Discover Scuba Diving With Sea Turtles – Xiaoliuqiu, Taiwan

Turtles make this first underwater outing special. Near Xiaoliuqiu, you can learn basic SCUBA skills, breathe underwater, and look for green sea turtles in the waters of the Bashi Channel, even with no prior certification. The small-island setting and reported abundance of turtles give this short activity a clear purpose beyond simply trying SCUBA.

I like the one-instructor-per-diver setup, especially for anyone who feels nervous about breathing underwater. I also like that underwater photos are included, so you can focus on staying calm and enjoying the reef instead of managing a camera.

The main thing to consider is the weather. Ocean visibility is not guaranteed, and one family found that conditions were less than perfect, although the photos still turned out well. At about two hours, this is a brief introduction rather than a full certification course.

Key points to know before booking

• Green sea turtles are the main attraction: Xiaoliuqiu is known for an unusually high concentration of green sea turtles in its surrounding waters.
• No certification or swimming skills are required: The program is designed for first-time participants aged 10 and above.
• You receive individual instruction: Each participant has an instructor dedicated to that diver.
• Shallow-water practice comes first: You learn basic safety steps and skills before heading toward the coral reef.
• Photos are included: The staff take underwater pictures, giving you a record of the experience without requiring your own camera.
• The price includes equipment and taxes: At $83 per person, the cost covers SCUBA gear, a cylinder, instruction, underwater photography, and all listed fees.

Why Xiaoliuqiu is a strong place for a first underwater outing

Xiaoliuqiu, also called Liuchiu Island, sits in the Pacific waters near Kaohsiung and Pingtung. The island is especially known for its green sea turtles, which are the reason to choose this activity over a generic beginner SCUBA session.

The surrounding waters connect with the Bashi Channel, an important passage between Taiwan and the Philippines. Here, you might encounter green sea turtles, pufferfish, eels, Pacific octopus, and sponge reefs. No sighting can be promised, of course, but the marine life gives the outing more character than a simple lesson in equipment use.

I like the way this experience combines instruction with a clear natural goal. You are not just learning how to put on a mask and breathe through a regulator in a swimming pool. You are practicing basic skills in shallow water, then using them in a real coral-reef setting.

That said, a first underwater experience can feel demanding. You need to be comfortable with breathing equipment, moderate exercise, and the sensation of being below the surface. The staff provide direct supervision, but no instructor can remove every moment of uncertainty. The strong one-to-one format helps a great deal.

What happens during the two-hour Xiaoliuqiu session

The listed duration is about two hours, so expect a compact program with little wasted time. You meet at No. 90-2, Lane 1, Zhongzheng Road, in Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

The session begins with preparation and a basic safety briefing. Since no SCUBA certification is required, the instructor explains the essential skills before you go farther from shore. You also practice several techniques in shallow water, which gives you a chance to adjust your mask, breathing, and body position under close supervision.

This early practice is valuable for first-timers. Many people find that the hardest part is not the equipment itself, but staying relaxed while breathing underwater. A calm instructor can help you build confidence before the more exciting part begins.

Once you are ready, the instructor leads you toward the coral reef area. The exact route and marine life depend on local conditions. The staff know the better turtle areas around Xiaoliuqiu, but sea animals move freely, and visibility can change from day to day.

The outing is not a certification course. You will learn enough basic safety information and practical skills to take part in this supervised activity, but you will not receive an open-water qualification afterward. If you want certification, you would need a separate multi-session course.

Meeting green sea turtles in their natural setting

The central appeal is the chance to see green sea turtles close to the reef. Xiaoliuqiu is promoted as having one of the highest densities of green sea turtles in the world, which makes the island a sensible choice for anyone who has always wanted to see these animals underwater.

There is something different about seeing a turtle below the surface rather than in an aquarium. You watch it move through its own environment, surrounded by reef life and open water. The experience can feel quiet and personal, especially when you are focused on your breathing and the turtle passes nearby.

You may also see pufferfish, eels, Pacific octopus, and sponge reefs. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they give the instructor more to point out if turtles are not immediately nearby.

Keep your expectations sensible. Ocean conditions are never fully controlled. One participant noted that visibility was not perfect, but still had a great time and received good photos and videos. That is useful advice for anyone booking this activity: the sea does not provide guaranteed clarity on demand.

The included photography helps here. You can concentrate on your breathing, body position, and the animals around you instead of trying to hold a camera. The photos also preserve the memory of your first underwater outing, particularly if you are sharing the experience with children or family members.

The one-to-one instruction makes a real difference

The most valuable practical feature is the instructor arrangement. Each diver receives an instructor whose sole priority is that person. For a complete beginner, this matters more than a large group having a polished presentation.

You can ask questions without worrying about slowing down a group. If your mask feels uncomfortable, your ears do not clear easily, or you need another explanation of a skill, the instructor can focus on you directly.

This format also suits people who feel uncertain in the water. The staff received strong praise for being welcoming, careful, and reassuring. One first-time participant said the instructor helped create a comfortable and confident start. Another family with no previous experience found that the staff took good care of them.

The maximum group size is 10 people, but the personal instructor arrangement means the total group size should not define your whole experience. You still benefit from individual attention during the actual activity.

You do not need swimming skills, which makes the program accessible to more beginners. Still, the health requirements matter. You should have no current lung or breathing problems, no ongoing issues connected to past surgery, and no problems affecting your eyes, ears, nose, or sinuses. You also need to manage moderate exercise.

The minimum age is 10. Parents should consider the child’s comfort and maturity, not just the age rule. A child who can listen carefully, follow instructions, and stay calm around unfamiliar equipment is more likely to enjoy the session.

What the $83 price includes

At $83 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Taiwan. The value depends on what you would otherwise need to arrange yourself.

The price includes the SCUBA equipment, cylinder, instruction, all fees and taxes, and underwater photography. You do not need to rent a mask, regulator, or other listed equipment separately. You also avoid the extra cost of arranging a photographer or managing your own underwater camera.

The individual instruction is another important part of the price. A lower-cost group lesson might not offer the same personal attention, which is especially important for a first attempt. If seeing turtles is a high priority, the local knowledge of the staff adds practical value too.

Private transportation is not included. You need to make your own way to the meeting point in Liuqiu Township. This is worth checking before you book, especially if your wider Taiwan plans are based in Kaohsiung and you have not yet arranged your route to Xiaoliuqiu.

The session is also short. You are paying for a focused introduction, not a full day on the water. I think the price is reasonable for a first-time underwater activity when you value individual instruction and included photos. It is less attractive if you already hold certification and want a longer, more technical reef session.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your own swimsuit. The operator provides the SCUBA equipment, but swimwear is specifically your responsibility.

Arrive ready to listen closely during the safety briefing. Your instructor will explain the skills needed for the activity, and your calm attention will make the session easier. If you are nervous, say so early. The program is built for beginners, and the one-to-one format gives the instructor room to help.

The underwater photos also come with one small practical lesson. A participant noted that the pictures could have been even better if everyone had remembered the instruction about holding their breath. Follow the photography guidance carefully, and try to stay still when the camera is pointed your way.

Do not expect every image to be perfect. Visibility may change, and the sea may not look clear at every moment. The included photos are a welcome extra, but the real value is the experience itself.

The activity operates from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, during the stated operating period from January 23, 2025, through December 8, 2026. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking and depends on availability.

Weather, visibility, and the limits of a sea-based activity

Good weather is required. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You should also allow for changing visibility. Clear water can make turtle encounters and photos more impressive, but the ocean is not a controlled viewing room. Even with less-than-perfect visibility, you might still see turtles and other animals, and the staff can help you get the most from the conditions.

This is the main balance to weigh before booking. The program’s strongest promise is access to a turtle-rich marine area, not a guaranteed number of turtles or a fixed underwater route.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. Since weather can affect the schedule, avoid planning this as the only important activity of your day.

Who will enjoy this most

This outing is a good fit for:

• First-time SCUBA participants who want close supervision
• Families with children aged 10 or above who meet the health requirements
• Visitors who want to see green sea turtles in the wild
• Anyone who prefers a short introduction rather than a full certification course
• People who value included underwater photos
• Nervous beginners who would benefit from a dedicated instructor

It is less suitable if you want a guaranteed turtle sighting, perfectly clear water, or a long day of underwater exploration. It also may not suit anyone with the listed breathing, ear, eye, sinus, or recent surgery concerns.

Certified participants may find the session too basic. The program is designed around learning the fundamentals, not building advanced skills or logging an extended underwater session.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Private transportation is not included, so you should plan your route to the address in advance.

Should you book the Xiaoliuqiu turtle experience?

I would book this if your main goal is to try SCUBA in a friendly, tightly supervised setting and you especially want the chance to see green sea turtles. The personal instructor arrangement, included equipment, and underwater photos make the $83 price easier to justify.

I would be more cautious if your schedule cannot handle changing weather or if you need guaranteed visibility. The activity lasts only about two hours, and ocean conditions may affect what you see.

For a first underwater experience, though, the design is sensible. You learn in shallow water, receive direct help, use complete equipment, and then head toward a reef known for its turtles. That is a practical and memorable introduction to Xiaoliuqiu’s marine life.

FAQ

Do I need SCUBA certification?

No. This experience is designed for people without certification and includes basic safety instruction and practice skills under the direct supervision of a SCUBA professional.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No swimming skills are required according to the activity information. You still need to be able to manage moderate exercise and meet the listed health requirements.

What age is required?

Participants must be at least 10 years old.

Are SCUBA equipment and tanks included?

Yes. The price includes SCUBA equipment and a cylinder, along with all listed fees and taxes.

Is underwater photography included?

Yes. Underwater photography is included in the experience.

Where does the activity start and finish?

It starts at No. 90-2, Lane 1, Zhongzheng Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 929, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.