Popular Tours & Experiences in Green Island

Green Island offers a rich variety of diving excursions suitable for both beginner PADI Discover Scuba Diving participants and certified deep-diving enthusiasts. Popular dive sites like Shilang and Dabaisha boast abundant soft and hard corals, diverse tropical fish schools, and opportunities for close encounters with sea turtles. Discover Scuba Diving typically includes one-on-one professional instructor guidance, equipment rental, and underwater photography, lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours, and requires no prior experience. Certified divers can explore deeper sites like the Blue Hole or independent reefs, uncovering Green Island's unique underwater volcanic topography and ecological mysteries, and experiencing the allure of the underwater world.

For a three-day, two-night trip to Green Island, we recommend a diverse range of experiences. On the first day, upon arrival, rent a scooter to circle the island. In the afternoon, head to Shilang or Dabaisha for snorkeling or trial diving. In the evening, visit the Green Island Lighthouse for sunset views, followed by a night guided tour. On the second day, experience the world-class underwater hot spring, Zhaori Hot Spring, and enjoy the sunrise. During the day, explore natural wonders like Haba Dog Rock, Sleeping Beauty Rock, and Guanyin Cave. In the afternoon, relax at a seaside cafe. On the third day, browse Green Island's main street for souvenirs or enjoy another water activity before concluding your trip.

Both Green Island and Xiaoliuqiu are renowned snorkeling destinations in Taiwan, each with its unique appeal. Green Island is famous for its diverse volcanic landscapes, stunning coral reefs, and rich marine life at snorkeling spots like Dabaisha and Shilang, offering high visibility and chances to encounter green sea turtles up close. Xiaoliuqiu, on the other hand, attracts snorkelers primarily for its warm year-round waters and a high density of sea turtle sightings. If you seek a variety of coral reef and volcanic terrain scenery and wish to explore within a natural ecosystem, Green Island would be an excellent choice.

The best time to visit Green Island is generally from spring to autumn, approximately April to October. During this period, the weather is warm and stable, ideal for all kinds of water activities. However, July and August are typhoon season, so it's advisable to stay updated on weather forecasts. Due to Green Island's strong sunshine, sun protection is crucial. Be sure to bring high SPF ocean-friendly sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, light long-sleeved clothing or a sun jacket, and UPF swimwear or rash guards to protect your skin from UV damage.

The primary and most convenient way to travel to Green Island is by ferry from Taitung's Fugang Fishing Harbor. You can first take a taxi, bus, or long-distance coach from Taitung Railway Station to Fugang Fishing Harbor, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Upon reaching the harbor, transfer to a ferry with fixed schedules heading to Green Island's Nanliao Fishing Harbor. The ferry ride takes approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour. It is recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid disappointment. Ferry schedules can be found on the official websites of various shipping companies.

For a two-day, one-night self-guided trip to Green Island, we suggest the following plan: Upon arrival on the first day, rent a scooter to transport your luggage to your accommodation. Then, head to Shilang or Dabaisha for snorkeling or trial diving to experience the underwater world. In the evening, visit the Green Island Lighthouse or Little Great Wall for sunset. Afterwards, consider joining a thrilling night guided tour to spot nocturnal creatures like sika deer and stick insects. On the second morning, visit Zhaori Hot Spring to greet the sunrise, enjoy breakfast, then tour the island to see attractions like Haba Dog Rock, Sleeping Beauty Rock, and Guanyin Cave. After lunch, take the ferry back to Taitung, concluding your fulfilling trip.

Green Island's Zhaori Hot Spring is a world-class underwater hot spring, and its operating hours vary seasonally. Typically, during summer (approximately June to September), it opens during evening and early morning hours to allow visitors to watch the sunrise and enjoy the unique experience of soaking while viewing the dawn. In winter (approximately October to May), hours may be adjusted to daytime. As operating hours can flexibly change due to sunrise times and management announcements, it is recommended to check the latest opening information online before planning your visit to ensure a smooth experience of this unique hot spring activity.

Renting a scooter is a common and convenient way to get around Green Island, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you must possess a valid Republic of China Ordinary Motorcycle Driving License or an International Driving Permit, which rental shops will verify. Secondly, Green Island's road conditions can be varied, with some sections being winding. Please ride slowly, adhere to traffic rules, and always wear a helmet. It is recommended to book your scooter in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid availability issues. Additionally, choose a reputable rental shop and carefully inspect the vehicle's condition before taking it to ensure riding safety.

Green Island's night tide pool guided tours are very popular. It is recommended to book through your local guesthouse or contact Green Island's certified guiding teams directly. These tours typically include a professional guide who will explain the mysteries of the intertidal zone ecosystem, allowing you to observe abundant marine life such as starfish, sea cucumbers, and hermit crabs up close. When participating, wear appropriate footwear for wading (e.g., amphibious shoes) and bring a flashlight for illumination. Most importantly, follow the guide's instructions, do not touch or remove any organisms, and help preserve the ecosystem.

Green Island offers many unique local specialty foods worth trying. Must-try dishes include deer meat dishes (such as dried deer jerky, deer meat skewers), sweet flying fish dishes (fried flying fish, flying fish roe), and various fresh seafood like tuna sashimi, seaweed omelets, and seaweed ice. Many local restaurants serve these specialties. You can find establishments selling seafood and local snacks along Green Island's main street or near the fishing harbor. Additionally, creative ice desserts like 'Prison Ice' are also popular among tourists; don't miss them while exploring.