Xiaoliuqiu (Lamay Island)
Overview
Xiaoliuqiu is a small coral limestone island six kilometres off Taiwan's southwestern coast, a 25-minute ferry ride from Donggang. Virtually unknown in the wider diving world, it is celebrated among marine biologists as one of the planet's most remarkable sea turtle habitats, where hundreds of green sea turtles graze shallow reefs in concentrations few places on Earth can match. The island is barely six square kilometres, but its waters have become a green sea turtle sanctuary. Taiwan's wildlife protection laws, combined with a local gillnet ban enacted in 2013, allowed the population to recover dramatically. Researchers estimate over 300 individuals in residence at any time, and encounters are virtually guaranteed. On a single shore dive at Vase Rock, I counted over twenty turtles, some feeding in water barely a metre deep, others resting on sandy patches between coral heads. The diving is straightforward and accessible. Maximum depths rarely exceed fifteen metres, currents are mild, and multiple sites offer easy shore entries down concrete ramps. The reef is predominantly hard coral with healthy brain corals, table Acropora, and massive Porites supporting a subtropical fish community of parrotfish, triggerfish, and damselfish. What sets Xiaoliuqiu apart is the intimacy of encounters. These turtles are habituated to human presence without being fed. They graze within arm's reach, surface alongside snorkelers, and return to the same resting spots dive after dive, allowing photographers extraordinary opportunities. Above water, the island is a subtropical coral-rock landscape with fishing villages, temple festivals, and seafood restaurants. The local economy increasingly centres on marine wildlife rather than fishing, and conservation programmes run by local NGOs have transformed community attitudes, making Xiaoliuqiu a genuine example of sustainable marine tourism in Asia.
Marine life
Dive profile
DEPTH PROFILE
DEPTH PROGRESSION & WAYPOINTS: Xiaoliuqiu (Lamay Island)
Location
Frequently asked questions
How many sea turtles are there at Xiaoliuqiu?
Marine researchers have estimated over 300 green sea turtles reside in the waters around Xiaoliuqiu at any given time, making it one of the densest turtle populations per square kilometre of coastline in the world. The turtles are present year-round, though numbers increase during warmer months when additional individuals arrive for feeding. The population recovery is attributed to Taiwan's wildlife protection laws that prohibit turtle hunting and egg collection, combined with a ban on gillnet fishing around the island enacted in 2013. Local conservation groups actively monitor and tag individuals.
Is Xiaoliuqiu suitable for non-divers?
Xiaoliuqiu is exceptional for non-divers. Many of the best turtle encounters happen in water shallow enough for snorkeling, with turtles feeding on algae in areas just one to three metres deep. The island has numerous snorkeling operators offering guided tours with wetsuits and equipment provided. Glass-bottom boat tours are also available for those who prefer to stay dry. The combination of warm water, calm conditions, and guaranteed turtle sightings makes Xiaoliuqiu one of Asia's best marine wildlife experiences for non-divers.
How do I get to Xiaoliuqiu from Taipei?
From Taipei, take the high-speed rail to Zuoying station in Kaohsiung, approximately one and a half hours. From Zuoying, a bus or taxi to Donggang ferry terminal takes about 45 minutes. The ferry crossing to Xiaoliuqiu is 25 to 35 minutes depending on the vessel. The entire journey takes about three hours. Alternatively, domestic flights operate from Taipei to Kaohsiung International Airport. The island is small enough to explore by electric scooter, the primary mode of transport, with rentals available at the ferry terminal.
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Data Provenance
This profile is compiled from 3 operator submissions and 142 community logs. Key facts (depth, entry) are verified against official hydrographic charts.