Xiaoliuqiu Snorkeling Guide 小琉球浮潛指南 – The Best Places to Spot Sea Turtles

Xiaoliuqiu Snorkeling Video:

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When to go to Xiaoliuqiu:

Anytime! Xiaoliuqiu is a tropical island that has warm water and temperatures (above 25 degrees Celsius) year-round. However, it is a little cooler and windier during the winter, and you should be sure to avoid Typhoons during summer (ferries will be canceled if there is a Typhoon). Some people like to wear a wetsuit during the winter months for more comfort.
However, it can get really crowded during summer break in July-August, so go during the off-season to avoid the crowds. 

How to get to Xiaoliuqiu:

The only way to get to Xiaoliuqiu is via ferry from Donggang Harbor in southern Taiwan. Here is some information on how to make the ferry trip:

How to get to Donggang Harbor Ferry Terminal:

By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 17 south to Donggang and turn into the city center. The harbor is in the western part of the city. There is free scooter parking and paid car parking at the fishing harbor (30 NT per car), but the fishing harbor does not allow overnight parking.
You can also send your scooter there and back for about 300 NT.
Looking for scooter rental in Pingtung? Click here or here to search for options.
You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.   
By TRA/bus: From Nanzhou TRA station, you can take bus 519 for about 20 minutes to the seafood market. You can book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. You can book tickets to travel to Pingtung via inter-city bus on Klook here. 
By HSR/bus: The fastest way to get to Xiaoliuqiu from Taipei is via HSR. However, the closest HSR station is in Zuoying, Kaohsiung, so you need to take a shuttle bus or taxi to get to the ferry terminal.
You can book tickets to Kaohsiung via high-speed rail (HSR)  on Klook here or KKDay here, and then take a shuttle bus.
You can book a shuttle bus from Zuoying HSR Station to Donggang on  Klook here or KKday here. The ride takes about an hour.
By Taxi: From Zuoying HSR Station, there are many taxis available that can take you to Dongang. Per my experience, sometimes they give you a discount if you can share a taxi with some other strangers. You can also charter a private vehicle on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy.
You can ship a bicycle to Xiaoliuqiu for about 100 NT per round trip on the ferry.
There are not many bicycle rental options on Xiaoliuqiu besides electric scooters, so it may be easier to rent a bike in Donggang and ship it over. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 

Ferry from Donggang Harbor (東港漁港) to Baishawei Harbor (白沙尾漁港) on Xiaoliuqiu:

Price: 450 NT
Total travel time: 25 minutes
Boats leave about every 30 minutes
The first boat leaves at about 7:00 AM, and the last boat leaves at about 4:30 PM.

You can check out our full Xiaoliuqiu Ferry Guide here.

How to Get Around on Xiaoliuqiu

The best way to get around the island of Xiaoliuqiu is via scooter or moped. Here is some more information about renting scooters:

Gas Scooters:

Price: expect 300-400 NT per day. ​
You can book a scooter for a discount through Klook here. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
In general, you will need a local scooter license or international driving permit (IDP), however, if you don’t have these, it may still be possible to rent a gas scooter from a friendly scooter rental shop.
Be sure to book your rental in advance, especially during summer weekends. Ask for help from your hostel owner if needed.
Helmet-wearing is not very much enforced, but it’s still the law, and you should definitely wear one for your own safety.

Electric Scooters:

If you do not have a local scooter license or international driving permit (IDP), then you can still rent an electric scooter to get around the island. Electric scooters do not require a license in Taiwan.
You can book an electric scooter on Klook here or KKday here and here.

Where to rent scooters:

Most of the scooter rental shops are located in front of Baishawei Harbor. However, there is also one scooter shop in front of Dafu Harbor.

Shipping Your Scooter:

If you have your own scooter or rented a scooter in Taiwan, you can ship your scooter to Xiaoliuqiu for about 300 NT per round trip on the Dongliu (eastern Donggang – Baishawei) Line. You can’t ship a scooter using Dafu (Yanpu to Dafu).
Looking for scooter rental in Pingtung? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options.
You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 

Bicycle Rental in Xiaoliuqiu 在小琉球租自行車:

Riding a bike can be a great way to circle Xiaoliuqiu. You can circle the entire island is less than an hour.
You can ship a bicycle to Xiaoliuqiu for about 100 NT per round trip on the ferry.
There are not many bicycle rental options on Xiaoliuqiu besides electric scooters, so it may be easier to rent a bike in Donggang and ship it over. Usually, bicycle rentals are only about 100-200 NT per day. You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. 
You can book an electric scooter on Klook here or KKday here and here.
You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 

Where to stay in Xiaoliuqiu 小琉球應要訂哪個住宿

Booking accommodation on the island can be difficult in the summer months and on weekends when rooms can be fully booked for months in advance.
Some places we have stayed at that I recommend are Yujing 6.8, which is a four-story house near Dafu Harbor (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), Boliu B&B (柏琉民宿) which is also a nice newly renovated hostel right on the main street near lots of restaurants (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), Haichan Hostel  which is a traditional three-sided Taiwanese mansion near the beach (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), and Baisha Bay B&B which is a great place near the main harbor that is only one story so there are no stairs (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). All of the owners of these places were very helpful and even helped me to move my luggage and rent scooters. 
Some hostels require that you pay for my room in advance via bank wire transfer (this may not be an option if you are a foreign traveler, so make sure they accept credit cards if you do not have a Taiwan bank account), but you should not have to do this if you book through Agoda or another hotel booking site.
Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Where can I find Snorkeling Tours in Xiaoliuqiu?

There are multiple snorkeling shops around the islands, and some hostels even have their own snorkel gear and tours.
If you are not sure where to go, the best thing to do is to book a snorkeling tour on Klook here or KKday here.
There are many options available, starting from about 10 USD.

You can also book multiple tours, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, SUP experience, Kayak Sailing, submarine ride, and more through Klook or KKday, such as the Xiaoliuqiu Experience Pass. 

Where to rent Snorkel Equipment in Xiaoliuqiu 小琉球應要在哪裏租浮潛裝備？

There is a little-known secret that you can rent snorkel equipment from most of the snorkel tour shops on the island. For instance, I rented a snorkel mask for just 50 NT (1.50 USD) per day one time. You can Google search for snorkel shops on Xiaoliuqiu, there is one almost on every corner. Or, if in doubt, you can book a snorkeling tour on Klook here or KKday here.

Important Rules and Tips While Snorkeling in Xiaoliuqiu 小琉球建議與規則：

• Stay at least 5 meters away from Sea Turtles if possible
• Do not touch sea turtles or other marine life
• Do not enter the Shanfu, Venice Beach, Duziping, or Yufu Intertidal Zones without a licensed guide, and do not snorkel there.
• Avoid using sunscreen; use a rash guard or wet suit instead, or find reef-safe sunscreen.
• If you cannot swim well, wear a life jacket and bring a whistle
• Wear fins for your safety
• Make sure your fins fit properly
• Test equipment in the shallows before venturing into deep water
• Make sure your goggles fit properly and do not let water in
• You can purchase anti-fog cream for snorkeling goggles
• Always bring a friend, and never snorkel alone
• Stay away from sharp rocks.
• If you are worried about cuts from rocks, you can consider wearing diving gloves or a wet suit.
• Do not snorkel during rough seas or adverse weather, especially not during a Typhoon sea warning or large wave warning
• Stay close to the shore and pace yourself
• Stay calm and do not over-exert yourself
• If you are caught in a rip-tide current, swim horizontally to the shoreline until you are out of the current.
• If you are in distress, wave for help. You can also hold your hand flat, palm down, and wave it side to side to show there is a problem or danger. If you are tired, place both hands on top of your head to signal that you’re just stopping to rest.

Best Places to Snorkel in Xiaoliuqiu 小琉球最佳浮潛點：

You can’t snorkel everywhere in Xiaoliuqiu. Some places are protected and off-limits. Here are the best places in Xiaoliuqiu to snorkel freely on your own without breaking any rules:

1. Shanfu Harbor 杉福漁港

Shanfu Fishing Harbor (杉福漁港) is a nice swimming spot with a small beach that you can see in the background. The three of us visited here in 2014 and took a photo, which has become the blog’s logo. Due to the large shallow sea-grass beds here, it may also be the easiest place to see sea turtles on the island.

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You can also check out our 360-degree panorama above or here: https://www.facebook.com/Foreignersintaiwanblog/posts/649329759036793

You can see that the harbor and swimming area are separated. This place is also a very popular diving spot because there is a sunken ship nearby.

The best place to see sea turtles in Xiaoliuqiu is around the shallow area of Shafu Harbor. You can see at least six turtles in the photo above. You are pretty much guaranteed to see green sea turtles here during any kind of weather. However, it is best to go during high tide so there is more water for you to swim in. Also, do not swim past the buoys, which are there to protect you from being hit by boats.

Another photo of snorkelers at Shanfu Harbor.

You can check out more of our photos of Shanfu Harbor here: https://taiwantravelblog.com/xiaoliuqiu-island/#shanfu-fishing-harbor-

2. Beauty Beach 美人沙灘

Beauty Beach, aka Meirondong 美人洞, is another great little beach and snorkeling spot. There are also some nice beachside trails nearby. However, you have to pay a small fee to enter (about 200 NT). However, if you join a snorkeling tour, you do not have to pay an extra entrance fee.

This is the first place that I ever snorkeled and the first time I ever saw a wild sea turtle in my life! I joined a snorkeling tour like the ones shown in the video above. They ask you to float on a life ring while a guide walks you around. If you are not used to the waves you could possibly get seasick.

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You can also check out our 360-degree panorama above. https://www.facebook.com/Foreignersintaiwanblog/posts/648674642435638

You can check out more of our photos of Beauty Beach here: https://taiwantravelblog.com/xiaoliuqiu-island/#meirendong-beauty-cave-

3. Zhongao Beach 中澳沙灘

Zhong’ao beach is one of the best beaches on the island. However the water is a little deep and the waves can be big too. It is also a popular spot for Kayaking, and you can often see stacks of kayaks on the beach. However, on nice days with clear water, this can be a good snorkeling spot.

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You can also check out our 360-degree panorama above or here: https://www.facebook.com/Foreignersintaiwanblog/posts/649428072360295

Check out more photos of Zhongao beach here: https://taiwantravelblog.com/xiaoliuqiu-island/#zhongao-beach-

4. Flower Vase Rock 花瓶岩

Flower Vase Rock is perhaps the most recognizable rock formation in Xiaoliuqiu, and it is often used as the symbol of the island for its unique shape. The water is also clear and shallow here, which means it is great for snorkeling.

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You can also check out our 360-degree panorama above or here: https://www.facebook.com/Foreignersintaiwanblog/posts/648025259167243

Check out more photos of flower vase rock here: https://taiwantravelblog.com/xiaoliuqiu-island/#flower-vase-rock-

5. Secret Beach 厚石魚澳

Secret Beach is a small stretch of sand on the southern tip of the island. As you can tell, it’s not really a secret at all. But the water is usually always nice and calm here, making it a great place to snorkel. However, if you really want great snorkeling, you may have to venture out a bit.

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You can also check out our 360-degree panorama above or here: https://www.facebook.com/Foreignersintaiwanblog/posts/648809789088790

Check out more photos of Secret Beach here: https://taiwantravelblog.com/xiaoliuqiu-island/#secret-beach-

6. Dafu Natural Swimming Pool 大福亭天然游泳池

The Dafu “natural swimming pool” lies just outside of Dafu Harbor on Xiaoliuqiu. It is a protected area for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. Even though there are usually lots of people, you can still see lots of sea turtles in the water.

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You can also check out our 360-degree panorama above or here: https://www.facebook.com/Foreignersintaiwanblog/posts/652447203575260

Check out more photos of Dafuting Natural Swimming Pool here: https://taiwantravelblog.com/xiaoliuqiu-island/#dafuting-natural-swimming-pool-

7. Flying Coast 飛行海岸

The Feixing Coast on Xiaoliuqiu near Dafu Harbor is a secret spot with some of the best snorkeling and clearest water near the island. Also, there is usually no one else here.

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You can also check out our 360-degree panorama above or here: https://www.facebook.com/Foreignersintaiwanblog/posts/897656769054301

Another view of the water at Flying Coast.

From the same spot above, you can see at least four sea turtles occupying this area.

Another view of the Feixing Coast on a cloudy day. The easiest way to get here is by walking from Dafu Harbor. However, there is an old trail in disrepair that connects it to the sunset pavilion.

Xiaoliuqiu Snorkeling Map:

I have placed the best snorkeling locations in Xiaoliuqiu on this map for your reference:

Off-Limits Places to Snorkel 禁止浮潛的地點:

Gebanwan / Venice Beach 蛤板灣

Gebanwan aka Venice Beach is my favorite beach in Taiwan and has some of the best sand. Technically, it is an intertidal zone, and there will be a control station here starting in 2024. Green Sea Turtles also occasionally nest on this beach. You can come and go to the intertidal zone with a guide. You can also swim here up to the white buoys. Just make sure you don’t touch or step on any intertidal sea creatures, or you could face a fine. If you pass the buoys or get too close to sea turtles, you will get whistled at.

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You can also check out our 360-degree panorama above or here: https://www.facebook.com/Foreignersintaiwanblog/posts/652795398690229

Check out more photos of Venice Beach here: https://taiwantravelblog.com/xiaoliuqiu-island/#gebanwan-venice-beach–

Yufu Fishing Harbor 漁福漁港

Yufu Harbor was small but a popular take-off spot for snorkelers. However, recently, a fence has been put up around the harbor, and water activities have officially been banned. I think this is because of conflicts with local fishermen. It’s a sad fate, but probably for the best. It’s okay; there are other places to snorkel in Xiaoliuqiu.

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You can also check out our 360-degree panorama above or here: https://www.facebook.com/Foreignersintaiwanblog

Check out more photos of the area here: https://taiwantravelblog.com/xiaoliuqiu-island/#yufu-harbor-

Yuchengwei Intertidal Zone (漁埕尾潮間帶)

Yuchengwei is another one of the three controlled intertidal zones in Xiaoliuqiu. You will need a guide to visit here. Even though it is beautiful and pristine, don’t snorkel here.

Check out more photos of the area here: https://taiwantravelblog.com/xiaoliuqiu-island/#yuchengwei-intertidal-zone-

Duziping 肚仔坪潮間帶

Duzaiping Beach is the third and final regulated inter-tidal zone on Xiaoliuqiu. It takes a long walk through private jungle property to get there or a precarious walk along the shoreline. Technically you need a guide to visit the intertidal zone, so don’t try to snorkel here.

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You can also check out our 360-degree panorama above or here: https://www.facebook.com/Foreignersintaiwanblog/posts/pfbid0am3RoeZJRYQsuqHtD4reUjo1k8PMSjvj4EZd4ebiJsMMPbADdPZN1TuE4hkTLWA6l

Check out more photos of the area here: https://taiwantravelblog.com/xiaoliuqiu-island/#duzaiping-beach-

Xiaoliuqiu Shanfu Intertidal Zone 小琉球杉福潮間帶

To the right of Shanfu Harbor is one of the three intertidal zones that are controlled. You will need a guide to visit this place in order to protect the sea creatures here.
The Shanfu Ecological Trail is a short trail that follows an old military bunker and has a great view of the ocean.​

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You can also check out our 360-degree panorama above or here: https://www.facebook.com/Foreignersintaiwanblog/posts/pfbid0qwPJbMUa1W2Rq5ghgExNw6jZdRpPW5EmGkNvS5dyeo4jwNeEvhDJBTxpaH3MVurWl

Check out more photos of the area here: https://taiwantravelblog.com/xiaoliuqiu-island/#shanfu-intertidal-zone-

Sea Turtle Spotting

There are seven types of sea turtles in the world, and five of them can be seen in Taiwan. However, because Xiaoliuqiu is covered in seagrass, and Green Sea Turtles love seagrass, the chances of seeing a green sea turtle are very good. In fact, I only have photos of Green Sea Turtles.

Different Types of Sea Turtles:

Green Sea Turtles 綠蠵龜 (lǜ xī guī)

Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia Mydas) can grow 5 feet long (1.5 m) and weigh up to 700 pounds (317 kg). I have seen some on Xiaoliuqiu with the same body size as a person and with heads just as big as a person. These sea turtles have serrated, saw-like beaks that help them grip and tear away sea grass. They are the only herbivorous type of sea turtle. Green sea turtles are the most numerous type of sea turtle seen around Xiaoliuqiu (over 99%) due to the abundant seagrass found there, with over 700 recorded turtles around the island. Green Turtles also nest on Xiaoliuqiu, as well as Orchid Island and Wang An Island in Penghu.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles 赤蠵龜 (chì xī guī)

Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Chelonia Mydas) can grow 4 feet long (1 m) and weigh up to 300 pounds (136 kg). Loggerheads have massive heads and powerful jaws with which to crush crabs and conch shells at the bottom of the ocean. Chances are you will not see a Loggerhead near the surface or near shores, and they are rarely seen in Taiwan except when they have washed ashore.

Hawksbill Sea Turtles 玳瑁 (dài mào)

Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys Imbricata) can grow 3 feet long (100 cm) and weigh up to 150 pounds (68 kg). Hawksbill sea turtles have a bird-like beak that helps them tear away at spongy coral. Because their main food source (coral) is declining worldwide, these sea turtles are critically endangered. They are the second-most numerous type of sea turtle around Taiwan, but they still only make up only 1% of the sea turtle population there. They nest on Green Island, and there are eight recorded Hawksbill individuals near Xiaoliuqiu, so you may see one around Xiaoliuqiu. I think I have seen them before, but they are usually afraid of humans and swim away quickly if they see you.

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle 肯氏龜 (kěn shì guī)

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys Kempii) can grow 2.5 feet long (80 cm) and weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kg). These turtles are also critically endangered. Because they live in the Atlantic Ocean, you will not see one in the wild in Taiwan.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtles 欖蠵龜 (lǎn xī guī)

Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys Olivacea) can grow 2.5 feet long (80 cm) and weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kg). It is named for its olive-colored shell. They are the most abundant type of sea turtle, so there is a slight chance you will see one, but they are very rarely seen around Taiwan and the western Pacific in general due to a lack of nesting grounds there.

Flatback Turtle 平背龜 (píng bèi guī)

Flatback Sea Turtles (Natator Depressus, aka Australian Flatback Turtles) can grow 3 feet long (100 cm) and weigh up to 200 pounds (90 kg). Because they only stay near northern Australia, chances are you will not see one of these turtles near Xiaoliuqiu.

Leatherback Sea Turtles 革龜 (gé guī)

Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys Coriacea, also called 三菱龜 in Chinese) can grow 7 feet long (2 m) and weigh up to 2000 pounds (900 kg). Leatherback sea turtles usually dive deep in the ocean looking for soft invertebrates such as jellyfish to eat. Leatherbacks are rarely seen around Taiwan, and there have only been a few sightings every several years, most of the time washing up on beaches or being caught in nets. Do not expect to see one of these around Xiaoliuqiu.

How to Tell the Difference Between Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbills:

The easiest way you can tell the difference between species is by looking at the shape of their shells and the number of plates on their heads. In Taiwan, you will likely only see two types of sea turtles: Green Sea Turtles 綠蠵龜 (lǜ xī guī) and Hawksbill Sea Turtles 玳瑁 (dài mào). If the sea turtle is huge, then it’s a Green Sea Turtle because Hawksbills do not grow big. However, sometimes it may be hard to tell the difference between a juvenile Green Sea Turtle and a Hawksbill. Here is a list that can help you differentiate the two:

• Hawksbills have two pairs of prefrontal scales (four scales at the front of their head between their eyes), while Green Sea Turtles only have one pair of prefrontal scales (only two scales at the front of their head between their eyes)
• Hawksbills have sharp beaks similar to a bird with a more pronounced overbite, while Green Sea Turtles have more flat, serrated beaks and round heads
• Green Sea Turtle shells are flatter, soft, and rounded, while Hawksbill shells are more pointy, especially near the back, with serrated edges
• Green Sea Turtles eat seagrass while Hawksbills eat sea critters
• Green Sea Turtles grow up to 5 feet long (1.5 m), while Hawksbills only grow up to 3 feet long (100 cm)

Common Sea Turtle Types Seen in Taiwan:

According to Taiwan’s Sea Turtle Conservation website Turtlespot.com, the most numerous kind of sea turtle in Taiwan by far is the Green Sea Turtle 綠蠵龜 (lǜ xī guī) (in green above), with the next most common being the Hawksbill Sea Turtle 玳瑁 (dài mào) (blue above), and last of all, the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle 欖蠵龜 (lǎn xī guī) (yellow above), with Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles showing no data.

Taiwan Sea Turtle Database:

You can check out Taiwan’s sea turtle database at Turtlespot.com to see all the recorded sea turtles around the island, and you can also upload your own photos to the database to help with conservation efforts!

How to report your own Sea Turtle spotting:

Post your photos of sea turtles in the TurtleSpot Taiwan Facebook Group here.

Don’t forget to continue to report every turtle you encounter with the details below:
　
( Super welcome to copy and paste to complete info needed)
　
1. Upload photos with left and right face and the whole body.
　
2. Complete the info below:

Date:　

Time:

Location:

Dive site:

Depth:

Approach way when taking photo:
( scuba, free diving, snorkel, etc.)

Note:
(Some behaviors or something special you want to mention)
　
Thank you in advance for everyone’s help! Let us build a Taiwan Turtle Database together!!

My Experience Snorkeling in Xiaoliuqiu:

I have seen a lot of sea turtles in Xiaoliuqiu. Almost every time I get in the water I see one because they like to feed on the sea grass that is plentiful around the island’s shores. All of the photos I have are of green sea turtles. I want to say I have seen a hawksbill before, but maybe it was just a juvenile green turtle. Juvenile green sea turtles and Hawkbills seem more afraid of humans, while larger sea turtles are more chill and don’t care if humans are around. It may be hard to tell from the photos, but some of the green turtles are huge and can be as big and as long as a person, with heads as big as a person..

Another photo of a turtle near Venice Beach.

Large Green Sea turtle at Shanfu Harbor.

Another large Green Sea Turtle was totally unphased by my presence.

It is a medium-sized green sea turtle.

This is the biggest Green Turtle I ever saw, seen at Shanfu Harbor. His head was as big as mine.

Me looking like a doofus getting a photo with two sea turtles at once.

Green Sea Turtle swimming up toward me. Don’t worry, he turned.

Other Types of Marine Life:

Giant Clam 大硨磲 (dà chē qú)

There are a few giant clams around the island, but you should not touch them. They are an endangered species, and you can be fined.

Another giant clam.

I spotted a third giant clam.

Sea Urchin 海膽 (hǎi dǎn)

You can see sea urchins all over the intertidal zones in Xiaoliuqiu. Be careful not to step on one!

Moorish Idols 角鐮魚 （jiǎo lián yú）

Moorish idols are common reef fish that you can find all over the island.

Spotted Pufferfish 黑斑叉鼻鲀 （hēi bān chā bí tún）

Pufferfish and their colorful cousins, the Spotted Pufferfish are a common sight on Xiaoliuqiu.

Sergeant Major Fish 七帶豆娘魚 （qī dài dòu niáng yú）

Segeant Major fish are another common fish that you will probably see when snorkeling here.

Threadfin Butterflyfish 揚旛蝴蝶魚 （yáng fān hú dié yú）

Threadfin Butterflyfish are also a common reef fish that you can see here.

Green Wrasse 紅紋隆頭魚 （hóng wén lóng tóu yú）

Other Tropical Fish

Blue Damselfish 藍黃梅鯛 (lán huáng méi diāo)
Clownfish 小丑魚 (xiǎo chǒu yú)
Butterflyfish 蝴蝶魚 （hú dié yú）
Wrasse 隆頭魚 （lóng tóu yú)

And many others for you to discover!

Brain Coral 腦珊瑚 (nǎo shān hú)

You can see lots of brain coral around Xiaoliuqiu, like the kind above.

This is another type of brain coral.

Yet another type of brain coral.

Branching Coral 枝状珊瑚 (zhī zhuàng shān hú)

Branching Coral, aka cauliflower coral or brush coral, can also be seen nearby.

Plate Coral 盤形蕈珊瑚 (pán xíng xùn shān hú)

Plate coral is hard, grows fast, and can be found all around the island.

Crabs 螃蟹 （páng xiè）

You can find crabs all over the place too.

Hermit Crabs 寄居蟹 （jì jū xiè）

You can find small hermit crabs on the beaches and much bigger ones in the water.

More Snorkeling Videos:

Check out more of our snorkeling videos on Xiaoliuqiu below.

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Other Activitivies in Xiaoliuqiu:

Diving 潛水 (qián shuǐ) and Free-Diving 自由潛水 (zì yóu qián shuǐ)

Of course, there are many more things to see the deeper you go into the water. Free Diving is a popular sport on the island, and there are many courses available, such as through Freedive Nomad, or you can book traditional scuba diving activities on Klook.

Kayaking 划獨木舟 （huá dú mù zhōu）

Kayaking is another popular sport in Xiaoliuqiu, especially using plastic clear kayaks so you can see down into the water below.

Other Activities:

You can also book multiple tours, such as scuba diving, SUP experience, Kayak Sailing, submarine ride, and more through Klook or KKday, such as the Xiaoliuqiu Experience Pass. 

• scuba diving
• SUP experience
• Kayak Sailing
• submarine ride, and more through Klook or KKday, such as the Xiaoliuqiu Experience Pass. 

Check out our full guide to Xiaoliuqiu here.

You can also check out our Xiaoliqiu Ferry Guide here.