Guishan Island Whale and Dolphin Watching

Guishan Island was once listed by the internationally renowned nature website "WHEN ON EARTH" as one of the coolest islands in the world. When you come to the Northeast Coast, in addition to admiring the coastal scenery and magnificent rock formations, you can now also take a boat to this mysterious island off the coast of Yilan, cruise the blue highway, and enjoy your way to Guishan Island! The waters near Guishan Island are shallow, attracting many fish, which not only makes Guishan Island one of Taiwan's three major fishing grounds but also a frequent haunt for whales and dolphins. There are as many as 17 species, and the numbers are quite significant, mainly consisting of spinner 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. Why not take a whale watching boat to and from Guishan Island and embark on a summer sea adventure? Along the blue highway, the captain will stop at locations where whales and dolphins are likely to appear, based on their experience. As everyone eagerly searches for these sea spirits, they will successively leap out of the water, sometimes playfully hiding from passing fishing boats. Their adorable appearance and graceful movements will certainly bring continuous surprises! And don't miss the stunning gradient seawater! Underwater hot springs, a result of the volcanic topography, cause some of the seawater to change color, creating layers of varying depths and shades, including a milky blue hue – truly romantic and dreamlike! Most whale and dolphin watching tours also include a round-the-island scenic cruise, allowing you to experience Guishan Island's rich geological landscape and wondrous natural phenomena. The "Eight Sights of Guishan Island" include: Submarine Hot Springs, Guishan Sulfurous Smoke, Spirit Turtle Wagging its Tail, Spectacle Cave, Guishan Cliffs, Legend of Turtle Eggs, Guishan Sunrise, and Sacred Turtle Wearing a Hat. These unique turtle-shaped island views are not easily seen all at once; they depend on factors such as the day's weather and tides, which adds to the mystery of these legendary eight sights. The main departure port for boats to the island is Wushi Harbor in Toucheng. Whale watching boats are broadly categorized into two types: one type consists of recreational fishing boats converted from their original sea-fishing operations, and the other type includes vessels specifically built for passenger use in the last two years. Both types of boats have their own strengths in terms of viewing experience and comfort/luxury. When heading out for whale watching, you can choose the boat that best suits your needs to explore the infinite charm of Guishan Island. **Whale and Dolphin Watching Tips:** The best time for "dolphin" watching is from 5 AM to 12 PM; the best time for "whale" watching is from 12 PM to 3 PM. In the afternoon, in addition to seeing dolphins, the chances of whales appearing are also higher. Methods for identifying various whales and dolphins include the height, shape, and visibility of their blow; group behavior; body size; external features such as dorsal fin position and shape, color, body type, and head shape; as well as behaviors like breaching, surface cruising, and fluke-up diving. These are the main methods for identifying whale and dolphin species during a whale watching trip.