Chinese white dolphin watching tours

The waters west of Lantau and around the Pearl River Estuary are home to a population of Chinese white dolphins (also called Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, and locally often pink in colour despite the name) — a genuine, if not guaranteed, wildlife-watching opportunity close to the city.

Where tours run from

Boat tours typically depart from Tung Chung or other points on Lantau (see our Tung Chung guide and Mui Wo guide), heading out into the waters around the airport and the Pearl River Estuary where the dolphins are most reliably found.

Sightings aren't guaranteed

Population numbers have declined over recent decades due to habitat pressure from shipping traffic, land reclamation and pollution — reputable operators are upfront that sightings can't be promised, and it's worth treating the trip as a boat outing with a real chance of dolphins rather than a certainty.

Choosing a responsible operator

Look for operators who maintain a respectful distance from any dolphins spotted and don't chase or crowd them — conservation-minded operators are generally openly transparent about their approach, which is worth asking about before booking.

What else the trip offers

Even without a dolphin sighting, the boat trip itself covers scenic, less-visited waters around western Lantau, making it a reasonable half-day activity on its own merits.