Hainan Island, dubbed the “Hawaii of China” and host to world-class marinas, is the nation’s southernmost point. Located in the south China Sea, from Sanya Bay it is approximately 358nm southwest of Hong Kong and 150nm northeast of Danang. Hainan Island and the surrounding islands, coral islands, sandbanks and reefs make for attractive cruising. Hainan Island is a great jumping off point to visit the Paracel ‘Xisha’ Islands, a collection of reefs and atolls known for clean waters and marine life. Beware, though, that these islands are currently off-limits to foreign boats!
Known for its tropical and monsoonal climate, beach resorts, forested, mountainous interior and hilly hiking trails, Hainan Island has great beaches (Sanya Bay, Yalong Bay, Haitang Bay, Shimao Bay and Bo’ao). Sanya Bay was twice the only Asian stopover in the Volvo Round-the-World Yacht Race.
Rainfall is heavy during the monsoon season. Tropical storms and typhoons occur regularly in late summer and early fall. Forecasting is easily accessible and accurate. Stay up-to-date with weather warnings at www.cma.gov.cn. At the time of writing, we were unble to confirm the existence of official typhoon shelters. However, it is known that local fishing boats shelter in the harbour in Haikou, Hainan Province./
Foreign yachts visiting Hainan Island must deposit 40% of the yacht’s value. The Government of Hainan is deepening support for welcoming foreign yachts and is considering offering free guarantees to international visiting yachts at selected marinas, but at time of writing, the new laws had not been released. The Marina at Clearwater Bay can provide the guarantee for visiting superyachts through the Agile Group. Yachts that do not pay the guarantee can still make clearance but are not allowed to sail around Chinese waters.
Foreign yachts are allowed to berth at a limited number of marinas but must apply permission to berth in advance through Penavico (www.penavico.com.cn), the only authorised State Agency. Marinas will assist to forward the required documents as listed in the introduction of this chapter in advance (at least 3 working days are recommended). In addition, with the support of the provincial government, the time required to complete the immigration procedures has been significantly reduced. Authorised foreign yachts may remain in the area up to 183 days per year.
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Designed by Camper & Nicholsons and situated on the southernmost Banshan peninsula of Sanya City, it’s well-protected from the dominant eastern winds. 325 full-service berths from 10-40 metres, depth from 5-8 metres, and 60 berths for visiting yachts.
The marina is protected by a 1,120-metre breakwater and has concrete main pontoons and aluminum fingers. Facilities include fuel station and pump-out systems for sewage and engine oils. There is 20,000 sqm of hardstand 3,500 sqm dry storage and repair yard, with a 100-ton tavelift with 11m wide limit.
There’s a private yacht club, cafés, restaurants, hotels, meeting and conference facilities, a shopping street, swimming pools, a sailing academy and a control tower that houses the marina services. This was the first marina in Asia-Pacific to be awarded ‘5 Gold Anchors’ Platinum accreditation by Marina Industries Association (MIA).
Serenity Marina has hosted two Volvo Ocean Races, the Youth World Sailing Championships and the Round Hainan Race. It’s also host to the Hong Kong-Hainan Race and is the current stopover for the Clipper Around the World Race.
T. +86 898 3887 1111 | www.serenity-marina.com
Designed by Camper & Nicholsons and situated on the southernmost Banshan peninsula of Sanya City, it’s well-protected from the dominant eastern winds. 325 full-service berths from 10-40 metres, depth from 5-8 metres, and 60 berths for visiting yachts.
The marina is protected by a 1,120-metre breakwater and has concrete main pontoons and aluminum fingers. Facilities include fuel station and pump-out systems for sewage and engine oils. There is 20,000 sqm of hardstand 3,500 sqm dry storage and repair yard, with a 100-ton tavelift with 11m wide limit.
Established in 2005 and located on the southern tip of the Sanya Peninsula, where two rivers meet, it’s well protected in all seasons.
It has 376 fully serviced pontoon berths for yachts up to 60 metres. Each pontoon has international standard water and electricity, including two for mega yachts up to 40-50 metres. The marina provides overnight stay and international standard comprehensive repair and maintenance services.
The clubhouse has restaurants, bar, banquet facilities, health club and spa. It’s one of the few members of “La Belle Classe Destinations” in China and recognised as one of the premier private clubs in South China.
T. +86 898 3821 5875 | E. info@vty-yachtservices.com | www.en.vty-yachtservices.com
At the time of writing, this 5-star marina, in Yalong Bay National Resort District, at the southern tip of Hainan Island, claimed to be closed for maintenance.
According to a 2018 South China Morning Post news story, “The yacht club… has been ordered to close over accusations that its activities encroached on a nearby nature reserve. Under the order, the club must halt its operations and ensure all yachts leave waters within the Sanya National Coral Reef Nature Reserve, news website Hainan.net reported.”
In the meantime, the yacht club’s adjacent resort, the St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort, advises guests that they can enjoy the opportunity to charter fully-staffed Yacht Club vessels for private parties, sunset cruises, fishing excursions, corporate events and overnight cruises.
This marina opened in 2014 and is one of the largest in Asia with 780 berths with service facilities. Refueling is done by truck. It can accommodate yachts up to 61 metres and has been accredited with a five Gold Anchors rating by TYHA.
The Agile Group offers free guarantees to international visiting yachts and facilitates a smooth port of entry. Documents are required 48 hours prior to arrival. Upon arrival, the staff will assist with the customs paperwork. The yacht club provides catering, entertainment, boat parking and driving training. The maintenance service area is equipped for engine overhaul.
M. +86 138 8063 0339 | E. liweiting@agile.com.cn
Completed in 2013, this marina has 208 berths for yachts up to 50 metres and is protected by a breakwater, claimed to be able to protect yachts against typhoon conditions and waves up to 7 metres.
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This Haikou City marina has 140 berths for yachts up to 24 metres in depth up to 5 metres. There’s a yacht maintenance dock and dry storage, complemented by a clubhouse and international hotel with restaurants, bars, MICE facilities, spa and leisure amenities.
T. +86 898 6610 5588
This marina is located near the famous Huacai Huayi Hotel in Haikou, adjacent to Haikou Century Bridge. It enjoys a unique bay landscape and provides 68 exclusive yacht berths. The club and facilities are open only to members.
T. +86 898 3128 0080 | www.jpmarina.cn
This marina newly opened in 2019 and is right next to the commercial harbour and 100m north of Binhai Avenue, Xiuying District, Hakou City. It has 610 berths with plans for an additional 800. It’s operated by a government-sponsored body, designated to serve as the training centre for the national sailing teams.
