Your Ultimate Hong Kong Junk Boat Guide

Gather the gals and guys, it’s junk boat party season! From modern junk rentals to traditional Chinese teak boats, we know who to book with, when to go and what food to enjoy at sea.

Crashed a birthday boat party? Been there, done that! As fun as going on a junk can be, organising your own may be a little tricky. From when to go, to which junk or company to use – the choices can be overwhelming. To ensure smooth sailing in the planning process, we’ve put together a junk boat guide with our pick of some the best boat hire and catering companies in Hong Kong, plus loads of need-to-know tips. Get ready to flaunt your newest swimwear, a Hong Kong summer isn’t complete without a day spent on a junk boat!

Editor’s Note: Social distancing regulations are currently in place in Hong Kong. All guests must follow the latest epidemic prevention measures and make sure to get the latest advice from vendors prior to making any bookings. 

Jump to:
When To Go On A Junk Boat
Where To Go On A Junk Boat
Junk Boat Rentals In Hong Kong
Junk Boat Catering Companies
What To Take To A Junk Boat

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When To Go On A Junk Boat

Depending on what kind of experience you’re after, you can either head out on a day trip to one of Hong Kong’s many beaches (here are a few of our faves) to make the most of the sun, or you can hire a junk boat in the evening for a fun night between the stars and the sea. Both are great, but day junks are generally better value-for-money as they last longer (seven hours instead of four).

If the timing works out, it’s a good idea to organise your junk over a long weekend or on a public holiday (on a regular weekend, most prefer booking on a Saturday so they have all of Sunday to recover). Junk boats get snapped up fast, so try your best to book at least one month in advance. Peak junk season typically lasts from around May to September, so if you’d like to hire a boat for the summer, it’s time to get planning!

Read more: The Best Beaches In Hong Kong: HK Island, New Territories, Lantau & More

Where To Go On A Junk Boat

There are various locations that junks depart from, including Central, Causeway Bay, Aberdeen and Sai Kung. You can usually request your stopping place, but it depends on the junk company and the captain (not to mention the unpredictable Hong Kong weather!) as to where you end up. However, if you do get a say in your final destination, we recommend Lamma for some tasty seafood or Deep Water Bay to sunbathe by the shore. Sai Kung, Clearwater Bay, Turtle Cove and Stanley Bay are also excellent options.

Junk Boat Rentals In Hong Kong

From all-inclusive deals that come with food, alcohol and music, to BYO everything, junk boat packages aren’t always the same. Some companies also offer karaoke, wakeboarding, waterskiing and banana boat rides for an additional fee. The all-inclusive offerings are a little pricier, but we’d definitely recommend them for ease and convenience.

If you are looking to enjoy a more budget-friendly junk, the bring-your-own option would work just fine. Just remember to plan well ahead and stock up on supplies from your local supermarket. Check out some options below:

Breakaway

What do we want? A hassle-free junk trip! Who can provide that? Breakaway Luxury Yachting! To add more panache to your boat party, look to Breakaway’s bespoke junks offer different customisable packages – room for up to 22 people. This summer, we’ve got our eyes on A Day At Sea – an all-inclusive, seven-hour trip with breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and free-flow bubbles (you can alter the dishes according to your dietary needs)! Get spoiled with onboard Omakase paired with chilled sake. On top of that, the junk comes with an inflatable sun-tanning platform, a pool, noodles and a kayak for a fun day under the sun. 

Use code SassyBreakaway for $500 off your bookings, valid until Wednesday, 15 June 2022.

Breakaway, Kwun Hoi Path, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 6180 5059, booking@breakawayhk.com, Facebook: Breakaway HK, Instagram: @breakaway_hk, www.breakawayhk.com

Aqua Luna

This iconic red-sailed junk offers 45-minute harbour trips plus longer day cruises around Stanley and other parts of Hong Kong. And since it’s run by the Aqua restaurant group, you can even book an evening cruise followed by dinner at Hutong, or a day-time dim sum cruise with gourmet delights on offer from Dim Sum Library.

How much: Prices start at $230 per adult for a 45-minute Harbour Cruise

Aqua Luna, 2116 8821, www.aqualuna.com.hk

Hello Hong Kong

Want to take your boat party up a notch? Sailing charters from Hello Hong Kong exude luxury and it’s unlike any other parties on the sea! You can opt for either a three-hour or seven-hour sail either around Hong Kong Island or Port Shelter in Sai Kung, or even a two-day eco-adventure sail around the Geopark with overnight stays at the sandy white beaches of Bluff Island or Tai Long Wan. If you’re looking to pop the question, book a three-hour romantic evening dinner cruise and it’ll be a proposal for the books!

How much: From $10,200 for three-hour sails; $15,000 for seven-hour sails (both up to 16 people), $26,300 for an overnight eco-adventure sailing trip (up to four people).

Hello Hong Kong, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, www.hellohongkong.com.hk

Read more: Where To Propose In Hong Kong

Hong Kong Junks

Cruise the seas in comfort with Hong Kong Junks’ spacious boats with a capacity of up to 40 people. You can go for boat rentals only or the all-inclusive packages (either way pool noodles, a large floating mat, a water trampoline and SUP boards are included). For extras, test out your wakeboarding skills, dance to the beat with live DJ or indulge in a sunset barbeuque. We recommend the Gangtas Package if you’re looking to go all-out and party Mexican style on Lamma Island (with free flow margaritas, pizza and dessert to boot!). 

How much: All-inclusive packages (including alcoholic drinks): adults – $850; minimum 25 people. Boat rental – from $9,000.

Hong Kong Junks, G-02, G/F, Discovery Bay North Office Block One, Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 5944 3331, hongkongjunks.com.hk

Island Junks

The boats at Island Junks hold up to 50 passengers and offer both catering and non-catering packages. The company can also provide kayaks, speedboats and even a masseuse to complete your custom trip, along with offering set island cruise packages to Lamma Island and Po Toi Island, which include a satisfying seafood lunch.

How much: $350 per adult (excluding additional charges)

Island Junks, 6895 4443, info@islandjunks.com.hk, www.islandjunks.com.hk

Read more: 10 Watersports To Try In Hong Kong

Jaspas Junks

Offering traditional junk boats, Jaspas operates out of Pak Sha Wan pier just outside Sai Kung and promises a day of sand, surf and sea with its great packages. Boats include free-flow drinks and a buffet of freshly cooked food. Coach charters to Sai Kung can also be arranged.

How much: All-inclusive packages (including alcoholic drinks): adults – $850; minimum charge for charters – $12,000.

Jaspa Junks, 2792 0970, jaspasjunk@casteloconcepts.com, www.casteloconcepts.com

Orange Tree Cruises

Looking for good ol’ fashioned junk fun? With two immaculately restored traditional teak Chinese junks at its disposal, you can’t go wrong with either of Orange Tree’s fully-catered day or evening cruise packages. Its boats each come with a fully equipped kitchen, bar and barbecue station, where an onboard chef will prepare your food and drinks, leaving you to sit back, relax and soak up the sun.

How much: $1,050 per adult

Orange Tree Cruises, 9633 1942, cruises@orangetree.com.hk, www.orangetree.com.hk

Yacht Holimood

Whether you see yourself snapping pics, wind in hair, on a sailboat, or partying hard aboard a houseboat, Yacht Holimood has your next day out at sea sorted. Browse through its range of cruisers, junk boats, sailing boats, houseboats and speed boats by price, date or number of passengers. And with the help of its excellent customer service team (reachable by WhatsApp, email or phone), you can have your dream trip sorted and confirmed within 24 hours.

How much: Junks starting at $6500 including drinking water, ice box and sound system.

Sassy Tip: Into water sports? The online platform also lists 30+ wakesurf providers for easy convenience.

Yacht Holimood, Room 1203, Gravity, 29 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 5247 3014, yacht.holimood.com

Read more: 7 Places To Go Kayaking In Hong Kong

Viking Charters

Viking Charters offers a range of boats from traditional wooden junks to more modern pleasure cruisers, along with a speedboat that has a banana boat, water ski and wake-boarding equipment all included. The company also offers three different buffet menus as well as drinks packages.

How much: Yacht rentals starting at $6,000 for four hours.

Viking Charters, 2814 9899, info@vikingscharters.com.hk, www.vikingscharters.com.hk

More Junk Boat Rentals In Hong Kong

• Boat Paradise – Luxury yacht rentals and day and night junks (with live DJ), with options to add on watersports, bespoke food packages and more, 5241 4566, www.boatparadise.co
• Charter Junks HK – Boat-only charters or all-inclusive fully catered packages available,  5431 8894, www.charterjunkshk.com
• Hong Kong Yachting – Larger junk boats starting with capacity of 30 people, luxury catamaran and sailing boats, 2526 0151, www.hongkongyachting.com
• Lazydays – A “No Junk” junk boat company with green initiatives – expect filtered water machines, zero single-use plastics and easy recycling on board, 3488 1534, www.lazydays.com.hk
• Saffron Cruises – Junks, luxury cruisers, sailing boats, speed boats and event boats, 2857 1311, www.saffron-cruises.com
• SEA-E-O Boating – Perfect for intimate romantic dinner at sea to team building on a catamaran, harbour cruises, boat parties and more, WhatsApp: 5489 4061, www.sea-e-o.hk

Read more: The Best Swimming Pools In Hong Kong

Junk Boat Catering Companies In Hong Kong

Bingaz Street Food

Being a fiend for junk parties, Bingaz has optimised its menu for a splashing time at sea. Carefully curated by executive chefs at TMEATS, its diverse food offerings span the best of Eastern and Western cuisine, comprising of easy grab-and-go finger foods, premium canapés, hearty roasts and more. Drinks-wise, keep it simple with the basic drinks package or customise a package to fulfill your group’s needs (Go on, throw in that boozy watermelon!).

Bingaz Street Food, 64 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 5496 9406, tmeats.com, www.facebook.com/bingazstreetfood

Cali-Mex

If you’re after Mexican fare, then Cali-Mex is sure to satisfy your cravings with its fresh California-inspired junk packages. Enjoy a mix of 10 freshly rolled burritos or opt for The Laguna Beach package ($168 per person) which, in addition to 10 burritos, features a large platter of tortilla chips, guac, salsa and three quesadillas. And if that’s not enough, the Malibu package ($208 per person) fit to feed 15 is sure to hit the spot. Packages can be customised to accommodate vegetarians and other requests. WhatsApp or email to place your order.

Cali-Mex, Whatsapp: 6050 9332, cali-mex.com

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Dragon Water

Made here in Hong Kong, Dragon Water Spiked Seltzer is your junk boat season essential. Dragon Water is gluten-free, boasts less carbs and sugar, and is spiked with a splash of “Dragon Fire” (4.5% ABV). Have your drinks delivered straight to Central Ferry Pier (simply select Junk Boat Delivery and make your order by 3pm on the Thursday before your junk trip).

Dragon Water, 9826 6579, www.dragonwater.com

Knead

Knead is one of our favourites during junk season specifically for its customisable junk catering packages. There are countless options for fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps, canapes, sweet treats, drinks and boozy beverages available, so you’re sure to be left satisfied. And don’t forget to request some of Knead’s famous brownies for a teatime treat!

Knead, G/F, 28 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2851 7778, www.kneadhk.com

Read more: Your Guide To Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants In Hong Kong

Monsieur CHATTÉ

Add a bit of French flair to your day at sea and try out one of Monsieur CHATTÉ’s Junk Packages. We’re huge fans of this little French restaurant and the homemade salads, breads, French cheeses and cold cuts on offer, all of which you can find in its junk packages! Choose from $150, $200 or $350 per head (minimum 10 to 20 people), and you’ll even get your food delivered to the pier along with cutlery, plates and napkins.

Monsieur CHATTÉ, 2515 0478, www.monsieurchatte.com

Pomegranate Kitchen

This luxe catering company and private kitchen is renowned for its tasty Mediterranean fare. Full lunch menus of za’atar roast chicken, organic salmon and a whole host of sides are also available and will go down well on any junk. Its Feasting on the High Sea junk boat menu starts at $100 per head, which includes a selection of dips, Freshly Baked Turkish Bread and Pomegranate Brownies. And if you’re feeling extra peckish, you can add a Cheese Platter for an additional $1,200.

Pomegranate Kitchen, 2580 0663, www.pomegranate.com.hk

NOSH

NOSH’s Junk Platter menu features a nutritious menu that will satisfy your whole crew. At $250 per head, you can enjoy a guilt-free feast with your friends, with crowd-pleasing finger foods such as Cornitos Nachos, Chicken Wings, New York Cheesecake Bites and more. Appealing to a range of diets, there are also a number of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options to choose from.

NOSH, 2388 1999, www.nosh.hk

Read more: 10 Fuss-Free Healthy Meal Delivery Options In Hong Kong

Wine Brothers

On the hunt for great-tasting wine to bring aboard your junk? Sourcing high quality small-batch wines straight from independent Aussie vineyards, Wine Brothers deliver (literally then you spent $750 or more!). Do note that they don’t deliver to any piers so you will need to carry the bottles from your home yourself.

Wine Brothers, 9318 3836, www.winebrothers.com.hk

Head here for more catering options.

What To Take To A Junk Boat

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• A change of clothes
• Flip-flops
• Sunglasses
• Seasickness tablets (if necessary)
• A floaty/noodle/lilo
• If you’re picky, your own shampoo and toiletries for the end of the day
• If you’re bringing your own food, make sure it is actually on board before you set sail
• A camera or phone to take photos
• A “dry-bag” can definitely come in handy, making sure your valuables don’t get splashed with seawater

Read more: What You Need To Know About Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Editor’s Note: “Your Ultimate Hong Kong Junk Boat Guide” was originally published in June 2016 and was most recently updated in May 2022 by Fashila Kanakka.