Taiwan yacht sailing guide. Taiwan sits along the western edge of the Pacific and is a practical waypoint for yachts sailing between Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. Its coastline is shaped by steep mountains, strong currents, and a mix of commercial ports and fishing harbors. While not a mainstream leisure cruising destination, Taiwan is increasingly used by passage makers who value reliable infrastructure, clear procedures, and access to supplies and repairs. This Taiwan cruising guide provides practical information for yachts planning to stop along the island’s coast.
The key ports for yachts in Taiwan are Keelung, Hualien, Kaohsiung, and Tainan/Anping. Keelung and Kaohsiung are the primary entry ports due to established customs and immigration facilities. Hualien is useful for yachts arriving from Japan or the Northern Philippines, while Anping offers a quieter southwest option. Smaller fishing ports exist but are generally unsuitable for foreign yachts due to limited space, swell exposure, or lack of clearance facilities.
Sailing to Taiwan by yacht requires careful planning due to strong currents, steep underwater topography, and dense commercial traffic. The Kuroshio Current, a major factor in Taiwan sailing routes, flows northward along the east coast at 2–3 knots or more. Southbound yachts should expect reduced speed and occasional overfalls where the current interacts with headlands. Northbound yachts benefit from the current but must maintain situational awareness, as the east coast has few sheltered harbors and limited options in poor weather.
Approaches to Hualien and Su’ao are straightforward but exposed. Both are busy commercial ports with frequent cargo and fishing vessel movements. Yachts should monitor port control VHF channels and follow instructions precisely. Easterly swell can make the entrances uncomfortable during strong monsoon conditions.
The west coast is more sheltered but shallow in places, with extensive fishing activity, nets, and buoys. Approaches to Kaohsiung are well‑marked with clear traffic separation schemes. Keelung, on the northeast corner, is accessible in most conditions but can experience strong gusts due to surrounding hills.
Night approaches are possible at major ports, but fishing fleets operate extensively after dark, especially off the southwest coast. Radar and AIS are essential for safe navigation.
Taiwan yacht entry requirements are clear and consistent. All foreign yachts must enter through designated ports of entry: Keelung, Kaohsiung, Hualien, or Taichung. Yachts must contact port control on VHF before entering and await instructions.
Clearance typically involves the usual Immigration, Customs, Harbor Police and Quarantine
Documents commonly requested include Passports, Ship’s registration, Crew list, Last port clearance. Safety equipment declaration (occasionally requested). Have a complete and accurate list for everything on board, spare parts, consumables, medical and so on. Have multiple copies of every list and have everything stowed in labelled plastic boxes.
Quarantine officers may ask about fresh produce, pets, and waste disposal. Taiwan has strict rules regarding animal entry; yachts with pets should confirm requirements well in advance. Most ports require yachts to remain at the quarantine berth until all inspections are complete. Clearance is generally efficient, though timing varies. After clearance, yachts are assigned a berth or permitted to anchor within the harbor.
About Visas. Taiwan does not offer visa‑on‑arrival for all nationalities, so crew should verify requirements before arrival. Extensions must be arranged through local immigration offices.
Taiwan’s weather is shaped by monsoons, typhoons, and Pacific influences. The northeast monsoon (October–March) brings strong northeasterly winds, rough seas on the east coast, and cooler temperatures. The southwest monsoon (May–September) produces humid conditions, afternoon thunderstorms, and occasional heavy rain on the west coast.
Typhoon season runs from June to October, with peak activity in August and September. Taiwan has robust forecasting systems, and yachts should monitor updates closely. Harbors such as Kaohsiung and Keelung offer secure shelter; smaller ports may not be suitable during severe weather.
The east coast is exposed to Pacific swell year‑round, while the west coast is generally calmer but affected by tidal currents and river outflow
Arrive in daylight, expect strong port traffic, Monitor VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) VHF Channel 12. Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s largest commercial port and one of the busiest container hubs in Asia. container ships, tankers, tugs, trawlers, ferries and more. Approaching it safely requires early preparation, strict traffic awareness, and a clear understanding of the harbor layout. Use up to date official charts for navigation, but the typical approach pattern is the outer Approach from the south or southwest, staying outside the traffic separation scheme. The breakwater entrance is a wide, deep channel with strong cross‑currents. The inner harbor you should follow VTS instructions and remain clear of commercial lanes. Kaohsiung City Marina (Love River). This is the primary destination for cruising yachts. Features include: Floating pontoons. Access to shore power and water. Immigration and customs nearby. Easy access to the city. Good shelter from all directions. Depths are adequate for most yachts, though silting can occur near the river mouth. The harbor is well‑lit and well‑marked, but the scale can be overwhelming at first light or in poor visibility. The Kuroshio influence weakens near Kaohsiung but still affects the approach. Expect north‑setting current offshore, with cross‑currents near the breakwater entrance and a swell can wrap around the southern headland in strong monsoon conditions. Approach with caution in strong NE winds (winter) or typhoon‑season southerlies.
Keelung’s approach is straightforward in good weather but demands attention to NE swell, wind funneling, traffic density, and variable currents. Yachts normally anchor in the Keelung ANCH area northeast of the harbor entrance, with depths of around 13 m and coordinates near 25.19189°N, 121.7286°E. The primary landmark Chi‑lung Tao (Keelung Islet) lies 2.5 nm northeast of the port entrance and is the key visual reference for aligning with the fairway. The entrance characteristics are a deep, narrow channel flanked by steep mountains. Keelung is one of Taiwan’s busiest commercial ports so expect heavy traffic. The wind and swell hazards are the Northeasterly monsoon winds that funnel between the mountains, increasing gusts and cross‑set near the entrance and the NE swell refracts into the harbor mouth, and during winter it can produce uncomfortable roll. Swell rebounds off breakwaters, creating confused seas close to the entrance. Tidal currents vary seasonally and can set across the fairway. Surface currents near the entrance may shift with wind and tide so helm corrections are often needed. There is limited room for course alteration once inside the breakwaters. Mandatory VTS contact per the Keelung Port Vessel Traffic Service Guideline. Yachts do not anchor inside the commercial harbor. The Bisha / Badouzi Area is not an anchorage. Yachts do not anchor here; instead, they berth inside Bisha Marina (Keelung’s yacht facility) and anchorage is discouraged due to fishing traffic and seabed obstructions
Hualien’s approach is direct as the entrance lies between two long breakwaters and is easy to identify on radar and visually. The port opens directly to the Pacific, so long‑period swell frequently propagates into the channel, producing noticeable surge at the breakwater heads. In stronger conditions, this swell can affect steering and may require timing your entry to avoid the heaviest sets. Wind‑driven surface currents often create a cross‑set near the entrance, and helm corrections are usually needed to maintain the center of the fairway. Once inside, the breakwaters provide effective shelter and the basins are deep with predictable depths. Residual surge can persist in the outer basin, but maneuvering space is adequate for small craft. Yachts do not anchor inside the commercial harbor; instead, they proceed directly to the designated small‑craft berths on the western side of the port, where port control assigns a position after clearance. These berths are functional rather than recreational, but they offer secure mooring and straightforward access to port facilities. Offshore anchoring is technically possible in calm conditions, though the open‑ocean exposure makes it unsuitable for anything other than short waiting periods.
Tainan’s port is straightforward to enter but offers limited facilities for yachts, so most small craft treat it as a functional arrival point rather than a long‑stay harbor. The approach is made through Anping Port, a dredged, low‑lying entrance with breakwaters that provide partial shelter. Depths are generally adequate for yachts but swell from the Taiwan Strait can refract into the entrance, producing intermittent surge, especially during strong northerlies. Cross‑set from tidal flow is common near the breakwater heads and may require early helm correction to stay on the centerline. Visibility of the entrance can be reduced in hazy conditions because the surrounding coastline is flat and lacks strong visual landmarks. Once inside, the channel is narrow but predictable, with uniform depths and minimal obstructions. Traffic consists mainly of small commercial vessels and fishing craft, so maintaining a steady course and clear intentions is important. Yachts normally proceed directly to Anping Yacht Wharf, the designated small‑craft area on the western side of the inner harbor. Berths are functional, with basic mooring arrangements and limited maneuvering room, but they provide secure shelter from the Strait. Anchorage inside the port is not customary, and outside anchoring is exposed and generally unsuitable except for short waiting periods in calm weather.
Anping’s entrance is a low‑lying, dredged channel opening directly onto the Taiwan Strait, with breakwaters that provide only partial protection. The approach is uncomplicated in clear weather, but northerly and north‑westerly winds can push short‑period Strait swell into the entrance, creating intermittent surge and some lateral motion near the breakwater heads. Tidal flow is modest but can produce a noticeable cross‑set in the final approach, so maintaining the centerline requires early helm correction. Once inside, depths are uniform and the channel geometry is predictable, though maneuvering space is limited and traffic consists mainly of small commercial and fishing vessels. Yachts proceed directly to the Anping Yacht Wharf, located on the western side of the inner harbor. This is the designated small‑craft area, offering secure mooring but minimal facilities. Anchorage inside the port is not customary, and outside anchoring is exposed to Strait swell and only suitable for short waiting periods in calm conditions.
The Su’ao approach is straightforward but exposed, with the harbor opening directly to the Pacific and offering only partial protection from swell. The entrance lies between two substantial breakwaters and is easy to identify on radar. Long‑period easterly swell frequently enters the channel, producing surge at the breakwater heads and occasional lateral motion during the final approach. Wind‑driven surface currents can create a cross‑set near the entrance, particularly during northeast monsoon conditions, and early helm correction is often required to maintain the centerline. Once inside, the port is divided into commercial and fishing basins with predictable depths and limited maneuvering space. Traffic consists mainly of fishing vessels, which operate continuously and may move unpredictably near the inner turning areas. Yachts proceed directly to the Su’ao Yacht Wharf in the Nanfang’ao area, a small‑craft facility offering secure mooring but minimal services. Anchorage inside the port is not customary, and outside anchoring is generally unsuitable due to open‑ocean exposure and persistent swell, making it viable only for short waiting periods in calm conditions.
Kaohsiung is one of the easiest ports in Taiwan for yacht provisioning thanks to its huge supermarket network, strong fresh‑market culture, and proximity to major shipyards and marinas. While no source gives a single “yacht provisioning guide,” the city’s infrastructure there are 177 supermarkets, numerous wet markets, and a major yachting industry hub makes it straightforward to stock a vessel with both Western and Asian supplies.
Supermarkets. Carrefour (Hypermarket) is a large-format stores with excellent Western imports, wine, cheese, deli meats and good for bulk provisioning and galley staples. Typically open late. PX Mart (Most common chain) is Taiwan’s largest supermarket chain with some1,200 stores nationwide and great for everyday staples, snacks, drinks, and cleaning supplies. Not as strong on Western specialty items. Costco (Kaohsiung Store) is ideal for bulk provisioning: meats, frozen goods, snacks, drinks, galley equipment. Requires membership. 7‑Eleven / FamilyMarts have thousands of locations; good for last‑minute items, drinks, ice, snacks.
Fresh Markets. Traditional markets remain extremely strong in Kaohsiung despite supermarket growth. These are the best places for fresh produce, seafood, herbs, tofu, noodles, and local specialties. Recommended Markets are the Liuhe Market which is central, large, reliable for vegetables, fruit, and dry good. The Nan Hua Market is good for meat, poultry, and vegetables.
Fish Markets. Qijin Fish Market (near the harbor) is excellent for fresh seafood straight from local boats. Ideal for stocking a yacht with fish, shellfish, and squid.
Marine Services. Kaohsiung is home to several major yacht builders and marinas, including Horizon City Marina (part of Horizon Yachts) offering yacht concierge services, and Kha Shing Enterprises (Monte Fino) which is a major yacht manufacturer based in Kaohsiung. They have access to marine suppliers, fuel contacts and English‑speaking staff familiar with yacht needs
Keelung is a seafood‑rich port with strong wet markets and reliable supermarkets, plus growing yacht‑support services through Superyacht Logistics Taiwan (SYL) and the new Argo Yacht Club marina project. It’s not as Western‑import‑friendly as Kaohsiung, but crews can still provision efficiently with the right route.
Supermarkets. Keelung doesn’t have hypermarket density like Kaohsiung, but it has enough supermarkets for full provisioning. Carrefour Keelung is best for Western imports, wine, cheese, deli items and good for bulk dry goods and galley staples. PX Mart (multiple branches) are Taiwan’s largest supermarket chain. Reliable for everyday staples, snacks, drinks, cleaning supplies. RT‑Mart (nearby in New Taipei) is a large-format hypermarket and good for bulk items and Western goods if Carrefour stock is limited.
Fresh Markets. This is Keelung’s Strength and is famous for seafood and wet markets. Keelung Miaokou Market is one of Taiwan’s most famous markets and excellent for fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit, dried goods, spices and is very close to the port area. Ren’ai Market is good for meat, poultry, vegetables, tofu, noodles.
Fish Markets. Badouzi Fish Market (near Bisha Marina) has fresh fish straight from local boats.
Yacht Services. Keelung is becoming more yacht‑friendly thanks to the Bisha Marina (Keelung) which is the main marina for visiting yachts. Superyacht Logistics Taiwan (SYL) pProvides Customs, Immigration & Quarantine, fueling, provisioning assistance, and shore support for visiting superyachts and operates at Keelung Bisha Marina. Argo Yacht Club Marina Project is constructing Taiwan’s largest international yacht marina in Badouzi. This will significantly improve provisioning and yacht services over the next few years.
Hualien is a functional but limited provisioning port: excellent fresh markets and seafood, reliable supermarkets, and a straightforward port of entry, but fewer Western imports and no major yacht‑service ecosystem. The port is active and increasingly used by cruise ships, and it is a recognized port of entry for yachts.
Supermarkets. Hualien does not have the density of Kaohsiung or Taipei, but it has enough supermarkets for full provisioning. Carrefour Hualien is the largest Western‑friendly supermarket in the city. Best source for wine, cheese, deli meats, Western staples. PX Mart (multiple branches) is Taiwan’s largest supermarket chain. RT‑Mart (in nearby areas) is a
Fresh Markets. Hualien is known for its fishing industry and strong wet markets. Hualien General Market (Traditional Wet Market). Best for vegetables, fruit, tofu, noodles, herbs, and local staples.
Fish Markets. Hualien Fish Market has fresh seafood straight from local boats. Ideal for provisioning a yacht with fish, squid, shellfish.
Check out the Dongdamen Night Market which is not a provisioning market, but excellent for local foods, spices, snacks, and specialty items.
Port & Marina. Hualien Port is a major commercial port and cruise destination. This means good customs/immigration infrastructure and reliable port operations. Hualien is a recognized Port of Entry for yachts. Hualien does not have a dedicated yacht marina like Kaohsiung or Keelung. Visiting yachts typically berth in commercial or fishing‑harbor areas.
Supermarkets: Carrefour (Hypermarket) and best for Western imports, wine, cheese, deli, bulk dry goods. Multiple branches across Tainan. PX Mart is Taiwan’s largest supermarket chain. RT‑Mart is large-format hypermarket with good bulk options.
Markets. Shuixian Gong Market is a major traditional wet market offering meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and general produce. Known for raw fish and meat availability in the morning. Dongcheng Market is a daily-use market for locals, selling fresh produce and staples. Jiali Market is a traditional market offering produce and daily goods. Chihkan Market is also an established traditional market with produce and local foods.
Fish Markets. Shuixian Gong Market (Fish Section) has a dedicated fish and seafood section with morning availability. Local Fishing Harbors (Anping / Qigu) have small-scale fish landings with fresh catch early morning.
Supermarkets. PX Mart is Taiwan’s largest supermarket chain; Carrefour with nearest branches are in Yilan City; Simple Mart is a smaller-format chain; common in smaller towns.
Fish Markets: Nanning Fish Market (Su’ao) is a major seafood market in Su’ao, offering a wide range of fresh fish and seafood directly from local boats. Strong availability of tuna and other pelagic species due to Su’ao’s offshore fleet.
Markets: Local traditional markets around Su’ao and Nanfang’ao provide vegetables, fruit,
Supermarkets. Carrefour (Tainan branches). PX Mart (multiple branches). Simple Mart
Markets: Anping Traditional Market for fresh vegetables, fruit, tofu, noodles, herbs, and daily staples.
Fish Markets. Anping Fish Market. Hours: 00:00–05:00 (closed Mondays). Best source for fresh fish and shellfish for yacht provisioning. Notes: Operates during early‑morning auction hours; seafood comes directly from local boats.
Diesel fuel for yachts in Taiwan is widely available in major ports. Commercial fuel docks exist in Kaohsiung, Keelung, and Hualien, though some are designed for larger vessels and require careful maneuvering. Many yachts arrange fuel delivery via small tanker trucks, especially in Kaohsiung. Fuel quality is generally good. Yachts requiring low‑sulfur diesel should confirm availability in advance. Smaller fishing ports may have fuel, but access can be limited by depth or dock height.
Fresh water for yachts in Taiwan is available in all major ports. Harbors typically provide water at designated berths, though pressure and fittings vary. In some ports, water is supplied via tanker truck.
Taiwan’s municipal water is treated and safe to drink, though many yachts choose to filter or treat water before filling tanks. During drought periods, particularly in the south, water restrictions may occur.
Taiwan has a strong shipbuilding and fishing industry, supporting a wide range of yacht repair services. Kaohsiung is the primary center for repairs, offering engine servicing, electronics repair and haul‑out facilities (limited but available). Keelung and Hualien also have repair facilities oriented toward fishing vessels. Skilled labor is available, though English proficiency varies. Specialized yacht parts may need to be imported, but Taiwan’s logistics network is efficient.
Taiwanese culture is polite, orderly, and community‑focused. Yachts should be aware of:
English is spoken in major cities but less common in smaller ports. Basic Mandarin phrases are helpful.
Taiwanese cuisine is diverse and widely available near all ports. Common dishes include Beef noodle soup, dumplings and steamed buns, oyster omelettes (my favorite!) braised pork rice and seafood hotpots. Night markets are central to local food culture, offering inexpensive meals and snacks. Coastal towns have abundant fresh seafood.
The Taiwan yacht sailing guide. Taiwan is a practical and well‑equipped stop for yachts transiting the Western Pacific. It offers reliable ports, clear entry procedures, good provisioning, and access to repairs. The east coast requires careful navigation due to strong currents and limited shelter, while the west coast provides calmer conditions and easier access to services. For yachts moving between Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, Taiwan is a dependable waypoint with a strong maritime culture and straightforward logistics.