(2026 updated) 5 Amazing Snorkeling Spots on Orchid Island (Lanyu) Taiwan

Among all the things to do on Orchid Island (Lanyu), snorkeling in the island’s hidden natural pools is my absolute favorite and one I highly recommend you don’t miss. The underwater world here is stunningly beautiful and diverse, but some of the best Orchid Island snorkeling spots are not easy to find. In this post, I will share the exact locations of 4 hidden snorkeling spots on Orchid Island and one cold spring I’ve discovered, along with what you can expect at each one.

Orchid Island snorkeling spots

Orchid Island is just as stunning above the water as it is below. Every corner of this island looks like a painting. And once you step over the sharp volcanic rocks, pull on your snorkeling mask, and dive into the ocean, you will understand why I call it the “blue heaven.”

The first time I went to Orchid Island, I didn’t research any snorkeling spots before visiting. We simply hopped on a scooter, rode around the island with our own masks, snorkels, and fins, and stopped whenever a spot looked promising. That’s exactly how we found all the places I’m about to share with you.

Here are my top Orchid Island snorkeling spots recommendations, listed in order of my preference:

• Tide pools at nuclear waste dumpsite
• Iraraley secret spot
• Jimawawa
• Iranmeylek secret spot

Keep reading for the exact locations of these places!

Note: If you prefer to snorkel safely with professional guidance and have underwater photos taken, then you can 🔗book this guided snorkeling tour.

1. Tide Pools at Nuclear Waste Dumpsite

I know the name “Tide Pools at Nuclear Waste Dumpsite” sounds horrible, but here is the best snorkeling spot on Orchid Island (Lanyu), not only because the visibility is great, but also it’s the home of Nemo (clown fish), parrotfish, butterfly fish, beautiful corals and more.

What’s more, there are two pools here you can explore! Definitely enough for you to spend the whole morning or afternoon! 

If you only have time for ONE snorkeling spot on Orchid Island, you won’t regret it if you choose here!

Exact location of Tide Pools at Nuclear Waste Dumpsite on Google Maps: click🔗 here

2. Iraraley Secret Pool

My second favourite snorkeling and swimming spot is the Iraraley Secret Pool!

You can spot tropical fish, parrotfish, and loads of crabs underwater. I ended up swimming here for over two hours, and still didn’t want to leave.

The water is deep here, so we saw a few people even cliff jumping here. If you want to do the cliff jumping, make sure you check where all the big rocks located before you jump!

You might also get the chance to meet local aboriginal kids here, they are like little mermaids, absolutely fearless in the water and incredible swimmers!

Exact location of Iraraley Secret Spot: click 🔗here.

3. Jimawawa

Jimawawa is a special hidden gem on Orchid Island that genuinely surprised me. It’s located in the northern part of the island, but can spot the stunning sunset.

When I first arrived, all I saw was a narrow path between two large rocks, so I didn’t think there would be much to see. I even left my GoPro on the shore, which is a big mistake! That narrow path actually leads to a huge natural pool filled with beautiful corals (no photos, sadly, lesson learned!).

One important warning though: be very careful when walking down to the water. Do not walk on the rocks, they are super slippery. Yes, I slipped. So, the locals told me I should step in the gaps between the rocks instead, now you know.

After your swim, you can walk back to the little pavilion to dry off, rest, and listen to music while you wait for the sunset. Trust me, the sunset is worth staying for.

Exact location of Jimawawa on Google Maps: click 🔗here.

4. Iranmeylek Secret Spot

Iranmeylek Secret Spot is actually a relatively famous secret spot in Orchid Island. However, it is the hardest to find. Even if it’s pinned 🔗on Google Maps already, we still had to drive back and forth a few times to find the exact location of it. Funnily, even the second time I went, it took me a while to find it, but now I know.

So, how to get to Iranmeylek Secret Spot and where is the exact spot where you need to go down? Keep reading.

In 2024, there was already a well-paved path leading to its small parking lot that is in the same direction as the Lover’s Cave, and you will see a little sign of Iranmeylek Secret Spot here.

Once you park the scooter, you will see a little path in the field on the front left side. If you just walk on that path for about 7 minutes towards the ocean, you will find a big sea cave, and that is Iranmeylek Secret Spot.

But to reach the natural pool, you need to go to the back side of the cave, where you will see a wooden ladder. This is the entrance to the Iranmeylek Secret Spot where you can climb down for a swim.

The interesting and my favourite thing to do here is climbing down the wooden ladder to the pool at its low tide, as it provides a mysterious, adventurous feeling and the serene vibe.

Even if there aren’t many fish here, it is still an amazing place to explore.

But one important thing to be aware of is that there are some poisonous sea snakes at this secret spot.

I encountered 2 sea snakes at Iranmeylek Secret Spot within 1 hour when I visited there for the first time. One swam towards us (because there were kids disturbing it), and one was resting in the cave. I also encountered a sea snake on my second visit to the spot. It swam past us in the water and stayed near the entrance for a while as we tried to get up and leave. I freaked out every time I saw them.

If you are scared of sea snakes, be careful and stay alert of it. The chance of meeting them here is pretty high. And make sure you don’t provoke or scare them. We must respect the wild animals, do not disturb them when we are visiting their home.

Location of Iranmeylek Secret Spot: Click 🔗here.

Hidden swimming spot on Orchid Island

1. Ivalino Cold Spring

We found Ivalino Cold Spring on the way to Ivalino tribe, after a long day riding scooter and exploring Orchid Island. The freezing cold and refreshing water was exactly what we needed. You wouldn’t want to miss it either.

Walk a little further in you will discover the natural milky-coloured pool is way bigger than it looks. You might also smell the sulfur and feel tiny fish biting your feet.

Exact location of Ivalino cold spring: click 🔗here.

What to Pack for Snorkeling on Orchid Island?

• 1. Seasickness tablets: Don’t underestimate the ferry ride to Orchid Island! I was that person who thought I’d be fine without them, so I didn’t bring any! Luckily my friend had some and made me take it an hour before boarding. We forced ourselves to sleep the moment we got on the ferry and arrived on Orchid Island fine, thanks to the medicine! I highly recommend you bring some too. I’d also suggest not eating anything too heavy the night before, keeping breakfast light and non-greasy, and going straight to sleep once you board. The tablets we took were Vomiseda (blue packaging bought in Taipei), personally I found them really effective, worth trying!
• 2. Cash and your debit card: Orchid Island doesn’t accept credit cards, and there are only two ATMs on the entire island. Bring enough cash and keep your debit card handy just in case!
• 3. Sunscreen: The sun on Orchid Island is no joke, and there’s almost no shade anywhere outdoors. Even if you love getting tan like me, you still need sunscreen, and you need to reapply it constantly. Otherwise you won’t just get tan, you will get burned like a lobster! If possible, go for ocean-friendly sunscreen to help protect the beautiful waters here.
• 4. Aloe vera gel: If you end up getting sunburned even using the sunscreen, aloe vera gel is a lifesaver. You will feel so much better after applying it on your body.
• 5. Snorkeling mask and snorkel: If you are planning to snorkel, I’d recommend bringing your own basic gear. Tour operators do provide equipment, but for hygiene reasons and for a better fit, having your own just makes everything more comfortable. My mask is a Cressi, I bought it in Palau back in 2014 and it’s still working. It has a wide lens and looks great too. Highly recommend getting one!
• 6. Swimwear and bikinis: Swimming and snorkeling are the best things to do on Orchid Island, so do not forget to pack a few swimwears with you, one set per day is the best way to do.
• 7. Water Shoes: Orchid Island is a volcanic island covered in sharp reef rocks everywhere you step. Walking on the reef without proper footwear is painful, and trust me, I learned that the hard way after slipping and hitting my knee. Don’t make the same mistake I did! We only brought flip flops, it was fine ish, but definitely not ideal. Next time I’m bringing water shoes for sure, and I’d suggest you do the same!
• 8. Waterproof camera: With so many stunning underwater scenes to capture on Orchid Island, I definitely recommend you bring a waterproof camera with you! Grab a large memory card too, so you never have to worry about running out of space. I personally use a GoPro Hero, the video and image quality are both excellent, it’s easy to carry, and you can mount it on a selfie stick, chest strap, or float bar. I really enjoy having it all these years.
• 9. Conditioner: After days of swimming in saltwater, your hair might get seriously tangled, ours certainly did! I highly suggest you pack your own shampoo and conditioner. Your hair will thank you later!

More travel information for you to plan Orchid Island (Lanyu) trip:

• 🔗Orchid Island Transportation Guide: How to Get There & Around, Flight vs Ferry Pros & Cons
• 🔗Check the available ferry spots and price for going to Orchid Island
• 🔗Book an Orchid Island snorkeling trip with a guide & underwater photos taken
• 🔗Orchid Island Sunrise And Sunset: Best Spots To Watch
• 🔗Book an Orchid Island SUP experience + underwater photos taken.

Wish you a fun and safe trip snorkeling around Orchid Island, Taiwan! If you find more hidden spots, feel free to share it, I’d love to know!!

Samantha