Taiwan Family Trip: Whale and Dolphin Watching in Yilan and Meeting Capybara at Orchid Garden

Written/Photograph by: Angela Kong

Looking for a family getaway for Summer? If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature, consider a trip to the beautiful Yilan for an animal encounter adventure. Whether it's heading out to sea to spot whales and dolphins or visiting a farm to get up close with adorable capybara, both activities are sure to provide a healing experience for adults and kids alike.

Content List

Best Cheap Flight Deals

Located in northeastern Taiwan, Yilan is conveniently near Taipei and New Taipei City. You can easily reach Yilan from Taipei Station by taking a train or a bus, with travel times as short as an hour.

Whale and Dolphin Watching at Guishan Island

One of the must-do activities in Yilan is taking a boat trip around Guishan Island to watch for whales and dolphins. Guishan Island, an active volcano off the coast of Yilan, resembles a turtle floating on the sea. The nearby waters are relatively shallow and rich in fish, making this area one of Taiwan's top fishing grounds. It is also home to a diverse array of marine life, with up to 17 species of whales and dolphins spotted here, including bottlenose dolphin and orcas. The best time for whale and dolphin watching is from April to September.

在宜蘭烏石港登船，準備出發觀鯨豚。.jpeg — Board the ship at Wushih Harbor in Yilan and prepare to go whale and dolphin watching.

Exciting Encounters with Whales at Guishan Island

Most boat trips to Guishan Island depart from Wushih Harbor, where various companies offer services. It's best to book your trip online in advance. Onboard, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the island's history and the behavior of the whales and dolphins, helping passengers spot these magnificent creatures. When a whale or dolphin leaps out of the water, everyone on board transforms into a photographer, eagerly capturing the enchanting moments. The excitement is palpable, with laughter and cheers filling the air, creating a joyful atmosphere. For city dwellers, watching whales and dolphins in the open sea is a rare and precious experience.

沿途可以欣賞龜山島和附近一帶的美麗景色。.jpeg — Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Guishan Island and the surrounding area.

In addition to whale watching, the stunning "Milk Sea" surrounding Guishan Island is a natural wonder to behold. Due to volcanic activity, underwater hot springs create a dreamy gradient of "Tiffany Blue" and milky white hues, often described as "milk spilled by the God." It’s a sight you won’t want to miss! If you're interested in exploring Guishan Island further, you can join a landing tour, but be sure to book in advance as daily quota is limited.

牛奶海呈現夢幻漸變色，被形容為「上帝打翻的牛奶」。.jpeg — The Milky Sea has a dreamy gradient color and is described as " milk spilled by the God."

遊客紛紛海豚躍出水面一刻。.jpeg — The moment when dolphins jump out of the water has become a popular spot for tourists to take photos.

After the adventure at sea, it’s time to indulge in a delicious meal. Wushi Harbor is famous for its fresh seafood, with numerous restaurants offering daily catches. If you love seafood, this is a must-visit spot to enjoy local delicacies.

碼頭附近不得不試的宜蘭經典小食—花生捲雪糕。.jpeg — A must-try Yilan classic snack near the pier—peanut roll ice cream.

Wushih-Harbor-Visitor-Center

Address: 15-30 Wushih Harbor Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County

Tel：03-950-5544

Business Hrs：9am-5pm

Transport: Take Kuo-Kuang Bus No. 1877 from Taipei Yuanshan Bus Station (next to MRT Yuanshan Station) and the journey takes about 80 minutes.

Guishan Island

Guishan Island can only be entered and exited by group tour, you can sign up for kkday：

Island landing + whale watching + eight scenic spots around Guishan Island (three in one package)

Trip last: 3.5-4 hrs

Fee: TWD$1,399 (Around HK$364)

Remark: Due to the quota limit for Guishan Island, registration can only be opened 20 days before the departure date.

Website: https://www.kkday.com/en/product/5297-guishan-island-whale-watching-half-day-tour-yilan

Garden Visit: Meet Meerkat, Toucan, and Capybara

The animal encounter adventure doesn’t stop at whale watching. Yilan is home to several leisure farms where you can interact with a variety of small animals. One of the indoor attractions is the Kingcar Orchid and its ecological pavilion is perfect for rainy days.

水豚君的呆萌模樣，令人難以抗拒。.jpeg — Capybara's cute appearance is irresistible.

Among the stars of the park is the increasingly popular capybara, which has become a favorite among visitors. These adorable creatures are incredibly photogenic, and you can feed them, brush their fur, and even take selfies for an additional fee.

園區內還有大嘴鳥、狐獴等動物。.jpeg — There are also animals such as toucans and meerkats in the park.

The park also houses meerkats, cats, toucans, and koi fish, allowing for close interactions with the animals. The koi pond is particularly spectacular, with hundreds of koi flocking to the surface when fed. Be sure to also admire the orchids and other exotic plants cultivated in the garden. Introducing children to animals and plants is not only fun and memorable but also serves as a meaningful opportunity to teach them about caring for life and coexisting with animals.

Kingcar Orchid

Address: No. 103-1, Qilidan Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County

Tel: 03-988-7820
Business Hrs: 8am-5pm

Website: https://www.kingcarbiotech.com.tw/

Book Now