Ninepins is one of the go to dive destinations in Hong Kong. It’s not often we go there, primarily due to the time it takes to get there (usually around 90 mins from Sai Kung). It is also often inaccessible if the wind is being uncooperative. However, if the conditions allow, it can be spectacular.
We found ourselves heading out to Ninepins on Sunday morning, but so, it seemed, did the majority of Hong Kong dive boats. When we arrived at the normal site, just off South Ninepin Island, there were already 10 boats there. Parking was at a premium! Assuming an average capacity of 40 divers per boat, there would have been around 400 divers to compete with. We therefore decided to head towards East Ninepin Island instead.
Due to the change in destination, we didn’t get into the water until just before midday, but when we did, wow! We anchored in 20m of water, and could see the bottom from the surface. On a very good day in Hong Kong, we get around 10m of vis. The average is probably 3-5m. Therefore, to see the bottom from the surface was spectacular.
We dropped down the anchor line, and started to explore the lovely soft corals. Currents can often be relatively strong at this site, but we were lucky; there was no current to speak of. We headed out west from the anchor, and spent our time exploring around. It really was special being able to see everyone in the group with no trouble whatsoever.
After 40 mins or so, it was time to surface, and boy did we have a bunch of happy divers. The relative hassle with getting to the site was soon forgotten, and everyone was raring to jump back in.
We managed to get in a further two dives that day, taking full advantage of the amazing conditions. It will probably be a good while before we get visibility like that, so, for now, we just have to put this one into the memory bank! Who says you can’t dive in Hong Kong, eh?