2026 Xiaoliuqiu Travel Guide: Ferry, Diving & Island Food Tips

Honestly, I head to Xiaoliuqiu at least twice a year. The first time I almost choked on seawater because a sea turtle popped up next to me; now I can float beside one and calmly snap photos. This coral reef island, the closest one to mainland Taiwan, is the best value for money offshore trip I know. This guide pulls together what I learned the hard way over many trips, from how to book ferry tickets that are actually a steal, which dive shops I trust, to which mahua stall is the best. Read it and you can book your trip right after.

Where Is Xiaoliuqiu and Why Go?

Xiaoliuqiu (Liuqiu Yu) sits southwest of Donggang Township, Pingtung County. It's Taiwan's only coral reef island. The coastal road runs about 18 km, and on a scooter without stops you can loop the whole island in roughly 30 minutes. The island is small, but it has the densest sea turtle habitat in Taiwan, you're basically guaranteed to spot a turtle the moment you get in the water, which is rare anywhere in the world.

Best season to visit: April to September, when the water is clear and the weather is stable, perfect for snorkeling and diving. I've also been in November, fewer tourists and cheaper rooms, but the northeast monsoon is stronger so water activities can get cancelled.

Transport: How to Get to Xiaoliuqiu

Step 1: Reach Donggang Port

The only way to Xiaoliuqiu is to catch the ferry from Donggang Port in Pingtung. Here's how I'd get to Donggang from major cities:

From	Transport	Time	Cost
Kaohsiung Zuoying HSR Station	Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (Dapeng Bay Liuqiu line)	~50 min	NT$167 (~US$5)
Kaohsiung Main Station	Train to Donggang or local bus	~60-80 min	NT$70-150
Taipei	HSR to Zuoying + Tourist Shuttle	~3.5 hours	From NT$1,500 (~US$47)
Self-driving	Freeway 3, Linbian IC exit	Varies	Parking ~NT$100/day

My tip: Coming out of Zuoying HSR Station, the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle ticket booth is right beside Exit 2, you don't need to leave the station to find a bus. From Taipei, I'd grab the KKday HSR Holiday Combo or the KKday HSR Domestic Travel Combo Ticket, bundle it with a Xiaoliuqiu itinerary and HSR fares drop to as low as 75% of the regular price.

Step 2: Ferry to Xiaoliuqiu

There are two main ferry operators between Donggang and Xiaoliuqiu:

Ferry Company	One-Way	Round Trip	Duration	Notes
Taifu Ferry (private)	NT$230	NT$410	~25 min	More departures, faster
Public Ferry	NT$200	NT$380	~30 min	Slightly cheaper

Money-saver: Booking round-trip tickets through KKday Donggang to Xiaoliuqiu Ferry costs about NT$385 round trip, cheaper than buying at the counter, and you can pick your seat online instead of queueing.

Ferries run roughly 7 AM to 5 PM. In peak season (April-September) they leave every 30 minutes; off-peak runs are less frequent. Book online 1-2 days ahead, walk-up tickets sell out fast on peak weekends.

Island Transport: Rent a Scooter

Once you arrive at Xiaoliuqiu port, your guesthouse or rental shop usually picks you up. The main way to get around the island is by scooter, daily rentals run NT$350-500. Electric scooters are also available, quieter and greener, with a slightly higher price tag.

I personally prefer renting an electric scooter. The 18 km loop is well within battery range, and it fits the island's conservation vibe.

Where to Stay: Pick the Right Area

Guesthouses on Xiaoliuqiu cluster in a few areas:

Area	Features	Best For	Double Room Price
Around Baisha Tourist Port	Closest to ferry, food nearby	First-timers, low-effort travelers	NT$2,000-3,500
Shanfu Fishing Port	Near tide pools, quieter	Nature lovers	NT$1,800-3,000
Toward Dafu Fishing Port	Lots of ocean-view rooms	Couples, photo people	NT$2,500-5,000
Around Vase Rock	Close to landmark, snorkel-friendly	Water-activity travelers	NT$2,000-4,000

What I learned: I stayed near Baisha Port the first few times. It's convenient, sure, but later I figured out that the ocean-view guesthouses near Dafu are the real treat. I recommend "Duo Xiao Lu Nordic Guesthouse" and "Xiaoliuqiu Le Yu Ocean View"; the latter has a small splash pool and a kids' play area, great if you're traveling with children.

Booking money-savers:

• Off-peak weekdays (Nov-Mar, non-holiday): rooms drop to NT$1,500-2,000, half the peak rate
• Many guesthouses sell package deals (room + ferry + scooter + snorkeling), 20-30% cheaper than booking separately
• Book through Klook Monday Hotel Early Bird 30% Off and stack a promo code on top
• Check 1stcoupon Xiaoliuqiu-related promo codes for the latest codes before you go

Must-Do Activities: Water Sports Guide

Water activities are Xiaoliuqiu's biggest draw, especially the up-close turtle encounters. These are the ones I've personally tested:

Before I head out, I always run through the Trip.com Friday BOGO experience deals to see if any of the snorkeling, night tour, or SUP vouchers fall on a Friday slot, if they do, you can cut the budget in half right there.

Snorkeling with Sea Turtles (Don't Skip This!)

If you only do one thing on Xiaoliuqiu, do this. My first time snorkeling, I saw three sea turtles within two meters of me at Vase Rock. The feeling is hard to put into words.

• Price: NT$400-800 (gear, instructor, insurance included)
• Duration: ~1.5-2 hours (changing and briefing included)
• Who it suits: Non-swimmers welcome, the instructor stays with you the whole time
• Best snorkel spots: Vase Rock, Beauty Cave, Lobster Cave

Discover Scuba Diving (Go Deeper)

If you don't have a dive cert but want to feel the deep, Discover Scuba is the way. The instructor takes you down 5-10 meters one-on-one or one-on-two for a close look at the coral and turtles.

• Price: NT$2,400-3,000
• Duration: ~2-3 hours (briefing and dive)
• Who it suits: Anyone wanting to go deeper than snorkeling allows
• Heads up: No flying 12 hours before diving, 18 hours after

SUP Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Early morning the sea around Xiaoliuqiu is mirror-flat. Standing on a SUP board watching the sunrise is one of my favorite experiences here. Sometimes you'll spot a turtle gliding under the board.

• Price: NT$800-1,200
• Duration: ~1.5-2 hours
• Best slot: Sunrise group (about 5:00-7:00 AM)

Night Ecology Tour

The night side of Xiaoliuqiu's wildlife is wild. With a guide you can see land hermit crab migrations, barringtonia flowers blooming, and all kinds of nocturnal critters. The first time I saw hundreds of hermit crabs crossing the road at once I was floored.

• Price: NT$250-400
• Duration: ~1.5 hours (7:00-8:30 PM)
• Heads up: Wear closed shoes, no bright flashlights aimed at the wildlife

Tidal Pool Tour

When the tide goes out, the rocks reveal sea urchins, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, sea hares, and more. Going around with a guide who can identify them all is a great eco-education experience, especially if you're bringing kids.

• Price: NT$200-350
• Duration: ~1-1.5 hours (depends on the tide)

Activity Price Cheat Sheet

Activity	Price Range	Time	Difficulty
Snorkeling	NT$400-800	1.5-2 hrs	Easy (non-swimmers OK)
Discover Scuba	NT$2,400-3,000	2-3 hrs	Moderate (briefing required)
SUP	NT$800-1,200	1.5-2 hrs	Moderate
Kayak	NT$600-1,000	1.5-2 hrs	Easy
Glass-bottom semi-sub	NT$300-450	~30 min	None (stay dry)
Night eco tour	NT$250-400	1.5 hrs	None
Tidal pool tour	NT$200-350	1-1.5 hrs	None

Must-Visit Attractions: One Loop, Don't Miss These

Xiaoliuqiu's attractions are spread along the coastal road, you can hit them all in a day on a scooter. Here's my clockwise route:

If you don't want to plan it yourself, just pick a Xiaoliuqiu sightseeing combo from Klook's Taiwan travel promo, it bundles the Vase Rock, Beauty Cave, and Black Dwarf Cave tickets so you skip the queue.

Vase Rock (The Iconic Photo Spot)

Xiaoliuqiu's most famous landmark, a chunk of coral reef rock that the sea has eroded into the shape of a vase. It's also the easiest shore snorkel spot for sea turtles, you can stand on the shore and still catch turtles popping up to breathe. I always stop here first when I arrive, just to say hi to the island.

Beauty Cave

A natural cave system formed from coral reef, with 13 connected scenic points along the trail. Cool inside, and the ocean view from the cave openings is unreal. Ticket: NT$120 (3-in-1 combo for Beauty Cave + Mountain Boar Ditch + Black Dwarf Cave).

Mountain Boar Ditch Eco Trail

Pristine coral reef vegetation lines the trail, with high coral walls on both sides, like walking through a natural green tunnel. About 20 minutes, flat and easy walking. Photos here look like a hidden valley.

Black Dwarf Cave

Legend says Indigenous people hid here during the Dutch era. Inside the cave is narrow, you have to duck or even crawl through, very thrilling. The coastal viewing platform after the cave has an amazing view. If you don't like tight spaces, skip the cave and just walk to the platform.

White Lighthouse

A white lighthouse built during the Japanese colonial period. Paired with blue skies and clouds it's a great photo subject. It sits in the center of the island at a high point, fewer tourists, a quiet photo gem.

Houshi Coral Reef

Spectacular coral reef formations along the coast. The most famous ones are "Red Indian Rock" and "Guanyin Rock", nature's own sculptures that genuinely look like human faces. Coming here at dusk for sunset over the rocks is the most romantic moment I've had on Xiaoliuqiu.

Lobster Cave

A natural coral reef sea-erosion channel, where locals used to catch lobsters. The waves crashing on the rocks here are dramatic, a photographer's paradise. Stay safe and don't get too close to the edge when the wind is strong.

Food Guide: Tasty Surprises on a Tiny Island

Don't underestimate the island, the food scene is loaded. Here's what I've eaten and personally recommend:

For deeper local eats, check KKday Xiaoliuqiu food experience vouchers, a lot of seafood-restaurant or mahua-shop vouchers run by dive shops and guesthouses sell here, way easier to buy in advance and redeem on arrival than to queue on the spot.

Must-Buy Souvenir: Mahua (Fried Dough Twist)

Mahua is the island's signature souvenir, almost everyone takes a few packs home. I recommend "Hejia" and "Pinxuan", flavors range from original to brown sugar to cheese, around NT$50-100 per pack. My coworkers always chase me for some when I get back, so now I just buy 10 packs at a time.

Seafood Feast

It's an island, so seafood is the main act. I recommend "Xiawei Xian Seafood", in peak season tables sell out, so book ahead. Don't miss the dolphinfish dishes, that's Xiaoliuqiu's specialty fish, the meat is tender. Roughly NT$400-600 per person, very good value for a seafood restaurant.

Local Breakfast

"Hong Mama Breakfast" is a Xiaoliuqiu legend. Their signature "Benz Bun" (named because it looks like the Mercedes logo) and "Liuqiu Cake" are local foods you can't get anywhere else. About NT$50 fills you up, and everything has its own personality.

Cool-Down Shaved Ice

When you're halfway around the island and overheated, a bowl of shaved ice saves your life. I recommend "Ice Box Ice Shop", their snowflake ice is silky, and the whiskey-chocolate and caramel-cashew flavors are unique. Also try "Xiaoliuqiu pearl tapioca", the chewy texture is addictive.

Creative Eats

"Carpe Diem" is the island's popular American burger spot. The signature "Old Mexican Skull" with rich BBQ sauce, a crispy bun, and generous toppings holds its own against any mainland burger joint. Sets run about NT$200-350.

Money-Saving Strategy: Stretch Your Xiaoliuqiu Budget

Budget Estimate

Two days, one night, two people from Kaohsiung:

Item	Per Person	How to Save
Ferry round trip	NT$385-410	KKday online: NT$385
Scooter (1 day)	NT$350-500	Bundle with guesthouse
Accommodation (1 night)	NT$1,000-2,500	Off-peak: NT$750/person
Snorkeling	NT$400-800	Combo packages cheaper
Meals (2 days)	NT$500-800	Stick to street food
Attraction tickets	NT$120	3-in-1 combo
Total	NT$2,755-5,130	Tight budget version: ~NT$3,000

Klook / KKday Promo Code Roundup

Before you go, hit 1stCoupon for the latest Klook and KKday promo codes. Right now Klook has 191 codes and KKday has 111 codes that work for Xiaoliuqiu. Strategies that actually save money:

• Package deals: KKday's "Xiaoliuqiu 2-Day Package" includes ferry + scooter + room + snorkeling, 15-25% cheaper than booking separately
• HSR Domestic Travel Combo: Coming from northern Taiwan, bundle with HSR for up to 25% off rail fares
• Friday-only: KKday Taiwan products 7% off over NT$2,000 (code: KKTW95EX)
• Weekday departure: Mon-Thu room and activity prices are 20-40% cheaper than weekends
• Off-season departure: November to March is off-peak, total spend drops 30-50%

Peak vs Off-Peak Price Gap

Item	Peak Weekend (Apr-Sep)	Off-Peak Weekday (Nov-Mar)	Saving
Guesthouse double room	NT$3,000-5,000	NT$1,500-2,500	40-50% off
Snorkeling	NT$500-800	NT$400-600	20-25% off
Scooter rental	NT$400-500	NT$300-400	20% off

Eco Guidelines: Protect the Beauty of Xiaoliuqiu

This is the section I think matters most. Xiaoliuqiu's coral reefs and sea turtles are this beautiful because the locals push hard on conservation. As a visitor, we have a responsibility to keep this ocean intact.

Sunscreen Ban

Don't use chemical sunscreen before getting in the water at Xiaoliuqiu. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate in sunscreen cause coral bleaching and death. International research suggests about 14,000 metric tons of sunscreen wash into the ocean each year, potentially affecting up to 75% of coral reefs.

A lot of dive shops on the island already refuse divers who've put on chemical sunscreen. Alternatives:

• Wear a long-sleeve rash guard or wetsuit (my top pick, most effective and zero harm)
• If you absolutely must use sunscreen, pick reef-safe sunscreen (mineral-based, no harmful chemicals)
• Hats, sunglasses, and other physical sun protection

Five Don'ts for Sea Turtles

When you spot a sea turtle on Xiaoliuqiu, follow the "Five Don'ts":

1. Don't touch — touching turtles violates wildlife protection law, fines up to NT$300,000
2. Don't chase — let turtles behave naturally
3. Don't surround — don't block their path
4. Don't feed — human food harms turtle health
5. No flash photography — bright lights startle turtles

Keep at least 5 meters of distance from sea turtles, let them live their lives in their own home.

Other Eco Actions

• Bring reusable utensils and water bottles, cut single-use plastic
• Don't take any shells, coral, or rocks home
• Stay on the trails, don't step on the coral reef
• Pack your trash back to the mainland (Xiaoliuqiu's waste capacity is limited)
• At night, slow down or detour around hermit crabs on the road

Itinerary Ideas: 2D1N vs 3D2N

If you're heading down from northern Taiwan and only catching the ferry the next day, the night before I'd just book Agoda hotel deals for a hotel in Pingtung or Donggang town, the next morning the port is 10 minutes away by car, way more comfortable than a pre-dawn long drive.

2 Days / 1 Night (Classic Quick Trip)

Day 1: Donggang ferry → drop bags at guesthouse → snorkel with turtles → half-island loop (Vase Rock, Beauty Cave, Mountain Boar Ditch) → Xiawei Xian seafood dinner → night eco tour

Day 2: Hong Mama breakfast → other half-island (Black Dwarf Cave, White Lighthouse, Houshi Reef) → shaved ice at Ice Box → buy mahua → ferry back to Donggang

3 Days / 2 Nights (Slow Travel, Recommended!)

Day 1: Donggang ferry → drop bags at guesthouse → tidal pool tour → half-island attractions → seafood dinner → night eco tour

Day 2: SUP sunrise group → breakfast → Discover Scuba → lunch → afternoon free time → sunset at Houshi Reef → Carpe Diem dinner

Day 3: Snorkel with turtles → Hong Mama breakfast → souvenir shopping → ferry back to Donggang

I'll be straight with you, I strongly recommend 3D2N. Xiaoliuqiu's pace is "slow", 2 days feels rushed and you can't fit half the water activities. The extra night barely costs more, but the trip feels totally different.

FAQ

Q: Is Xiaoliuqiu good for kids?

Very. Snorkeling has an instructor with you the whole time so non-swimmers are safe; the tidal pool tour is great eco-education; the island loop on a scooter is easy. As long as your kid isn't afraid of water, Xiaoliuqiu is the top pick offshore island for family travel. Kids under 3 shouldn't do snorkeling or diving though.

Q: Can non-swimmers visit Xiaoliuqiu?

No problem at all. Snorkeling includes life jackets, the instructor stays with you the whole time, you don't need to swim. The glass-bottom semi-sub lets you see the underwater world without even touching the water. I have a friend who refuses to get in the water, and they had a blast on Xiaoliuqiu.

Q: Are there ATMs on Xiaoliuqiu?

There are, but very few (the whole island has maybe 2-3) and they often run dry in peak season. Pull enough cash on the mainland before you go. Some guesthouses and shops take mobile payment, but don't lean on it too hard.

Q: Do ferries get cancelled by weather?

Yes. Typhoons or strong northeast monsoons can cancel or reduce sailings. Watch the "Dong-Liu Route" official announcements before you go. If your sailing is cancelled, tickets can usually be rebooked or refunded.

Q: Do I need to buy attraction tickets on Xiaoliuqiu?

Most spots are free. The only paid one is the "Beauty Cave + Mountain Boar Ditch + Black Dwarf Cave" 3-in-1 combo at NT$120. Water activities are booked separately.

Sources

• KKday Xiaoliuqiu Travel Guide
• Klook Xiaoliuqiu Snorkeling Guide
• SNOWDIVING Xiaoliuqiu 2D1N Guide
• FUNIT Xiaoliuqiu Attractions
• Trip.com Xiaoliuqiu Guide
• Xiaoliuqiu Transport Guide
• South Pacific Villa Water Activities
• Environmental Info Center, Reef-Safe Sunscreen