Instantly recognisable by the trio of scarlet sails, junk boats – tall, wooden three-mast vessels – once filled the waters around Hong Kong, providing homes for thousands of residents. Until as recently as the 1970s, many families lived, ate, worked and slept on board, travelling between the islands of the archipelago, and pulling into the harbours when typhoons struck.
In recent decades, families have swapped their boats for apartments in the city, and now only a handful of junks remain. The Aqua Luna is one of the last still sailing in Hong Kong waters, and there is no more cinematic way to appreciate the skyline city from the water. Lie on the open deck under stiff fan sails, glass of wine in hand and a cooling breeze, as you glide through Victoria Harbour.
Aqua Luna has two boats – the red-sailed Aqua Luna and the blue and white Dragon-sailed Aqua Luna II. Between them, they offer a number of different itineraries, day and night, including an afternoon dim sum tour, an after-dark Symphony of Lights tour and day trips to Stanley Village on the south side of the island.
Cruises leave from either Central Ferry Pier 9, Wan Chai Public Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui Public Pier or Hung Hom Public Pier, all of which have MTR stations nearby. Tickets need to be booked in advance.
Tours vary from 45 minutes to see the Symphony of Lights, to a four-hour trip to Stanley. The Symphony of Lights cruise is the most popular, but longer trips offer the chance to really get a sense of Hong Kong’s subtropical scenery.
Cruises include a least one complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink. All of the seats have good views; dress is casual, although you might want something warmer for evening cruises if it’s windy.
The cruises run all year round but you’ll get the calmest seas and clearest skies between September and early December.
Rainy skies inevitably make the views less spectacular, but the upstairs open deck is covered, and there is plenty of air-conditioned seating inside the boat.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Hong Kong SAR
Viator
Price HK$374
Min age 0
Rating 4.22 / 5 [99 ratings]
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China
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One of the world’s most extraordinary cities, where rippling mountains, a kaleidoscopic waterfront and futuristic architecture merge with fabulous food, sizzling nightlife and top shopping.