When you travel solo to Hong Kong, make sure to take a day off and visit Lamma Island, one of the best outlying islands in the Island District of Hong Kong. There are plenty of things to do on Lamma Island including hiking the Lamma Island Family Walk, gorgeous beaches and quaint villages.
And taking a Lamma ferry couldn’t be easier. There are a few ways of getting to Lamma Island. While most people know about the two most common ferries operating from Central Ferry Pier, there are other options, including two ferries from Aberdeen Pier and a private ferry for Lamma Rainbow Restaurant customers.
In this post, I included everything you need to know before hopping on one of the ferries to Lamma Island, including all 5 Lamma Island ferry schedules and timetables. Keep reading, and I’ll show you how to make the most of all the ferry options to Lamma Island.
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What you need to know before taking a Lamma Island Ferry
Before you hop on one of the Lamma ferries, take a look at my solo travel guide to Hong Kong and get an overview of the city.
And here are few additional tips for taking a Lamma ferry:
- Get an Octopus Card, a rechargeable smartcard for taking public transportation and use it for taking any ferries to Lamma Island. It costs $100HKD, but you can use $50 stored value and get your $50HKD refundable deposit when you leave.
- If you are going to Lamma Island on a hot day and going to two lesser-known piers, bring some water with you as there aren’t any convenience stores around.
- You should also wear a light pair of hiking shoes if you want to hike up to Ling Kok Shan. And bring beach stuff if you are heading to Yung Shue Ha Beach, Hung Shing Yeh Beach, or other smaller beaches around the island.
- If you get queasy on boat rides, bring gravol with you. Normally, I have motion sickness but I don’t have any issues with any of these ferries.
Lamma Island Geography: 4 Ferry Piers
There are 4 ferry piers on Lamma Island.
The two most popular piers are Sok Kwu Wan Pier and Yung Shue Wan Pier. They are located conveniently in opposite sides of the island. Sok Kwu Wan Pier is in an inlet on the eastern side, whereas Yung Shue Wan Pier is on the northwest side.
Plus, there are two other piers that more frequented by locals. Mo Tat Wan Pier is on the southeast side of the island, and Pak Kok Tsuen Pier is at the northern tip.
Click on the map above to see an enlarged version and follow the white dotted lines – those are the ferry routes from Hong Kong Island.
Lamma Ferry Schedule for all 5 Ferries
There are 5 ways to get to Lamma Island from Hong Kong Island. For each of the Lamma ferries, I included all the timetable and schedules for easy reference.
- HKKF Ferry: from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Sok Kwu Wan Pier
- HKKF Ferry: from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Yung Shue Wan Pier
- Chuen Kee Ferry: from Aberdeen Pier to Mo Tat Wan Pier or Sok Kwu Wan Pier
- Tsui Wah Ferry: from Aberdeen Pier to Pak Kok Tsuen Pier or Yung Shue Wan Pier
- Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant Guests Exclusive Ferry: from Central Pier No. 9 or Tsim Sha Tsui Pier No 5 / 6 to Sok Kwu Wan Pier
1. HKKF Ferry: from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Sok Kwu Wan Pier
One of the most popular routes to Lamma Island is taking the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry Holdings Limited (HKKF) ferry from Central to Lamma Island. The ferry route starts at Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Sok Kwu Wan Pier (route). This route will take you to the eastern part of Lamma Island.
When you are at Central Ferry Pier No. 4, go through the entrance on the left side for Sok Kwu Wan. You can pay your fare with the Octopus card at the turnstile gate.
When ferry is ready for boarding, make your way straight to the upper deck and find a comfortable seat either on the inside of the ferry where you can enjoy a bit of air conditioning or enjoy the sea breeze on one of the seats at the open deck.
The HKKF ferry takes all passengers directly from Central to Sok Kwu Wan Pier in 45 minutes. And if you return to Hong Kong Island with the same ferry route, you will board the ferry at the same pier in Sok Kwu Wan.
Why you should take the HKKF ferry to Sok Kwu Wan
You should take the HKKF ferry from Central to Sok Kwu Wan if you are:
- Already in the Central area (or it is easier for you to get to Central than the Aberdeen area)
- Going to eat at one of the seafood restaurants at Sok Kwu Wan
- Starting the Lamma Island Family Trail from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan
Lamma ferry timetable: Central to/from Sok Kwu Wan
The Lamma ferry timetable for Central to/from Sok Kwu Wan is located in front of Central Pier No. 4. I included a photographed version of the schedule (see above). Or you can check HKKF website for more information on Lamma ferry times.
- HKKF Ferry: from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Sok Kwu Wan
- Time: 45 minutes (almost 1 ferry each hour from 7:20 am to 11:30 pm)
- Cost: $23.10HKD (Monday to Saturday) $2.501HKD (Sundays and Public Holidays)
2. HKKF Ferry: from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Yung Shue Wan Pier
The other popular route going from Central to Lamma Island is by taking the HKKF ferry from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Yung Shue Wan Pier (route). This route will take you to the northwestern part of Lamma Island.
When you are at Central Ferry Pier No. 4, go through the entrance on the right side for Yung Shue Wan. You can pay your fare with the Octopus card at the turnstile gate.
The Yung Shue Wan ferry is exactly the same as the Sok Kwu Wan ferry. There are smaller ferries going to both piers and I think it is depending on the schedule. But it is not indicated in the timetable. But don’t worry, I’ve tried several and they are all safe and no need to worry about motion sickness.
And on the way back to Central, you can take the HKKF ferry at the same ferry pier at Yung Shue Wan.
Why you should take the HKKF ferry to Yung Shue Wan
You should take the HKKF ferry from Central to Yung Shue Wan if you are:
- Already in the Central area (or it is easier for you to get to Central than the Aberdeen area)
- Only spending time in Yung Shue Wan
- Hiking the Lamma Island Family Trail from north to south and aiming to complete the trail in Sok Kwu Wan
- Taking a last-minute day trip to Lamma Island (as there are more ferries going to Yung Shue Wan)
Lamma ferry schedule: Central to/from Yung Shue Wan
The Lamma Island ferry schedule for Central to/from Yung Shue Wan is located in front of Central Pier No. 4. But you can see a photographed version here (see above). Or you can check HKKF website for more information on Lamma ferry times.
- HKKF Ferry: from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Yung Shue Wan
- Time: 45 minutes (2 ferries each hour from 6:30 am to 12:30 am)
- Cost: $18.6HKD (Monday to Saturday) $25.9HKD (Sundays and Public Holidays)
3. Chun Kee Ferry: from Aberdeen Pier to Mo Tat Wan Pier or Sok Kwu Wan Pier
Besides the Lamma ferries in Central, there are two Aberdeen to Lamma ferry options.
Chuen Kee Ferry runs ferry services between Aberdeen Pier and Mo Tat Wan Pier and Sok Kwu Wan Pier, which are both on the east side of Lamma Island (route).
At the west end of the Aberdeen Promenade, you will find the entrance to the Aberdeen Pier for ferries to Lamma Island.
What is unusual and exciting is the Chuen Kee ferry boats! Perhaps they were once fishing boats as Aberdeen is home to many fishermen. But it has converted into a ferry where they shuttle people from Aberdeen to Lamma Island every day. I definitely think that taking a boat ride on one of these nostalgic fishing boats is a treat in itself.
Make sure to bring your Octopus card so you can pay as you board the boat.
And the best part of taking this ferry is the option of going to either Mo Tat Wan or Sok Kwu Wan. First, the ferry will stop off at Mo Tat Wan to drop off passengers and to pick up new ones. Then the ferry continues to Sok Kwu Wan.
And if you want to take the same ferry back to Aberdeen, go to the pier between a row of restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan. It is not the same pier for the HKKF ferries.
Why you should take Chun Kee Ferry from Aberdeen Pier
You should take the Chuen Kee ferry from Aberdeen to Mo Tat Wan or Sok Kwu Wan if you are:
- Already in the Aberdeen area (or it is easier for you to get to Aberdeen than the Central area)
- Going to explore the small village called Mo Tat
- Heading straight for Yung Shue Ha Beach or Sham Wan Beach
- Hiking up to Ling Kok Shan to see a panoramic view of the area
Lamma ferry timetable: Aberdeen to/from Mo Tat Wan and Sok Kwu Wan
The Lamma Island ferry timetable for Aberdeen to/from Mo Tat Wan and Sok Kwu Wan is located at the entrance of Chuen Kee Ferry. There aren’t as many ferries as HKKF, so make sure to check the schedule before taking the Chuen Kee ferry (see above). Or you can check Chuen Kee Ferry website for more information.
- Chuen Kee Ferry: from Aberdeen Pier to Mo Tat Wan Pier and Sok Kwu Wan Pier
- Time: 23 minutes to Mo Tat Wan or 30 minutes to Sok Kwu Wan (almost 1 ferry each hour from 6:00 am to 10:10 pm)
- Cost: $12.5HKD (Monday to Saturday) $18.7HKD (Sundays and Public Holidays)
4. Tsui Wah Ferry: from Aberdeen Pier to Pak Kok Tsuen Pier and Yung Shue Wan Pier
Another Aberdeen to Lamma ferry is the fishing boat option run by Tsui Wah Ferry Services, where they take passengers from Aberdeen Pier to Pak Kok Tsuen Pier and Yung Shue Wan Pier.
The entrance is located in the middle of the Aberdeen Promenade, a few minute’s walk east of Chuen Kee Ferry. This is the same ferry terminal for boats going to Po Toi Island.
When I took the Tsui Wah ferry, I walked past the counter (which no one was there) and went directly to the upper deck without paying. As soon as the ferry starts, the crew will come around with the Octopus payment terminal. You can either pay with your Octopus card or by cash.
For the Tsui Wah ferry, you have an option of disembarking at one of the two piers: Pak Kok Tsuen Pier or Yung Shue Wan Pier. First, the ferry will stop off at Pak Kok Tsuen Pier to drop off passengers and to pick up new ones. Then the ferry continues to Yung Shue Wan.
And if you want to take the same ferry back to Aberdeen, take the left entrance at Yung Shue Wan Pier for Tsui Wah ferry. Just make sure you don’t go through the turnstile gates on the right side because they are for HKKF ferries only.
Why you should take Tsui Wah Ferry from Aberdeen Pier
You should take the Tsui Wah ferry from Aberdeen to Pak Kok Tsuen or Yung Shue Wan if you are:
- Already in the Aberdeen area (or it is easier for you to get to Aberdeen than the Central area)
- Going to explore the small villages like Pak Kok Kau Tsuen, Tai Peng and Tai Peng New Village
- Exploring off the beaten path places in northern Lamma Island
- Taking a last-minute day trip to Lamma Island (as there are more ferries going to Yung Shue Wan)
Lamma ferry schedule: Aberdeen to/from Pak Kok Tsuen and Yung Shue Wan
The Lamma Island ferry schedule for Aberdeen to/from Pak Kok Tsuen and Yung Shue Wan is located at the entrance of Tsui Wah ferry. Take a look at the timetable before you go (see above). Or check Tsui Wah / Traway Travel website for more info (but it is mostly in Chinese).
- Tsui Wah Ferry: from Aberdeen Pier to Pak Kok Tsuen Pier and Yung Shue Wan Pier
- Time: 25 minutes to Pak Kok Tsuen Pier and 30 minutes to Yung Shue Wan Pier (almost 1 ferry each hour from 6:00 am to 10:25 pm)
- Cost: $19HKD (Monday to Saturday) $21HKD (Sundays and Public Holidays)
5. Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant Guests Exclusive Ferry: from Central Pier No. 9 or Tsim Sha Tsui Pier No. 5 or 6 to Sok Kwu Wan Pier
And finally, there is one more option of going to Lamma Island. And this option is free! However, this private ferry is only for customers of Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant.
The private ferry takes customers from Central Pier No. 9 and Tsim Sha Tsui Pier No. 5 or 6 to Sok Kwu Wan, where the restaurant is located.
And on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, additional ferries will take customers from Aberdeen Ocean Court Pier 4 directly to the restaurant.
I included this Lamma ferry option because it is quite unique. However, I’m not sure how viable it is for solo travellers as it may be difficult to order food for one person at the seafood restaurant. Generally, the seafood dishes at these types of restaurants are quite big and are meant for sharing. But if you are travelling with other people and want to try local specialties, then I highly recommend eating seafood in Lamma Island!
There are many signages in Sok Kwu Wan indicating the schedule and the location of the pier. And the private ferry docks at the same pier for the Chuen Kee ferry in Sok Kwu Wan, and they dock on the right side.
Why you should take Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant Guests Exclusive Ferry
You should take the private ferry if you are:
- Eating a fabulous seafood meal at Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant
- Stroll around Sok Kwu Wan with a full belly
Lamma Island ferry schedule: Private ferry for Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant customers
The ferry timetable for the private ferry can be seen at several places in Sok Kwu Wan. I took a photo of the schedule just in case you are interested (see above). Or you can check Lamma Rainbow Restaurant website for more info.
- Private Ferry: from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Sok Kwu Wan
- Time: 45 minutes (almost 1 ferry each hour from 7:20 am to 11:30 pm)
- Cost: free (make a reservation 1 day in advance)
- Process: reconfirm your reservation and obtain your ferry shuttle ticket with the customer representative at the ferry pier
Which Lamma ferry are you going to take?
And there you have it, all 5 options for taking a ferry to Lamma Island. I think each of them are excellent options. It all depends what you are going to do on Lamma Island and where you want to start.
I hope this post can help you with planning a fabulous day trip to Lamma Island. Make sure to check out Lamma Island Family Walk while you are spending the day on Lamma Island. It is one of the most scenic and easiest hikes in HK. And if you have any questions, leave a comment below.
Thank you for reading my Lamma Island ferry post
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