Hong Kong 4 Beaches

Legend has it that the sea goddess Tin Hau watches over the treacherous waters of the Sai Kung Peninsula, a devotion solidified in 1741 with the construction of the High Island Temple. For the modern swimmer, this historic faith is a sober reminder of the raw power residing in Tai Long Sai Wan. The beaches here are defined by persistent rip currents, a natural feature that demands total respect from every participant. These waters have claimed lives in the past, and their unpredictable strength is precisely why the event is strictly self-supported, requiring all swimmers to possess the confidence to navigate open, shifting currents independently.

A landscape of fire and stone

As you traverse the 3300m course from Tung Wan to Sai Wan, you are effectively swimming through a geological relic. The coastline is dominated by acidic hexagonal volcanic columns, silent remnants of cataclysmic volcanic activity that occurred between 16.5 and 14 million years ago. These geometric formations, unique on a global scale, provide a dramatic backdrop as you pass Ham Tin Wan and Tai Wan. To the north, the sharp, jagged silhouette of Sharp Peak—rising 468 meters—serves as your constant navigation marker against the sky. Your journey concludes at Sai Wan Beach, a finish line that feels like a world away from the urban sprawl of Hong Kong.

Race day logistics

The 2026 edition, scheduled for June 19, reflects a complex logistical effort to safely access these remote shores. With a registration fee of 700–750 HKD, the entry covers essential services like speedboat transport from Sai Kung Pier to the remote start lines and the secure transfer of personal bags to the finish. Given the isolation of the venue, this infrastructure is mandatory for all swimmers. Every participant is required to use a brightly colored, inflatable safety buoy for the entire duration of the swim. The event, which includes both the 3300m beach-hopping challenge and the 1400m express route, is designed as a personal test rather than a competitive race, rewarding finishers with a personalized lightweight sports shirt and an engraved medal.