Popular Tours & Experiences in Guishan Island

The waters around Guishan Island are a prime whale watching spot in Taiwan. Tours typically include a guided island tour. Common whale watching tours last about 3 to 4 hours, taking visitors to areas where cetaceans are frequently spotted, with explanations from professional guides. You can primarily see species like spinner dolphins and spotted dolphins, and with luck, larger whales. The tours also circle Guishan Island, showcasing the unique scenery of the "Eight Views of Guishan Island."

Visiting Guishan Island with children is generally safe, but several details require attention. Firstly, it's recommended to choose tours with professional guides and complete safety equipment. Children must wear life jackets at all times during the boat trip and be accompanied by parents. Seasickness is common, so motion sickness medication can be prepared in advance. The paths on the island are mostly stone steps, so comfortable, non-slip shoes are advised. Additionally, there is limited shade on the island, so sun protection measures are essential, and hydration should be maintained to ensure children are comfortable.

Guishan Island tours are mainly divided into two types: landing tours and island-circling tours. The island-circling tour focuses on marine sightseeing, taking a boat around Guishan Island to admire the volcanic landscape and the "Eight Views of Guishan Island," such as the turtle's head, shell, and tail, with opportunities for whale watching. The landing tour, in addition to circling the island, includes actually stepping onto Guishan Island to visit military tunnels, Putuo Temple, and walk the lakeside trail, allowing for a deeper understanding of its ecology and history. If you wish to experience the island's scenery firsthand and explore its trails, a landing tour is recommended. If time is limited or you only want to enjoy the seascape, an island-circling tour is a good choice.

Guishan Island is typically open for landing from March 1st to November 30th each year, with adjustments made annually based on actual conditions and subject to a total visitor limit. The winter months (December to the end of February) are a closed season for conservation. As for the best whale watching season, it falls between April and October each year. During this period, the probability of spotting cetaceans is relatively high, and the weather is generally more stable, making it suitable for sea excursions. The peak season is from May to August, offering the best viewing experience.

To land on Guishan Island, you need to apply through the Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration of the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications. This is usually handled by booking through pre-qualified travel platforms or agencies. As quotas are limited, early booking is recommended. To get there from various parts of Taiwan, you first need to reach Wushi Harbor in Yilan. You can take a train or bus to Toucheng Station in Yilan, then transfer to a taxi or local shuttle to Wushi Harbor for boarding. If driving, parking is available around Wushi Harbor.

Recommended one-day trip itineraries for Guishan Island typically include three main elements: 'landing, island circling, and whale watching.' It's suggested to depart from Wushi Harbor in the morning by boat to Guishan Island. First, enjoy a guided tour around the island to see the Eight Views of Guishan Island. If you have secured landing permits, you can then explore the military tunnels, Putuo Temple, and the lakeside trail, which takes about 1 to 2 hours. In the afternoon, you can experience whale watching, searching for cetaceans in the waters around Guishan Island. The entire trip takes about half a day to a full day. Upon return, you can enjoy seafood or buy souvenirs in the Wushi Harbor area.

Guishan Island's "Milk Sea" is a unique landscape formed by underwater hot springs mixing with seawater, creating a milky white gradient. SUP paddleboarding here is a popular recent activity. Its feature is the ability to paddle on a dreamy blue and white sea, experiencing the mystery of geothermal activity up close, and taking unique photos. Precautions include the need for stable weather and sea conditions, and following the guidance of professional instructors. Participants should have basic swimming ability and wear life jackets at all times. Typically, one boards a yacht to a designated spot and then engages in SUP activities from the boat. Some operators may offer Chinese customer service and flexible cancellation policies to enhance travel convenience.

The waters around Guishan Island are indeed suitable for diving due to their diverse underwater topography, rich ecosystems, and unique volcanic gas vent landscapes. Dive site features include opportunities to see coral reefs, tropical fish schools, and even seasonal migratory fish. The most representative dive site is the underwater hot spring area, where you can see bubbles rising from the seabed, forming a unique "underwater bubble wall" phenomenon. The water temperature is higher here, attracting specialized marine life. However, the underwater environment is complex, so it is recommended to collaborate with local professional diving operators and ensure you possess the necessary diving certifications and experience.

The main cost considerations when planning a trip to Guishan Island include boat fees, landing permits, and transportation expenses to Wushi Harbor. Boat fees vary depending on the chosen tour type (island circling only, island circling plus landing, or including whale watching, Milk Sea SUP, etc.) and typically cover the boat ticket, guided tour, and insurance. Landing requires an additional environmental maintenance and cleaning fee. Furthermore, expenses for meals, personal consumption, and souvenirs should also be factored into the budget. It is advisable to book your tour in advance to secure a spot.

As Guishan Island itself is a nature reserve, there are no food or souvenir services available on the island. However, around Wushi Harbor in Toucheng, Yilan, where the boat departs, and within Yilan County, there are abundant local specialty foods and souvenirs to choose from. Seafood is a must-try delicacy at Wushi Harbor, with dishes made from fresh catches being exceptionally delicious. Additionally, Yilan's preserved duck slices (Yilan Duck), preserved fruits, ox tongue biscuits, and products related to Sanxing green onions are popular souvenir options to take home the flavors of Yilan.