Guides · Guide
Your first private boat trip in Hong Kong: what to bring, what to wear, when to show up
First-timers rarely ask about price first. They ask what to prepare. One list covers it.
What's on the boat and what isn't
A private boat isn't a restaurant. Nobody takes your order. What's on board: the boat, the crew, SUP boards, an inflatable, karaoke, life jackets, tables, seats and shade. Everything else, you bring.
Food and drink
Food and drink: enough for the whole day, plus ice. Hand food that doesn't need heating works best: onigiri, sandwiches, fruit, a box of dim sum to go. Birthday cake is fine; remember a knife and plates. Drinks in cans or bottles with lids. It's windy at sea and open cups go over.
What to wear and bring
What to wear: swimwear under your clothes so you can jump in as soon as the boat stops. Towel, flip-flops, hat, sunglasses, and reapply sunscreen every two hours. For the night cruise bring a light jacket; the water is cooler than the shore.
Phones and photos
Phone: a waterproof pouch. The best photos are taken from the SUP, but keep the phone on a lanyard.
When to arrive
When to arrive: 15 minutes before departure at the boarding point is plenty. The day trip leaves at 10AM and returns at 6PM; the night cruise leaves at 7PM. Arriving late doesn't extend the trip, because the boat may be booked again after you.
One last thing: bin bags
Last thing: bin bags. Bring a few, carry one off at the end, and the next group boards as happy as you did.