Green Sea Turtles, Little Liuqiu

Little Liuqiu Island hosts Taiwan's most reliable marine wildlife encounter: over 200 resident green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) inhabiting shallow reefs just metres from shore, with local operators consistently reporting sightings on more than 90% of guided snorkel sessions year-round — a success rate that outperforms the average Formosan Black Bear expedition by over 80 percentage points. These turtles feed on seagrass beds at depths of 2–8 metres — well within reach of snorkelers and beginner freedivers — and remain unhurried around calm swimmers, allowing extended observation at close range. Each individual is numbered and tracked by National Sun Yat-sen University researchers who have followed some turtles for over 15 years; knowledgeable guides can often identify individuals by name and share their histories. Water temperature averages 26°C from May through October. The Liuqiu Marine Ecology Conservation Association enforces a strict no-touch, no-flash code that keeps disturbance minimal. Half-day snorkel packages including equipment rental typically cost NT$600–900, making this one of Taiwan's best-value wildlife experiences.