Your complete guide to Guishan Island's Milk SeaSeason, formation, transport, and water activities explained
The "milk sea" is a stunning natural wonder, a popular Instagram hotspot off Yilan's Guishan Island. This unique milky-white water gets its name from the way high-temperature sulfur springs on the seabed mix with seawater, creating a beautiful, ethereal effect. The milk sea is easily accessible by boat from Yilan. This Twosevenths guide will help you explore the various water activities available at Guishan Island's milk sea, including private charters, yacht trips, and SUP paddleboarding adventures. Start planning your milk sea journey today!
About Guishan Island's Milk Sea
Turtle Island is a volcanic island off the coast of Taiwan, known for its unique sea-eroded topography and captivating natural scenery. Its distinctive turtle-like shape has also earned it the names Guishan Islet and Great Turtle Islet. Surrounding Turtle Island is the "Milk Sea," a popular photo spot that has garnered significant attention in recent years. Here, the deep blue ocean appears as if God spilled milk into it, creating a stunning natural blend of milky white and azure hues.
✦The Milk Sea around Guishan Island is a natural phenomenon.
You might be wondering how Guishan Island's Milk Sea was formed. This unique landscape is actually a result of hydrothermal activity on the seafloor around Guishan Island.
Guishan Island was designated an active volcano in 2019. That year, frequent volcanic activity caused the seafloor at the island's "turtle head" to collapse and shake, enlarging fissures beneath the seabed. Magma then flowed out of these fissures, creating hydrothermal vents that release carbon dioxide and sulfur compounds into the sea.
When high-temperature hydrothermal vents erupt from the seabed and mix with cooler seawater, they create the dreamy, gradient milky-white hues on the ocean surface that are impossible to ignore.
Because Milk Sea is rich in sulfurous substances, many visitors are struck by the strong sulfur smell. Beyond the stunning scenery, it's a chance to open all five senses and experience the wonders of nature!
The best time to visit Guishan Island's Milk Sea is during the summer.
The best time to visit Guishan Island's Milk Sea is typically from spring to early autumn, roughly May through early September. While temperatures are higher during this period, the weather is clear and the ocean waves are stable, making it ideal for various water activities. Whether you charter a boat for an island tour, take a yacht, or try SUP paddleboarding, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the unique marine beauty of Yilan's Milk Sea and experience the ocean's charm.
Getting to Guishan Island's Milk Sea
The best way to reach Guishan Island's Milk Sea is by boat from Yilan's Wushi Harbor Yacht Marina. Here are three ways to get to Wushi Harbor:
✦Intercity Bus
Take Kuo-Kuang Bus No. 1877 to Wushih Harbor Transfer Station, then walk 15-20 minutes to reach Wushih Harbor.
✦Train
Take the train to Toucheng Station in Yilan, then a 5-minute taxi ride to Wushih Harbor.
✦By Car
From National Highway 5, take the Toucheng Interchange exit and turn right. Drive north for about 15-20 minutes. After passing the Lanyang Museum, you'll see a sign for "Wushih Harbor." Turn right at that intersection and continue to the end to reach the yacht marina.
✦Important Notes
Upon arrival at Wushi Harbor, you can head to the Yacht Marina to embark on a sailboat or yacht excursion. Please note that these excursions are exclusively available to visitors who have purchased their trips through travel agencies or tour ticket platforms; they are not open to the general public.
Guishan Island Milk Sea Watersports
When you visit Guishan Island, you'll be eager to try all the milk-sea water activities, but hold on — Twosevenths offers a variety of options depending on your preferred style of play and group size. The most popular choices are private boat charters, yacht trips, and SUP. Since Yilan's milk sea has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, tour operators offer a wide range of prices based on their itineraries and equipment, so it's worth comparing options!
Below, Twosevenths compares the features, activities, prices, and suitable groups for these three milk-sea water activities:
✦Milk Sea Private Boat Tour
For a luxurious, leisurely sea journey with friends and family, chartering a private yacht is the ultimate way to enjoy the "milk sea" waters, making you feel like a true connoisseur of refined tastes.
Many private yachts and sailboats are available for charter, accommodating 10-20 guests. These vessels offer spacious interiors and a full suite of amenities, including karaoke, projectors, refrigerators, electric grills, induction cooktops, and electric kettles. You can relax in a comfortable, resort-like atmosphere, enjoying the sea breeze and stunning views while experiencing a lavish maritime party.
- Price: Varies by number of passengers, trip duration, and weekday/weekend, starting from $2,000-$3,500+ per person
- Best for: Those with a larger group budget who want a luxurious private yacht party experience
✦Milk Sea Yacht Tour
Yachting offers more flexibility than chartered boats, which require a larger group to set sail. With a yacht, a small group (minimum of 4 people) can embark on an adventure to Yilan's Milk Sea. Under the captain's guidance, you can enjoy the thrill of driving the speedboat, followed by fun water activities like SUP, inflatable floats, and magic carpets.
- Price: Varies by number of passengers, trip duration, and weekday/weekend, approximately $2,800 per person
- Best for: Smaller groups seeking speed and thrills
✦Milk Lake SUP
SUP, short for Stand-Up Paddle, is a watersport where you stand on a large surfboard, hold a paddle, and glide freely across the water.
Because it's easy to learn and less challenging than traditional surfing, both beginners and experienced watersports enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of gliding on the sea. This makes SUP one of the most popular activities at Milk Sea Watersports, allowing you to exercise while admiring the beautiful ocean views and the unique geological features of Guishan Island.
- Price: Approximately $900-$1,500 per person
- Ideal for: SUP beginners, experienced paddlers, and parents looking to introduce their children to the joys of stand-up paddleboarding
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Guishan Island Milk Sea: What to Know
Ready to dive into Guishan Island's Milk Sea? Hold on! Before you go, make sure to read our essential pre-trip preparations and tips. This will ensure your journey is smooth, safe, and unforgettable!
✦The best months to visit are May through September.
This period offers the most stable sea conditions, but be sure to avoid typhoons and the northeast monsoon.
✦Best Time for Photos
- 5-7 AM: Don't miss the sunrise if you're an early bird! The soft light and faint mist on the water create a romantic atmosphere that's distinct from a clear day.
- 8-11 AM and 3-5 PM: The morning sun brings out the beautiful, distinct milky gradient of the Yilan waters, while the afternoon sun is warm and layered, offering a chance to catch the sunset. Avoid the harsh midday sun to prevent overexposed photos.
✦The weather affects the Milk Sea's appearance.
While summer brings stable sea conditions, the strength of the wind and currents can still affect the appearance of Milk Sea. Its distinctive color varies daily depending on the activity of the underwater hot springs, so a bit of luck is definitely involved!
✦You're not guaranteed to reach Milk Sea on every tour.
Safety comes first when you're out on the water. If the currents in the Milk Sea area are too strong, or if the weather is bad, tour groups may take you to other waters instead.
✦Preventing Motion Sickness
The sea journey is long and subject to waves, so if you're prone to seasickness or motion sickness, remember to take motion sickness medication 30 minutes before boarding or paddling.
✦Preventing Sunburn
When heading to Milk Sea in spring or summer, be sure to apply full-body sunscreen, as prolonged sun exposure can easily lead to sunburn.
Final Thoughts
This has been Twosevenths' ultimate guide to Yilan's Milk Sea, covering everything from the geological formation of Guishan Island's Milk Sea to the best seasons to visit, plus information on chartering boats, SUP, and more.
Guishan Island's Milk Sea is not only stunningly beautiful but also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts! With a variety of activities like boat charters, yachting, and stand-up paddleboarding, there's something for everyone — whether you love the ocean, enjoy taking photos, or want to spend unforgettable time with friends and family. You'll find the perfect Milk Sea water activity for you.
Beyond Guishan Island, Yilan's summer also features the annual Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival. For more ideas on making lasting summer memories, check out our Yilan Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival Guide!
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