Little Liuqiu | An Island Time Breathing with Sea Turtles
Auto-TranslationDeparting from Donggang Harbor, the boat ride is short, yet long enough to temporarily leave the rhythm of the city behind. As the vessel glides over the sea, the salty sea breeze comes rushing in, and the silhouette of the distant island gradually becomes clear — that is Little Liuqiu.
The Soul of Little Liuqiu: Green Sea Turtles
When arriving at Little Liuqiu, almost everyone comes for the same reason — sea turtles. This is the habitat with the highest density of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Taiwan, where turtle groups can be found in the surrounding waters of the island. Whether snorkeling, diving, or strolling along the coast, encounters with sea turtles are almost a daily occurrence. This closeness is not accidental, but rather the result of years of conservation efforts and gradually maturing ecological awareness, as well as the shared responsibility of every visitor to protect these creatures.
Where to Encounter Sea Turtles?
The sea turtles of Little Liuqiu can be found in a wide range of areas, and the following are the locations with the highest probability of encounters:
Habalan Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling spots, featuring shallow and clear waters with abundant coral reefs. Sea turtles often come here to feed and rest, making it the place where many travelers have their first close encounter with these magnificent creatures.
Yuchengwei has a complex rocky terrain, and sea turtles love to weave in and out among the rocks or rest in the area. During low tide, looking down from the rocky platform by the shore, you may occasionally catch a glimpse of the turtles gliding gracefully beneath the surface.
The waters near Wugui Cave are abundant with currents and diverse fish species, making it an important feeding area for turtle groups. Similarly, the rocky areas along Meiren Cave also present opportunities to spot sea turtles surfacing for air near the shore. That brief moment when they poke their heads out often leaves travelers breathless.
To increase the chances of encountering sea turtles, early morning and late morning are the best times. However, weather changes can be unpredictable, and when sea conditions are poor, turtles often retreat to deeper waters.
Etiquette for Encountering Sea Turtles
In order to protect the experience of coexisting with wild sea turtles, the following basic principles must be adhered to when observing them:
Maintain a distance of at least one meter, and do not approach, chase, or surround the sea turtles. Sea turtles need to surface for air regularly, and if they are cornered by people, it can cause them panic and exhaust their energy. When snorkeling or diving, do not swim above the turtles or block their path. Touching, riding, or any form of physical contact is strictly prohibited.
According to the Wildlife Conservation Act, harassing, chasing, or harming protected wildlife can result in a maximum sentence of one year in prison or a fine of NT$300,000. In severe cases, individuals may even face criminal charges. Additionally, using flash photography is prohibited, as bright lights can startle sea turtles and cause visual disturbances.
When observing turtles from the shore, it is equally important to remain quiet and avoid loud noises or rapid movements, allowing the sea turtles to surface naturally for air and leave without disturbance from humans.
Breeding Season and Conservation Significance
Every year, from May to October, is the breeding season for green sea turtles. During the night, female turtles quietly crawl onto the beach to dig nests in the sand, laying dozens to over a hundred eggs before quietly returning to the sea. The incubation period lasts about fifty to sixty days, and after hatching, the hatchlings instinctively crawl towards the ocean, embarking on a journey that will last for decades.
Little Liuqiu is one of the few islands in Taiwan where sea turtles still regularly come ashore to nest. However, coastal light pollution can interfere with female turtles' choice of nesting sites and can cause newly hatched turtles to become disoriented. During the breeding season, volunteers and conservation teams on the island set up fences near known nesting spots to protect the turtle nests. If travelers are walking on the beach at night, they should avoid shining flashlights directly on the sand and strive to remain quiet in order to prevent startling the female turtles preparing to come ashore.
If you discover an injured or stranded sea turtle on the island, please contact the local coast guard or conservation organization immediately, and do not attempt to move or handle it yourself.
Other Times on the Island
On sunny days, you can don your snorkeling gear and dive into the water, drifting freely among the fish in the azure depths, as if entering another tranquil and slower world. Even on slightly overcast days, walking slowly along the coast, with the waves gently crashing onto the coral reefs and the clear water surging around your feet, still keeps you close to nature.
Back on land, renting a scooter to circle the island is the easiest way to get to know this place. Arriving at Meiren Cave, the sea-eroded cave and unique rock formations create a distinctive landscape. The cliffs have been worn down by the sea over the years, forming curved entrances and special textures, with sunlight streaming in and casting dappled shadows. Further ahead is Shanjugou, where the path winds along the coral limestone terrain, providing shaded areas under the trees, making the air feel exceptionally refreshing. The rock textures are clearly visible, like marks left by time.
In the evening, find a spot along the coast to sit down as the sun slowly descends, painting the sky in shades of orange and pale purple, while the sea shimmers with a gentle glow. With no tall buildings obstructing your view, the entire sky and ocean come into sight. In that moment, time seems to slow down, and all urgency is washed away by the waves.
