Dongyuping is a small volcanic island inside South Penghu Marine National Park, reached only by tour boat from Magong's Nanhai Visitor Center in southern Taiwan. Its signature draw is the "Lavender Forest": beds of purple staghorn coral in less than 3 m of water that glow lavender under the light, part of a reef with roughly 70% coral coverage, among the healthiest in Taiwan. Snorkelers can also see green table coral, the only anemone-and-clownfish habitat in Penghu ("Nemo Coral Garden"), sea urchins, moray eels and green sea turtles. As of 2026, park rules still limit water activities to April through September, require an advance permit and a licensed tour, and cap the number of daily visitors.
The "Lavender Forest": dense purple staghorn coral in under 3 m of water that shimmers lavender under sunlight, the site's headline sight.
About 70% coral coverage, one of Taiwan's healthiest reefs, protected and restored within a marine national park.
"Nemo Coral Garden": Penghu's only spot with sea anemones and clownfish, plus green table coral, green sea turtles, starfish and moray eels.
Volcanic scenery with terraced stone fields, a "Taiwanese Machu Picchu" look, and Penghu's only GTS Green Travel-certified island.
Visited on a South Four Islands hopping day tour that also cruises the Xiji Blue Cave and views Dongji Islet.
Good to know
SafetyThis is a remote, open-sea reef reached only by boat. Currents can push snorkelers toward open water, so always stay with your guide and group, use a buoy or float, and never swim off alone.
SafetyThe water is shallow (around 3 m), so you are close to the reef. Staghorn coral is sharp and cuts easily, and sea urchins, moray eels and jellyfish can sting; do not touch anything with hands or fins and keep your distance.
SafetyWatch for chill on long swims, plus mask fogging and panic. Beginners must wear a life vest and not overexert. Even where it looks shallow, this is open water, so do not let your guard down.
RulesThis is a special-landscape zone of a marine national park: water activities require an advance permit and a licensed tour. The season runs April 1 to September 30, with activity allowed only from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
RulesTouching, standing on, breaking or collecting coral and marine life is forbidden, and reef-safe sunscreen is recommended. Jet skis, banana boats, parasailing and other high-speed powered activities are banned throughout the park.
MannersDo not stand on the coral. Keep a respectful distance from green sea turtles and other wildlife, and never touch or feed them.
SeasonBest from May to September, with summer water at about 27-29C. In winter the strong northeast monsoon and cooler water (around 20C) close the park and stop the boats. Check tides, weather and the summer-autumn typhoon risk before you go.
Practical info
Access is by tour yacht from the Nanhai Visitor Center and First Fishing Port in Magong (Penghu's main island), usually as a South Four Islands hopping day trip that also visits Dongji Islet and the Xiji Blue Cave. Independent entry is not allowed; you must book a licensed operator that holds a national-park permit, and boats run only in the April-September season. Confirm current prices, departure times, remaining spots and weather before booking.
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