Hualien Day Tour | Hualien Whale Watching & Qixingtan & Xincheng Old Street & Jiaxing Ice Fruit Shop & Taroko | Departure from Hualien City
- Free pick-up in Hualien City, enjoy a comfortable journey with our hassle-free transportation
- The east coast of Taiwan is home to over 27 species of whales and dolphins, a true treat for ocean lovers
- Experience the breathtaking and magnificent scenery of Taroko, a must-see destination you cannot miss
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Hotel transfer |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Whale watching, Dolphin watching |
| Transport | Charter car, Sightseeing cruise |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
Due to the impact of the earthquake in the Taroko area of Hualien, the restoration schedule cannot be estimated. Trips to Taroko are currently suspended. The actual reopening date will be determined based on rolling safety assessments conducted by relevant authorities.
－ Trip Information －
- Meeting Time & Location:
08:50 - 09:20 Hualien Train Station (Platform 10 inside Hualien Transfer Station) / Departure from Hualien B&B
(The final meeting time and location will be subject to the information provided by the supplier the night before) - Duration: 9 hours
- Return Information: Hualien City hotels, Hualien Train Station, or Dongdamen Night Market
- Vehicle Type: Assigned based on the number of passengers, minimum 4 people to depart
- Language: Chinese
Itinerary: [Whale Watching + Mountain & Sea Walking Tour]
08:50 - 09:20 Departure from Hualien Train Station / Hualien B&B
09:40 Hualien Port Whale Watching Pier
10:00-12:00 Whale and Dolphin Watching at Sea (120 minutes)
12:30-14:00 Xincheng Old Street Tour (Xincheng Catholic Church, Shan-Hai Department Store) + Lunch Time (Xincheng area; if lunch is not included, please dine at your own expense at Xincheng Old Street)
14:15-14:50 Taroko National Park (Currently only visiting the Visitor Center, Taroko Arch Gate, and Qingshui Cliff)
15:30 -16:00 Qixingtan Beach
16:20 Hualien City hotels / Hualien Train Station / Dongdamen Night Market
－ Attraction Introduction －
- Hualien Whale Watching
From April to October each year is the golden season for whale and dolphin watching. The waters off Hualien are home to over 20 species, including sperm whales, Cuvier's beaked whales, Risso's dolphins, spinner dolphins, and more, with a sighting rate as high as 95%. Follow the dolphins and enjoy the thrill of riding the waves—a privilege once exclusive to fishermen, now yours to experience firsthand. - Taroko National Park
To appreciate the magnificent mountain scenery of Hualien and get close to nature, a visit to Taroko is a must. Walk along the Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) trail, gaze at the rock walls from natural caves, and admire the masterpieces crafted by nature. Take a break at the Eternal Spring Shrine; the shrine nestled in the mountains, combined with the silky waterfall and winding stream, creates a breathtaking scene that makes the journey even more spectacular. - Qixingtan Beach
Located in Bupu Village, Xincheng Township, this area features a fault-formed strait and a crescent-shaped bay. The coastline is covered with pebbles, where travelers stack wishing stones. Paired with the deep blue Pacific Ocean, it adds a touch of romance to the seascape. Qixingtan Scenic Area is located next to Hualien Airport; occasionally, you can look up and see planes flying overhead, a unique view exclusive to Qixingtan. - Xincheng Old Street
Xincheng is the smallest township in Hualien, comprising eight villages including Xincheng, Kangle, and Bupu. After becoming a filming location for the famous movie 'Eternal Summer', local tourism was revitalized. Additionally, the nearby 'Xincheng Catholic Church' has become a viral photo spot online due to its unique ship-shaped architecture coexisting with a Japanese shrine. - Mambo Ocean Ecology Leisure Park
Mambo Ocean Ecology Leisure Park, or 'Mambo Park' for short, is located at Qixingtan in Xincheng Township, Hualien County. Situated near Hualien Airport, it is currently a key military restricted zone. Due to its beautiful surroundings and expansive views, the Hualien County Government has worked to moderately develop the area into a leisure park that promotes local industrial culture without compromising national defense security.
Whale and dolphin watching
Chihsingtan
New Town Catholic Church
Shanhai Department Store
New Town Photo Studio
Taroko National Park Gate Archway
Important Info
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 2 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 00:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
In response to the global trend of sustainable tourism and to reduce the burden of disposable items on the environment, bottled mineral water will not be provided during the journey. Please bring your own eco-friendly cup to create a green travel experience together.
Passengers returning by Taiwan Railways please arrange to take a train after 17:00.
Please note that tickets for infants under 2 years old do not occupy seats, only provide insurance and do not include meals.
After the reservation is successful, the specialist will call you on the day of departure to inform you of the correct meeting time and location.
The free shuttle area in Hualien City is from the south of Hualu Road in the north, from the east of Section 3 of Central Road in the west, and from the north of De'an 6th Street in the south. The rest of the areas will have additional charges depending on the distance, so please note.
In case of delays caused by force majeure factors such as traffic and weather, the merchant has the right to cancel or adjust the stay time at the attraction.
If you do not purchase the lunch-inclusive plan, please arrange your own lunch at New Town.
The sailing time is mainly based on the arrangement of the shipping company on the day (morning sailing 09:00/10:00; afternoon sailing 13:30/15:30).
For this itinerary, whether to sail and the sailing time will be confirmed one day before departure. If it is unable to sail due to weather conditions or the number of people required by the whale boat operator is not reached, you can choose to cancel and get a full refund, or change the plan: "Plan A" will be changed to a Taroko Day Tour and refund adults: $600/person, children: $500/person, infants: $300/person; "Plan B" will be changed to a Rich Valley Day Tour and no refund will be given.
If the group cannot be formed due to insufficient registration on the day, two options can be provided for departure: 1. Each person will be charged an additional NT$ 500 and the group will depart. 2. If the group cannot depart due to weather conditions or insufficient number of people on board, the itinerary will be changed to a one-day tour of the Rich Valley, and the additional fee of NT$ 500 per person will be refunded.
If you need a child safety seat (NT$ 200/each), please make a note when placing the order and pay to the driver on site.
Friendly reminder: There are many mosquitoes outdoors, so it is recommended to wear thin long sleeves. To facilitate ecological observation, it is recommended not to use mosquito repellent.
The space in the car is limited. If you have large luggage, please inform us when ordering so that we can reserve space in advance.
In order to take into account the rights of other passengers, pets are prohibited. If a passenger is found to be carrying a pet without permission, the company has the right to refuse the passenger from boarding.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 8 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 5 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 10% will apply
- For cancellations made 3 to 4 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. When is the best time of year for whale watching in Hualien?
The optimal season for whale watching in Hualien is typically from April to October. During these months, the waters off Taiwan's east coast are more active with marine life, increasing your chances of spotting various whale and dolphin species. The weather is also generally favorable for boat tours, making for a pleasant experience.
2. What attractions are included in a Hualien day tour?
A comprehensive Hualien day tour usually includes several iconic sights. You can expect to visit the stunning Qixingtan Beach, explore the historic Xincheng Old Street, enjoy the local Jiaxing Ice Cream, and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Taroko National Park, often encompassing Qingshui Cliff.
3. How does the Hualien Day Tour handle transportation within Hualien City?
This Hualien Day Tour offers a convenient free shuttle service with pick-up and drop-off directly from your accommodation in Hualien City. This eliminates the need to arrange your own transport, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free experience as you travel between attractions throughout the day.
4. What kind of scenery can visitors expect at Taroko National Park during the Hualien day tour?
At Taroko National Park, visitors will be immersed in magnificent gorge scenery, dramatic marble cliffs, and crystal-clear rivers. Key highlights often include the impressive Qingshui Cliff, towering geological formations, and lush subtropical forests, offering numerous photo opportunities and breathtaking views of nature's grandeur.
5. What unique activities or views does Qixingtan offer to visitors?
Qixingtan is renowned for its picturesque crescent-shaped pebble beach and clear blue waters. Visitors can enjoy cycling along the scenic path, skipping stones by the shore, or simply relaxing and admiring the panoramic ocean views. It's a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the serene coastal breeze.
6. What types of whales and dolphins can be seen during a Hualien whale watching tour?
Taiwan's east coast is a rich habitat, home to over 27 species of whales and dolphins. Common sightings during a Hualien whale watching tour often include various dolphin species like Spinner dolphins, Spotted dolphins, and Risso's dolphins. While less frequent, larger whales such as Sperm whales or Bryde's whales can also be spotted.
7. Does the Hualien Day Tour provide a full itinerary and driver service?
Yes, the Hualien Day Tour is designed to be worry-free, providing a pre-planned, full-day itinerary that covers Hualien's must-see attractions. It includes professional driver service, ensuring comfortable and efficient transportation between all stops, allowing you to relax and enjoy the sights without navigation or parking concerns.
8. How long does a Hualien Day Tour typically last, including all attractions?
A Hualien Day Tour, including whale watching and visits to attractions like Qixingtan, Xincheng Old Street, and Taroko National Park, typically lasts a full day, ranging from 8 to 9 hours. This duration allows ample time to experience each location comfortably without feeling rushed.
