Vase Rock (花瓶岩) is the emblem of Xiaoliuqiu (Little Liuqiu), a coral island off Pingtung in southwestern Taiwan — an uplifted, wave-eroded reef pillar shaped like a flower vase, standing on the shore just a 5–8 minute walk from Baisha Tourist Harbor. With an estimated 800-plus green sea turtles living permanently around the island, it is Taiwan's most famous place to snorkel with turtles, which regularly graze on seaweed in the shallows here. The reef lies in roughly 1–6 m of water with 10–20 m visibility; the sea is swimmable year-round (about 28–29 °C in summer, 24 °C in winter), and a mix of coral and sand draws tropical fish alongside the turtles. As of 2026 it stays busy in peak season (April–October) and on weekends, and the surrounding intertidal flats are managed conservation zones with guides, quotas and fees.
Vase Rock itself — an iconic uplifted-coral pillar eroded into a vase shape, the island's landmark.
One of the world's densest green sea turtle populations; high odds of seeing turtles even in shallow water.
At high tide, turtles come close to shore to feed on seaweed, boosting your chances of an encounter.
A mixed coral-and-sand bottom with tropical fish and intertidal life over gentle terrain suited to beginners.
Easy access: a 5–8 minute walk from Baisha Harbor, with gear-rental shops and snorkel tours clustered nearby.
Good to know
SafetyIt looks shallow and calm, but currents and rip currents occur and the site sits beside a working harbor with frequent boat and ferry traffic. Wear a life jacket, tow a float/buoy, and never snorkel alone — beginners especially should not underestimate it.
SafetyThe uplifted reef has razor-sharp edges and turns slippery at low tide. Wear reef booties, and never touch sea urchins, fire coral, jellyfish or other stinging or cutting life.
RulesTouching, chasing or cornering a sea turtle is illegal and can bring a fine of up to NT$300,000; standing on or breaking coral is also penalized.
RulesXiaoliuqiu's main intertidal areas (e.g. Shanfu and Yuchengwei) are designated ecological landscape zones you may enter only with a certified guide, under headcount and time limits. As of 2026 the Gebanwan intertidal zone charges a NT$60-per-person conservation fee.
MannersKeep a generous distance from turtles and fish, never feed them, and avoid chasing or flash photography. Don't stand on the coral, and reef-safe sunscreen is strongly encouraged.
SeasonSnorkeling is possible year-round, but peak season is April–October and June–October is Taiwan's typhoon season, so always check sea and weather conditions. Around high tide is best for turtles, and summer weekends get extremely crowded.
Practical info
Reach the island via Donggang (near Kaohsiung), where ferries take about 20–30 minutes to Baisha Tourist Harbor; Vase Rock is a 5–8 minute walk from there. Gear rental (roughly NT$300–400) and guided tours with a life jacket are standard. Prices, ferry schedules, intertidal-entry rules and conservation fees change by season, so confirm the latest details before you go.
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