FAQs: Snorkelling in Hong Kong

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Tour Basics

Do I need any snorkelling experience to join the tour?

All Splitdyboat snorkelling tours are completely beginner‑friendly, so you do not need any prior snorkelling experience to join. As long as you are comfortable in staying in water and have no major mobility issues, our professional coaches will teach you the basics, stay nearby in the water, and guide you step‑by‑step throughout the activity with all necessary equipment provided.

Where in Hong Kong do you run snorkelling tours?

Most Splitdyboat snorkelling tours run in the Sai Kung area of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, especially around Kau Sai Chau, Sharp Island East and West.

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Depending on the route, tours may also visit other nearby coral spots and islands accessed by speedboat or yacht from Sai Kung Pier.

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Our signature Nemo clownfish snorkelling tour departs from Wong Shek Pier and visits a special inner‑bay shore area that is only accessible safely with professional guidance; for conservation and sustainability reasons, the exact spot is not disclosed publicly, and group sizes are controlled to protect the habitat.

What is the minimum and maximum age for participants?

Splitdyboat Hong Kong snorkelling tours are suitable for all ages, with no strict minimum age, as long as children are accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult. There is no fixed maximum age; participants simply need to be reasonably fit for light swimming in shallow water and have no major mobility or medical issues that would make entering or exiting the boat or sea unsafe.

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Our general recommendation is for participants to be aged 5 or above, as younger children may find the sea conditions, equipment, and boat movements uncomfortable or overwhelming. Children under 18 must always be accompanied and closely supervised by a responsible adult during both the boat ride and snorkelling time.

How long is the snorkelling session, and how much time is spent on the boat or beach?

Splitdyboat snorkelling tours run between 2.5 hours – 3.5 hours in total, with around 1–1.5 hours of guided in‑water time and the rest spent on briefing, boat transfer, photos, and relaxing on the boat or beach. Here is a simple breakdown of the main routes:​

  • Kau Sai Wan Snorkelling Tour (approx. 2.5 hours) – About 1 hour guided snorkelling plus briefing, photo time, and a scenic speedboat ride from Sai Kung Pier, with extra free time to relax and play on the sandy beach at Kau Sai Wan.​
  • Long Mong Wan Snorkelling Tour (approx. 2.5 hours) – Around 1 hour guided snorkelling in a coral area near Sharp Island East, plus briefing, photos, and boat transfer, usually with some time to enjoy the quiet Long Mong Wan beach area.​
  • Sharp Island West Snorkelling Tour (approx. 3.5 hours) – Roughly 1.5 hours guided snorkelling, with the rest of the time used for briefing, coastal walking/rock exploration, photos, and short boat transfers; this route focuses more on snorkelling and coastline, less on staying on a big sandy beach.​
  • Nemo Clownfish Snorkelling Tour (2 hours) – About 1 hour guided snorkelling plus 20 minutes photo time, 30 minutes explanation/break, and a short speedboat sightseeing segment; this tour departs from Wong Shek Pier and focuses on a special inner‑bay clownfish area rather than beach time.​

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For guests who want a longer day out with a yacht plus a guided snorkelling session, the Sai Kung Beach Snorkelling and Island Hopping Tour by Yacht (6 hours) includes around 45–60 minutes of guided snorkelling at Kau Sai Wan, 1.5 hours yacht sightseeing, beach time, lunch on board, and extra swimming or water‑toys time at a second bay.​

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If relaxing on the beach is important, the best choices are Kau Sai Wan Snorkelling Tour or Long Mong Wan Snorkelling Tour, as both itineraries build in dedicated beach time as well as the coached snorkelling session.

Safety & Fitness

Will there be a professional coach or guide in the water snorkelling with us?

Yes. All Splitdyboat snorkelling tours are guided in the water by a professional coach or trained guide who stays close to the group throughout the session.​

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Our in‑water team members typically hold international dive or snorkel‑related qualifications such as PADI or SSI Divemaster, Instructor, or Snorkelling Coach level, ensuring they are trained in both safety and teaching skills for beginners

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The coach gives a safety briefing or basic snorkelling lesson first, then enters the water with you to demonstrate techniques, point out marine life, and offer individual support so both beginners and experienced guests can feel safe and looked after.

Do you provide a safety briefing and basic snorkelling lesson before entering the water?

Yes. Every Splitdyboat snorkelling tour starts with a thorough safety briefing and a step‑by‑step basic snorkelling lesson before anyone enters the water.

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You will learn how to properly use the life jacket, mask and snorkel, how to breathe calmly, and how to move in the water without disturbing marine life, so that even first‑timers can feel safe and confident in shallow conditions

Are life jackets or buoyancy aids mandatory, and can non‑swimmers join with a life jacket?

Yes. Life jackets or other buoyancy aids are mandatory for all participants on Splitdyboat snorkelling tours, and they must be worn correctly for the entire in‑water session.​

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Non‑swimmers and beginners are welcome to join as long as they keep their life jacket on, follow the coach’s instructions, and remain within the shallow, calm areas designated by the guide.

Equipment & Clothing

What should I wear and bring for the snorkelling tour?

For safety and comfort during snorkelling, guests should wear:

  • Secure one‑piece swimsuit or sports‑style swimwear (avoid loose bikinis or strapless styles)​
  • UV‑protective top and/or leggings (rash guard strongly recommended)​
  • Reef‑safe sunscreen (applied in advance)​
  • Towel and a set of dry clothes for after the tour​
  • Hat and sunglasses (preferably with a strap)​
  • Reusable water bottle (filled) and light snacks if needed​
  • Aqua shoes / water shoes for rocky or coral areas​
  • Waterproof phone pouch with strap, if you plan to bring your phone​

Is snorkelling equipment included in the tour fee?

Yes. All Splitdyboat snorkelling tours include the essential equipment you need for the water session:

  • Life jacket (in a range of adult and child sizes)​
  • Snorkelling mask (adult and child sizes)​

For selected products such as the Sai Kung Beach Snorkelling and Island Hopping Yacht Tour, all necessary snorkelling equipment is also included in the tour fee as part of the guided session.

Can I bring and use my own mask or full‑face snorkel?

Yes, you are welcome to bring and use your owntraditional mask and snorkel set, as long as it fits you well and is in good condition.

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For safety reasons, full‑face snorkel masks are not recommended on our tours due to international concerns about CO₂ build‑up and difficulty removing them in an emergency, so guests are strongly advised to use a standard two‑piece mask and snorkel instead.

Do you provide wetsuits, gloves, or rash guards, or should I bring my own?

Most of our snorkelling tours do not include wetsuits, gloves or rash guards, so guests who need extra warmth or sun protection should bring their own long‑sleeve swimwear or rash guard and leggings. Standard snorkelling gear (life jacket and mask) is already provided; if a specific tour includes extra items such as wetsuits, this will be clearly stated in the “What’s Included” section on the product page.

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Most of our snorkelling tours operate in Hong Kong’s warm season, generally between March and November, so many guests feel comfortable without a wetsuit. However, everyone’s cold tolerance is different, so if you get cold easily you are welcome to bring your own wetsuit, thermal top, or extra rash guard and leggings for added warmth.

Booking & Availability

Do snorkelling tours run every day?

Most of our key snorkelling products are scheduled every day during the main season, with multiple time slots, so you can usually find a session that fits your plans. However, all tours remain subject to weather and sea conditions, so departures may be cancelled or rescheduled if wind and waves are not suitable for safe snorkelling.

What's the minimum group size for snorkelling tours?

Our snorkelling tours have no minimum number of sign‑ups– even if you book alone, your spot is confirmed and we will pair you with other guests when possible.

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For private or custom snorkelling charters, a minimum charge may apply based on a set number of people.

Can I book a private snorkelling tour?

Yes. You can book a private snorkelling tour with Splitdyboat as long as you meet the minimum charge equivalent to 8 participants.​

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For example, if only 3 people would like a private session, you are welcome to do so by paying the tour fee calculated as 8 participants, and the coach and boat will then be reserved exclusively for your group.

Meeting Point & Check-In

Where is the meeting point and how do I get there? 

For each Splitdyboat snorkelling tour, the detailed meeting point and Google Map link are shown on the product page, but here is a quick overview for reference.​

When should I arrive for check-in?

30 minutes early—late arrivals may forfeit spots (no refunds). Check-in via phone number or name at the meeting point.

Example: For our Sharp Island West Snorkelling Tour (09:30am-01:00pm session), arrive by 09:00am at Sai Kung Public School.

Exact time + GPS map included in our product page. Contact us immediately if delayed.

What if I'm running late to the boat departure?

Contact WhatsApp (+852 9229 5167) or the Guide immediately.

<15 min late = hold boat if possible;

>15 min = no-show policy applies.

Sustainability at Snorkelling

How do snorkelling tours protect the marine environment?

Splitdyboat snorkelling routes are planned to avoid fragile coral zones as much as possible, and guests are briefed not to touch, stand on, or chase any marine life. Fins are not used on our tours because we operate mainly in shallow, calm inner‑bay areas where fins are unnecessary and can easily damage corals and the seabed.​

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Following the Rules

Coaches remind guests to follow the snorkelling rules, move slowly, take only photos, and bring back all rubbish so nothing is left in the ocean. These simple practices help protect marine life while still allowing everyone to enjoy the underwater scenery responsibly.

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Learn, Appreciate, Protect

During the tour, coaches share fun facts about local marine life and point out interesting corals and fish so guests learn to appreciate the beauty of the ecosystem, not just “consume” it. By understanding what they see and why it is fragile, many guests leave with a stronger sense of environmental responsibility and a desire to help protect the ocean.

What can guests do to snorkel more sustainably?

Guests are required to use reef‑safe sunscreen or wear UV‑protective swimwear to reduce chemical impact on corals. Moving slowly, staying horizontal in the water, and keeping a respectful distance from fish and corals all help minimise disturbance to the ecosystem.

Does Splitdyboat support conservation or eco‑friendly practices?

Splitdyboat follows international good‑practice guidelines for responsible snorkelling, such as not feeding fish, not collecting shells or corals, and never dumping waste into the sea. Our tours and boats doesn't anchor to avoid damaging the seabed and promote low‑impact, small‑group experiences.

Cancellation & Changes

Can I change my snorkelling tour date?

Yes, one free reschedule if 3+ days before departure. Contact via My Orders with booking ID.

What’s the weather cancellation policy for yachts?

Full refund if we cancel due to unsafe weather.

We cancel tours for unsafe waves, No. 3 typhoon signal or higher, typhoons, or extreme conditions like Amber/Red/Black rainstorm warnings—full refund guaranteed.

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Weather Monitoring

  • HK Observatory + Windy.com wind/wave forecasts.
  • Captain makes final call on-site for safety.

Contact WhatsApp if conditions change. Safety first!

Popular Snorkelling Tour in Hong Kong

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Booking Changes ｜ Yacht Tour｜ Coasteering ｜ Kayking ｜ Snorkelling ｜ Cruise ｜ Island Hopping