Guishan Island (Yilan)
Island Small volcanic island off Taiwan, called Turtle Island
Off Yilan’s coast, Guishan (Turtle) Island is a volcanic islet with steep shorelines and offshore wildlife. Tourists join boat trips for whale and dolphin watching and landings when permitted.
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Guishan Island, commonly called Turtle Island, is a small volcanic island off the coast of Yilan County in northeastern Taiwan. It is known for its volcanic geology and distinctive turtle-shaped silhouette.
Boat tours from Yilan and Toucheng offer circumnavigation and wildlife-watching, with many operators combining island views with whale- and dolphin-watching in nearby waters. On permitted visits visitors encounter coastal rock formations, seabird colonies, and visible signs of the island’s volcanic origin.
The island was formed by volcanic activity and shows fumarolic and hydrothermal features; it has been uninhabited for much of the modern era and is managed for conservation. Access has been controlled in recent decades to protect natural and cultural features.
Guishan Island lies off the northeast coast of Taiwan, offshore from Yilan County. Tours typically depart from the Toucheng area on the Yilan coast.
- Access restrictions: Landing on the island is tightly regulated and visits are only allowed with authorised tour operators or permits due to its protected status.
- Shape and tours: The island has a distinctive turtle-like profile that is visible from the Yilan coast and many boat tours combine a landing or circumnavigation with whale- and dolphin-watching.
How to Get to Guishan Island (Yilan) #
Boat services run from Yilan County harbors such as Wushi Harbor (Toucheng), with trips that typically take 20-40 minutes depending on sea conditions. Services are seasonal and weather-dependent; confirm schedules with licensed operators in advance.
Tips for Visiting Guishan Island (Yilan) #
- Boat trips from Toucheng and Wushi Harbor are weather-dependent; book morning departures for calmer seas.
- The island has protected status and visitor numbers are controlled - confirm permits or tour availability in advance.
- Bring a light jacket: seas can be cool year-round and the boat ride can be windy.
Best Time to Visit Guishan Island (Yilan) #
Late autumn through spring tends to be the best window for calmer seas and reliable boat services.
Weather & Climate near Guishan Island (Yilan) #
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 14°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3159 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 15°C. Heavy rain (204 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 14°C. Heavy rain (221 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (214 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (180 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (272 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (278 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (222 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (292 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (408 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 26°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (391 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (264 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (213 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
