Vase Rock
Also known as: Huaping Yan
Best time to dive
January to December; April to October
What you might see
- Moray eelLikely
- Sea turtleLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Snorkel-friendly - yes - one of Xiaoliuqiu's most popular snorkeling spots for turtle encounters
Safety notes
surge/current picking up off slack tide, sharp rock/coral at the shore-entry point, occasional urchins on the reef, some boat traffic near Baisha fishing harbor
Permits & fees
no Vase-Rock-specific dive permit/fee found; Xiaoliuqiu introduced marine-protection measures effective 1 Jul 2024 including a NT$60 (~US$2) entry fee for the Gebanwan intertidal zone and a restricted sub-zone at Lobster Cave, fines NT$30,000-150,000 for violations - not confirmed to apply to Vase Rock diving itself
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Xiaoliuqiu
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.