Aquatic Adventures

Hong Kong is also home to half a dozen marine parks and reserves, including the following three.

• Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park north of the Sai Kung Peninsula is renowned for its biodiversity, including a plethora of corals, making it a diving hotspot. There are also remnants of the old lime kiln industry that flourished here in the 19th century, when refined lime from oyster shells and coral was used in construction and agriculture.

• In the western waters of Hong Kong is the 12-square-kilometre Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park. Rich in organic nutrients as a result of its proximity to the Pearl River, the area is best known as a habitat of the rare Chinese white dolphin (the one that appears to have pink skin).

• In addition to half a dozen marine parks, Hong Kong also has one designated marine reserve. Located on the very southeast point of Hong Kong Island, the Cape D’Aguilar Nature Reserve is a modest 500 by 400 metres across, but serves to protect the important sub-tidal habitats and rocky shores. You can’t fish, swim or dive here.