Posted on 06/30/2025

Travel beyond Hong Kong’s dazzling skyscrapers, historic backstreets and a skyline that ranks among the most stunning in the world. Away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong Island, there are over 260 more islands, 450 miles of coastline, and a UNESCO Geopark that straddles land and sea. 

A new, island-hopping boat tour lets visitors get up close to the sea caves and volcanic wonders of urban Hong Kong’s flip side. 

The Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark is a protected, ecologically rich and culturally significant area covering 60 square miles of dramatic land and sea: 

• Towering, hexagonal, volcanic basalt columns are some of the world’s largest and were formed an estimated 140 million years ago.
• Cliffs and caves reveal ancient sedimentary layers that are testament to shifting tectonics.
• Sandstone rock formations sculpted over hundreds of millions of years add a mystical and whimsical element, with names like ‘Devil’s Fist.’ And recently,
• Hong Kong’s first-ever dinosaur fossil remains were discovered – and will hopefully be put on public display soon.  

Operated by local adventure outfitters, a newly launched boat tour navigates the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, with thrilling speedboat segments adding a jolt of adventure between stops, making this one of the most exhilarating new ways to encounter Hong Kong’s natural beauty. 

The UNESCO Geopark tour is also a gateway to many of Hong Kong’s outlying islands, with a side of Hong Kong you don’t want to miss. Many are also accessible by public ferry. 

• Cheung Chau – For Artsy Vibes, Street Snacks, and Ancient Temples 
  Just 30 minutes by ferry from Central, Cheung Chau is a car-free island full of seaside charm. Travelers can rent bikes, wander narrow alleyways, and visit the 18th-century Pak Tai Temple before sampling beloved street snacks like fish balls and mango mochi.
• Lamma Island – For Beach-Hopping and Bohemian Culture 
  Beloved for its laid-back vibe and hiking trails, Lamma is a favorite for nature lovers and creatives alike. The Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan hike weaves past beaches, seafood restaurants, and lush coastal scenery, offering an easy escape just a short ferry ride away.
• Peng Chau – For Slow Living and Artisan Culture 
  Peng Chau offers a nostalgic slice of local life. Visitors can explore an abandoned leather factory, browse independent ceramic studios, and take in panoramic views from Finger Hill, all within 30 minutes of the city.
• Po Toi Island – For Rugged Scenery and Folklore 
  Po Toi is Hong Kong’s southernmost island and a favorite among photographers and hikers. Known for its mythic seaweed soup and gravity-defying rock formations, the island feels worlds away from the urban skyline travelers know and love.
• Lantau Island – For Spiritual Retreats and Surf Breaks 
  As Hong Kong’s largest island, Lantau is home to the iconic Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Adventurous visitors can also surf at Cheung Sha Beach or hike the Lantau Trail before unwinding at the 5-star Auberge Discovery Bay resort. Known for a laid-back vibe with stunning sea views, Discovery Bay has been a long-standing favorite resort-town escape among locals and visitors alike, boasting coastal hikes, white-sand beaches, and alfresco dining that’s as picturesque as it is delicious. 

From volcanic sea arches to open-air seafood stalls and island temples, Hong Kong’s coastal offerings surprise even the most seasoned travelers. Whether you’re on a mission to uncover UNESCO-listed rock formations or simply want to hop from one tranquil island to the next, there’s never been a better time to explore Hong Kong by boat. 

START YOUR TRIP! 

Image: Getty 

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