Discover Scuba Diving With Sea Turtles – Xiaoliuqiu, Taiwan

Xiaoliuqiu is one of Taiwan’s best places to meet green sea turtles underwater, and this short scuba session gives beginners a gentle way to do it. You learn basic skills in shallow water, then head toward the coral reef with an instructor assigned to you alone.

I like the one-instructor-per-person setup, especially if you feel nervous about breathing through a regulator. I also like that underwater photos are included, so you can focus on the turtles instead of trying to manage a camera. The main drawback is that sea conditions control visibility, and the session may feel brief if you want a long time below the surface.

Key points to know before you book

• Green sea turtles are the main attraction: Xiaoliuqiu is promoted as one of the world’s highest-density areas for these turtles.
• No certification is needed: You learn basic safety and scuba skills before entering the reef area.
• One instructor is assigned to each participant: This gives beginners direct attention throughout the session.
• The whole activity takes about two hours: It fits neatly into a day on Xiaoliuqiu.
• Underwater photos are included: You receive a visual record of the session without having to bring your own camera.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Meeting green sea turtles around Xiaoliuqiu

The draw here is simple: you are not just practicing scuba skills in a pool or looking at a reef from the surface. You are heading into the Pacific waters around Xiao Liu Qiu, a small island off Taiwan’s southwest coast, where green sea turtles are a central part of the underwater scene.

The water around the island is influenced by the Bashi Channel, and the marine life can include green sea turtles, pufferfish, eels, Pacific octopus, and sponge reefs. You may see some of these animals, but no responsible operator can promise a fixed list. The turtles are the reason to book, while the other creatures add variety if conditions and timing work in your favor.

This is a good choice if you want a first taste of scuba without committing to a full certification course. You do not need a scuba certificate, and the activity does not result in one. Think of it as a supervised introduction, not professional training.

You also do not need swimming skills according to the supplied requirements. Still, you should be comfortable with moderate exercise and with entering the water under the direction of an instructor. Basic confidence helps, even though the session is designed for complete beginners.

How the two-hour session works

The meeting point is at No. 90-2, Lane 1, Zhongzheng Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 929. The activity begins and ends at this same point, and private transportation is not included.

After you arrive, the team provides the full scuba setup, including the equipment and cylinder. You receive a basic explanation of safety rules and the skills needed for the session. This preparation matters more than it may sound. For a first-time participant, the hardest part is often getting used to breathing through the equipment and staying calm in the water.

You then practice a few skills in shallow water. This gives you a chance to check your mask, regulator, and general comfort before moving toward the reef. If you feel uncertain, this is the right moment to speak up. The personal instructor arrangement means your session can move at a pace that suits you better than a large group class.

Once you are ready, the instructor guides you toward the coral reef area. The focus is not on covering a large distance. It is on learning to move safely, watching the surroundings, and spotting marine life without chasing it.

The session lasts about two hours in total. That includes the briefing, equipment use, shallow-water practice, and time in the sea. The exact amount of time spent looking for turtles will depend on conditions and how quickly you become comfortable with the equipment.

Why one instructor for each person matters

Many first-time scuba sessions place several beginners with one instructor. That can work, but it can also leave you waiting while another person sorts out a mask or regulator problem. Here, each participant has an instructor as their only priority.

That setup is the strongest practical feature of the activity. You can ask questions without holding up a group, and your instructor can watch your comfort level closely. If your ears need more time to adjust or you feel unsure about a skill, direct attention is useful.

It is also helpful for families. One of the supplied comments describes a child’s first scuba experience, with the staff taking special care throughout the session. The minimum age is 10, so this can work for older children who meet the health requirements and are comfortable following instructions.

The personal setup does not remove every challenge. You still need to manage basic equipment and listen carefully to the safety briefing. But it lowers the pressure that often comes with learning a new water activity in front of other people.

What the marine life may include

Green sea turtles are the stars here. The area is described as having one of the highest densities of green sea turtles in the world, which gives this session a clear purpose beyond simply learning scuba skills.

Seeing a turtle underwater is different from seeing one from a boat or shoreline. You can watch it move through its surroundings, but you must give it space and follow the instructor’s directions. The best approach is quiet observation. Do not expect a staged animal encounter or a guaranteed close approach.

The reef setting may also bring pufferfish, eels, Pacific octopus, and sponge formations into view. These smaller details can make the session rewarding even if the turtles are harder to find on a particular day.

Visibility is the main variable. One session took place when the water was not perfectly clear, yet the underwater photos still turned out well. That is useful context: the trip can remain worthwhile in less-than-perfect conditions, but you should not expect every photo to look sharp and bright.

Underwater photos and a useful camera tip

Underwater photography is included, which adds real value to the $83 price. First-time participants often have enough to think about without carrying a camera, checking settings, or trying to frame a turtle while managing their breathing equipment.

The photos also give families and couples something tangible to take home. If this is your first time below the surface, the images can help you remember the moment without distracting you from the actual session.

There is one small tip worth remembering: follow the staff’s instructions about holding your breath when a photo is being taken. One participant admitted that forgetting this affected some of the pictures. The point is not to force yourself to hold your breath for long. Listen to the instructor’s timing and remain still when asked.

The photos are a bonus, not a guarantee of perfect images. Water clarity, light, movement, and your comfort level all affect the result. Still, having photography included is more convenient than paying extra for it or trying to use your own phone underwater.

Is $83 a fair price?

At $83 per person, this is not the cheapest water activity you could choose in Taiwan. The value comes from what is bundled into the short session: full scuba equipment, a cylinder, all fees and taxes, a personal instructor, and underwater photography.

For a certified scuba enthusiast looking for a long session, two hours may feel limited. This is aimed at beginners, and beginners need time for the briefing and shallow-water practice. You are paying for a carefully supervised introduction rather than maximum time underwater.

The personal instruction is especially important when judging the price. A lower-cost group activity may give you less individual attention. Here, the instructor’s full focus can make the difference between feeling relaxed and spending the whole session worrying about your equipment.

I would see the cost as reasonable for a first-time underwater encounter, particularly if seeing green sea turtles is a priority. It is less compelling if you already have extensive scuba experience and want a longer, more technical outing.

Health, age, and what to bring

The minimum age is 10. No swimming skills or certification are required, but the activity is not suitable for every person.

You should have no current problem with your lungs or breathing, and no ongoing issue linked to past surgery. The listed requirements also include no problems with your eyes, ears, nasal passages, or sinuses. You should be able to handle moderate exercise.

These conditions are practical safety checks, not minor paperwork. Changes in pressure and the physical work of moving through water can make existing health problems important. If you are uncertain about your fitness, ask a medical professional before booking.

Bring your own swimsuit. Scuba equipment is supplied, but the swimsuit is not. The experience runs between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday, during the stated operating period from January 23, 2025, through December 8, 2026.

The confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity accepts service animals and is near public transportation, but private transport is not included, so plan your route to the meeting point in advance.

Weather and water visibility

This is an ocean activity, so weather can change the plan. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time.

Even when the activity runs, the water may not be perfectly clear. The supplied experience with less-than-perfect visibility is a useful reminder to set realistic expectations. You are booking access to a natural reef, not an aquarium with controlled lighting.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it also means you should avoid booking this as the only reason for a tightly scheduled same-day connection. Give yourself room for weather changes if possible.

Who will enjoy this most?

This session fits several types of visitors:

• First-time scuba participants who want a controlled introduction
• Families with children aged 10 or older who meet the health requirements
• Couples looking for an unusual activity on Xiaoliuqiu
• People who want underwater photos without carrying a camera
• Marine-life fans whose main goal is seeing green sea turtles
• Visitors with only a short window for a water activity

It is less suitable if you want formal certification, a long technical session, or full control over the route and time underwater. It is also not ideal if your schedule cannot handle a possible weather change.

The strongest match is a curious beginner who values personal instruction. You do not need to arrive with scuba experience, but you do need patience for the training portion and a willingness to follow directions closely.

Should you book the Xiaoliuqiu turtle session?

Book it if you want a beginner-friendly way to see the underwater world around Xiaoliuqiu, especially if green sea turtles are high on your Taiwan wish list. The one-to-one instruction, included equipment, and underwater photos make the $83 price easier to justify.

Go in with sensible expectations. The session lasts about two hours, the water may not have perfect visibility, and wildlife sightings are never fully controlled. Still, you get a direct introduction to the sea, a chance to encounter turtles and other Pacific marine life, and strong support if this is your first time using scuba equipment.

For a first underwater adventure, that is a practical and memorable combination.

FAQ

Do I need scuba certification for this activity?

No. The session is designed for first-time participants, and no scuba certification is required.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No swimming skills are required according to the activity information. You must still be able to handle moderate exercise and follow the instructor’s directions.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts about two hours, including the preparation and shallow-water practice.

Where does the activity meet?

It meets at No. 90-2, Lane 1, Zhongzheng Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 929. The session ends at the same meeting point.

Is transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included. The meeting point is near public transportation.

Is scuba equipment provided?

Yes. Full scuba equipment and a cylinder are included, along with all fees and taxes.

Are underwater photos included?

Yes. Underwater photography is included in the activity.

What happens if bad weather cancels the session?

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