Sharp Island (Kiu Tsui Chau): 7 Things to Do in One Day

Looking for a quick island escape without leaving Hong Kong? Sharp Island, or Kiu Tsui Chau (橋咀洲), sits just off Sai Kung and is only about 15 minutes away by boat.

This small volcanic island is part of Kiu Tsui Country Park and the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Here's how to get there and 7 things to fill one perfect day.

7 Things to Do on Sharp Island in One Day

1. Walk the Tombolo to Kiu Tau:

At low tide, a sandbar of about 200 metres rises from the sea and links Sharp Island to the small islet of Kiu Tau. Walking across feels like finding a secret path, but check the tide times first, because the path disappears under water when the tide comes back in.

2. Spot the Pineapple Bun Rocks:

Along the shore, look out for the volcanic boulders with cracked, crusty surfaces that locals compare to Hong Kong's famous pineapple bun. These rocks formed around 140 million years ago, and they make Sharp Island one of the easiest geopark sights to reach from the city.

3. Relax on a Sharp Island Beach:

Hap Mun Bay, also called Half Moon Bay, is the beach most visitors fall for: a soft crescent of sand with barbecue pits, showers, changing rooms and lifeguards in the swimming season. If you'd rather swim as soon as you land, Kiu Tsui Beach sits right by the main pier, and its long stretch of calm water is perfect after the boat ride.

4. Learn About Sharp Island Coral Protection:

Sharp Island has some of the richest coral in Hong Kong, and crowds have damaged it in the past. Since May 2026, buoys mark shallow coral zones as no-entry areas, and WWF-Hong Kong staff and Ocean Ambassadors share tips with visitors on public holidays from May to October. The government also plans to turn about 63 hectares around the island into a marine park, with the legal steps targeted for mid-2027.

5. Snorkel the Clear Water:

The clear water around the island is great for snorkelling, as long as you enter and exit from sandy spots, never stand on coral and leave every shell and crab where you found it. Loved what you saw? Many snorkellers go on to learn scuba in warmer water, and Chinese-speaking readers can start by comparing 印尼 PADI 课程 for their first certification.

6. Hike Across the Island:

For the best views, follow the trail of about 2 kilometres that links Kiu Tsui with Hap Mun Bay and passes the lookout at Hak Shan Teng. Allow one to two hours, and start at Kiu Tsui so you can finish at Hap Mun Bay and catch your boat back from there if your ticket allows it.

7. End With Seafood in Sai Kung:

Back on the mainland, stroll along the Sai Kung waterfront and pick your dinner straight from the seafood tanks. It's the perfect way to wrap up a sunny day on the water.

How to Go to Sharp Island

Getting to Sharp Island is easy, but it takes two steps:

Step 1, get to Sai Kung:

  • Take the MTR to Choi Hung station, then hop on green minibus 1A to Sai Kung town, about 20 to 30 minutes.

  • Prefer the bus? Route 92 and route 299X also end at Sai Kung Bus Terminus, a short walk from the pier.

Step 2, take a kaito from Sai Kung Public Pier:

  • Small kaito boats leave from the pier to Sharp Island Pier (Kiu Tsui) and Hap Mun Bay. The ride takes about 15 minutes.

  • Return tickets usually cost around HK30toHK40 and are sold at kiosks on the pier, often cash only. Boats leave every 15 to 30 minutes once they fill up.

Good to know:

  • Each operator runs its own schedule, so ask for the last boat back before you leave.

  • On public holidays the island gets very busy, so a weekday visit is much more relaxing.

Final Thoughts

Sharp Island proves you don't need a long flight to find sandy beaches, ancient rocks and colourful coral. Plan around the tides, travel light and treat the reef with care, and one day here will feel like a real holiday.

And if your day by the sea sparks a bigger dream, you could even end up teaching others to dive. Chinese-speaking divers who want to go pro can look into the 印尼 PADI 教练发展课程 (IDC), the course that trains new PADI instructors.

Learn More

How long is the boat ride to Sharp Island?

The kaito from Sai Kung Public Pier takes about 15 minutes.

Can you swim at Sharp Island?

Yes. Hap Mun Bay and Kiu Tsui Beach are both popular for swimming, and Hap Mun Bay has lifeguards in the swimming season. Stay out of the shallow coral zones marked by buoys.

When can you walk the tombolo?

Only at low tide. Check the tide predictions from the Hong Kong Observatory before your trip, and head back early so you don't get stranded on Kiu Tau.

Is Sharp Island good for kids?

Yes, the short boat ride and calm beaches make it an easy family day out. Just keep a close eye on children near the water and on the tombolo.

Can I take shells or crabs home?

No, please leave everything where you found it. Officials have reminded visitors not to remove crabs, shells or other marine life from the island.

Is there food on the island?

Options on the island are limited, so bring enough water and snacks for the day. For a proper meal, save your appetite for the seafood restaurants in Sai Kung town.



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