Turtles are the main event here. In Liuqiu’s Pacific waters, you get an easy intro scuba session aimed at green sea turtles, with gear handled for you and a small team that keeps things calm for first-timers. I also love that the focus stays personal, with one instructor per person so you can learn the basics fast and feel looked after.

If you want a simple way to see real reef life, this is a strong choice. You’ll get underwater photo help as part of the experience, and you’re set up to go from shallow practice to time underwater without needing any certification. One consideration: the water can vary, and the experience depends on good weather, so plan for less-than-perfect visibility on some days.

Key highlights before you go

• Green sea turtles in high numbers around Liuqiu, right where the Pacific flows through the Bashi Channel
• No certification required, with shallow-water practice and direct supervision
• One instructor per diver, plus a small maximum group size of 10
• Full scuba equipment provided, including your cylinder
• Underwater photography included, so you’re not left guessing about camera settings
• 2 hours total, which makes it easy to fit into a day on the island

Why Liuqiu’s waters are built for green sea turtles

If you’re chasing the real thing underwater, Liuqiu (Little Liuqiu) has a reputation for green sea turtles—and this tour is built around that payoff. The action happens in the Pacific waters tied to the Bashi Channel, where the marine life density is the point. Translation for you: you’re not signing up for a long, generic reef cruise. You’re signing up for a focused wildlife encounter.

What I like about this setup is how practical it is for non-divers. You’re not required to have scuba experience or certification. Instead, you learn the safety basics and buoyancy fundamentals in shallow water, then you head underwater under close supervision. That structure matters because it reduces the chance you’ll spend your whole time worrying about gear and breathing.

Also, the underwater menu here isn’t just turtles. Expect a chance to see puffers, eels, pacific octopus, and sponge reefs. Even if you don’t see every animal every time, the overall reef ecosystem is the reason you’re there.

A real first-timer plan: shallow skills, full gear, and close guidance

This is an intro program designed for people who want to breathe underwater and experience reef life without going through certification training. The format is straightforward: you’ll cover basic safety guidelines and core skills, then practice a few essentials in shallow water before you move forward.

Here’s what makes it feel manageable: you’re paired with an instructor and supplied with full equipment, including your cylinder. You also get direct supervision throughout, not “good luck out there.” The experience is explicitly designed so you’re the priority of your instructor, which is a big deal when you’re learning how your body behaves underwater.

You’ll also need to provide your own swimsuit. That’s it—no extra shopping for specialized gear. For many people, that alone lowers the stress level. You show up, get set up properly, and focus on the new sensation of controlled breathing and controlled movement.

One small but important note: they say there’s no certification at the end. If you want official scuba credentials, you’ll need a separate course. But if you want the experience itself and great wildlife moments, this format is exactly the point.

Price and time: what you’re really paying for with an $83 session

At $83 per person for about two hours, this isn’t a budget “tick the box” activity. It’s priced like a guided, equipment-included wildlife experience with real instructor attention. And when you compare what’s included, the value makes more sense.

Here’s what you typically get for that price:

• Scuba equipment and a cylinder
• Instructor guidance for your group size
• All fees and taxes
• Underwater photography

Time-wise, it’s about two hours, which is ideal on a day when you’re already planning island hopping or a short Liuqiu visit. It also helps you avoid the fatigue that can happen when learning something new takes longer than expected.

One more value factor: the maximum group size is 10. Smaller groups usually mean less waiting, more time learning, and more time watching for animals. Even though the instructor is one per person, the small cap still matters because it reduces crowding underwater.

The booking pattern is also a clue. On average, people book this about 18 days ahead, which suggests it fills up when the weather cooperates. If you’re set on a specific date, don’t wait until the last minute.

Xiao Liu Qiu: what happens on your underwater stop

Your session centers on Xiao Liu Qiu, where the focus is seeing wildlife close to the reef. The water conditions you’ll face are part of the adventure. Visibility can vary, and you should treat that as normal. Even when the view isn’t crystal clear, you can still get meaningful sightings and solid underwater photos—because the team is focused on guiding you and positioning you safely.

What to look for:

• Green sea turtles as the highlight
• Puffers
• Eels
• Pacific octopus
• Sponge reefs

The goal isn’t speed. It’s calm, controlled movement so you don’t spook animals and so you can stay comfortable while you learn your breathing rhythm. If you’re anxious at first, you’ll be glad the program starts in shallow water and ramps up gradually.

Photography is included, which makes a difference you’ll feel in the moment. When you’re new, you’re already juggling breathing, posture, and staying oriented. Having underwater photo support means you won’t need to become an instant camera expert.

Also, because it’s an animal-focused route, your time underwater is likely shaped around sightings rather than just checking off a route. That’s where the “why this place” value comes in.

What to bring (and what to skip) for a smooth first session

The requirement list is simple, and that’s good news for planning. You’ll need to bring your own swimsuit. Beyond that, your scuba setup is provided: equipment and the cylinder are part of the experience.

I’d treat the swimsuit requirement as your clue that they want you to arrive practical and ready. Choose something comfortable and easy to move in. If you’re sensitive to cold, also think about how you’ll stay comfortable before and after you get in the water, since your main time learning is short but focused.

Since underwater photography is included, bring the mindset that you’re going to be guided rather than left to figure everything out alone. That means you can spend your attention on breathing and watching for turtles and reef life.

One more planning tip: since the experience ends back at the meeting point, plan your clothing and timing so you’re not scrambling afterward. The overall experience is short, but you’ll want an easy transition back on land.

Health checks that matter before you go underwater

This program has clear suitability rules. They don’t want your day derailed by a safety issue, so they list health conditions you should meet.

You should be okay to participate if you have:

• No problem with lungs or breathing
• No ongoing problems related to past surgery
• No problems with eyes, ears, or nasal passages/sinuses
• You can handle moderate exercise without trouble

Age-wise, the minimum is 10 years old. There’s also no certification requirement, and service animals are allowed.

What I like about these rules is that they’re specific. You can self-check honestly before you book, and that protects both your comfort and the flow of the session.

If any of those health items apply to you, it’s worth pausing and checking with the activity team before you commit. Intro experiences still place you in a new pressure environment, so “I think I’m fine” isn’t a strategy.

Group size, timing, and where you meet in Liuqiu

You’ll meet in Liuqiu Township at No. 90-2號, Lane 1, Zhongzheng Rd, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 929. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

The operating window runs daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you’re planning a day around it, choose a time that leaves buffer for transportation and for any small delays that come with island weather.

A practical detail: private transportation isn’t included. Near public transportation is listed, which helps, but you still need to handle getting yourself to the meeting point and back. On a small island, that can be easier than it sounds, but it’s still on you.

You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which keeps the pre-activity hassle low. In other words, don’t lose time on paperwork. You show up ready, and you get set up.

Should you book this turtle-focused scuba session in Liuqiu?

Book it if you want a guided underwater wildlife experience without certification. This works especially well if:

• You’re a first-timer who wants step-by-step support
• You care about seeing green sea turtles in the right habitat
• You want underwater photos handled as part of the experience
• You like the idea of a small group (max 10) and close instructor attention

Skip it (or at least ask more questions) if you’re hoping for a certification result. This isn’t designed to train you toward scuba credentials. Also, if your schedule is tight and you can’t be flexible about weather, keep in mind the activity depends on good conditions and visibility can vary.

If you’re deciding between “just snorkel” and “learn a scuba setup,” this is the option that gives you the real breathing-underwater experience with the safety structure intact. And when green sea turtles are the goal, being guided and calm matters more than speed.

FAQ

Do I need scuba certification to join?

No. The experience is designed for people with no scuba skills or certification. You’ll learn safety basics and skills, then practice in shallow water under direct supervision.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 2 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get use of the scuba equipment (including a cylinder), underwater photography, and all fees and taxes.

What should I bring?

You need to bring your own swimsuit. Everything scuba-related is provided.

What health requirements apply?

The activity lists that you should have no problems with lungs or breathing, no ongoing issues related to past surgery, and no problems with eyes, ears, or nasal passages/sinuses. You should also be able to perform moderate exercise.

What age is the minimum?

You must be 10 years of age or above.

How many people are in a group?

The maximum group size is 10, and you’ll have an instructor for each participant.