Keelung | Keelung Islet (Part 1): Island Cruise—Experience the Sea and Capture the Contours of a Volcanic Island in a Blue Album

Keelung Islet offers a rich array of sightseeing opportunities, so Heinrich has divided his trip moments into three parts to introduce it.

This time, I took a boat departing from Badouzi/Bisha Harbor. The boat circled Keelung Islet counterclockwise, revealing cliffs that looked as if they were carved by knives and grassy slopes brushed with a thin layer of green velvet. As we rounded the cape, the boat's wake formed a white V-shaped trail, while the clouds above shifted like layers in a painting. In just 60–90 minutes, I was able to grasp both the grandeur and gentleness of the northeastern coast.

• Itinerary | Keelung Islet Sightseeing
• Departure Points | Typically from Badouzi/Bisha Fishing Harbor or Shen'ao Fishing Harbor
• Duration | Approximately 60–90 minutes (including guided commentary and slow-paced photo opportunities)
• Ticket Price | NT$300–600 per person depending on the boat company and weekday/holiday rates; private charters available upon negotiation
• Season | Relatively stable sea conditions from April to October; adjusted schedules during the northeast monsoon season
• Highlights | Up-close views of cliff textures, marine erosion platforms, and ridge lines, with a focus on conservation

A Bit of Background and History

Keelung Islet is an isolated volcanic island composed mainly of hardened rock formed from cooled volcanic eruptions. Over the years, it has been sculpted by the northeast monsoon and ocean waves, resulting in steep cliffs, fissures, and marine erosion patterns. In earlier times, the island housed a lighthouse and military facilities and was under long-term control. In recent years, it has been seasonally opened with visitor limits to support conservation efforts. Sailings are still suspended during typhoons or the northeast monsoon season.

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Maritime Notes | A Guided Tour Around the Island

① Silhouette from Afar
As the boat departs, Keelung Islet resembles a sleeping green sea turtle. At this point, position the horizon at the lower third of your frame, leaving two-thirds for the clouds. The sky will look like an opening curtain.

② Close-Up of Cliff Faces
Approaching the northwest side, the cliffs drop vertically in gray-black tones, with joints and layers appearing as if carved by knives. Waves crashing below create white foam that accentuates the cliff details, making them appear even more vivid—nature is the best lighting technician.

③ Ridge Lines and Grassy Slopes
On the windward side, green grassy slopes appear like thin velvet brushed onto the rocks, interspersed with signs of erosion and talus fans. The boat slows down here, and the guide points out marine erosion platforms and coastal reefs. Listening to the wind and commentary, time seems to slow down.

④ White Wake from the Stern
My favorite spot is at the stern: the propeller pulls the sea into a V-shaped light trail, while distant reefs float like ink on dark blue paper. The scene is so clean it feels like a logo.

⑤ Gentle Return to the Harbor
As we approach the breakwater, the ridge lines draw closer to the eye, and the green hues warm up, bringing a sense of relaxation. Turning off the camera and simply watching the sea is the perfect way to end this journey.

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Why I Recommend Keelung Islet (9 Reasons)
1. Unparalleled Grandeur: The sea perspective offers a complete view of the ridge lines and cliff proportions, far more expansive than from land.
2. Flexible Timing: The trip takes only 1.5–2 hours, making it easy to fit into morning, afternoon, or evening plans.
3. Rich Geomorphology: See rock veins, joints, marine erosion platforms, and talus fans all in one trip.
4. Dramatic Clouds: The northeastern coast's cloud layers resemble stage curtains, adding drama to photos.
5. Suitable for All Ages: With life jackets and stable seating, even seniors and children can enjoy the view without hiking.
6. Photogenic Scenery: White waves, reefs, silhouettes, ridge lines—every shot looks stunning.
7. Pair with Nearby Attractions: After the trip, visit Bisha Fishing Harbor, Chaojing Park, the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, or Jiufen.
8. Easy Weather Alternatives: If the sea is rough, opt for a harbor stroll and seafood lunch without disappointment.
9. Low Seasickness Risk: Keelung Islet is close to shore, and the short duration makes it manageable with medication.

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Photography Tips (Even Smartphones Can Capture Stunning Shots) 📸
• Island Shape Definition: Align the island's ridge line with the bright area of the sky for cleaner silhouettes.
• Cliff Textures: Shoot at a 45° angle from the boat side, set EV to −0.3 for enhanced cliff details.
• Stern White Wake: Use burst mode and a shutter speed of 1/1000 to capture the brightest moment of the waves.
• Portrait Composition: Stand 1/3 into the frame with the sea as the backdrop, holding the railing to include both the life jacket and sea for a safe yet storytelling shot.
• Anti-Glare: If sunlight is strong, slightly raise the camera to avoid direct glare for cleaner colors.

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Pre-Trip & Pitfalls to Avoid (Important!) ⚠️
• Always wear a life jacket and secure your camera and phone with straps; hold the railing firmly when encountering side waves near capes.
• Sun and Wind Protection: Bring a hat, long sleeves, sunscreen, and water; prepare a scarf or jacket for strong sea winds.
• Seasickness: Take medication 30 minutes before departure, focus on distant views, and avoid using your phone excessively.
• Boat Schedules and Sea Conditions: During the northeast monsoon season, sailings are often suspended or shortened; check announcements from boat operators before booking.
• Respect the Ocean: Lightweight items can easily be blown into the sea; take all trash back to shore.

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Half-Day Itinerary

Relaxed Half-Day Version
Depart from Badouzi/Bisha for an island cruise → Return to the harbor for seafood at the fish market → Stroll through Chaojing Park → Visit the permanent exhibits at the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology

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Food Review (Including Address! Post-Sailing Refuel)

Bisha Fishing Harbor Tourist Fish Market
Address: No. 211, Beining Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City
What I Ordered:
• Assorted Sashimi: Freshly sliced, evenly thick, with a perfect balance of oiliness and sweetness.
• Grilled Squid: Slightly charred on the outside, chewy inside—perfect with the sea breeze.
• Clam Soup: Lightly sweet with just the right amount of saltiness, warming and satisfying.
Why I Recommend It: Closest to the pier, plenty of seating, and stalls clearly display the day's catch and transparent pricing, making it a worry-free choice.

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My True Feelings

My favorite part was the white wake at the stern: it felt like drawing a clear line through time—an island ahead, a harbor behind, with cloud shadows dancing on the water. Standing by the railing, I said nothing. After circling the island and returning to the harbor, the blue suddenly felt quiet. At that moment, a bowl of hot soup or a slice of sashimi was all I needed to preserve the salty taste of this sea journey.

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Keelung Islet Scenic Cruise | Badouzi/Bisha Fishing Harbor Tourist Fish Market (No. 211, Beining Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City) | National Museum of Marine Science and Technology | Chaojing Park | Wangyou Valley | Zhengbin Fishing Harbor Colorful Houses

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Post by Heinrich8588 | Sep 27, 2025