牛尾洲 Shelter Island

Type:

Scuba DivingSnorkeling

Entry:⚓Boat Entry

Difficulty:Beginner

Tags:

Reef

About This Dive Spot

Shelter Island is a shallow dive site reachable in about 30 minutes from Sai Kung Pier and Pak Sha Wan. It is described as suitable for beginner divers, with the best coral area found in very shallow water. The coral is mainly around 3–5 m, while areas deeper than about 6 m transition to a sandy or muddy bottom. The site is also popular for snorkeling due to the shallow depth.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Reported depth

3m - 6m

Depth note

Coral area around 3–5 m; beyond ~6 m becomes sandy/muddy bottom.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

Best depth for scuba is around 3–5 m where the coral area is located.

Snorkel

Shallow water makes it a popular snorkeling area.

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Spots Near 牛尾洲 Shelter Island

📍 1.5 km

小棕林 Little Palm Beach

🏖️

Little Palm Beach in the Clear Water Bay area of Sai Kung is a well-known site for both scuba diving and snorkeling. It is described as suitable for beginners and commonly used for training. From the beach you can walk in to a sandy bottom that extends to around 5 m depth, with hard corals and small reef life present.

📍 2.6 km

滘西洲

⚓

Kau Sai Chau is an island dive area a short distance from Sai Kung, with two main sites: one at Kau Sai Wan near Jin Island, and another at Whiskey Bay toward Sharp Island. The shallows feature coral in about 1–3 m of water, leading to sandy bottom around 5–6 m. From roughly 6–10 m, juvenile fish schools are commonly seen, and frogfish may also be encountered.

📍 3.4 km

橋咀 Sharp Island

⚓

Sharp Island is a well-known dive destination near Sai Kung, located a few kilometers offshore. It is often highlighted as a popular site among Hong Kong divers. Shallow reef areas host hard corals in the 1–4 m range, including an extended section of Pavona coral. The reef then slopes down into deeper water around 5–9 m where marine biodiversity is described as relatively high.

📍 3.5 km

白水碗 Pak Shui Wun

🏖️

Pak Shui Wun is a beach near the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. It is described as a newly introduced dive site used for scuba training. The underwater area is mainly sandy bottom, which is suitable for practice and training, with some coral areas present.

📍 8.0 km

火石洲 (西) Basalt Island (West)

⚓

Basalt Island (West) is a popular Hong Kong dive site located about 13 km from the piers at Sai Kun and Pak Sha Wan. It offers a mix of shallow features and deeper sections, with some areas extending beyond 20 m and better suited to experienced divers. A dense anemone garden sits around 4–9 m and hosts many anemonefish. Below roughly 10 m, divers can find varied marine life over sandy and muddy bottoms.

📍 9.4 km

東霸 East Dam

Not Set

East Dam sits by the High Island Reservoir, the largest reservoir in Hong Kong by storage volume, and is characterized by a shoreline of large anchor-shaped concrete blocks. Diving here is typically around 11–13 m, with sightings that can include nudibranchs, lobsters, and occasional groups of barracuda moving through the area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at 牛尾洲 Shelter Island?

Entry at 牛尾洲 Shelter Island is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving 牛尾洲 Shelter Island?

Optimal conditions at 牛尾洲 Shelter Island depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at 牛尾洲 Shelter Island?

Depth and visibility information for 牛尾洲 Shelter Island can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at 牛尾洲 Shelter Island?

When diving 牛尾洲 Shelter Island, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.