The whale pool at Dongshi Fishing Port attracts 5,000 visitors in 2 days; pets banned from pool with fines up to NT$15,000

▲ The whale pool at Dongshi Fishing Port opens for water play (Photo / Provided by Chiayi County Cultural Affairs and Tourism Bureau)

Travel Center / Taipei Report

The whale pool at Dongshi Fishing Port in Chiayi saw its first rule violations just two days after opening, with visitors bringing pets into the water. The Chiayi County Government’s Cultural Affairs and Tourism Bureau issued a stern warning, stating that anyone caught bringing pets into the pool could face fines ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$15,000.

% Recruiting me forgiveness?? Love the department store? (Photo / Material from Chiayi County Tourism Website)

Dongshi Fishing Port is the hottest summer getaway in the Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan area, and since the whale pool opened for water play on June 29, it has become a favorite water park for children during the summer vacation. In just two days, over 5,000 visitors flocked to the site, making it the most popular amusement spot. However, it was also during these two days that incidents of visitors bringing pets into the pool were reported.

Lee Mao-chung, deputy director of the county’s Cultural Affairs and Tourism Bureau, explained that the whale pool attracts a large number of visitors every summer. To maintain water quality and hygiene, the pool undergoes regular disinfection and cleaning, with clean water being refilled afterward. However, regular cleaning alone is not enough—it’s essential for visitors to help maintain the environment as well.

Due to concerns that pets could introduce fleas and lice, potentially causing skin problems for swimmers, the Chiayi County Tourism Bureau has hung signs near the whale pool strictly prohibiting the entry of cats and dogs. The bureau has also issued a serious statement warning that anyone found bringing pets into the pool will be referred to the South Yuantai Coastal National Scenic Area Administration for penalties, with fines ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$15,000.

Dongshi Fishing Port Whale PoolInformation

Click here for the guide map

Opening Hours: From Saturday, June 29 (Year 102) to Sunday, September 1,open for water play every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.(The whale pool is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays for cleaning and water replacement.)