Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is a vibrant city well-known for being a food and shopping paradise. But do you know that other than its towering skyscrapers, tax-free shopping attractions and lively food scene, there is a rustic side of Hong Kong waiting for you to discover? Join Hong Kong DolphinWatch Ltd.’s ecological half-day cruise to see the wild Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins, also known as the Pink Dolphins, in Hong Kong waters for a unique and unforgettable experience!
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An ecological tour with environmental conservation in mind
Founded in 1995, Hong Kong DolphinWatch Ltd. (HKDW) is the company behind this interesting eco-tour that brings visitors out at sea to sight the lovely wild Pink Dolphins. As this species of dolphin may face a threat with extinction in the near future, HKDW hopes to raise awareness that eventually lead people to work towards dolphin protection through this educational eco-tour. It also hopes to generate revenue for dolphin research projects and campaigns. In addition, HKDW wants to increase the economic value of the dolphins by attracting visitors to Hong Kong to join this eco-tour. In fact, it is the only company of its kind to be recognised by the Government and Hong Kong Tourism Board as a real eco-tour operator.
Be patient on the tour and you will be in for a treat from the Pink Dolphins
Upon boarding HKDW’s boat at Tung Chung New Development Pier at Lantau Island, you can expect an educational briefing with more information on this endangered marine mammal. The subspecies commonly found in Hong Kong is the warm-blooded Chinese White Dolphins, which are actually born greyish white with dark spots on the sides. However, when they flush blood to outer skin layers to disperse excess body heat to the water, they look pink and that is why they are called Pink Dolphins. The Pink Dolphins can be sighted all year round in Hong Kong. Besides learning more about the cetacean, you may also help yourselves to the light refreshments (biscuits, coffee and tea) provided on board.
After about an hour or so, the boat should have ventured quite far off from Northern Lantau to the western part of Hong Kong. The tour guide will then encourage everyone to get on the deck as the Pink Dolphins should be appearing anytime from now. There is a 97% chance of sighting the Pink Dolphins successfully but it depends on your luck how soon the cute cetacean will appear right before you, so be patient and keep your eyes wide open!
Go "wow" as the adorable marine mammals entertain you “live”
Being patient will reap rewards eventually, for you will be in for an awesome “live” performance by the adorable wild Pink Dolphins. They may perform stunts to impress you if they are in the mood to do so, or even perform a melodious tune to please your ears if you are really lucky! Bet everyone will be feeling excited when more lovely Pink Dolphins are spotted further out at sea. A gentle reminder to try to keep your volumes down regardless of how excited you are so as not to scare them away. Even the motor engine of the boat will be switched off, as you arrive in the area where these cute mammals most likely reside in.
Rain or shine, this ecological half-day cruise by HKDW promises you an awesome date with the Pink Dolphins in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, if there is a typhoon or really bad weather alert, then the tour may be cancelled for safety reasons. Otherwise, you may end up feeling unwell trying to look for the cute cetacean amidst the choppy waters. For those who may get seasick easily, do bring along your anti-nausea medication for a comfortable and memorable dolphin watch experience!
An ecological tour you should not miss for your next trip to Hong Kong
The HKDW eco-tour is available every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, picking you up along Middle Road outside Kowloon Hotel at 8.50am. Tour prices are at 420 HKD (54 USD) per adult , 210 HKD (27 USD) per child aged 3 to 11 years old and 50 HKD (6.50 USD) per child under 3 years old . Although the price seems steep compared to the fare you’d pay for a typical 25-minute boat ride at Tai O, Lantau Island that brings you out to see wild Pink Dolphins too, HKDW’s eco-tour is definitely the wiser choice. Not only do you have a greater chance of sighting the lovely mammals, you will also play a part in helping HKDW reach its goals to protect the world’s pinkest wild dolphins. So go for this to make it an unforgettable date with the Pink Dolphins you will not regret!
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