Listen to the waves. They crash against the shore at Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve. This special place lies on the southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island. Welcome to Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve. It is Hong Kong’s only marine reserve.
In 1996, it was designated to protect the rocky shores. It also protects the subtidal habitats. The reserve spans just 20 hectares. It mainly lies between Kau Pei Chau and the rocky coastline.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department manages the reserve. The Swire Institute of Marine Science also helps. It is a research faculty of the University of Hong Kong.
Back in 1991, this area was a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Then, in 1996, it became the only Marine Reserve in Hong Kong. Remember some important rules here. Fishing is strictly prohibited. Swimming and diving are not allowed. Collecting organisms is also forbidden. You need a permit from the AFCD to conduct research here.
Have you noticed the whale skeleton? It has been here since June 27, 1991. It is near the Swire Institute of Marine Science. The skeleton is 6.4 meters long. It is often mistaken for Hoi Wai. Hoi Wai was a famous orca at Ocean Park. Actually, this skeleton is from a juvenile male fin whale. The whale died on April 12, 1955.
This young fin whale was found near Ming Shan Wharf. It was floating among debris. It had separated from its mother. It was likely sick and starving. Marine police euthanized it humanely. They shot it in the head. The University of Hong Kong took the whale carcass. Zoologists processed it.
In those days Hong Kong was receiving refugees from China. The whale’s flesh became food for refugee camps. About 1,000 people watched as the whale was carved up. Some fishermen worried about bad luck from the “ghost fish”. They burned a paper whale to appease angry spirits.
For 35 years, the whale’s skeleton was displayed at the University of Hong Kong. In 1991, it was moved to Cape D’Aguilar. The Swire Marine Laboratory had just been established. The whale skeleton stands as a symbol of marine conservation.
Typhoon Mangkhut damaged the skeleton in September 2018. Some bones were cracked by the waves. The Swire Institute organized a campaign to restore it. They plan to move the original skeleton to a new biodiversity center. A 3D-printed copy will replace it outside. This copy can withstand typhoons and salt spray.
Don’t miss the sea caves at Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve. Waves have formed these caves over many years. One cave is called Thunder Cave. The sea waves make a thundering sound as they hit the rocks. Another cave is Crab Cave. It looks like a giant crab claw from above.
Cape D’Aguilar is a bit of a secret. It is not easy to reach by public transport. Star photography enthusiasts have made it more popular recently. The scenery is beautiful. But be prepared for some heat. It takes a few hours to get here.
You can take bus No. 9 from Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus. Get off at Cape D’Aguilar Road. From there, walk about 45 minutes to the sea caves.
And if you arrive early enough you can capture some sunrise photos. As Cape D’Aguilar lies on the southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island.
Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve offers natural treasures and a glimpse into marine science. Its rugged beauty makes it a memorable place.