Xiaoliuqiu Turtle Snorkeling: Which Beach and What Rules?
Donggang ferries, Zhong'ao's nesting-season night beach ban, DBNSA turtle-viewing rules, and picking a licensed operator — what to check before you enter the water.
Published · Updated
"Which beach should I pick to see turtles on Xiaoliuqiu?" Xiaoliuqiu (小琉球) is a coral island southwest of Pingtung; the ferry from Donggang (東港) takes about 25–30 minutes. Before picking a beach, learn the nesting-season night ban and the turtle-viewing code. This guide follows Liuchiu Township and Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area (DBNSA) pages, as of October 2026.
01 · Turtle Snorkeling on Xiaoliuqiu at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Coral island SW of Pingtung | About 25–30 min by ferry from Donggang |
| Ferry piers | Private Tungliu line → Baisha Visitor Pier | Public ferry → Dafu Fishing Harbor |
| Zuoying HSR | Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 9127D → Tungliu Pier stop | NT$120 one-way (checked Oct 2026) |
| Zhong'ao Beach | Left of Baisha visitor pier, behind Baisha Elementary | May 1–Oct 31, 20:00–05:00 access banned |
| Turtle rules | No touch; stay ≥5 m; no feeding | Penalties under the Wildlife Conservation Act |
DBNSA asks visitors to choose licensed operators and follow the turtle-viewing code. For DIY snorkel zones, check Pingtung County and DBNSA notices before you go.
02 · To Donggang, Then the Ferry
Zuoying HSR → 9127D From THSR Zuoying, take Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 9127D and alight at the Tungliu Pier stop. Official fare info lists NT$120 one-way (checked October 2026).
Ferry ~25–30 minutes Liuchiu Township says the passenger boat from Donggang takes about 25–30 minutes. Private Tungliu boats arrive at Baisha Visitor Pier; the public ferry arrives at Dafu Fishing Harbor.
Train + highway bus From Kaohsiung or Pingtung stations, take a highway bus to Donggang, then walk about 10 minutes to the pier.
Recheck sailings the same day Schedules change with weather and operations. Recheck Tungliu and public-ferry notices before you leave.
03 · Zhong'ao Beach and the Nesting-Season Night Ban
Where Zhong'ao is DBNSA describes Zhong'ao as the wide white beach left of Baishawei visitor pier, behind Baisha Elementary — also listed for swimming and beach activities.
Night ban May 1–Oct 31 Green turtles nest here. Each year from May 1 to October 31, from 20:00 to 05:00 the next morning, entry to the protected beach and intertidal zone is banned.
Keep nights quiet and dim During nesting season, avoid night beach activity when possible; keep noise down and avoid strong lights.
Beauty Cave & Vase Rock Both appear on DBNSA's sights list. Choose your snorkeling spot by following a licensed operator's route.
04 · Turtle Rules and Snorkeling
Turtle-viewing code Do not touch, catch, startle, chase, or encircle turtles. Do not block their path; stay at least 5 m away; do not feed them.
Licensed operators only For snorkeling and diving, DBNSA recommends operators with a valid business registration. A licensed list is on the DBNSA site.
Life jacket and buddy Government diving guidance (including snorkeling) recommends a CNS-compliant life jacket plus snorkel, mask, and fins, and a buddy system.
Protected species & reporting Sea turtles are Class I protected wildlife. Harassment can mean up to one year in prison or a fine of NT$60,000–300,000. Report violations to the Coast Guard at 118.
05 · Getting Around the Island
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 601 The loop bus starts at the visitor pier and stops near Beauty Cave and Vase Rock. EasyCard, iPASS, and iCash work; a day pass is sold on the bus.
E-bikes have separate rules Scooters and e-bikes have plate, insurance, and license rules. Read the Xiaoliuqiu e-bike rental guide before you rent.
A transfer in Kaohsiung On transfer days, the Kaohsiung–Tainan YouBike tips post can help with short hops.
"Do not touch, catch, startle, chase, or encircle sea turtles." — the first line of DBNSA's turtle-viewing code.
If you will eat in Kaohsiung on the way, use the Kaohsiung food map, Kaohsiung street food, and Cijin's Chi Hou Seafood (旗后海產) to keep the route simple.
Check Kaohsiung restaurants on the map
Pinning a few Kaohsiung stops before your Xiaoliuqiu day makes the transfer schedule less rushed.