Kenting National Park is one of the best places in Taiwan for snorkeling. On this page, I’ll show you the best spots.
A few beaches and rocky shores are surrounded by pretty coral reefs and some interesting marine life. In Kenting, it’s not really necessary to rent a kayak or join an organized snorkeling trip.
Most of the reefs can be found just a few meters offshore, so it’s easy to just rent your own gear and explore by yourself.
All of the snorkeling spots in Kenting are found on the western side of the peninsula, the Strait side, not facing the Pacific. As a result, the water is shallow and calm (on most days) and it’s suitable for kids and beginners.
Here’s a list of the top 4 snorkeling spots in Kenting:
Banana Bay 香蕉灣
On a clear day with good visibility, Banana Bay is as good as it gets! The reef is healthy, colors are vibrant, and the area is vast. Access to the water is short, but rocks are sharp. Drive slowly as you approach the site, as the sign is not very obvious. Park by a little harbor (free). You can rent gear by the access trail. The snorkeling gear rental place is not a shop, it’s just a little wooden stand set in the shade of some trees. Somehow, Banana Bay is one of the least busy places to snorkel in Kenting.
Wanlitong 萬里桐
Wanlitong used to be quiet at all times, and only locals would come here to swim and snorkel. Now, most likely due to some popular videos on Youtube and pictures on Instagram, Wanlitong is mad crazy busy on weekends and holidays.
The reef is nice and goes quite far and deep all around the bay. Of all the places to snorkel in Kenting, Wanlitong is where I’ve seen the biggest fish. Maybe that was just luck. i still like the place on week days, when it’s still possible to get the whole bay to yourself.
Little Bali 小巴里島岩
Little Bali has two snorkeling areas: one by a little secluded beach and one next to a giant concrete seawall. The beach part is shallow and gets very murky when other people are around.
The seawall area is deep and a little trickier to access, as you need to climb down some concrete blocks. If you come by scooter, you can park on top of the seawall, which is in fact a big canal. Little Bali is popular with local scuba diving schools and tours.
Sail Rock 船帆石
Sail Rock is popular with snorkeling groups because it’s close to Kenting town, and also because there are lots of guesthouses just across the road. The approach to the water is short but sharp, so wear booties. There’s a shop on the main road which rents snorkeling gear and wetsuits.
Map of Snorkeling Spots in Kenting
Other considerations
Apart from your typical snorkeling gear (snorkel, mask, fins) you’ll want to have a good pair of sport sandals like Chacos or water booties with a thick sole. Some access trails to the water are covered with razor-sharp rocks that can end your adventure even before you get a chance to touch the water. I know what I’m talking about – I once cut my foot so badly that it took few months to heal properly! It can be very sharp in some places, so don’t take chance: no flip flops allowed here!
Need a place to stay in Kenting?
Want something quiet, in the countryside, private? What about your own Taiwanese country house in the middle of Kenting National Park, in beautiful Manzhou? Check out Wild East, a really cool minsu 民宿 not too far from where I live. It’s owned by my friend Henri, a cool dude from Finland, and his friendly Taiwanese wife Cindy.
Find more info about Kenting…
- Hengchun, the biggest town in the area, lots of restaurants / hostels
- Manzhou, the wild side of Kenting National Park, waterfalls, hikes, slower pace of life
- Baishawan, beautiful beach, awesome sunsets, white sand
- Little Bay (Xiaowan) – Central but secluded beach, bar, nearby Kenting nightmarket
- Surfing in Kenting – Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, you can find your wave around here!