Discover Scuba Diving With Sea Turtles – Xiaoliuqiu, Taiwan

Xiaoliuqiu is one of Taiwan’s best places to see green sea turtles underwater, and this short scuba experience puts beginners right into that world. You practice first in shallow water, then explore the reef with a scuba instructor focused only on you. No certification or swimming skills are required.

I like the one-instructor-per-person setup, which can make breathing underwater feel far less daunting. I also like that underwater photos are included, so you can focus on staying calm and enjoying the turtles instead of trying to manage a camera.

The main thing to consider is the sea itself. Visibility can change, and one group found the water less than perfectly clear, even though the photographs still turned out well. Good weather is also required, so keep your schedule flexible.

Key points to know before you book

• Green sea turtles are the main attraction: Xiaoliuqiu is known for its high concentration of turtles, with other possible sightings including puffers, eels, Pacific octopus, and sponge reefs.
• Made for first-time scuba participants: You do not need certification or swimming skills, but you must be comfortable with moderate exercise and breathing through the equipment.
• One instructor for each person: This is a strong safety and comfort feature for anyone trying scuba for the first time.
• The whole session takes about two hours: You learn basic skills, practice in shallow water, and then head to the reef.
• Photos are included: The underwater images give you a record of the experience without requiring you to bring a camera.
• The price is $83 per person: Equipment, cylinder, instruction, fees, taxes, and photos are included, while transportation to the meeting point is not.

Why Xiaoliuqiu is special for first-time scuba

Xiaoliuqiu, also called Little Liuqiu, sits off the coast near Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. The island is surrounded by Pacific waters connected to the Bashi Channel, an area known for plentiful sea life.

The star of this experience is the green sea turtle. Xiaoliuqiu is famous for having an unusually high concentration of these turtles in its surrounding waters. You are not simply learning how to breathe through a regulator in a swimming pool. You are using those new skills in a marine setting where a turtle might pass nearby.

That combination gives the activity its appeal. Many beginner scuba sessions focus mainly on the novelty of breathing underwater. Here, the animals provide a clear reason to keep looking, stay calm, and pay attention to the reef.

You may also encounter pufferfish, eels, Pacific octopus, and sponge reefs. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and visibility depends on conditions, but the range of possible sea life makes the outing more than a single-animal search.

Meeting at Liuqiu Township and getting ready

The meeting point is No. 90-2, Lane 1, Zhongzheng Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 929. The experience operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the exact session time arranged through your booking.

Transportation to the meeting point is not included. That matters if you are staying elsewhere in Taiwan or arriving on Xiaoliuqiu without a clear plan. You will need to arrange your own way there, so check the location before committing to an early or tightly scheduled session.

Bring your own swimsuit. The operator supplies the scuba equipment and cylinder, along with the instruction and other required fees. Since this is a water activity, wear something practical and arrive ready to change or get wet.

The maximum group size is 10 people, but the more important detail is the instructor arrangement: each person receives an instructor as their sole priority. For a first attempt at scuba, that level of attention can be more useful than a large group lesson where one guide must divide attention among several beginners.

Learning the basic skills before going underwater

You do not need a scuba certificate for this experience. You also do not need swimming skills, according to the supplied requirements. Still, that does not mean the session is entirely effortless.

You will first learn basic safety guidelines and the skills needed to use the equipment. Practice takes place in shallow water before you move toward the reef. This step is important because the hardest part for many beginners is not spotting a turtle. It is getting used to breathing underwater, clearing your mind, and responding to simple instructions.

I like the shallow-water practice because it gives you a chance to find your rhythm before the more exciting part begins. If the regulator feels strange or you need help with the equipment, it is better to work through that close to shore and under direct supervision.

The experience is designed for people who are curious about scuba but are not ready to commit to a certification course. It lets you test the basic sensation of underwater breathing and see how your body responds. You will not receive a certification at the end, so think of this as an introduction rather than professional training.

Meeting turtles and exploring the reef

Once you have practiced the basic skills, you head into the Pacific waters around Xiaoliuqiu. The exact route and wildlife sightings can change with sea conditions, but the purpose is clear: look for turtles and observe the reef environment.

Green sea turtles are the main draw. If conditions cooperate, you may see them close enough to appreciate their size and steady movements. The experience is not just about getting a quick photograph. You are learning to move carefully in the water and watch the animals without disturbing them.

The possible supporting cast includes pufferfish, eels, Pacific octopus, and sponge reefs. These sightings add variety and give you something else to notice if a turtle is not immediately nearby.

Visibility deserves an honest note. One outing took place when the water was not perfectly clear, yet the included photographs still came out well. That is useful context for anyone expecting postcard conditions every time. The ocean is not a controlled display tank, and weather, water movement, and visibility can affect what you see.

You should also pay attention to the instructor’s directions about breathing and staying still for photos. A participant noted that forgetting to hold their breath affected some images. The practical lesson is simple: listen closely to the staff’s camera instructions and keep your movements controlled when the photographer is ready.

Underwater photos make the $83 price easier to judge

The cost is $83 per person. That is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Taiwan, but the value depends on what you would otherwise need to arrange separately.

The price includes the full scuba setup, a cylinder, the instructor, all fees and taxes, and underwater photography. For a first-time participant, having the equipment and professional supervision included removes several extra costs and decisions.

The one-instructor-per-person format is especially important when judging the price. You are paying for close attention, not just access to a body of water. A beginner may need reassurance, help with equipment, reminders about breathing, or guidance on how to move near marine life. The dedicated instructor arrangement addresses those needs directly.

The underwater photos add another practical benefit. You do not need to buy or carry a waterproof camera, and you can concentrate on the activity rather than trying to capture the moment yourself. The photos also help preserve the memory if the session feels too busy for you to take everything in at once.

The price does not include private transportation. If you need a transfer to or from Xiaoliuqiu, budget for that separately. The activity itself ends back at the meeting point.

Who will enjoy this experience most

This is a good choice for a first-time scuba participant who wants a short, guided introduction with a strong chance of seeing marine life. It suits people who are curious about scuba but do not want to spend several days on certification training.

Families may also find it appealing, provided participants meet the age and health requirements. The minimum age is 10. The experience can be suitable for most people, but you should not book if you have lung or breathing problems, ongoing issues connected to past surgery, problems with your eyes, ears, or sinuses, or difficulty with moderate exercise.

The dedicated instructor setup should appeal to anyone who feels nervous about the equipment. A first attempt can feel much easier when you know one professional is watching only you.

It is also a good fit for people who care more about wildlife than technical scuba training. You will learn useful basic skills, but the session does not lead to certification. If your goal is a formal scuba qualification, this is only a first taste.

Who may want to choose something else

This may not suit you if you need guaranteed clear water or a fixed wildlife encounter. Turtles are the focus, but nature does not work on a schedule. Visibility can be imperfect, and weather can affect whether the session runs.

You may also want to reconsider if you dislike moderate exercise or have any of the listed breathing, ear, sinus, eye, or post-surgery concerns. These are not minor details. Scuba equipment and changing pressure require you to be honest about your health before booking.

The two-hour duration is convenient, but it also means this is a compact introduction. You will not have the long, relaxed pace of a full certification course or an all-day marine excursion. The short format is a strength for curious beginners and a limitation for experienced scuba participants looking for a more demanding session.

Planning around weather and cancellation

Good weather is required. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. The cut-off is based on local time.

I would avoid placing this activity immediately before an important flight or train connection. The session is scheduled for about two hours, but sea conditions and the practical pace of a beginner activity are worth allowing extra room around.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The experience is booked an average of 18 days ahead, so reserving early is sensible if your Xiaoliuqiu dates are fixed.

The final call: book it for turtles, not certification

I would book this experience if you want your first taste of scuba in a place known for green sea turtles. The strongest features are the one-instructor-per-person arrangement, shallow-water practice, full equipment, and included underwater photos.

I would skip it if you need guaranteed visibility, formal certification, or transportation included. The $83 price is fair for a two-hour beginner session with equipment, instruction, fees, taxes, and photography, but you still need to arrange your own transport and accept that ocean conditions can change the experience.

For a curious beginner aged 10 or older who meets the health requirements, this is a focused and memorable way to meet Xiaoliuqiu’s marine life.

FAQ

Do I need scuba certification?

No. This is a beginner experience, and no scuba certification is required.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No swimming skills are required according to the activity information.

What age do I need to be?

Participants must be at least 10 years old.

How long does the experience last?

The activity takes about two hours.

What equipment is provided?

Full scuba equipment and a cylinder are provided.

Is an instructor included?

Yes. Each participant receives an instructor whose priority is that individual diver.

Are underwater photographs included?

Yes. Underwater photography is included in the experience.

What should I bring?

You need to provide your own swimsuit. Transportation to the meeting point is also your responsibility.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the operator cancels because of bad weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.