🌊 Suggested Route: Kwun Yam Wan ⇄ Tung Wan ⇄ Windsurfing Monument
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (beginner-friendly; suitable for families and pets) Paddling time: approximately 1–1.5 hours, including photo stops
Route overview: Cheung Chau’s water activities are concentrated around Kwun Yam Wan and Tung Wan on the island’s eastern side. These adjoining bays have clear water and lifeguard services, with relatively calm conditions for first-time SUP or kayak experiences. Starting at Kwun Yam Wan, paddle along the coastline towards Tung Wan, enjoying the sea breeze, low-rise waterfront buildings and island holiday atmosphere.
📸 Photo stop: As you reach the boundary between the two beaches, look back from the water towards the large Lee Lai-shan Olympic Windsurfing Monument. It offers a distinctive view of Cheung Chau from the sea and a memorable backdrop for paddling photos.
🚌 Getting There and Facilities
Transport: Take a ferry from Central Pier 5 to Cheung Chau. After leaving the ferry pier, follow Tung Wan Road for approximately 10–15 minutes to reach Tung Wan and Kwun Yam Wan.
Facilities: Kwun Yam Wan has long-established water-sports centres offering kayak and SUP rental. Changing rooms, showers and refreshment kiosks are available near the beaches. After your session, head into town for Cheung Chau’s giant fish balls and mango-filled glutinous rice cakes to round out your day trip.
⛵ A Further Challenge: Windsurfing and Wingfoil
Kwun Yam Wan is a historic centre of Hong Kong windsurfing and the training ground of Olympic gold medallist Lee Lai-shan. Alongside kayaks and SUP, it offers windsurfing and the increasingly popular sport of wingfoil. Windsurfing: Complete beginners can join a one-day introductory course, typically around HK$1,400–1,800 per person. Morning theory is followed by afternoon practice, with instructors teaching starting and turning. Wingfoil: This newer sport combines elements of kite-powered sports and surfing and requires more technique. Local centres, including J&J Water Sports Center at Kwun Yam Wan, generally offer instructor-led introductory sessions. Two-hour group sessions start at around HK$600 per person, covering wing handling and foil balance. Some courses use a support boat to follow participants throughout.
Here are public contact details and access information for the main water-sports centres at Kwun Yam Wan:
📞 Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre
Official website: https://www.ccwindc.com.hk/ Telephone: +852 2981 8316 Services: Windsurfing, wingfoil, SUP and kayak rentals and professional courses. The centre also has an outdoor café where you can refuel with a sea view after your activity.
J&J Water Sports Center
Overview: Specialises in windsurfing, SUP and wingfoil instruction. As wingfoil requires more technique, the centre generally offers small-group introductory sessions, starting at around HK$600 per person for two hours. Instructors cover wing handling, foil balance and safety. Telephone / WhatsApp: +852 9415 0908
Social media: Search Facebook for the group named Cheung Chau Water Sports Center in Chinese to find the latest class updates.
💡 Booking Tips Reserve lessons in advance: Windsurfing and wingfoil instructors have limited availability, so enquire and book through WhatsApp at least one to two weeks ahead. Weather and opening hours: Centres generally operate from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with seasonal adjustments. Sessions may be rescheduled during severe weather or strong-wind signals. Contact the centre before travelling.