HARBOUR TOURS - HONG KONG EXTRAS3

HARBOUR TOURS

Victoria Harbour is one of the world’s most impressive natural harbours. Stunning buildings and landmarks on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon adorn both sides of the busy harbour, a variety of craft including ferries, junks, sampans, cruise ships, freighters and tankers ply the waters and at night time the illuminated buildings provide a colourful and spectacular display.

Visitors are able to choose from a variety of daytime and evening harbour cruises with a range of itineraries in various types of craft;

STAR FERRY’S HARBOUR TOUR

Star Ferry's specially adapted sightseeing tour boat "Shining Star"

The double-decker air conditioned Star Ferry “Shining Star”* with on board café, viewing platform and sun deck sails a daily one hour circular tour of Victoria Harbour throughout the day and evening calling at the Tsim Sha Tsui, Central Pier 8, and Wanchai Star Ferry Piers on route. The tour can be joined at any of these piers and single ride day or night round trip tickets or day and half-day hopping passes are available.

Passengers can enjoy splendid harbour views from the open deck of "Shining Star"*, which has been specially adapted for sightseeing harbour tours by Star Ferry

The luxurious interior cabin provides air conditioned comfort

SAILING SCHEDULE;

From Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier 18-55 and 19-55 daily. The 19-55 sailing is the “Symphony of Lights Cruise” (multimedia show which takes place daily at 20-00 and involves 45 buildings around Victoria Harbour on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon).

Tickets include a refreshment coupon for a non alcoholic drink.

A taped commentary is available for hire on board in English, Mandarin or Japanese.

TICKET PRICES (at December 2023)

18-55 Harbour Cruise HK$200 (HK$175*)
19-55 Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise HK$230 (HK$200*)

* Concessionary fare for children age 3-12 and seniors age 65 and above.

Tickets can be purchased online or from Star Ferry’s Harbour Tour ticket kiosk on Star Ferry Pier Concourse at Tsim Sha Tsui. Payment can be made by cash (HK Dollars), credit card, Wechat Pat, Alipay. Ticket office closes 10 minutes prior to departure.

Star Ferry's Harbour Tour Ticket Kiosk on the Star Ferry Pier Concourse at Tsim Sha Tsui

For further details see;

http://www.starferry.com.hk/en/Introduction

STAR FERRY WATER TOUR

With effect from 15th December 2016 Star Ferry introduced a round-trip “Water Tour” from Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier to Disneyland Resort Pier. From October 2028 the tour ceased operating to Disneyland Resort Pier owing to typhoon damage to the structure and the tour was re-routed and has not since called at Disneyland Resort. The tour utilises a completely renovated Star Ferry "World Star" withdrawn from service in 2011 when the Wan Chai – Hung Hom route closed. Co-funded by the Pilot Green Transport Fund of the Environmental Protection Department, “World Star” has been given a new life and become Hong Kong’s first diesel-electric powered eco-ferry bringing about substantial reduction in emission and higher propulsion efficiency. The renovated ferry features a spacious air-conditioned central cabin and café with luxury seating, tables and outside viewing decks.

Sailings start from Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier and last about 45 minutes following a route around the western, central and eastern areas of Victoria Harbour as far as the Western Harbour Crossing in the west and Kai Tak in the east. Tours commence between 15-45 and 19-45 on most days but the schedule varies. See the link below for timetable;

The 19-45 sailing incorporates viewing of the nightly “A Symphony of Light" multimedia light and sound show.

Fares (at December 2023) are HK$230 for adults, HK$160 for children age 3-12 and seniors age 65 and above except for the 19-45 “A Symphony of Light” cruise where the fare is HK$280 adult, HK$200 concessions. Tickets can be purchased online or from Star Ferry’s Harbour Tour ticket kiosk on Star Ferry Pier Concourse at Tsim Sha Tsui. Payment can be made by cash (HK Dollars), credit card, Wechat Pat, Alipay. Ticket office closes 10 minutes prior to departure.

Star Ferry "World Star"

The luxurious interior cabin of "World Star"

For further details see;

http://www.starferry.com.hk/en/watertour

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"AQUA LUNA" JUNKS

"Aqua Luna" junk

“Cheung Po Tsai” is the original Aqua Luna junk hand built for the Aqua Restaurant Group using traditional shipbuilding methods over an 18 month period by a local craftsman supervised by a veteran 73 year old shipbuilder. The junk with its distinctive red sails is named after the Cheung Chau Island pirate who terrorised the South China Sea at the turn of the twentieth century and was launched in 2006 with a capacity to carry 80 passengers excluding crew.

Upper deck cabin of "Aqua Luna", where passengers can stretch out and relax whilst enjoying a harbour cruise

The magnificently crafted lower deck saloon of "Aqua Luna"

Following the successful operation of Aqua Luna junk which has been providing scheduled tours of Victoria Harbour and weekend cruises to and from Stanley since 2006, Aqua Restaurants Group launched its second junk, Aqua Luna II, during Easter 2017.
The junk was constructed in Mainland China at Shenwan near Zhuhai using Indonesian teak and fitted out locally at a shipyard in Shau Kei Wan. The junk is 2 metres longer and one-third wider than Aqua Luna but the most striking difference is the sails in the blue and white of Ming-dynasty porcelain with swirling Chinese clouds, a dragon and an ankh. The sails are made from synthetic canvas and are lighter than the familiar scarlet sails of Aqua Luna. The junk’s Chinese name “Dai Cheung Po” means “Big Brother of Cheung Po Tsai”, the notorious Qing-dynasty local pirate. Aqua Luna II is licensed to carry 99 passengers and will make regular sailings to Cheung Chau, Lamma and Stanley as well as corporate hire.

"Aqua Luna II", Aqua Restaurant Group's second junk, launched April 2017

"Aqua Luna II" seen in November 2023

Aqua Luna operates a variety of harbour cruises including a nightly Symphony of Lights Cruise, late cruise, themed and festive cruises. For current details, fares and timetables see the Aqua Luna website;

https://aqualuna.com.hk/

AQUA LUNA STANLEY CRUISE;

Aqua Luna also operates Day Cruises to STANLEY on certain days. Depart Central Pier 9 11-00, Tsim Sha Tsui Pier 1 11-15, Cyberport Waterfront Park Pier 12-00. Arrive Stanley Blake Pier 12-45, Depart Stanley 14-45. One-way fare Adult HK$330, Child (age 4-11) HK$200 , Round-trip Adult HK$420, Child HK$270. One complimentary drink included;

Day cruises have also previously operated to Lamma Island and Cheung Chau but are not currently available (at December 2023).

Tickets can also be purchased at the piers prior to departure provided space is available.

https://aqualuna.com.hk/experiences/stanley-cruise/

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ORIENTAL PEARL

Oriental Pearl, a subsidiary of Chu Kung Shipping Enterprises (Group) Company Limited, began operating cruises on 1st October 2021. The 64-metre long, 486 passenger capacity vessel has four decks including an outside deck.

Oriental Pearl cruise boat, seen at Central Pier 8

Embarkation/disembarkation point is Central Pier 8 and also, on some cruises, Hum Hom South Pier. Most sailings follow a route around Victoria harbourside areas including Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Lei Yue Mun, Hung Hom, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Tsim Sha Tsui with some cruises also extending to West Kowloon.

Oriental Pearl offers a range of cruises including one-hour “Happy Hour” cruises, one-hour “Symphony of Lights” cruise, 60/90 minute “Dazzling Night Cruise”. Most cruises include snacks and drinks and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays a buffet meal service is available.

Oriental Pearl illuminated during its night cruise

Tickets can be purchased online up to 14 days in advance or, not less than 30 minutes before departure, from ticket offices at Hung Hom South Ferry Pier daily from 14-00 to 21-30, Tsim Sha Tsui East Landing no 1 (Avenue of Stars) from 14-00 to 21-00 Monday to Friday and 13-00 to 21-00 Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, and from Central Pier 8 Service Centre from 14-30 to 22-00 daily. Concessionary fares are available for children age 2-11, no concessions for seniors.

For further details of cruises, timetables, fares and ticket booking see;

https://www.harbourcruise.com.hk/en

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HONG KONG WATER TAXI

Operated by Fortune Ferry Company Ltd, a subsidiary of Chu Kung Shipping Enterprises (Group) Company Limited, Hong Kong Water Taxi began operating on a trial basis from July 2021, initially with one sailing every Saturday with a capacity of 170 passengers on a limited route departing from Hung Hom (South) Ferry Pier calling at Tsim Sha Tsui Landing No. 1 (the waterfront beside the Avenue of Stars) and Central Pier 9 then returning to Hung Hom. During Chinese New Year 2023 from 22nd January to 5th February following relaxation of pandemic restrictions and an expected influx of tourists a new extended route and timetable was introduced "Tsim Sha Tsui East - Wan Chai - Central - West Kowloon (Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter) - Central - Wan Chai - Tsim Sha Tsui East" operating twice daily in each direction which would provide convenient transport for recent newly-opened attractions, Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ Museum at West Kowloon Cultural District.

Hong Kong Water Taxi Catamaran

Currently (at December 2023) Hong Kong Water Taxi offers both a “hop-on, hop-off” service with sectional fares and embarkation / disembarkation at Tsim Sha Tsui East, Central and Wan Chai with 7 sailings a day (extended to West Kowloon on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) and also fixed-price 45-minute harbour cruises with 7 daily sailings including a “Symphony of Lights” cruise with embarkation / disembarkation at Tsim Sha Tsui East only.

Hong Kong Water Taxi embarkation point at Tsim Sha Tsui East (Avenue of Stars)

The journey time for the full route is about 70 minutes, allowing viewing of "A Symphony of Light" from on board. Passengers can freely hop on and off at any calling point. The adult full fare of the route is H$48 with sectional fares of HK$10 (Hung Hom - Tsim Sha Tsui East) and HK$14 (Tsim Sha Tsui East - Central) respectively and half-fare concession for children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Tickets can be purchased online up to 14 days in advance or, not less than 30 minutes before departure, from service centres at Hung Hom South Ferry Pier daily from 14-00 to 21-30, Tsim Sha Tsui East Landing no 1 (Avenue of Stars) from 14-00 to 21-00 Monday to Friday and 13-00 to 21-00 Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, and from Central Pier 8 Service Centre from 14-30 to 22-00 daily. Concessionary fares (half adult fare) are available for children age 3-12 seniors age 65 and over and persons with disabilities.

Hong Kong Water Taxi Service Centre at Tsim Sha Tsui East (Avenue of Stars)

For further details including timetables and fares see;

https://www.hongkongwatertaxi.com.hk/en/

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WATERTOURS OF HONG KONG LTD

Watertours of Hong Kong, a subsidiary of Wing On Travel, was formed in 1959 and originally offered tours using two unique wooden tour boats built along traditional Chinese lines, “Ctrip” with a capacity of 250 persons and “Wing On Travel” with a capacity of 220 persons. However since these boats were retired the company currently operates a variety of daily harbour tours using a 150 passenger capacity double-deck motor launch named “Wing On Travel”. Tours include unlimited free drinks. Tours can be joined either at Kowloon Public Pier 3 (outside the Cultural Centre under the upper deck of Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade near the Star Ferry Pier) or Central Pier 9 (next to the Star Ferry Pier on Hong Kong Island).

Watertours motor launch, named after its parent company "Wing On Travel

Summary of daily tours as at December 2023 (see website for full details);

Leisure Victoria Harbour Cruise – 75 minutes – HK$160 (HK$120*)
Departs Kowloon Public Pier 3 – 4-15pm, Central Pier 9 – 4-30pm

Pre-Dinner Sunset Cruise – 75 minutes – HK$260 (HK$180*)
Departs Kowloon Public Pier 3 – 17-45, Departs Central Pier 9 - 18-00,

Symphony of Lights Cruise – 75 minutes – HK$290 (HK$220*)
Departs Kowloon Public Pier 3 – 19-00, Departs Central Pier 9 – 19-15,

Harbour Night Cruise - 75 minutes - HK$270 (HK$190*)
Departs Kowloon Public Pier 3 – 20-15, Central Pier 9 – 20-30

*Child (2 to 12 years) rate. No concessionary rate for seniors

More details of these tours are available on the Watertours website;

http://www.watertours.com.hk/

RESERVATIONS
Reservations can be made through most hotel tour desks, tour agents, HKTB Visitor Information and Services Centres or by phoning the reservations line on 2926 3868, online via the above website, by e-mail watertours@wingontravel.com or by visiting the Watertours Booking Office at Shop 1023A, 10/F, Star House, 3 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (9-00 to 18-30).

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HARBOUR CRUISE BAUHINIA

Harbour Cruise Bauhinia operate a 2 hour nightly A SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS DINNER BUFFET with international style buffet dinner and live band. The cruise aboard the luxurious tour boat includes unobstructed views of the “Symphony of Lights” multimedia show. The boat is equipped with a bar, lounge, main hall and dance floor. The tour starts at North Point Ferry Pier on Hong Kong Island and then follows a circular route round the harbour via Tai Koo, Shau Kei Wan, Chai Wan, Lei Yue Mun, Cha Kwo Ling, Kai Tak, Hung Hom, Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.

The tour departs from North Point (East) Ferry Pier, North Point at 19-30 and from Hung Hom Ferry Pier, Hung Hom, Kowloon at 20-00.

The tour costs HK$470 adult, HK$300 child aged 2 to 10 and these prices are subject to 10% service charge.

For further information see;

https://www.cruise.com.hk/site/DinnerCruiseSymphony

RESERVATIONS

Reservations can be made online or by phoning Harbour Cruise Bauhinia on 2802 2886

or

by visiting the Harbour Cruise Bauhinia office at 22/F, 108 Java Road Commercial Centre, North Point.

Harbour Cruise Bauhinia also operate a 2-hour PEARL OF THE ORIENT DINNER CRUISE departing North Point (East) Ferry Pier at 17-45 daily costing HK$370 adult, HK$270 child plus 10% service charge.

For further information see;

https://www.cruise.com.hk/site/DinnerCruisePearl

Harbour Cruise Bauhinia

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DUKLING JUNK RIDE HARBOUR TOUR

"DukLing" returned to service in June 2015 offering 45-minute harbour cruises

DukLing is an authentic Chinese 42-foot junk built in Macau 50 years and used as a fishing boat until a change of ownership in 1985 following which three years were spent restoring the junk to its original classic design. DukLing is currently operated by Dukling Limited, having previously been operated by Detours Limited was a subsidiary of China Pub Company HK Ltd.

Until April 2014, when it ended its "Cultural Kaleidoscope" programme, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) chartered the junk on two days a week and offered one hour sailings to bona fide visitors to Hong Kong for a fee of HK$100 per person (increased from HK$50 per person from 1st October 2010. Prior to July 2008 HKTB had provided these rides free). These were the only sailings on DukLing available to tourists and demand for these rides was high, with a limit of 30 passengers per ride. It had been necessary to register in advance (sight of passport was usually requested) at the HKTB Visitor Information and Services Centre at Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui.

However, since June 2015 following a major restoration of the junk in Zhuhai, 45-minute harbour cruises, including a Symphony Of Lights Cruise, have again become available to the public on certain days (the vessel is also available for charter) from Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars Landing (near Starbucks). Passenger capacity is 35.

The normal fare (as at December 2023) is HK$190 adult, HK$150 child age 4-11 and seniors age 60 and over. Fare for the Symphony of Lights Cruise departing nightly at 19-30 is HK$284 adult, HK$190 child. Tickets can be purchased online up to 30 days in advance and, subject to availability, at the boarding point.

For further details and online booking;

http://www.dukling.com.hk/

The junk is also available for professional and private charter.

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