From late April to September each year is the peak tourist season for Tortoise Island. Riding the waves to explore the island and witnessing the spectacular sight of whales and dolphins leaping in the ocean has become a popular domestic maritime journey. From now until May 26th, the “2013 Whale Splendor Cruise” event, planned by the Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration of the Tourism Bureau, Yilan County Government, Yilan County Whale Watching Promotion Association, and Toucheng District Fishermen’s Association, not only provides a discounted three-in-one package (whale watching, island circumnavigation, and island landing) at NT$1,200 and a two-in-one package (whale watching and island circumnavigation) at NT$700, but also offers an extra half-price experience for any visitor whose name includes any of the event’s Chinese characters. Additionally, travelers with the characters for “tortoise” or “whale” in their names can join the whale-watching adventure for free during the event.
Besides enjoying the company of whales and dolphins, visitors to Tortoise Island can also explore its unique volcanic rock geology and its turtle-like shape. During the approximately half-hour circumnavigation of the island, you can observe various scenic views, including four of the famous Eight Views of Tortoise Island: Turtle Rock, Sea Cavern, Sea-Viewing Pavilion, and Broken Basket. There’s also the opportunity to see turtles sunbathing on the rocks.
When sailing around Tortoise Island, you can see traces of lava layers left by past volcanic eruptions. It is estimated that the island has experienced at least four volcanic activities. (Photo provided by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network)
For those planning to land on the island, after disembarking, you can stroll along the 650-meter-long lakeside trail to admire the island’s rich natural ecology—such as Formosan lily, Hypericum formosanum, Diospyros philippensis, wild fan palms, and various birds and butterflies. The loop takes about 40 minutes, after which you can visit nearby military tunnels and the Cultural Ecology and Geology Exhibition Hall. At the end of the Diospyros philippensis Trail, which connects to the lakeside trail, there is an observation platform offering a panoramic view of the Tortoise Tail.
The Guanyin statue along the lakeside trail often attracts visitors to stop and enjoy the scenery. (Photo provided by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network)
In addition, this year’s event also features a series of thematic guided tours and interpretations, including “Cultural Tortoise Island,” “Conservation of Tortoise Island,” and “Whales and Dolphins of Tortoise Island,” allowing visitors to expand their knowledge while whale watching. Liu Shih-ming, Deputy Director of the Northeast Coast & Yilan Scenic Area, further noted that the Northeast Coast offers a diverse range of tourism and recreational resources. In addition to whale and dolphin watching, visitors can also surf, sail, swim, snorkel, hike, cycle, and enjoy sand sculpture activities—all of which are perfect experiences for both domestic and international tourists.
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Visitor Huang Chong, whose name contains the word “mountain,” met the criteria for the event and enjoyed a half-price boat trip with his ID card.(Photo provided by the Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration)
