Kayaks are a great way to go island hopping within the 'inner sea' of Penghu's main horseshoe chain of islands of Magong, Baisha and Xiyu. Going further afield by kayak - to the outer islands - is not recommenced (unless you are really a super-fit kayak enthusiast) - mainly due to the long distances involved. Not to mention the sea conditions during winter, when 30 knots of wind can produce 20 ft waves.
A far better - often overlooked option - is to explore the expansive Qinglo wetlands, which have been designated as an ecological conservation area. Its also a great way to see much natural wildlife, particularly rare migratory birds - in fact the area has become a very popular area for bird watchers. The Qinglo wetlands comprise a series of interconnected channels, lakes, lagoons and ponds. However, be sure to plan your trip during high tide when you'll have a window of approximately 5 hours (2.5 hours either side of high tide) when the network of waterways remain interconnected; at low tide each lake (or expanse of water) becomes cut off from each other, meaning you'll have to drag your kayak over various dykes etc, to get to the next stretch of water.
In the winter, the wetlands are relatively sheltered from the wind, and the water remains perfectly flat, so its an excellent option for getting on the water during the winter months. SUPs are also ideal for these waterways.
A far better - often overlooked option - is to explore the expansive Qinglo wetlands, which have been designated as an ecological conservation area. Its also a great way to see much natural wildlife, particularly rare migratory birds - in fact the area has become a very popular area for bird watchers. The Qinglo wetlands comprise a series of interconnected channels, lakes, lagoons and ponds. However, be sure to plan your trip during high tide when you'll have a window of approximately 5 hours (2.5 hours either side of high tide) when the network of waterways remain interconnected; at low tide each lake (or expanse of water) becomes cut off from each other, meaning you'll have to drag your kayak over various dykes etc, to get to the next stretch of water.
In the winter, the wetlands are relatively sheltered from the wind, and the water remains perfectly flat, so its an excellent option for getting on the water during the winter months. SUPs are also ideal for these waterways.
Tide tables for Penghu can be found at: http://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7e/forecast/fishery/tide_1.htm
Kayaks for the wetlands can be hired from Liquid Sport B&B, tel: 0911 267 321 www.liquidsportpenghu.com
Cost is NT$ 400 per day for a '2 person' kayak. Windsurfers also available for hire
(The wetlands are also probably the best place to learn to windsurf, due to the year-round flat water. Also available from Liquid Sport - instruction also given)
Ocean going kayaks also available from: http://penghusunrisebnb.theweb.tw/kitesurfing/index2.html
Cost is NT$ 400 per day for a '2 person' kayak. Windsurfers also available for hire
(The wetlands are also probably the best place to learn to windsurf, due to the year-round flat water. Also available from Liquid Sport - instruction also given)
Ocean going kayaks also available from: http://penghusunrisebnb.theweb.tw/kitesurfing/index2.html