thericechronicles: Snorkelling in Hoi Ha Wan

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Snorkelling in Hoi Ha Wan

Hoi Ha Wan translates as ‘Bay Beneath the Sea’ and the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is a protected area that contains 60 types of hard coral and 120 species of coral fish. It’s also a particularly good spot for those interested in snorkelling or mangroves.

Hello Excellent Ones,

Last Saturday I went with some excellent ones from my school to Hoi Ha Wan which is located in Sai Kung country park, a 44 square kilometre oasis of jungle, beaches, ocean, small mountains, trails, and fresh air. It is awesome and, for me, the fact that three quarters ( 3/4 !) of Hong Kong is made up of country parks, like Sai Kung, makes it truly one of the greatest places on Earth. What a great blend of city, culture, and nature. Ok I am gushing now.

The day started when we packed ourselves onto a mini bus at Sai Kung town and careened through the jungle to Hoi Ha village

Happy times on the mini bus.

Upon arrival we were greeted by this sign. Hoi Ha gets a few visitors and we were advised to not cause noise nuisance. Hmmm. I Should have a noise nuisance sign in my PE class.

Interesting flower in Hoi Ha.

Hoi Ha village is miniscule, but has some interesting buildings.

Exciting downtown Hoi Ha. We had to walk through Hoi Ha and a jungle to get to Hoi Ha Wan. About a 10 minute walk.

On the way to Hoi Ha Wan we came upon some ancient Lime kilns.

Trek through the jungle to Hoi Ha Wan.

A group photo at the pier by Hoi Ha Wan.

View of Sai Kung, Hoi Ha village, and the bay.

Snorkelling time. Was an overcast day, but that was good. Was only 29 rather than 35 degrees.

Gearing up.

Ready to see another world.

Jim had a cell phone that could take pictures underwater. Hard to take pictures of fish flitting around, but the coral was interesting.

There were massive schools of small transparent fingerling size fish.

Feeding the fish.

There were some very colorful and interesting fish.

Ok, cheating here. This picture was taken at a seafood restaurant, but there is a great variety of fish in the waters around Hong Kong. Tough to take good shots of the fish with a cell phone.