Your ultimate guide to Xiaoliuqiu travelWhen to visit Xiaoliuqiu? Transport, weather, food, and attractions all in one place

• Average air temperature: 28°C
• Average sea temperature: 29.4°C
• Typhoon season, highest rainfall

• Average air temperature: 21°C
• Average sea temperature: 25.0°C
• Comfortable weather, minimal rainfall

• Full fare $200, half fare $110, military/police $150, round trip $380
• Passenger capacity 149, scooter capacity 20
• First departure from Donggang 08:00, last departure 18:45
• First departure from Liuqiu 17:00, last departure 18:00
• Limited departures, only 4 per day
• Departure point: Donggang Pier
• Arrival port: Dafu Fishing Harbor
• Travel time: Approximately 35-40 minutes

• Full fare $230, round-trip full fare $410, half fare $120, round-trip half fare $210
• There are 3 ferry companies: Dongliu Line, Taifu, and Lanbai.
• First departure from Donggang: 07:00; last departure: 17:00
• First departure from Liuqiu: 07:40; last departure: 17:30
• Frequent sailings, approximately 10 per day
• Departure point: Donggang Pier
• Arrival port: Baishawei Port
• Travel time: Approximately 25-30 minutes

• Full fare $300, Round-trip full fare $550, Half fare $150, Round-trip half fare $270
• Departing Dapeng Bay 10:00
• Departing Liuqiu 16:50
• Limited service: one daily sailing, operating only Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Departure point: Binwan Wharf
• Arrival port: Dafu Fishing Harbor
• Travel time: approximately 20-25 minutes

• Full fare $230, round trip full fare $410, half fare $120, round trip half fare $210
• First departure from Yanpu Port 08:00, last departure 16:50
• First departure from Liuqiu 08:40, last departure 17:20
• Approximately 6 sailings per day
• Departure point: Yanpu Pier
• Arrival port: Dafu Fishing Harbor
• Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes

It takes about half an hour to ride a scooter around the island without stopping. Scooter rental venues on the island offer standard scooters, electric scooters, and even Gogoro options, so you can choose based on your preference.

Most scooter rental venues are located near the ferry terminal. If you've booked a venue further away, they will usually meet you at the harbor with a sign. It's always a good idea to check the location and instructions before renting. If you've booked accommodation in advance, in addition to two-day/one-night or three-day/two-night packages, you can also ask if your guesthouse has a partner scooter rental venue, as this often comes with extra discounts.

There are currently two bus routes on Xiaoliuqiu Island, the 601 and 601A. The 601 bus travels along the island's环岛公路 (Ring Road), stopping at almost all tourist attractions. The 601A is a branch line, running along Zhongzheng Road, which cuts through the middle of the island, and the southern side of Xiaoliuqiu Island. Xiaoliuqiu buses run frequently, with a bus almost every 15 minutes during peak hours. Fares are calculated based on mileage. For detailed bus schedules and routes, please refer to the official website.

Walking around the island sounds crazy, but exploring Xiaoliuqiu's 18-kilometer perimeter on foot is a perfectly feasible way to discover it, especially if you have more time or want to experience the island on your own two feet.

Habanwan Beach is Xiaoliuqiu's largest beach, a shell-sand beach composed of coral fragments and rich in intertidal creatures, making it ideal for an ecological trip with children. With its pristine white sands and azure waters, it's known as "Venice Beach." However, due to strong currents, swimming is officially prohibited here for safety reasons.

Lobster Cave, as its name suggests, was once abundant with lobsters. While overfishing and climate change have diminished lobster populations, the area remains a treasure trove of unique natural landscapes sculpted by sea erosion, including sea grooves, sea caves, and sea potholes. It's a prime spot for diving with green sea turtles and catching the sunrise in Xiaoliuqiu.

Wangmei Laomu is located on the coast next to Xuriting. Once a secret local spot for relaxation, it's now a popular choice among Xiaoliuqiu's attractions due to its photogenic scenery. The driftwood suspended between two rocks, gazing out at the distant sea, creates a postcard-perfect scene. Visitors can navigate to "Taiwan Power Company Liuqiu Service Office" and then walk along the adjacent embankment for about 10 minutes to reach it.

When you visit Xiaoliuqiu, you can do more than just see marine life—you can also get up close with Bambi-like deer at the Luling Sika Deer Park. The park isn't large, but it's clean and odor-free, making this Xiaoliuqiu venue a great recommendation for animal lovers of all ages.

While they're two distinct spots, located on the east and west sides of Xiaoliuqiu respectively, one is perfect for sunrise and the other for sunset. When the weather is good on Xiaoliuqiu, you can take in the beauty of both moments.

Ugai Cave is one of Xiaoliuqiu Island's three major attractions, a natural coral reef cave said to be named after the Black slaves brought by the Dutch who reportedly hid there. The adventure begins with a dark, narrow cave exploration; it's dark and slippery inside, so watch your step. Once you emerge from the cave, you'll find yourself in the open air, where you can stroll along the coastal path and enjoy the sea views.

Beauty Cave is located on the northwest corner of Xiaoliuqiu, a natural coral reef cave with unique terrain and many unusual rock formations that create a distinctive natural landscape. There are 13 scenic spots inside, such as "A Glimpse of Sky," "Bat Cave," and "Seaview Pavilion." Its beauty, facing the mountains and backing the sea, makes it a must-visit among Xiaoliuqiu's attractions.

Dutzihping is a famous intertidal zone on Xiaoliuqiu, where you can spot many classic intertidal creatures like starfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and hairy crabs. Many local venues on Xiaoliuqiu offer guided tours if you're interested. During high tide, the sky reflects on the water, earning Dutzihping the nickname "Taiwan's Sky Mirror."

The Dafuting Natural Swimming Pool is perfect for beginners who want to practice snorkeling in Xiaoliuqiu, or simply for those who want to swim and play in the water. This natural saltwater pool is beautifully clear and pristine on sunny days. It's located in a shallow area where no boats dock, and there are handrails installed along the shore. Here, you can enjoy the feeling of swimming in the ocean without the dangers of strong currents. This Xiaoliuqiu attraction is highly recommended for families with children.

HouShih Fissure Bay is consistently rated by many online as Xiaoliuqiu's top beach. Surrounded by Xiaoliuqiu's unique coral rock formations, the waves here are calmer, and the fine white sand and clear blue waters rival the charm of international resort islands like Tahiti.

If you're tired of stationary bikes at the gym, try Taiwan's only water bikes, located in Xiaoliuqiu. It's a fantastic way to exercise and enjoy the scenery at the same time. The unique design of the Xiaoliuqiu water bikes makes them incredibly stable, so even if you can't swim, you don't have to worry about tipping over. You can fully enjoy the fun of being on the water, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle surfacing for air!

If you're traveling with seniors or children and water activities aren't an option, the Xiaoliuqiu glass-bottom boat is an excellent choice. This semi-submarine features multiple angled glass windows in its lower half, allowing passengers to comfortably enjoy the underwater scenery and Xiaoliuqiu's unique, rich marine ecosystem without getting wet.