East Coast Whale and Dolphin Watching Activities (Yilan, Hualien and Taitung)

Out in the vast ocean, under the bright blue sky, swim a family of whales. You may think this is a scene from the Discovery Channel, but it is taking place right here, just off the east coast of Taiwan. These magnificent animals are our neighbors. In the waters around Taiwan there are 29 species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins), more than one-third of the 60 cetacean species found worldwide. This great diversity of cetaceans makes Taiwan one of the hottest spots in the world for cetacean observation.

Whale watching is booming on the east coast of Taiwan. Several villages are now enjoying the prosperity brought to them by the industry. Whale watching tours are busy at the Wushi Fishing Port, Nanfangao Fishing Port, Fenniaolin Fishing Port, Hualien Fishing Port, Shiti Fishing Port, Chenggong Fishing Port and Fugang Fishing Port. Every single voyage is about 2 to 3 hours long. More than 33 whale-watching boats are available along the east coast, and these boats have introduced more than 230,000 tourists to the joy of whale watching. Tourists may enjoy not only encountering dolphins but also taking in the beautiful geological formations along the coast. Some boats also offer educational tours in marine ecology and fishery. The depth and diversity of experience to be found in whale watching is continually being enhanced.