Your ultimate guide to a Xiaoliuqiu day trip seeing sea turtlesHidden gems and must-try food: a dive instructor's secret itinerary

 

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The true magic of Xiaoliuqiu isn't just its beaches and snorkeling; it's that moment you glide past a sea turtle while diving into the azure depths. This one-day adventure begins at the Liuqian Freediving Classroom, where local instructors lead the way. They expertly choose the best dive sites based on tides, sea conditions, and turtle habits, ensuring an authentic experience that avoids standard tourist routes. These are people who truly understand the ocean and the local environment, guiding you into its heart. The classroom itself is warm and relaxing, with a friendly, low-pressure pace. From static breath-holding and equalization techniques to underwater practice, every step prepares you to enter the turtles' home. This isn't just a "class"; it's your first conversation in the language of the sea. With respect and curiosity, your encounter with the sea turtles is about to begin.

Liuqian

• Address: No. 181, Sanmin Rd, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County
• Hours: By appointment

After your underwater encounter with the sea turtles, it's time to return to land and nourish your body after diving. Head to Sanji Merchants, a cozy venue that started as a food truck and has now opened a comfortable brick-and-mortar location in Xiaoliuqiu, retaining its original warmth and dedication. Specializing in healthy, wholesome cuisine, Sanji Merchants offers everything from additive-free vegetable curries and aromatic warm salads to drinks made with abundant local ingredients. Each dish is designed to replenish your energy, leaving you feeling refreshed and light. The venue's simple, natural space is perfect for unwinding after a dive, savoring your meal slowly, and enjoying relaxed conversation. It's more than just a pit stop to fill your stomach; it's a place where the magic of the ocean extends into your everyday rhythm.

Sanji Merchants

• Address: 屏東縣琉球鄉上杉路182號
• Hours: 11:00–14:00, closed Tuesdays

An old house is the perfect place to unwind in the afternoon, letting the morning's diving adventures and a satisfying lunch settle in. Good_Lück is one of Xiaoliuqiu's rare venues that blends a historic old house with a literary cafe vibe. It retains traditional red bricks, terrazzo floors, and old wooden doors, complemented by curated furniture and soft lighting, making every corner feel like a film photograph. The venue offers pour-over coffee, sparkling drinks, and desserts, and also periodically hosts exhibitions or small cultural events, making it a secret hideaway for many divers and islanders. Sitting by the window, sipping island coffee, and watching time flow by is the softest part of any day's itinerary. Here, there's no need to rush; just quietly feel the resonance between the old house and the sea breeze—this is the essence of island life.

吉慶號 Good_Lück

• Address: 屏東縣琉球鄉三民路1巷79號
• Hours: 12:00–18:00

The journey concludes at Xiaoliuqiu’s most iconic oceanfront secret: Meiren Cave Scenic Area. This isn't just a famous viewpoint; it's also known among dive instructors as "the best spot to see sea turtles from shore." As you follow the coral reef path, you'll discover natural rock caves and sea-eroded platforms. The water is crystal clear, and if you're lucky, you might even spot sea turtles from above, gracefully swimming and surfacing for air among the waves. The landscape here is both magnificent and tranquil, perfect for slowing down and letting your eyes and heart absorb the island’s raw, pristine beauty one last time. If you spent the day in the water, ending here is a perfect way to bid farewell to the sea turtles. With the sea breeze and the sound of the waves as your companions, it’s the most natural and honest conclusion to your trip.

Before you leave the beach, a little something sweet is just the ticket. Fulu Shouxi Taiyaki, located on a corner in Xiaoliuqiu, is a wildly popular Japanese taiyaki venue that often sells out before the afternoon. These handmade, freshly baked taiyaki have a crispy shell and generous fillings, with flavors like custard, chocolate, betel nut taro, and peanut. They’re sweet but not cloying, with a delicate warmth you can taste. Whether you've just been diving, taken a stroll, or simply want to treat yourself, a bite of this hot taiyaki will leave you smiling with satisfaction. The venue has a simple, cozy vibe, and many people buy them to go, enjoying them at the alley entrance while watching the sunset. If travel is a process of collecting memories, then this dessert is the most comforting final puzzle piece.

Fulu Shouxi Taiyaki

• Address: No. 61-5, Duziping Rd, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, 92942
• Hours: Weekdays 13:00-19:00, Weekends 10:00-19:00