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Explore the region
About Guishan Island Landing & Whale-watching Trips
Guishan Island (龟山岛) is the turtle-shaped volcanic island off Toucheng on Yilan's coast. Its raised head and long tail make it an unmistakable landmark from the mainland. Boat trips reveal a different landscape: steep island cliffs, volcanic features and water coloured by submarine hot springs, together with a history of settlement and military use.
Landing visits can include Guiwei Lake, Putuo Temple and former military tunnels. The climb to the 401 summit is a separate undertaking from an ordinary island walk; a boat ticket should not be assumed to include it. Offshore whale and dolphin watching is another part of the local excursion trade, with wildlife sightings dependent on conditions.
Treat the island landing, circumnavigation and wildlife trip as distinct components when comparing itineraries. A guided shore visit explains the inhabited landscape, while the boat perspective makes the volcanic form easier to understand. Neither a famous island photograph nor a wildlife season guarantees the exact experience on a particular sailing.
What to look for
- Turtle-shaped volcanic profile viewed from the sea
- Guiwei Lake and traces of settlement and military use
- Submarine hot-spring waters and offshore marine wildlife
Location & getting there
Getting to Guishan Island Landing & Whale-watching Trips
Arrange a licensed boat itinerary from the Toucheng harbour area and confirm landing permission, guide arrangements and any separate summit access. Reconfirm the sailing with the operator.
- Search for 龟山岛正规登岛与赏鲸行程 with 头城镇.
Find Guishan Island Landing & Whale-watching Trips
龟山岛正规登岛与赏鲸行程 · 头城镇
No reliable map pin yet: search by the Chinese name.
Sources & visit information
Identity, setting and selected historical, cultural or natural features were checked against the linked official sources on 10 September 2026. This is a sourced introduction and observation guide. Current exhibitions, access, prices and transport services need a fresh check before travel.
Selected visitor facts translated and adapted from Tourism Administration and contributing local tourism authorities, 2026 Tourism Information Database v2.1 — 龜山島 (Attraction_A15011300H_010073) · Open Government Data License 1.0.