What is the best time of year to visit Taiwan's beaches and islands?

The best time is from April to October, when the weather is warm and seas are calm, though typhoons are possible from July to September.

Which beach or island in Taiwan is best for snorkeling?

Green Island (Ludao) and Xiaoliuqiu (Lambai Island) are top choices for snorkeling, offering clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.

Are there easily accessible beaches near Taipei?

Yes, Fulong Beach and Baishawan (White Sand Bay) are within an hour's drive or train ride from Taipei, offering sandy shores and water activities.

Do I need a permit to visit Taiwan's offshore islands?

Most islands like Green Island, Orchid Island, and Penghu do not require permits for general tourism, but you may need to arrange ferry or flight tickets in advance.

Which island is best for a quiet, less crowded getaway?

Orchid Island (Lanyu) offers a serene escape with unique indigenous culture and unspoiled natural scenery, though it is less developed than other islands.

Gloria / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Beach

Top 10 Beaches and Islands in Taiwan in 2026

Taiwan's coastline stretches over 1,500 km, from coral-fringed tropical islands in the south to dramatic volcanic shores in the northeast, making it one of Asia's most varied beach destinations. In 2026, travellers can chase sea turtles off Little Liuqiu, ride reef breaks at Wai'ao Beach, or step into Tao indigenous culture on Orchid Island — all without a long-haul flight. Explore all ten picks below and vote for the Taiwan beach or island you'd most like to visit!

Location: TW2026140 viewsMar 12, 2026 Updated Sep 7, 2026

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#1
Little Liuqiu Island
Little Liuqiu Island offers the most accessible sea turtle encounters in Taiwan, with over 300 green turtles sighted daily in its protected coral reefs. Snorkelers can swim alongside these gentle giants in crystal-clear water less than 20 meters from shore, and the island's year-round water temperature averages 25°C, making underwater exploration comfortable even in winter.
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#2
Baisha Bay, Kenting
Baisha Bay stretches 600 meters of powdery white sand, the widest beach in southern Kenting, with water maintaining a warm 27°C from April to November. Its gentle slopes and lack of rip currents make it safer for families than Penghu's rugged shores, recording zero drownings in 2025. Over 150,000 visitors come annually, yet a 50-meter shallow zone prevents overcrowding, and lifeguard coverage spans 95% of swimming areas. Sunset views from the unobstructed horizon draw daily crowds, while the bay's 600-meter length provides ample space for 85% of guests to find a quiet spot even during peak season.
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#3
Penghu Archipelago
Its turquoise lagoons average just 2 meters deep, with 70% less wave action than Green Island's open Pacific shores, perfect for safe kayaking and paddleboarding. Traditional fishing villages offer fresh seafood at prices 30% cheaper than Kenting's tourist stalls, and the annual Fireworks Festival attracts 80,000 visitors each July. Over 200 years of cultural heritage remain on display, and 20 pristine islets stay uncrowded year-round, each accessible via 15-minute boat rides from the main island.
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#4
Green Island
Green Island delivers Taiwan's best diving experience with over 400 species of coral and 1,200 fish species in its protected marine park, where visibility consistently exceeds 25 meters from March to June. Its Zhaori Hot Springs, one of only three saltwater hot springs worldwide, maintain a constant 50°C temperature even on stormy days, offering a unique soak with ocean views. The island's lighthouse provides 360-degree sunset views from 33 meters high, while a cap of 2,000 daily ferry passengers ensures a remote feel despite easy access.
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#5
Orchid Island (Lanyu)
Orchid Island (Lanyu) delivers the most culturally immersive beach experience in Taiwan, as the homeland of the Tao people and their iconic hand-carved canoes. Its surrounding reefs host over 600 fish species, making it a premier snorkeling destination. Outshining Fulong Beach's annual sand festival, Lanyu offers year-round access to traditional Tao villages and seasonal flying fish festivals. The volcanic coastline features black lava rocks and white-sand beaches, with water visibility exceeding 30 meters—far clearer than the typical 10-meter visibility near urban coasts. This blend of cultural richness and marine biodiversity is unmatched by any other island on this list.
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#6
Wai'ao Beach, Yilan
Wai'ao Beach in Yilan is Taiwan's premier surfing destination, with consistent breaks and dramatic mountain backdrops. Since 2010, over 40 surfing competitions have been held here, and average wave heights reach 1.5 meters during the northeast monsoon. Its 2-kilometer arc of golden sand is backed by lush hills, while seasonal black-tailed gull migrations add wildlife appeal. The beach is also cleaner than the typical urban coastal spots in northern Taiwan.
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#7
Jibei Island, Penghu
Jibei Island in Penghu features a remarkable low-lying sandbar that stretches over 800 meters at low tide, creating an enormous tidal sandbank for wading and shell collecting. This natural phenomenon is 50% larger than the tide pools near Fulong Beach. The surrounding turquoise waters average just 1.2 meters deep at low tide, allowing safe walking between the main island and smaller islets. The beach also hosts over 100 species of rare migratory birds annually. For sheer tidal exploration, Jibei outperforms every other entry on this list.
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#8
Fulong Beach
Fulong Beach boasts the longest golden-sand shoreline in northeastern Taiwan, stretching 3 kilometers and hosting the island's largest annual sand-sculpture festival, which attracts over 500,000 visitors each summer. The festival features more than 30 international artists, a scale that outshines Orchid Island's cultural offerings in terms of creative spectacle. The gentle slope and lifeguard-patrolled zones make it 40% safer for swimming than the typical Taiwanese wave-exposed coast. Modern facilities include bike rentals along the scenic Old Caoling Tunnel, and nearby seafood costs 20% less than comparable meals in Taipei.
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#9
Shanshui Beach, Penghu
Shanshui Beach claims the finest white sand in Penghu, arcing 600 meters in a pristine crescent against dramatic basalt cliffs. Its gentle slope and stable currents provide 40% safer swimming conditions than the average Taiwanese beach, with lifeguards present during peak season from April to October.
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#10
Qixingtan Beach, Hualien
Qixingtan Beach delivers the most accessible sunrise spectacle on Taiwan's east coast, with the Pacific meeting the Central Mountain Range in a 180-degree vista. Its unique smooth pebbles, over 90% composed of marble and quartz, produce a distinctive sound underfoot absent from sandy shores like Shanshui Beach.
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Taiwan Beaches & Islands — Frequently Asked Questions

### Where is the best place to see sea turtles in Taiwan? Little Liuqiu Island (Xiao Liuqiu) offers the most accessible sea turtle encounters in Taiwan — its shallow, clear waters make sightings likely year-round with no dive certification required.

### Which Taiwan beach is best for surfing? Wai'ao Beach in Yilan is Taiwan's premier surfing destination, offering consistent breaks suitable for beginners through advanced surfers.

### What makes Penghu special among Taiwan's islands? Penghu Archipelago is composed of 90 islands sculpted from rare hexagonal basalt columns. Nearby Jibei Island also features a sandbar that stretches over 1 km into the sea — perfect for walking into open water at low tide.

### Which island offers the most cultural experience? Orchid Island (Lanyu) is home to the indigenous Tao people and delivers the most culturally immersive beach experience in Taiwan, blending deep ocean traditions with spectacular natural scenery.

Taiwan Beaches & Islands — Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Taiwan's beaches? April to October is peak beach season. The south — Kenting, Little Liuqiu, Penghu — is warmest from May to September, while Yilan's surf season peaks September to April when northeast swells arrive.

Do visitors need a visa to reach Taiwan's outer islands? Most nationalities enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for up to 90 days. The outer islands (Penghu, Green Island, Orchid Island) are reached by domestic ferry or short-haul flight — no additional permit is required for most travellers.

Which Taiwan beach is best for snorkelling? Little Liuqiu and Green Island lead for coral diversity and sea turtle encounters, with visibility regularly exceeding 20 metres between May and October.

Are Taiwan's beaches suitable for families? Baisha Bay in Kenting and Fulong Beach both operate lifeguard patrols during summer, offer gentle surf, and have nearby facilities — the safest all-ages choices on this list.