Turtle Island Whale Watching Introduction
Guishan Island has been listed as one of the coolest small islands in the world by the internationally renowned nature website "WHEN ON EARTH." When you visit the Northeast Coast, not only can you enjoy the coastal beauty and magnificent rocky reefs, but you can also take a boat to the mysterious small island off the coast of Yilan and experience the Blue Highway, exploring Guishan Island along the way! The waters surrounding Guishan Island are shallow, gathering many fish schools, making it one of Taiwan's top three fishing grounds and a hotspot for whales and dolphins, with as many as 17 species spotted in considerable numbers, including spinning dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pygmy killer whales, and false killer whales. The best season for whale and dolphin watching is from April to the end of September, so it is worth taking a whale watching boat to Guishan Island for a summer sea adventure. Based on the captain's experience, the boat may stop at locations where whales and dolphins are spotted. As everyone eagerly searches for the sea's spirits, they will jump out of the water one after another, sometimes playfully playing hide and seek with passing fishing boats. Their adorable appearance and graceful movements are sure to surprise everyone! Don't miss the stunning gradient colors of the sea, created by volcanic underwater hot springs that change some of the water's colors, resulting in layers of varying depths and shades, embodying a milky blue that is romantic and dreamlike! Most whale and dolphin watching itineraries will also include a scenic tour around the island to experience Guishan Island's rich geological landscape and marvelous natural phenomena, including underwater hot springs, Turtle Island's smoke, the Turtle's tail waving, the Eyeglass Cave, Turtle Rock cliffs, Turtle egg legends, Guishan Sunrise, and the cap-wearing divine turtle, collectively known as the "Eight Scenic Views of Guishan." The unique scenery of Turtle Island is not easily seen at the same time, depending on the day's weather and tidal factors, adding to the mystery of these legendary eight scenes. The main departure point for the boat to the small island is Toudeng Wushi Harbor. The whale watching boats are generally divided into two categories: one type is modified entertainment fishing boats originally used for sea fishing, and the other has been newly built in the past two years specifically for passenger use. Each type of boat offers different advantages in terms of viewing experience and comfort. When going out to watch whales, you can choose the most suitable boat for your needs, exploring the infinite charm of Guishan Island. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tips: The best time for dolphin watching is from 5 AM to 12 PM, while the optimal time for whale watching is from 12 PM to 3 PM. In the afternoon, you can not only see dolphins but also increase the chances of spotting whales. To identify various whales and dolphins, look for factors such as the height and shape of their spouts, visibility, group behavior, size, and distinguishing characteristics like dorsal fin shape and position, color, body shape, head shape, as well as behaviors like breaching, cruising on the surface, and the rising of the tail (dive procedure), which are all primary methods for discerning different species during whale watching.
