24 hours guide covers setting up transport on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Hong Kong beaches year-round?
Technically yes, but lifeguard services only operate from April to October. Outside this period, beaches remain open but swimming is at your own risk and facilities like shark nets may not be deployed. The water temperature drops to around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius in winter, which is cold but swimmable for some.
Are there sharks at Hong Kong beaches?
Shark attacks in Hong Kong are extremely rare. The last fatal incident was in 1995. All gazetted beaches with lifeguard cover have shark prevention nets installed during the swimming season. At non-gazetted beaches like Long Ke Wan and Tai Long Wan, there are no nets, but shark encounters remain highly unlikely.
Which beach is closest to Central?
Repulse Bay is the quickest beach to reach from Central, about 20 minutes by bus (routes 6, 6X, or 260 from Exchange Square). Deep Water Bay, which is not on this list but sits between Aberdeen and Repulse Bay, is slightly closer at around 15 minutes.
Are Hong Kong beaches free?
Yes. All gazetted public beaches in Hong Kong are free to enter. There are no admission fees, no beach chair rental charges, and no restricted areas. Facilities including changing rooms, showers, and lifeguard services are all free.
What is the best beach for kids?
Repulse Bay and Clear Water Bay are the best options for families with young children. Both have shallow, calm water, lifeguard cover, shark nets, and nearby food options. St. Stephen’s Beach in Stanley is another good family choice, with a shaded park and BBQ area behind the sand.
Read More
– Best Hiking Trails in Hong Kong for Beginners – A Day in Sai Kung: Seafood, Coffee, and Sand – Octopus Card and Hong Kong Public Transport: Expat Guide – Your First 24 Hours in Hong Kong as a New Expat – Cost of Living in Hong Kong: The Expat Guide
