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Freediving in Xiaoliuqiu (Lambai Island)
Xiaoliuqiu, also called Liuqiu or Lambai Island, is a small coral island off Donggang in Pingtung County, a short ferry from the mainland. It is Taiwan's turtle capital, with several hundred resident green sea turtles grazing the shallows year-round, and warm, calm water that has made it the country's main hub for English-language freediving courses.
Why here
Xiaoliuqiu is the easiest place in Taiwan to learn to freedive and one of the surest places anywhere to share the water with wild sea turtles. The island is home to several hundred resident green turtles that graze the sea-grass and coral just off the beaches, so a sighting is close to guaranteed on almost every session, often within a few metres of shore. The water is warm through the year, the entries are calm, and Xiaoliuqiu has the biggest concentration of English-speaking freedive instructors in the country, which is why beginners fly in from across Asia to take a first course here. Schools teach the main international ladders, from a taster dive to multi-level certifications, in small groups, and many fold in breath-work, yoga and recovery around the water time. Being a coral island with no rivers, the visibility stays good, and the same shallows that suit training are a joy just to snorkel with a mask and fins.
Best months
Conditions are good year-round, which is part of the island's appeal, though the calmest, clearest water tends to run from spring through autumn. Water temperatures are warm enough for a thin wetsuit in most months, cooling a little in winter when the northeast monsoon can put wind on the exposed sides of the island. Turtles are present all year. Summer and early autumn carry a small typhoon risk that can disrupt the ferry for a day or two. Courses run in small ratios, so book ahead in the July and August peak.
Getting there & around
Reach Xiaoliuqiu by passenger ferry from Donggang, about 25 to 40 minutes, which runs frequently through the day; Donggang is roughly a 30-minute drive or bus from Kaohsiung. The island is small and most people rent a scooter or an electric bike to get around. Freedive schools cluster near the harbour and the main beaches, and most offer accommodation and gear as part of a course package. No car is needed. Book courses and rooms ahead in summer, when the island fills with domestic visitors.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (2)
Freedive Nomad
SchoolFreedive Nomad is run on Xiaoliuqiu by Ray Ko, a Molchanovs Wave 3 Master Instructor with over six years' experience who also teaches breathwork and yoga. Courses cap at two students per instructor, running from a one-to-one Discover Freediving session to Molchanovs Wave 1 and Wave 2, and the island's resident green turtles give a near-certain sighting on almost every dive. The school runs its own accommodation and folds in recovery like ice baths and sound baths.
VD Freediving
SchoolVD Freediving has taught on Xiaoliuqiu since 2018 and is led by Anthony Feoutis and Jiayin, both AIDA and Molchanovs Instructor Trainers, with courses in English, Mandarin and French. It teaches the full AIDA and Molchanovs ladders from a first freedive to instructor level, and Anthony has written training manuals used by freedivers abroad. The centre sits on Sanmin Road in Liuqiu Town, carries Fubon insurance, and works the coral reefs and turtle grounds a short ride from the harbour.