Discover Scuba Diving With Sea Turtles – Xiaoliuqiu, Taiwan

Turtles are the star attraction here. This two-hour beginner scuba experience takes you into the Pacific waters around Xiaoliuqiu, an island known for an unusually high concentration of green sea turtles. I like the one-instructor-per-person setup, and I like that underwater photos are included, so you can focus on staying calm instead of managing a camera.

The $83 price also covers the full scuba kit, cylinder, instructor, fees, and taxes. The main consideration is that ocean visibility and weather can change, and this experience does not result in a scuba certification. It is a first taste of breathing underwater, not a full training course.

Key points about this Xiaoliuqiu turtle experience

• Green sea turtles are the main draw: The surrounding waters are known for a high density of green turtles, with chances to see them at close range.
• No swimming skills or certification are required: The session is designed for first-time participants aged 10 and older.
• One instructor is assigned to each diver: That gives beginners direct help during practice and the underwater portion.
• Underwater photos are included: You can leave with pictures and videos, though visibility may affect the results.
• The full session lasts about two hours: It includes basic instruction, shallow-water practice, equipment use, and time underwater.
• The group is limited to 10 people: The small maximum helps keep the outing personal rather than crowded.

Why Xiaoliuqiu is such a good place to meet turtles

Xiaoliuqiu, also called Xiao Liu Qiu or Liuchiu Island, sits in the Pacific waters near Taiwan’s Bashi Channel. The area is noted for its green sea turtles, and that makes this experience different from a standard first scuba lesson in a swimming pool or generic coastal site.

You are not simply learning how to breathe through a regulator and then looking at a few fish. The goal is to bring those basic skills into a coral reef setting where you might encounter turtles, puffers, eels, Pacific octopus, and sponge reefs. That wildlife list is appealing, but keep your expectations sensible. Sea animals are wild, and the staff can know the best local spots without promising a guaranteed encounter every time.

The green turtles are the strongest reason to choose this activity. The close approach can feel magical, especially when you are new to scuba and still getting used to the strange rhythm of breathing underwater. For many people, seeing a turtle glide past is the moment the lesson turns into a real ocean memory.

The setting also gives the session a sense of place. You are experiencing a particular marine environment around a small Taiwanese island, rather than completing a generic tourist activity that could happen anywhere.

What happens during the two-hour session

The experience begins at No. 90-2, Lane 1, Zhongzheng Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County. The activity runs daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the exact start time selected during booking.

You first receive basic safety guidance and learn the skills needed for a supervised beginner session. The instruction matters more than it may sound. New scuba participants often need a little time to adjust to the mask, regulator, cylinder, and sensation of breathing below the surface.

You then practice a few skills in shallow water. This is a useful part of the session because it lets you deal with the equipment before moving toward the coral reef. If you feel nervous, tell your instructor early. The stated arrangement gives each person a dedicated instructor, so you are not competing for attention in a large beginner class.

After the practice period, you head into the water for the main underwater portion. The operator supplies the scuba equipment and cylinder, while the instructor remains focused on your safety and comfort. The program is supervised from start to finish, which is especially important for anyone trying scuba for the first time.

The itinerary lists Xiaoliuqiu as the single stop, so this is not a sightseeing trip with several island locations. The value comes from the time spent preparing properly and then exploring one marine area with a clear aim: finding turtles and other local sea life.

At the end, you return to the same meeting point. The total time is about two hours, though you should allow some flexibility around the scheduled start because conditions at sea can affect the plan.

The personal instruction is the biggest advantage

For a first underwater experience, an instructor assigned to each diver is a major benefit. You do not have to wonder if a guide can see you among a group of beginners. You can receive direct reminders about breathing, body position, equipment, and staying calm.

The staff’s friendly, reassuring approach has been one of the most praised parts of the experience. That matters because confidence is often the difference between enjoying a first scuba session and spending the whole time trying to manage nerves.

The activity is suitable for people with no certification and no swimming skills, but that does not mean it is effortless. You still need to handle moderate exercise and follow safety instructions. The staff will teach the basic skills, but you remain an active participant.

The one-to-one format also helps families. A child’s first underwater experience requires patience and close supervision, and the available feedback includes a positive account of a child’s first scuba session. The minimum age is 10, so check that every participant meets the age rule before booking.

What you might see below the surface

Green sea turtles are the headline sight. The surrounding waters are described as having one of the world’s highest densities of green sea turtles, which gives this outing a stronger chance of a turtle encounter than a general reef lesson.

You might also see puffers, eels, Pacific octopus, and sponge reefs. Each adds something different to the experience. Turtles offer the memorable large-animal encounter, while eels and octopus reward careful observation. Sponge reefs give the reef a more unusual texture than a simple field of colorful fish.

The quality of the encounter depends on nature. You may see several turtles, as some participants have, but the operator cannot control animal movement or visibility. One session had less-than-perfect water clarity, yet the photographs and videos still turned out well. That is a useful reminder to judge the activity by the whole experience, not by the promise of perfectly clear water.

Stay patient and avoid rushing toward wildlife. Your instructor will know how to approach the area, and quiet, steady movement is more likely to produce a good view than frantic kicking.

Underwater photos are included, with one useful tip

Underwater photography is included in the price. That is a real advantage for beginners, since holding a camera while managing new equipment can be awkward. You can concentrate on your instructor and the animals, then use the images to remember the experience afterward.

The photos and videos may vary with visibility, light, and your own movements. If the water is not perfectly clear, do not expect every image to look like a professional wildlife film. Still, having a record of your first time breathing underwater is valuable, particularly if a turtle appears nearby.

There is also a small practical lesson in the photo process. Follow the instructor’s directions closely when preparing for an image, including any instruction to pause your breath briefly for the shot. Do not improvise with breathing technique. Normal scuba breathing and safety instructions always come first.

The included photography makes the $83 cost easier to justify. You are paying for equipment, instruction, access to a marine setting, and a visual record, not just for a short look below the surface.

Is the $83 price good value?

At $83 per person, this is not the cheapest activity you could add to an island trip. It is also more than a casual snorkeling outing. The comparison is important: snorkeling requires less equipment and training, while this session gives you a controlled introduction to scuba with an instructor focused only on you.

The price includes:

• Full scuba equipment
• A cylinder
• A personal instructor
• Underwater photography
• All fees and taxes

Private transportation is not included. You need to make your own way to the meeting point in Liuqiu Township. The address is near public transportation, which helps, but you should plan the route separately instead of assuming hotel pickup.

For someone curious about scuba but not ready to commit to certification, the value is strong. You can find out how comfortable you feel underwater without paying for a multi-day course. For a certified scuba enthusiast, the format may feel too basic, since the session is built for first-timers and does not offer certification.

Conditions, health rules, and what to bring

You provide your own swimsuit. The operator supplies the scuba gear and cylinder, so you do not need to bring a personal equipment set for this activity.

You should only book if you have no current problems with your lungs or breathing. The stated health requirements also exclude ongoing issues linked to past surgery, problems with the eyes, ears, nose, or sinuses, and difficulty with moderate exercise.

These rules are practical safeguards, not paperwork to ignore. Underwater pressure can make ordinary ear or sinus problems more uncomfortable, and the activity requires enough physical ability to manage the equipment and follow instructions.

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That flexibility is helpful, but it also means you should avoid scheduling this as the only important activity on the final day of a tightly packed trip.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity has a maximum of 10 participants, and service animals are allowed.

Who will enjoy this experience most?

This is a good match for you if:

• You are at least 10 years old and want to try scuba without certification.
• You are excited by the idea of seeing green sea turtles.
• You prefer close guidance instead of a large group lesson.
• You want underwater photos without handling a camera yourself.
• You can manage moderate exercise and have no listed breathing, ear, eye, sinus, or surgery-related problems.
• You have enough flexibility to adjust your plans if weather affects the session.

It is less suitable if you want a certified qualification, a full-day marine tour, or guaranteed perfect visibility. It may also disappoint you if you dislike close instruction or are uncomfortable with basic equipment practice before entering open water.

The experience is especially appealing for families with older children, couples, and first-time scuba participants who want a memorable marine encounter without signing up for a long course.

Booking and cancellation details that matter

The tour is often booked about 18 days ahead, so reserve early if your Taiwan schedule is fixed or you want a particular time. Confirmation remains subject to availability, and you should wait for that confirmation before treating the activity as final.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the local start time are not refunded or accepted.

Because weather can cancel the session, leave some room in your itinerary if possible. A backup day on Xiaoliuqiu gives you a better chance of enjoying the activity rather than losing your only chance to get in the water.

Should you book the Xiaoliuqiu turtle session?

Book it if you want a gentle first step into scuba and the chance to meet green sea turtles in their natural setting. The personal instructor arrangement, included equipment, and underwater photography give the $83 price real substance.

Go in with realistic expectations. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, visibility may be imperfect, and this is not a certification course. But if you can follow instructions, handle moderate exercise, and allow the sea to set the pace, this is one of the more memorable ways to experience Xiaoliuqiu.

FAQ

Do I need scuba certification to join?

No. The activity is designed for first-time participants and does not require scuba certification.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No swimming skills are required according to the activity information.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 10 years old.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours.

Is scuba equipment provided?

Yes. Full scuba equipment and a cylinder are included.

Is an instructor provided?

Yes. Each diver has an instructor focused on that person during the activity.

Are underwater photos included?

Yes. Underwater photography is included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the session?

You can select a different date or receive a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.