For travelers seeking an adrenaline-fuelled getaway, Taiwan is the ultimate adventure playground.
This island gem offers a wide array of thrilling experiences set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes. In this article, we’ll venture from the soaring peaks of the Central Mountain Range to the crashing waves of tropical Kenting National Park.
For each of the outdoors activities I’ll introduce below, I’ll tell you where, how, and the best time to do it, plus links to deals where you can book these activities. Prepare to get your heartbeat racing!
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
A diverse and colorful world teeming with marine wildlife lies just off the shores of Taiwan and its smaller offshore islands.
In the north of Taiwan, snorkelling and scuba are limited to a few spots, such as Longdong (which also has paddle boarding, cliff diving, and rock climbing), and best done in hotter seasons.
In the far south, it’s all about tropical Kenting National Park, where it’s warm enough nearly year-round.
As for the small islands, Xiaoliuqiu offers the unique opportunities to snorkel with giant sea turtles or try freediving, both available year-round.
Some of my favorite places in Taiwan, Green Island, Orchid Island, and Penghu, offer the country’s best snorkeling and scuba diving overall but best done is spring, summer, or fall.
Where to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Taiwan:
- Snorkeling and SUP experience (book here) or scuba in Longdong (here)
- Kenting National Park snorkeling (here or here) and scuba diving (here)
- Snorkeling/scuba diving with sea turtles (here) or free diving in Xiaoliuqiu (here)
- Snorkeling (here) or scuba diving (here) on Green Island
- Snorkeling (here) or scuba diving (here) on Orchid Island
- Mail a letter at an underwater mailbox (here or here) or snorkel in the underwater “lavender forest” (here) on Penghu
River Tracing
River tracing is one of my personal favorite outdoors activities in Taiwan.
Similar to canyoning but unique to East Asia, the activity involves gearing up and tracing upstream in rivers. Along the way, you can find pools to swim in, small cliffs to jump off, and even waterfalls to slide down. It’s so much fun!
This activity is generally suitable for anyone who is comfortable in the water (check the age limits for each one). It’s best done in summer – I find it the perfect way to cool off. River tracing hot spots include Wulai (in New Taipei City), Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung.
On a group tour, you’ll be provided with all the necessary gear, including felt-bottom boots (to prevent slipping), life jackets, and helmets when needed.
My friends and I very experienced with this activity, so we don’t always use all the gear, but the boots are a must and can be purchase at outdoors shops in Taipei.
Where to go river tracing in Taiwan:
- River tracing on Jiajiuliao stream in Wulai (here)
- River tracing in Yilan (here or here)
- River tracing in Hualien (here or here)
- River tracing in Taitung (here)
- The Golden Grotto in Hualien is one of the most famous and difficult river traces in Taiwan. Only experienced river tracers should consider it.
Cycling
Cycling is extremely popular in Taiwan (see my more detailed guide to the best cycling routes in Taiwan). Let’s not forget that two of the world’s largest bicycle manufacturers, Giant and Merida, are Taiwanese!
Doing a huandao (環島, or round-island circuit) by bike is considered a rite of passage in Taiwan, taking about 9 days. If you’re shorter on time, just do the east coast.
For less serious cyclists, there are many opportunities for easy but incredibly scenic day cycles around the country.
In most cities in the country, you can rent YouBikes (see my YouBike guide) for getting around.
Many bicycle shops across Taiwan also have options like electric bikes, tandem bikes, family bikes, children’s bikes, and so on.
Where to go cycling in Taiwan:
- For Taipei’s riverside paths or doing a huandao, rent from MatthewBike in Taipei. Besides all the gear you need, they can offer van support throughout your trip. In Taipei, they also have children’s bikes.
- Houfeng Bikeway is a popular easy bike ride in Taichung. It includes some cool bridges and decommissioned train tunnels. Rent your bike here.
- Chishang is a cycling hot spot in Taitung, famous for its quaint rice paddy rural scenery. Rent your bike or multi-person e-bike here and read my Chishang guide.
- Sun Moon Lake has been called one of the nicest bike rides in the world. For an easy ride, rent your bike here in Shuishe village and cycle west along the lake shore. For a tougher ride, go east around the lake. Learn more in my Sun Moon Lake guide.
- Find even more cycling spots here.
Taiwan also has a more unique activity, which is pedalling a cute little cart along a decommissioned railway line. There are two such rail carts: Old Mountain Line in Miaoli and Shen’ao Rail Bike in Keelung.
ATV Riding on the Beach
ATV (or “quad”) riding is a popular activity on several beaches in Taiwan. Basically you get to rip around right on the sand and offroad trails next to the beach.
Some of these even add to fun photo stops with props to make it even more appealing. The main places I’ve seen ATVing in Taiwan are in Yilan, Hualien, and Taichung.
Where to go ATVing in Taiwan
- Here’s a popular one in Yilan near Dong’ao train station in the south of the county.
- This one in Hualien includes a fun “sky mirror” photo prop.
- For ATVing in Taichung, try this one, but it’s a ways from the city center, so you’ll need to find your own way there.
Paragliding
What better way to admire Taiwan’s dramatic landscapes than while soaring hundreds of meters up in the air?
Paragliding is one of the most adventurous activities to be found in Taiwan, if you can summon up enough bravery to do it!
I’ve seen paragliders all over Taiwan, including New Taipei City (Wanli Beach), Puli (Nantou), Hualien, and Taitung (Luye). However, it’s not always the easiest to find and book these experiences, as companies seem to come and go.
Currently these are the only paragliding experiences I can find for booking online in English:
- Paragliding in Pingtung, with pick up from Pingtung train station (see same experience on KKday)
- This website has opportunities in Taipei, Hualien, Puli, and Kaohsiung
Skyline 460
Here’s a unique adventurous activity right in the middle of Taiwan’s bustling capital: standing on the top of Taipei 101, the country’s tallest and most famous landmark!
Most people experience Taipei 101 by visiting the Taipei 101 Observatory on the 89th to 91st floors of the building. But with this exhilarating add-on, you get to go up to the top floor (101st floor of course!) and walk up on the actual roof of the building.
This experience is only available once per day (3 PM). After it, you get access to the other observatory floors. You also get a framed photo of yourself and some free Taipei 101 souvenirs.
Read all about my Skyline 460 experience and book it online here.
High Mountain Climbing
Taiwan is a true paradise for hikers. Considered the most mountainous island in the world, it has no less than 268 mountains above 3000 meters in height.
For serious trekkers, most high elevation hikes will require a mountain permit and two days of trekking, with an overnight stay in a mountain lodge.
However, there are still plenty of great hikes which can be done without any bookings.
Where to go mountain climbing in Taiwan:
- There are many excellent hikes within easy reach of Taipei City. Here are my personal favorites, including the most famous, Elephant Mountain
- Hehuanshan is the best place to go high mountain hiking without a permit. Read my Hehuanshan guide.
- You can hike in tea plantations and bamboo forests at Eryanping, Shizhuo, and Fenqihu, or among giant ancient trees at Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Mianyue Line at Alishan is special but it’s hard to get a spot.
- Taipingshan is a less touristy alternative to Alishan, complete with excellent hot springs after your hike. See all the info in my Taipingshan guide.
- Yushan (Taiwan’s tallest), Xueshan (Snow Mountain), Dabajianshan, Walami Trail, and Jiaming Lake are some of the most classic high mountain hikes in Taiwan. Make sure to research your permits and other details.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Taiwan’s waters are home to over a third of all cetacean (dolphin and whale) species in the world. From April to October (peak: summer) you can easily see them off the country’s east coast.
Before setting out, be aware that dolphins and smaller whales are by far the most common to see, while your chances of seeing a large whale are quite low.
Where to see dolphins and whales in Taiwan:
- Boat day tour to Turtle Island in Yilan with dolphin/whale watching (here)
- Dolphin and whale watching boat tour in Hualien (here)
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
SUP (Stand-Up Paddle Boarding) is a fun and relaxing way to get out on the water in various locations across Taiwan.
This is a unique way to experience famous attractions like Sun Moon Lake and the Qingshui Cliffs in Hualien, or you can enjoy this activity in more obvious spots like Kenting National Park and the offshore islands in Taiwan.
Where to go stand-up paddle boarding in Taiwan:
- Paddle on Sun Moon Lake (here)
- Try it in Kenting National Park (here)
- On the offshore islands, here’s an SUP experience in Penghu, Green Island, and Xiaoliuqiu
- Go SUPing below the famous Qingshui Cliffs in Hualien (here)
- Also try it here at Fulong Beach (one of the best beaches near Taipei), here at Longdong, here in Pinglin (an area known for its tea plantations), or on Carp Lake (Liyutan) in Hualien
Kayaking and Other Boats
Kayaking is not so different from paddle boarding, except you get to sit down while paddling, which is why I personally prefer it.
Taiwan offers a few unique kayaking experiences, such as among the rice paddies in Yilan county or below the famous Qingshui cliffs in Hualien.
You can also enjoy it at beachy places such as Xiaoliuqiu, where you are likely to spot some giant sea turtles.
Where to go kayaking in Taiwan:
- Go kayaking among the rice paddies in Yilan (here).
- Try these unique water bikes on Dongshan River in Yilan (here).
- Go kayaking below the famous Qingshui Cliffs in Hualien (here).
- See giant sea turtles from your kayak on Xiaoliuqiu (here).
Jet Skiing and Banana Boat Riding
If you visit any popular beach in Kenting National Park or Penghu, you can’t help but notice all the domestic tourists doing a variety of white-knuckle activities in the water.
These invariably include jet skiing, tubing, and riding the infamous “banana boats”, which are pulled rapidly by a motorboat, often until everyone falls in. Riding these is practically a must for many young Taiwanese when visiting these places.
In Kenting, you can book these experiences on their own, while in Penghu, they are included on many island-hopping tours.
Where to go jet skiing and banana boat riding in Taiwan:
- In Kenting, book your water fun here at Nanwan (South Bay)
- In Penghu, you can do 5 different activities here on Aimen Beach or try an island hopping tour with water activities like this one or this one.
Rafting and Tubing
Taiwan has a few rafting and tubing spots. These range from wild white-water rapids to easy and relaxing floats.
By far the best known white water rafting location is on the Xiuguluan River (秀姑巒溪) in southern Hualien county.
For an easier experience, Nan’ao River near Wuta train station in southern Yilan also has some rafting and tubing experiences.
Where to go rafting and tubing in Taiwan:
- The best white water rafting is here at Xiuguluan River in Hualien county.
- Here’s a more relaxing tube float near Hualien city.
- In Yilan, try tube floating or rafting on Nan’ao River.
- Not so far from Taipei, you can also go rafting here in Taoyuan.
Rock Climbing and Cliff Diving
Rock climbing is not a very common activity in Taiwan, but there are a few locations you can find it.
Longdong in New Taipei City is the center of rock climbing and scuba/snorkeling in Northern Taiwan
As for cliff diving, again it’s not common. But as somehow who LOVES jumping off things into water, I’ll share a few sweet spots I’ve found.
Where to go rock climbing and cliff diving in Taiwan:
- Go rock climbing right in Taipei city, specifically Beitou district (here)
- For rock climbing at Longdong, try this provider.
- To do cliff diving at Longdong, I only recommend this if you are experienced. You’ll have to swim across some rough water and then climb up the cliff to jump in here.
- You can find various spots to jump off small cliffs into the river on the Jiajiuliao river trace in Wulai (including a rock water slide!) and on the river trace to Golden Grotto (experienced tracers only) in Hualien.
- There are also some small cliffs where you can jump in around here in Sanzhan village near Taroko Gorge
Windsurfing, Sailing, and Parasailing
Taiwan has some serious winds ideal for windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, and parasailing. In winter, the Penghu islands becomes extremely windy, making it one of the few reasons to visit in this season.
A few other spots sprinkled around the country offer more windsurfing and parasailing opportunities.
Where to go windsurfing and parasailing in Taiwan:
- One of the easiest places to try windsurfing is here Fulong Beach in New Taipei
- In Penghu, try this sailing experience or this parasailing experience
- You can also try windsurfing here on Yuguang Island in Tainan, kite surfing here in Taichung, or kayak sailing on Xiaoliuqiu
Surfing
For regular surfing, Taiwan also delivers. You’ll find some easy learning spots like Wai’ao Beach in Yilan and South Bay in Kenting.
For more experienced surfers, you can find some of the best waves in Hualien, Taitung, Cijin Island in Kaohsiung, and Gangkou Beach in Kenting.
For the closest thing to a surf town in Taiwan, check out Dulan in Donghe township, Taitung.
Where to go surfing in Taiwan:
- Wai’ao Beach in Yilan is the best surfing beach in Northern Taiwan. Rent boards or take a class here or here.
- Try surfing here in Hualien or here in Taitung.
- In Dulan, stay in a surfing hostel like Wagaligong (see on Agoda) or Page Surfing Inn (see on Booking).
- In Kenting, book a surfing experience here or here at South Bay and see where to stay nearby. If you’re more experienced, stay at this remote surf hostel where you can rent boards and go out on your own.
Hot Air Balloon Riding
Another way to experience Taiwan from above is by hot air balloon. Unfortunately, however, opportunities to do this are quite limited and hard (or impossible) to book online in English.
The main event to be aware of is the Taitung International Hot Air Balloon Festival which takes place for several weeks every summer in Luye. It’s fun to attend simply as an observer, watching all the fun-shaped balloons.
At the event, they offer short tethered rides, meaning the balloon will only go up a little while still tethered to the ground. Find our how to do this in my guide to the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival.
In the months leading up to the festival, KKday offers various tours (like this one and this one) which include the festival.
If you find a way to book an actual hot air balloon ride in Taiwan, let me know in the comments below.