The entire area is a peninsula on the southern coast of the Hong Kong Island, facing the South China Sea.

[3] The majority of the population previously lived on the land presently occupied by the Shek O country Club, from where it was forcibly removed.

[1] It is a Grade III historic building,[4] and its management has been delegated by the Chinese Temples Committee to the Shek O Residents Association.

As its name suggests, big waves roll on to the beach, propelled by the wind, making it a popular destination for surfers.

Big Wave Bay Beach is also the site of prehistoric rock carving similar to those found on Cheung Chau Island.

Due to the isolated location of Shek O, the environment near the beach remains rustic and quiet, which is one of the area's main attractions.

The Hong Kong director Stephen Chow's 1999 film King of Comedy (喜劇之王) was also shot at Shek O.

There is public transport link toward Shek O Beach: bus route 9 and red minibuses from Shau Kei Wan.