Popular Ferries in Matsu Islands

To travel from mainland Taiwan to Matsu by ferry, you will primarily depart from Keelung Port. Currently, the operating passenger ships are the "Tai Ma Star" and "Tai Ma Lun." The route usually passes through Dongyin before arriving at Fuao Port in Nangan. The journey is quite long, typically an overnight voyage, taking approximately 8 to 10 hours. Passengers can choose from various cabin classes, such as berths or seats. It is recommended to plan your trip in advance and confirm ferry schedules, especially during peak travel seasons. This is a unique way to experience island life and arrive in Matsu at a leisurely pace.

Yes, Matsu ferry services are highly susceptible to adjustments or cancellations due to adverse weather conditions. Typhoons, strong winds from the northeast monsoon, rough seas, or dense fog can all lead to flight cancellations to ensure passenger safety. Travelers are strongly advised to closely monitor official announcements from the Maritime and Port Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications website, as well as information from Fuao Port in Matsu Nangan or Zhongzhu Port in Dongyin, and the latest ferry updates released by each shipping company before their departure. If a service is suspended, you should be flexible with your itinerary and confirm rebooking or refund arrangements with the ferry company.

Both taking a ferry and a plane to Matsu have their own unique characteristics. Ferries primarily depart from Keelung Port, with a journey time of about 8-10 hours, mostly overnight. Passengers can rest on board, making it suitable for those who want to experience the sea view or have a lot of luggage. Ferry cabin options are diverse, but the journey is longer and easily affected by weather. Flights depart from Taipei Songshan or Taichung Airport, with a flight time of only about 50 minutes, making it fast and convenient, ideal for travelers with limited time. However, flight seats are limited and baggage restrictions are stricter. The main differences lie in time, experience, and convenience, and you can choose based on your personal needs.

The Matsu Blue Tears season typically runs from late spring to early autumn. If you are taking a regular ferry, be aware that it can be windy on deck at night, so it's advisable to bring warm clothing. If you are participating in a dedicated Blue Tears tour boat, please observe the following: always wear a life jacket and follow the captain's instructions. Sea conditions can change rapidly at night, and there may be rocking; Blue Tears are a natural phenomenon, and sightings cannot be guaranteed, so please remain relaxed. Do not use flash photography, as it can disturb other viewers and interfere with the Blue Tears. Also, avoid overeating before boarding to reduce seasickness.

You can book Matsu ferry tickets through two main methods. Firstly, you can book online directly on the official website of the operating ferry company, which is the most straightforward channel. Secondly, you can also book through major travel agencies or online travel booking platforms. For example, you can book through KKday for Chinese customer service support and flexible cancellation policies, eliminating language communication issues. As tickets are often in high demand during peak seasons or consecutive holidays, it is highly recommended that travelers plan ahead and complete their booking as early as possible to ensure sufficient time for itinerary arrangements.

Ferries to the Matsu Islands mainly depart from Keelung Port on mainland Taiwan. The vessels currently providing passenger service are the "Tai Ma Star" and "Tai Ma Lun." There are two main route patterns: one is "East first, then South," meaning from Keelung, it stops first at Zhongzhu Port in Dongyin, then proceeds to Fuao Port in Nangan; the other is "South first, then East" or direct to Nangan. Ferry schedules are adjusted flexibly based on the season and maintenance status, so it is advisable for travelers to check the latest schedule information before departure. The choice of ferry route can be decided based on which island you wish to arrive at first.

Transportation between the islands in the Matsu archipelago mainly relies on inter-island ferries. The most important routes include ferries between Nangan and Beigan, Nangan and Dongju & Xiju, and Nangan and Dongyin. The frequency of these inter-island ferries is adjusted according to the season and tourism demand. Popular routes, such as between Nangan and Beigan, have more frequent services, while routes to more remote islands or those with fewer tourists are less frequent. Passengers typically do not need to book in advance and can purchase tickets directly at the port, but it is recommended to arrive at the port early. Detailed schedules can be inquired about at the visitor centers or port counters of each island.

If you choose to explore Matsu on a self-guided tour by ferry, it is recommended to plan for a multi-day itinerary to deeply experience the scenery of each island. Generally, after arriving at Fuao Port in Nangan by ferry, you can first stay in Nangan, visit Dagu Island Ecological Park (where you can take a boat to see deer in summer) and historical sites with a wartime atmosphere. The next day, you can take an inter-island ferry to Beigan to admire the unique Min-Dong architecture of Qimeshi Village. If time permits, you can also arrange a trip to Dongyin to explore the northernmost point of the nation and Dongyong Lighthouse. When planning your itinerary, pay special attention to the ferry transfer times between islands, and it is recommended to book accommodation and rent a scooter or hire a car in advance.

When traveling on the Matsu ferry, especially in rough seas, some passengers may experience seasickness. To effectively prevent seasickness, it is recommended to consider the following methods: avoid an empty stomach or consuming greasy food before boarding; try to choose a seat in the middle of the boat, near a window, allowing your gaze to rest on the distant sea horizon; ensure good ventilation and avoid staying in enclosed spaces; prepare seasickness medication and take it thirty minutes before boarding, or bring ginger slices, peppermint sticks, or other auxiliary items. Getting enough sleep and staying relaxed can also help alleviate the discomfort of seasickness.

Matsu ferries generally do not have strict restrictions on luggage weight or quantity, unlike airplanes. However, due to limited cabin space, it is advisable for passengers to bring a reasonable amount of easily manageable luggage for convenience when boarding, disembarking, and moving around the islands. Please ensure that your valuables are kept with you at all times. For overnight voyages, you can prepare light warm clothing, personal toiletries, and reading material. Additionally, please adhere to general ship safety regulations and do not bring flammable, dangerous, or prohibited items on board. Traveling light will help you enjoy your trip to Matsu more comfortably.