Surfing Adventures in Taiwan: Where to Go and What to Know
Taiwan sits 1000km north of the Philippines in the Pacific Ocean. The coastline of this mountainous island offers a variety of surf spots that cater to both beginners and pros alike. From the quiet beaches of Jinzun Harbor to the vibrant shores of Kenting, the beautiful coastline, warm weather, and consistent waves mean Taiwan is quickly becoming a favorite destination for surfers.
Surf culture on the island is welcoming and laid-back. Local surf shops and schools are eager to help visitors get started and the spots are often uncrowded, allowing you to enjoy the waves without competing for space. Besides its great surf, Taiwan offers many unique attractions. From delicious cuisine to historic landmarks, there’s always something to explore when you’re not in the water.
With so many amazing surf spots and outdoor activities, Taiwan is a must-visit for any surfer! Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer stay, Taiwan has everything you need for an unforgettable trip!
Top Surf Spots in Taiwan
Jinzun Harbor
Jinzun Harbor, located in Taitung County, is one of the most well-known surf spots in Taiwan. It plays host to the annual Taiwan Open of Surfing, attracting top surfers from all over the world, and offers a good range of waves. The versatility of the waves, coupled with a good range of surf schools and rental equipment, makes the long sandy beaches and clear waters of Jinzun Harbor ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Dashi
On the northeastern tip of the island, Dashi is another fantastic surf spot. Known for its reef breaks, Dashi offers powerful waves that are suited to more advanced surfers. The reef can create long, peeling waves that are perfect for long drawn-out turns and maneuvers. The scenic beauty of Dashi, with its lush green hills and clear blue waters, provides a stunning backdrop to every session, and during low tide, the waves are particularly impressive – offering steeper thrills for those up to the challenge!
Fulong Beach
Located in northeastern Taiwan, Fulong Beach sits an hour’s train ride from Taipei. The long stretches of sandy beach produce gentle waves that are well-suited for beginners and intermediate surfers. Also famous for its Sand Sculpture Art Festival, Fulong Beach has a plentiful selection of surf schools and rental shops. During the summer months, the beach can get quite busy, but despite this, the friendly atmosphere and reliable waves make it well worth the visit!
Kenting
Kenting is located at the southern tip of Taiwan and benefits from the warm, tropical climate. With crystal-clear waters and excellent year-round surf opportunities, the waves here are consistent and spots like Nanwan (South Bay) and Jialeshui can turn on the charm when conditions align. The mixture of beach and reef breaks is often popular with longboarders, but when the sand is just right, they can also give barreling opportunities with bigger swells. The vibrant nightlife and stunning natural scenery make Kenting a top choice for traveling surfers.
Where to Stay in Taiwan
With accommodation options across the south and east coasts of the island, Surf Taiwan offers a great selection of places to stay, with access to prime surf spots whatever the time of year. Each of the locations is family-operated by lifelong locals with years of experience.
Surf Taiwan also provides surf lessons and board rentals, making it easy for guests to hit the waves. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make for a perfect place to relax after a long day of surfing!
Breakfast is included in your stay but for the rest of your meals you’ll be free to explore the best of the local cuisine, guided by one of the team! With a private van and surf guide available to take you to all the best spots, a guided trip with Surf Taiwan is the best way to experience everything the island has to offer!
When to Surf in Taiwan
Prime Surf Seasons
Autumn into the early winter months is prime time for surf in Taiwan. During this time, the swells are at their most consistent, thanks to the northeast monsoon winds. The typhoon season, especially from July to October, brings larger swells that are perfect for more advanced surfers, whilst the winter months (November to March) offer more manageable waves for all skill levels.
Types of Waves and Weather Conditions
Taiwan’s waves vary by region and season. With long, powerful waves in Jinzun Harbor, perfect peeling reef breaks in Dashi, and Fulong Beach’s gentler waves, ideal for beginners.
Kenting offers a good mixture of options, with spots like Nanwan providing beginner-friendly waves and Jialeshui catering to more experienced surfers. The weather is warm and humid most of the year, making it comfortable to surf in just a wetsuit or even board shorts during the summer.
Water Temperature and Wetsuit Tips
The water temperature in Taiwan ranges from 68°F to 82°F, depending on the season. During the cooler periods (November to March), you should be comfortable in a summer suit, whilst in the warmer months (April to October), a spring suit or even a rash guard and board shorts is sufficient.
More Activities and Local Attractions
Must-Try Taiwanese Cuisine
Beef noodle soup, soup dumplings (xiao long bao), and bubble tea are some of the more famous Taiwanese dishes that have become popular globally, but there is much more to be discovered! Night markets such as Shilin Night Market in Taipei and Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung are great places to explore the richness and diversity of the street foods available – don’t miss out on stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and fried chicken cutlets!
Cultural Sites and Landmarks
Taiwan offers rich cultural experiences. In Taipei, visit the National Palace Museum and Taipei 101. In Tainan, explore ancient temples and Anping Old Fort. The Taroko Gorge National Park offers breathtaking views and historical sites for an outdoor adventure. Each region has unique landmarks and attractions that tell a story of Taiwan’s rich history and culture.
Outdoor Sports and Nature Trails
Taiwan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails like those in Yangmingshan National Park and Alishan offer stunning views across the mountainsides, Sun Moon Lake provides picturesque kayaking and paddleboarding, or you can enjoy cycling along the many bike paths across the island. The diverse landscape gives plenty to explore away from the water.
Exploring Taiwan’s Surf Scene: Must-Visit Spots
Surfing in Taiwan is a unique experience. The variety of surf spots and the welcoming local culture make it a must-visit destination for all surfers. From the consistent waves at Jinzun Harbor to the beginner-friendly breaks at Fulong Beach, there are waves for everyone.
Beyond the surf, Taiwan offers a rich cultural experience with delicious food, historical landmarks, and outdoor adventures. The peaks of Taroko Gorge and the bustling night markets add layers of discovery to your surf trip!
Ready to catch some waves in Taiwan? AWAVE Travel can help you plan the perfect surf trip. Get expert advice and the best deals on accommodations by connecting with our surf travel agents today!
