Located off Taiwan’s southwest coast, Xiaoliuqiuis a top freediving destination known for its crystal-clear waters,abundant marine life, and breathtaking coral reefs. Unlike other divingspots, Xiaoliuqiu is the only coral island in Taiwan, making it a unique paradise for freedivers of all levels.
Whether you're a beginner looking for a safe place to learn freediving or an experienced diver searching forchallenging caves and spectacular underwater photography opportunities,Xiaoliuqiu has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll cover the bestfreediving spots, top marine life encounters, the best seasons to visit, and expert tips to make the most of your freediving adventure in Xiaoliuqiu.
Freediving Experiences in Xiaoliuqiu
1. Swim with Green Sea Turtles 🐢
Xiaoliuqiu is one of the best places in Asia to swim with wild green sea turtles. These majestic creatures can be spotted year-round, gracefully gliding through the reefs.
📍 Bestspots to see turtles:
✅ Vase Rock
✅ Beauty Cave
✅ ShanfuEcological Reserve
2. Explore Vibrant Coral Reefs &Marine Life 🌊
The island’s protected marine area is home to colorful coral gardens, clownfish, parrotfish.If you're a fan of underwater photography, you’ll find endless opportunities to capture Xiaoliuqiu’s biodiverse reef ecosystem.
📷 Best photography dive spots:
✅ Beauty Cave – Rich coral formations
✅ Sanfu EcoPark – Perfect for close-up fish photography
3. Cave Freediving
For experienced freedivers, Xiaoliuqiu has underwatercaves and tunnels that provide a thrilling adventure. These sites require good buoyancy control and breath-holding skills, but the reward is a surrealdiving experience.
📍 Best cave freediving spots:
✅ Black Devil Cave – Mysterious underwater rock formations
✅ blue Cave– A beautiful swim-through with stunning lighting
4. Night Freediving & BioluminescentPlankton ✨
Freediving at night in Xiaoliuqiu is an otherworldly experience. Bioluminescent plankton illuminate the water with glowing green trails, making it one of the most unique things to witness underwater.
📍 Bestplace for night freediving:
✅ HoushiFringing Reef – Great for spotting plankton and nocturnal marine life
Top Freediving Spots in Xiaoliuqiu 🏝
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Each freediving location in Xiaoliuqiu offers something unique, from shallow, beginner-friendly reefs to deeper, more advanced dive sites.
1. Vase Rock – The Iconic Freediving Spot
📍 Depth: 5-12 meters
💡 Why Visit? A famous landmark with crystal-clear waters, vibrant corals, and frequent turtle sightings. Perfect for beginners and underwater photographers.
2. Beauty Cave – A Hidden Gem for Marine Life
📍 Depth: 8-15 meters
💡 Why Visit? Home to coral gardens, tropical fish, and occasional moray eels. A great site for long and relaxing freediving sessions.
3. Shanfu Ecological Reserve – Turtle Haven
📍 Depth: 7-20 meters
💡 Why Visit? One of the best places to observe sea turtles up close. The shallow waters and mild currents make it ideal for beginners.
4. Black Devil Cave – An Advanced Freediving Challenge
📍 Depth: 15-25 meters
💡 Why Visit? A thrilling dive site featuring deep swim-throughs and eerie rock formations. Recommended for advanced freedivers.
5. Blue Cave – An Epic Underwater Adventure
📍 Depth: 3-5 meters
💡 Why Visit? An incredible swim-through with beautiful light effects, perfect for photoghrapher looking for a holly light.
Best Time to Go Freediving in Xiaoliuqiu 📅
Planning your trip at the right time ensures the best visibility and marine life encounters.
☀️ Best Season: April to November – Warm water (26-30°C)
excellent visibility, and high turtle activity.
☀️ Off-Season: December to March – Water temperatures drop slightly(21-26°C)
but freediving is still feel comfortable.
✅ Pro Tip: Due to its excellent geographical location, it is suitable for diving all year round,beware of typhoons.
Freediving & Underwater Photography Tips 📸
Whether you're a first-time freediver or an experienced underwater photographer, these expert tips will help you make the most of your Xiaoliuqiu adventure:
📷 1. Use Natural Light – Xiaoliuqiu’s clear waters allow for beautiful ambient light photography, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
🐢 2. Approach Marine Life Slowly – Sudden movements can scare turtles and fish. Stay calm, move gently, and let them come to you.
🫁 3. Improve Your Breath-Hold – Practicing diaphragmatic breathing and CO₂ tolerance drills will help you stay underwater longer.
🌊 4. Be Mindful of Currents – Most sites are beginner-friendly, but some (like Black Devil Cave) have strong currents. Check conditions before diving.
🤿 5. Use the Right Freediving Gear – A low-volume mask, long freediving fins, and a comfortable wetsuit will enhance your experience.
Where to Book Freediving Courses & Tours in Xiaoliuqiu?
If you're a beginner looking to get started or an advanced freediver wanting to improve, Xiaoliuqiu has several professional freediving schools:
🏆 Best Freediving Courses & Guided Tours:
✅ WowHigh Freediving – Known for professional courses & guided dives.
✅ Freedive underwater photography – Give yourself a different gift
✅ AIDA & CMOS Certified Schools – Perfect for those seeking official freediving certification.
How to Travel from Zuoying HSR to Xiaoliuqiu via Taiwan Tourist Shuttle & Ferry 🚆🚌⛴️
If you're traveling from Zuoying High-Speed Rail (HSR) Station to Xiaoliuqiu, you’ll need to take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus to Donggang Ferry Terminal, then transfer to a ferry to Xiaoliuqiu. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the journey smoothly !
🚌Step 1: Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle from Zuoying HSR to Donggang Ferry Terminal
- Bus Route: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - Dapeng Bay Liuqiu Line
- Boarding Location: After arriving at Zuoying HSR Station, proceed to Exit 2. From there, head towards the bus stop ticket booth, purchase a ticket, and then take the escalator down to the street level bus station. Wait at Bus Stop 1 for the 9127-D
- Bus Number: 9127
- Duration: Approximately 60 minu
- Fare: Around TWD 120 (TWD 106 if you use an EasyCard)
How to Buy Tickets? Purchase tickets at the bus ticketing booth located in the direction of the bus station after exiting from Exit 2 of the HSR station.
⛴️ Step 2: Take the Ferry from Donggang to Xiaoliuqiu
- Ferry Terminal: Donggang Ferry Terminal (東港碼頭)
- Ticket Price: Approximately TWD 450 for a round
- Duration: About 20-25 minu
- Boarding Location: Donggang Ferry Terminal
🚌 & ⛴️ Taiwan Tourist Shuttle & Ferry Timetable
📌 Useful Travel Tips
- ⏳ Last Shuttle: The final Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (9127-D) departs at 18:00, so plan your return in advance!
- 🎟️ Book Early: Purchase ferry tickets in advance online or at the terminal to avoid long queues.
- 🌊 Check Conditions: Ferry schedules may change due to weather conditions, so check the forecast before traveling.
Now you're all set for an exciting adventure in Xiaoliuqiu!