Destination Home Kong – Snake Bay | Tai She Wan

Destination Home Kong

Snake Bay | Tai She Wan

WORDS: MEGAN SCHMALZRIED / SHINDIG IMAGES FROM ABOVE: BENJAMIN BARTON | IMAGES FROM BELOW: MEGAN SCHMALZRIED

ention Snake Bay (Tai She Wan) and most people will think of the derelict Club Captain Bear (熊仔頭渡假中心) resort with ghostly animatronic zoo remains, or the stunning white beach in the next bay over (which is technically in Kam Lo Wan / Cricket Bay but is often mistakenly referred to as Snake Bay as well). Either way, the bay is undoubtedly a favourite destination among our Sai Kung cruising crowd thanks to its proximity to Shelter Cove and protection from most prevailing winds in Hong Kong.

What often goes unnoticed and unmentioned is the surprising ecosystem just below Snake’s surface. Sprinkled along the northern shore, snorkelers and free divers can find a thriving coral garden littered with schools of damselfish, bronze sweepers, other small fishes and even sea slugs. Most of the colourful soft corals sway at about three metres of depth, and plates of hard corals and encrusting corals can also be seen blanketing the rocky seabed. Next time you visit, consider bringing your snorkel and mask to see Snake from a whole new perspective.

But before you jump in, there are a couple key points to keep in mind to help preserve Snake’s coral garden and those of other popular destinations this summer. To keep it simple, consider sunscreen and hygiene:

Sunscreen: Most commercial sunscreens are toxic to corals. They contain chemicals that alter corals’ DNA and prevent them from successfully reproducing. Select sunscreens that use physical UV blockers like zinc or titanium oxide and avoid chemical UV blockers such as oxybenzone or octinoxate. Our Ship Shop stocks reef safe sunscreen and technical clothing with UPF ratings.

Hygiene: Also keep in mind that human waste is toxic to corals, so leaving the toilet seacock open may not only make you unpopular with the boat anchored next door but can also damage helpless corals below – not a great way to go!

Let’s enjoy cruising and snorkelling Snake this summer, and help ensure that generations of cruisers who come after us can also appreciate the corals in a healthy ecosystem below.