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.
Guishan Island (Yilan) at a Glance#
About Guishan Island (Yilan)#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 15° - 19° | 17° | 204 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.7h |
| February | Acceptable | 15° - 18° | 16° | 221 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.2h |
| March | Acceptable | 16° - 20° | 18° | 214 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 19° - 23° | 21° | 180 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.6h |
| May | Good | 22° - 26° | 24° | 272 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.2h |
| June | Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 278 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.0 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.5h |
| July | Good | 25° - 31° | 33° | 222 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.4h |
| August | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 32° | 292 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 4.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| September | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 408 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 26° | 24° | 391 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.5h |
| November | Good | 20° - 23° | 21° | 264 mm | overcast | 82% | 5.5 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 10.8h |
| December | Acceptable | 17° - 20° | 19° | 213 mm | overcast | 80% | 6.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.5h |