Wushih Harbor is a tourism fishing port in northern Toucheng Township, Yilan County, and the main boarding point for ferries to Guishan Island and whale/dolphin-watching cruises; the waters around Guishan Island host as many as 17 cetacean species, with spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins the most commonly sighted. The harbor has a visitor service center, and on clear days the outline of Guishan Island is visible from the waterfront.
The waters around Guishan Island, where the Kuroshio Current passes, are rich in fish and cetacean life, with 17 recorded cetacean species; spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, false killer whales and pygmy killer whales are the most frequently sighted. Operators send a scout boat out each dawn to locate pods, giving dolphin-sighting success rates over 90%, while whale-sighting rates (including sperm whales) are around 30%; the best season runs from April to October.
Highlights of Wushih Harbor
Wushih Harbor sits along the coastal highway in the northern part of Toucheng Township, close to Beiguan Tidal Park. As the boarding point for Guishan Island, visitors must apply in advance for an entry permit and take designated ferry services — confirm all relevant regulations with official announcements from the Yilan County Government and the Tourism Administration before you go. The harborside visitor center provides tourism information for the northern Yilan area.
Whale-watching cruises depart from Wushih Harbor. Thanks to the Kuroshio Current flowing offshore, summer (May–October) is the peak season, with spinner dolphins and sperm whales being the most frequently sighted species — though wild marine animal encounters can never be guaranteed, so keep your expectations flexible. Seafood restaurants near the harbor serve locally caught fish from Toucheng, and small market stalls are also on site.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There
- By car: drive along Provincial Highway 2 (the coastal road); signs for Wushih Harbor appear in the Toucheng section. Parking is available at the harbor.
- By public transit: take the TRA to Toucheng Station, then transfer to a taxi or local bus (select routes serve the area) — about 10–15 minutes.
- Ferry services to Guishan Island and whale-watching cruises must be booked in advance. Check official transport and island entry permit regulations before you go; do not show up expecting to buy tickets on the spot.
Nearby Connections
- Beiguan Tidal Park is within walking distance to the north; its reef coastline contrasts naturally with the fishing harbor — a good combination for a northern Toucheng half-day route.
- Toucheng Old Street is about 5 km south in Toucheng town center — a good afternoon stop for traditional shop-fronts and a meal.
Source: Yilan County Government official information and on-site visitor center materials. Guishan Island entry permit regulations are subject to the latest official announcements. Photos pending Dio's on-location shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which offshore island do ferries from Wushih Harbor serve?
Wushih Harbor is the main boarding point for ferries to Guishan Island and whale-watching cruises; visiting Guishan Island requires an advance permit.
Which cetacean species are most commonly seen from Wushih Harbor?
Spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins are the most frequently sighted, with dolphin-sighting rates over 90%; whale sightings, including sperm whales, are less common, at around 30%.
What is the best season for whale and dolphin watching?
The best season runs from April to October, with dolphin sightings most likely from 5am to noon and whale sightings more likely from noon to 3pm.
Sources
- 龜山島賞鯨豚 - 東北角及宜蘭海岸國家風景區觀光資訊網 — 官方觀光資訊，鯨豚物種、目擊率與最佳季節