Taiwan

If you are looking for a unique and exciting destination for your next boating adventure, look no further than Taiwan. This island nation, located off the southeast coast of China, offers a rich and diverse culture, stunning natural scenery, and a variety of boating options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you want to sail around the island, explore its nearby archipelagos, or enjoy its vibrant coastal cities, Taiwan has something for everyone. In this article, we will give you some tips and suggestions on how to plan your boating trip in Taiwan, including the best itineraries, experiences, activities, beaches, and safety information.

Itineraries: Top 5 Nearby Destinations by Boat

Taiwan is an ideal base for boating enthusiasts, surrounded by the East China Sea, the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and the Pacific Ocean. Here are some top destinations you can explore by boat from Taiwan:

Penghu Islands: Located in the Taiwan Strait, about 50 kilometers west of Taiwan, Penghu is an archipelago of 90 islands and islets known for pristine beaches, coral reefs, and traditional fishing villages. A sailboat rental in Taiwan can get you there in about 6 hours. The Penghu National Scenic Area covers 18 islands with attractions like the Double-Heart of Stacked Stones and the Whale Cave.

Orchid Island (Lanyu): This volcanic island is situated in the Pacific Ocean, southeast of Taiwan. It's home to the indigenous Tao people and is a great place to immerse in their unique culture. To explore Orchid Island, consider renting a boat in Taiwan for a week. The island's tropical forests, coral reefs, and hot springs are its natural highlights.

Green Island (Ludao): In the Pacific Ocean, east of Taiwan, Green Island is a haven for divers and snorkelers, thanks to its clear waters and vibrant marine life. You can sail to Green Island with a private boat rental in Taiwan. Don't miss the Zhaori Saltwater Hot Spring and the Green Island Lighthouse.

Matsu Islands: These islands are located in the East China Sea and offer a mix of Taiwan's military history and natural beauty. A luxury yacht charter in Taiwan can take you there to explore fortifications, museums, and the stunning blue tears phenomenon.

Kinmen Islands: Close to mainland China in the Taiwan Strait, Kinmen has a rich history and traditional Fujian-style architecture. Sailing there with a boat rental in Taiwan with captain provides a unique perspective on Taiwan's history and culture.

Each of these destinations offers a blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, making them perfect for a diverse boating adventure. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a longer excursion, options like yacht charters in Kaohsiung and party boat rentals in Kaohsiung are available to enhance your experience.

Top Experiences: Local Attractions

Taiwan is not only a boating paradise, but also a cultural and natural wonderland. Here are some of the top experiences you can have in Taiwan, both on land and on water:

Taipei 101: This iconic skyscraper was once the tallest building in the world, and it is still one of Taiwan’s most impressive landmarks. You can take an elevator to the 89th floor observation deck, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Taipei and beyond. You can also see the 728-ton tuned mass damper, a giant steel ball that stabilizes the building during earthquakes and typhoons. Taipei 101 also has a shopping mall, a food court, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

National Palace Museum: This museum houses one of the largest and most valuable collections of Chinese art and artifacts in the world, spanning over 8,000 years of history. The museum has more than 700,000 items, including paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, bronze, and textiles. Some of the most famous treasures include the Jadeite Cabbage, the Meat-shaped Stone, and the Mao Gong Ding.

Sun Moon Lake: This is the largest and most scenic lake in Taiwan, located in the central mountain range. The lake has a shape of a sun and a moon, hence its name. You can take a boat tour, a cable car ride, or a bike ride around the lake, and enjoy the views of the mountains, temples, and villages. You can also visit the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area, which has many attractions, such as the Wenwu Temple, the Xuanzang Temple, and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.

Taroko Gorge: This is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Taiwan, located in the eastern part of the island. The gorge is a 19-kilometer-long canyon, carved by the Liwu River through the marble cliffs of the Central Mountain Range. You can hike, bike, or drive along the gorge, and see the waterfalls, bridges, tunnels, and rock formations. You can also visit the Taroko National Park, which covers the gorge and its surroundings, and has many trails, temples, and wildlife.

Alishan: This is a mountain resort and a national scenic area, located in the southern part of Taiwan. Alishan is famous for its sunrise, sea of clouds, forest railway, and cherry blossoms. You can take a train to the top of the mountain, and watch the sun rise over the peaks and the clouds. You can also walk through the forest, and see the giant cypress trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old. You can also visit the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, which has many trails, gardens, and tea plantations.

Activities & Best Beaches

Taiwan has a lot of activities and beaches for boating enthusiasts and people who want to rent a boat there. Here are some of the best ones:

Sailing: Taiwan is a great place for sailing, as it has a long coastline, many islands, and favorable winds. You can rent a sailboat in Taiwan and explore the waters around the main island, or venture to the offshore islands, such as Penghu, Orchid Island, or Green Island. You can also join a sailing club, take a sailing course, or participate in a sailing race.

Surfing: Taiwan is also a great place for surfing, as it has consistent waves, uncrowded beaches, and a friendly surfing community. You can find good surf spots all over the island, but some of the best ones are in the east coast, such as Donghe, Fulong, and Jinzun. You can rent a surfboard, take a surf lesson, or join a surf camp.

Snorkeling and Diving: Taiwan has some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in Asia, thanks to its clear water, colorful coral, and abundant marine life. You can find coral reefs, shipwrecks, caves, and walls to explore, and see fish, turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins. Some of the best places to snorkel and dive are in the south and east coast, such as Kenting, Green Island, Orchid Island, and Xiaoliuqiu.

Whale and Dolphin Watching: Taiwan is one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins in the wild, as it has more than 20 species of cetaceans in its waters. You can join a whale and dolphin watching tour, and see spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales, and more. The best time to see whales and dolphins is from April to October, and the best places are in the east coast, such as Hualien, Taitung, and Orchid Island.

Taiwan has many beautiful beaches, where you can relax, swim, sunbathe, or enjoy the water sports. Here are some of the best beaches in Taiwan:

Baishawan: This is a white sand beach, located in the north coast of Taiwan, near Taipei. Baishawan is a popular spot for surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing, as well as for picnicking, camping, and hiking. The beach has a view of the Guanyin Mountain, and is close to the Baishawan Visitor Center, which has exhibits and facilities.

Fulong: This is a golden sand beach, located in the northeast coast of Taiwan, in New Taipei City. Fulong is a famous destination for surfing, as it hosts the annual Fulong International Sand Sculpture Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors and artists. The beach is also near the Fulong Old Street, which has many shops and restaurants.

Kenting: This is a tropical beach, located in the south tip of Taiwan, in Pingtung County. Kenting is the most popular beach resort in Taiwan, as it has a warm climate, clear water, and diverse marine life. Kenting is also part of the Kenting National Park, which has many attractions, such as the Eluanbi Lighthouse, the Longpan Park, and the Hengchun Old Town.

Jialeshui: This is a rocky beach, located in the southeast coast of Taiwan, in Pingtung County. Jialeshui is a paradise for surfers, as it has consistent waves, strong winds, and a variety of breaks. The beach is also a good place to see the sunrise, the sunset, and the stars. Jialeshui is also near the Jialeshui Scenic Area, which has many rock formations, such as the Dragon Cave, the Stone Umbrella, and the Sleeping Beauty.

Dulan: This is a pebble beach, located in the east coast of Taiwan, in Taitung County. Dulan is a hidden gem for travelers, as it has a laid-back atmosphere, a creative vibe, and a friendly community. The beach is also a hotspot for surfing, as it has a long and smooth wave. Dulan is also home to the Dulan Sugar Factory, which is a cultural and artistic hub, where you can find cafes, galleries, studios, and live music.

Safety and Emergency Information

Taiwan is generally a safe and friendly country, but it is always good to be prepared and cautious when traveling, especially when boating. Here are some safety and emergency information you should know before you go:

Weather: Taiwan has a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers, and mild and dry winters. The average temperature is around 22°C, but it can vary depending on the region and the season. Taiwan is also prone to typhoons, earthquakes, and landslides, which can cause damage and disruption. You should check the weather forecast and the disaster alerts before you plan your boating trip, and follow the instructions of the authorities in case of an emergency.

Visa: Taiwan has a visa waiver program, which allows citizens of 98 countries and regions to enter Taiwan without a visa for up to 90 or 30 days, depending on the country. You should check the visa requirements and the entry regulations for your country before you travel, and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Health: Taiwan has a high standard of health care, and most hospitals and clinics have English-speaking staff. You should have a travel insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation, and bring any prescription medication you need. You should also be aware of some health risks, such as mosquito-borne diseases, food poisoning, and heatstroke. You should take precautions, such as using insect repellent, drinking bottled water, and avoiding sun exposure.

Crime: Taiwan has a low crime rate, and most people are friendly and helpful. However, you should still be careful of some common crimes, such as pickpocketing, scamming, and theft. You should keep your valuables and documents safe, avoid walking alone at night, and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Emergency Contacts: 110: Police, 119: Fire and ambulance, 118: Coast guard, 0800-024-111: Tourism hotline.

Conclusion

Taiwan is a boating paradise in the heart of Asia, where you can enjoy a variety of boating options, destinations, experiences, activities, and beaches. Taiwan is also a cultural and natural wonderland, where you can explore its history, art, cuisine, and scenery. Taiwan is a safe and friendly country, but you should still be prepared and cautious when traveling, especially when boating. We hope this article has given you some tips and suggestions on how to plan your boating trip in Taiwan, and we hope you have a wonderful time. Happy boating!