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Dive into the Best Swimming Lessons in Hong Kong for All Ages and Abilities  

  • Class Offerings - We chose schools that offer a variety of swimming classes and lessons to ensure students have options based on their skill level.
  • Reliability - We prioritized swimming schools with experienced instructors and well-structured programs suitable for learners of different skill levels.
  • Facilities - We assessed the swimming schools based on their well-maintained pools and provision of essential swimming and emergency equipment.
  • Accessibility - We selected schools with convenient class schedules and responsive customer service for queries and booking requests.
  •  Rates - We favored swimming schools that offer competitive pricing.

Summers in Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete without poolside fun and a bit of tanning! 

However, before you grab your floaties and jump in, you must be confident with your swimming skills. Knowing how to swim properly opens up a whole world of exciting life experiences—think surfing and diving without the fear of drowning!

Fortunately, there are plenty of swimming schools in the city that cater to all ages and skill levels. This means you can start your swimming journey whenever you’re ready.

To make things easier, we’ve rounded up the best ones for you.

1. Harry Wright International  

harry-wright-international

Class Offerings: Infant Aquatic Programme, Learn To Swim Programme, Adult Swimming Programme, Private Lessons, Competitive Programme

Website: https://harrywright.com.hk/ 

Address: 250 Victoria Rd, Pok Fu Lam 

Contact details: +852 2575 6279 

Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 3:30 PM to 8 PM, Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 8 PM

Google reviews score5/5
Total reviews 4/5
Score consistency 3/5
Class Offerings 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Facilities 5/5
Accessibility 5/5
Rates (A higher score means better value)4/5

Harry Wright International has established itself as a cornerstone of competitive swimming in Hong Kong by building a legacy of talented local and international athletes. 

In fact, a well-known alumni of this school is Siobhan Haughey, a record holder in Hong Kong and an Olympian!

One thing we really loved about this school is its accessibility. It has facilities in various locations in Discovery Bay, Aberdeen, Causeway Bay, and Kowloon. This allows aspiring swimmers to attend lessons conveniently.

They also offer a structured curriculum, which we like. For example, their swimming program for babies is designed for little ones to get comfortable being in the water. 

As they grow, they can transition into the Learn to Swim Program. It’s where they can further learn essential swimming skills and enjoy swimming as a sport. 

Another highlight is their emphasis on small class sizes. Classes have four swimmers per instructor and last 40 to 45 minutes. This approach provides students with personal attention and practice.

Overall, this school is an excellent choice for those seeking comprehensive facilities and highly qualified coaches. 

However, this level of expertise comes at a cost. Program rates range from HKD 1,980 to HKD 2,640, which can be a significant expense.    

Pros

  • Over 45 years in the industry 
  • Multiple facilities
  • Highly skilled instructors
  • Offers structured curriculum
  • Offers competitive swimming courses 
  • Small class sizes 
  • Optimal class times (40 to 45 mins) 

Cons

  • High cost

    2. Hong Kong Swimming Academy  

    hong-kong-swimming-academy

    Class Offerings: Ripple Starter, Ripple Beginner, Intermediate, Club Training, Adult, Private Lesson 

    Website: https://hkswimmingacademy.com/ 

    Address: Shiu Feng International Centre, Unit 3, 6/F, 182 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai 

    Contact details: +852 2295 6066  

    Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM, Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday – Closed  

    Google reviews score4/5
    Total reviews 4/5
    Score consistency 4/5
    Class Offerings 5/5
    Reliability 5/5
    Facilities 5/5
    Accessibility 4/5
    Rates (A higher score means better value)5/5

    Founded by former Olympian Alex Fong, the Hong Kong Swimming Academy (HKSA) has been a popular choice for many Hongkongers.   

    Beyond the esteemed founder, we were impressed by their extensive indoor and outdoor heated pool facilities. This allows students to train comfortably year-round.

    Aside from that, we appreciate that they use salt-generated chlorine in all their pools. This gentler alternative helps minimize irritation to the eyes and skin. This makes the student’s learning experience more comfortable.

    They offer a diverse range of programs, from infant classes to advanced skill courses. Plus, these are age-appropriate and ability-based lessons, which we appreciate.  

    HKSA also boasts an impressive team of instructors. Many of them are former athletes with at least seven years of coaching experience and notable athletic participation. 

    On average, their class sizes range from 1:5 to 1:8 coach-to-student ratio. The cost per session also varies accordingly, with rates ranging from HKD 310 for smaller classes to HKD 250 for larger groups.  

    However, we are not entirely pleased with the administrative fees they impose on rescheduled or make-up classes.  

    Besides that, they currently only offer lessons at Good Hope Primary School, Victoria Shanghai Academy, and Hong Kong Country Club. This may prove inconvenient for those who find these locations difficult to access.

    Pros

    • Reputable founder
    • Student-friendly pools
    • Diverse programs
    • Experienced instructors
    • Flexible class rations
    • Transparent pricing
    • Easy online booking

    Cons

    • Expensive administrative fees
    • Limited locations

      3. Eliteswim Academy    

      eliteswim-academy

      Class Offerings: Baby and Me Course, Learn to Swim Course, Competitive Course 

      Website: https://www.eliteswimhk.com/  

      Address: 10 Shek Kok Rd, Tseung Kwan O

      Operating hours: Monday to Thursday – 8 AM to 6:30 PM, Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM, Saturday – 8 AM to 12 PM, Sunday – Closed

      Google reviews score4.3/5
      Total reviews 4/5
      Score consistency 4/5
      Class Offerings 4.5/5
      Reliability 5/5
      Facilities 5/5
      Accessibility 5/5
      Rates (A higher score means better value)5/5

      Founded by Gary Wong and Kent Cheung, Eliteswim Academy is a premier swimming academy with internationally accredited swimming instructors and strong partnerships with swimming pool facilities throughout the city. 

      Through this extensive network, students can attend lessons at various locations. To name a few, they conduct lessons at Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy in Sai Kung, Gold Coast Yacht and Country Club in Tuen Mun, and Queen’s Garden in Mid-Levels.   

      Another big plus for us is the small class sizes. One coach for four students is a great advantage for kids who are just starting to learn fundamental water skills and need one-on-one instruction. 

      What’s even more impressive is their swimming instructors have at least four years of teaching experience and can accommodate students as young as three months old.  

      We appreciate their flexible scheduling options, too. They offer 30 to 45-minute lessons from Monday to Saturday, making it easy for working adults to incorporate swimming lessons into their busy routines.

      We also love the annual summer camp they offer. At a rate of HKD 250 per 45-minute session, it’s perfect for parents seeking affordable lessons for their children.

      The only drawback is that all their swimming programs are conducted in English. This may not be suitable for non-English-speaking families.

      Pros

      • Reputable founders
      • Highly qualified instructors
      • Extensive network
      • Low coach-to-student ratio (1:4)
      • Early age programs 
      • Flexible scheduling 
      • Affordable summer camp

      Cons

      • English-only programs

        4. ESF Explore 

        esf-explore

        Class Offerings: Beginner, Improver, Advanced, Squad, Adults, Parent & Child  

        Website:  https://www.esfexplore.org.hk/ 

        Address: English School Foundation South Island School, Aberdeen, 50 Nam Fung Rd, Admiralty 

        Contact details: +852 2711 1280  

        Operating hours: Monday and Wednesday – 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Tuesday – 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Thursday – 4 PM to 7 PM, Friday – 4 PM to 6 PM, Saturday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM, Sunday – 9 AM to 11:30 AM   

        Google reviews score4/5
        Total reviews 4/5
        Score consistency 4/5
        Class Offerings 4/5
        Reliability 5/5
        Facilities 5/5
        Accessibility 5/5
        Rates (A higher score means better value)4/5

        ESF Explore made it on our list because of their strong reputation in providing comprehensive and holistic swimming programs since 1994. 

        Compared to other schools in this list, ESF Explore employs term-based swimming programs. This approach makes it an excellent choice for those committed to swimming and looking to refine their skills further.

        One feature we appreciate is the initial assessment conducted by coaches during the first lesson. Through this, students can be grouped according to their skill level instead of age.  

        If you’re a newbie, they’ll incorporate low-impact aquatic fitness drills into your program. Meanwhile, if you want to improve your stroke techniques, you’ll get more challenging and advanced exercises. 

        However, the fixed term dates make it less suitable for those who only want to attend one or two classes. 

        Plus, enrollment must be completed before the term begins. Late enrollments are accepted at higher rates than the standard rates, which range from HKD 2,500 to HKD 3,500.

        Pros

        • Over 30 years in the industry 
        • Term-based approach
        • Skill-based grouping
        • Diverse programs
        • Offers 50+ extracurricular programs
        • Accessible locations

        Cons

        • Fixed term dates
        • Enrollment restrictions
        • Higher costs
        • Limited single-class options     

          5. Whampoa Sports Club  

          whampoa-sports-club

          Class Offerings: Men’s Adult Swim Classes, Women’s Adult Swim Classes, Private Swimming Classes, Toddler Swimming Classes, Small Group Swimming Classes (Kids), Parent-Child Swimming Class 

          Website: https://www.whampoa.org.hk/ 

          Address: 4th Floor, China Insurance Building, 48 Cameron Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui  

          Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM, Saturday to Sunday – Closed  

          Google reviews score4.4/5
          Total reviews 4/5
          Score consistency 4/5
          Class Offerings 5/5
          Reliability 5/5
          Facilities 5/5
          Accessibility 5/5
          Rates (A higher score means better value)5/5

          Since its establishment in 2000, Whampoa Sports Club has been providing a diverse array of recreational facilities for swimming, tennis, and other sports and fitness classes.  

          What we like best about this nonprofit club is the focus on providing a comfortable and inclusive learning environment for every student.  

          Whampoa offers women-only and men-only swimming classes. We think these classes provide students with a conducive learning space and ensure that they feel at ease under the guidance of a coach of the same gender.   

          Plus, we like their flexible class timings. They make it convenient for people with packed schedules or anyone who just wants to try swimming for fun. 

          Their course fees are competitive. For example, a 90-minute lesson for the women-only classes costs only HKD 280. The best part is that if you sign up for more lessons, you can save more.

          Aside from that, the club allows two make-up classes for standard programs. No need to worry if you miss one. You can reschedule without extra charges as long as you have a valid reason.  

          The only problem we see is that they can only accommodate a limited number of students per schedule. Besides that, it’s on a first-come, first-served basis.

          Pros

          • Over 20 years in the industry 
          • Wide selection of swimming courses
          • Inclusive learning environment
          • Flexible scheduling 
          • Affordable rates
          • Allows make-up classes 

          Cons

          • Limited student capacity 

            FAQs about Swimming Schools in Hong Kong 

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