A Quick Getaway from Taipei or Kaohsiung
Xiaoliuqiu Island is Taiwan’s only coral island off the southwestern coast of the main island. It is a perfect weekend getaway destination from Taipei or Kaohsiung.
Despite its tiny size and laid-back beach town vibes, there are so many fun things to do in Xiaoliuqiu, including swimming and snorkeling with turtles, diving, hiking, vibrant marine & wildlife tours, unique rock formations, etc.
Xiaoliuqiu (小琉球) is also known by many other names, such as Liuqiu, Little Liuqiu, Lambai Island, Xiao Liuqiu, Lamay Island, and Little Ryukyu. Like the island does not have enough nicknames, some people also like to call it mini Okinawa.
Unfortunately, the names are not the most confusing part. I had so many unanswered questions when planning a trip to Xiaoliuqiu. In this article, I will share all the helpful information you need that I wish someone has told me:
- Best Time to Visit Xiaoliuqiu
- How to Get to Xiaoliuqiu from Taipei or Kaohsiung
- How to Get around Xiaoliuqiu
- Where to Spot Green Turtles
- Best Beaches in Xiaoliuqiu
- Unmissable Xiaoliuqiu Eco Tours
- Three Caves in Xiaoliuqiu Worth Visiting
- Three Famous Rock Formations
- Where to Eat and Drink in Xiaoliuqiu
- Where to Stay in Xiaoliuqiu
Table of Contents
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>> Pssst! Heading to Taipei? Read my Taiwan Travel Tips with everything you need to know plan your perfect Taiwan trip. Also, see how you can add the city’s historical sites and glamorous old Taipei into your Taipei Itinerary and steal my unique Taipei day trip idea.
Oh, and don’t forget to taste Taiwan’s famous pineapple cake before you leave. Find out where you can find the best pineapple cake in Taipei.
Best Time to Visit Xiaoliuqiu
As Liuqiu is an island, the weather is critical in determining the best time/season for a visit.
Lambai Island in Southern Taiwan observes a tropical climate with warm temperatures almost all year round. May is the monsoon season. Just like the rest of Taiwan, summer is boiling hot with high humidity and occasional rains. Typhoons occasionally hit the island from July to September, which means no ferries. In winter, tides can be rough.
According to the local hotel staff I spoke with, the sweet spot is October. This is the down season as both summer vacation and typhoon seasons are over. And the water is still warm to swim or snorkel.
You can do your best to plan and minimize the risk of bad weather. But you never know. Check the weather as your scheduled date gets closer.
Xiao Liuqiu is a natural habitat of green turtles.
How to Get to Xiaoliuqiu
Taipei → Kaohsiung → Donggang Port → Xiaoliuqiu
Xiaoliuqiu is only a 30-minute away from Taiwan’s main island. Take a high-speed rail (THSR) from Taipei to Kaohsiung (Zuoying Station), which takes about 1.5 hours. At Zuoying Station, take the MRT red line to the last station, Siaogang. You can take a taxi or Uber to Donggang Port to catch a ferry to Xiaoliuqiu.
If you are coming from Kaohsiung’s central bus station or airport, you can also take a bus to Donggang Port on their way to Henghcun/Kenting. Find Guoguang, Chung Nan, or Pingtung bus companies. Note that you will need to walk about 10 minutes from Donggang Station to the ferry terminal.
Xiaoliuqiu Ferry Schedule
From Donggang Ferry Terminal, you can either take public or private ferries. The main difference is that they both leave Donggang but arrive at two different ports in Xiaoliuqiu. The public boats go to Dafu Fishing Harbor, whereas the private boats go to Baisha Port.
- Public Ferry: NT$200 (Round trip: NT$380) Donggang ⇄ Dafu Fishing Harbor
- Private Ferry: NT $230 (Round trip: NT $410) Donggang ⇄ Baisha Port
In my opinion, the difference between public and private is insignificant. Just choose one based on the operating time. Check the Xiaoliuqiu Ferry Schedule here.
Insider’s Tip:
- Ferries can get canceled at any time if the weather is not good.
- If you tend to get seasick, take medicine one hour before the departure. Even on a sunny day, the ride can be choppy.
- Heads-up: The ferries are enclosed—no window to open. No deck to go out.
- One alternative to Dramamine is dried sour plums. You can easily buy a pack at 7-Eleven in Taiwan. I don’t have a severe seasick, so I usually put them in my mouth for the entire ride, just in case.
>> Alert: There is a new yacht route from Dapeng bay to Xiaoliuqiu. You will sail on a fancy yacht with an open-air deck. If you are afraid of the seasick, I highly recommend this option. This upscale experience has competitive pricing with regular ferries.
You will find a row of scooter rentals right off the ferry terminal.
Xiaoliuqiu Scooter Rentals
Like all the other Taiwan’s outlying islands, the best way to get around Xiaoliuqiu is by scooter.
Once you arrive at the port, you will see a bunch of scooter rental shops. Scooter rental costs about NT$250-400 for a day. Getting a scooter will require you to have an international (or Taiwan) driver’s license for motorcycles. Also, be aware that there is only one gas station on the island.
If you don’t have a license, you can opt for e-scooter or e-bike. E-scooters are more expensive to rent (about double the price of regular scooters) but more eco-friendly. (And you don’t have to look for a gas station.) Although they have lesser power than a regular one, Xiaoliuqiu is flat enough that you don’t have to worry about it. But e-scooter is appropriate for a single rider only.
As we can communicate in the local language, we did not need help. However, Xiaoliuqiu hotels and B&Bs (see your options below: “Where to Stay in Xiaoliuqiu”) typically offer to book ferry + scooter rental package. Ask about the pricing and requirements to see if it makes sense for you.
Insider Tip: As one of the fellow travelers suggests, Xiaoliuqiu does not have ATMs supporting international debit cards. Make sure you withdraw enough cash from Taipei or Kaohsiung before you leave.
Xiaoliuqiu Map
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Swimming with Sea Turtles: Flower Vase Rock
Green turtles are native to the island. You will see the island’s mascot everywhere from the post box to souvenir shops. However, you do not only get to see them as plush toys in Xiaoliuqiu; you will get to swim next to them in the water. How magical is that?
The best place to swim with green turtles is the Flower Vase Rock. This rock is the iconic landmark (or seamark?) of Xiaoliuqiu. While the pebble beach surrounding the rock looks humble, underneath the surface is the natural habitat of green turtles. The rock covered in algae apparently attracts turtles.
Snorkeling with Turtles
One of the most popular activities in Xiaoliuqiu is snorkeling for the apparent reason. You don’t even need to go too deep. Once you get under the sea, you will see colorful tropical fish, rare coral reefs, and, most amazingly, green turtles swim by you!
If you already have snorkeling gears, you can bring yours and jump in the water. However, please note that the beaches on the island are not monitored by lifeguards.
I felt much safer to join a snorkeling group led by a professional. The group will hang onto a rope chained to a floating device. Instead of actively snorkeling, you will float on the water as the instructor leads to the spot and points out fish and turtles. S/he also takes underwater photos for you and turtles, so you don’t have to worry about bringing a waterproof camera! The snorkeling with turtles package also includes snorkeling gears, suits, shoes, and simple shower stations.
>> Read my complete Beach Packing List. Find out which snorkeling gear to buy and which to rent.
>> Scuba Dive with Green Turtles in Xiao Liuqiu. Even the beginners can learn the basics from licensed divers to safely discover a fantastic underwater world.