Wuzhizhou Island

Wuzhizhou Island, a small teardrop of green off Sanya's Haitang Bay, is Hainan's premier diving and snorkelling destination. Its waters are famously clear — visibility can reach 27 metres — revealing coral gardens, reef fish and the occasional sea turtle. With our private guide handling ferry tickets, gear and timing, you simply step off the boat and into another world.

What it is

Wuzhizhou Island (蜈支洲岛) lies about 2.7 kilometres off the coast of Haitang Bay in southern Hainan, and is one of the few places in China where you can dive in genuinely transparent tropical water. The island is fringed by coral reefs that support more than 100 species of hard and soft corals, along with clownfish, parrotfish, moray eels and sea turtles. Because the island sits at the confluence of warm currents, the marine ecosystem is unusually rich for this latitude. The name Wuzhizhou is said to derive from a local word meaning 'ancient branch' — a reference to the island's shape.

For decades the island was a military outpost, which inadvertently protected its reefs from overfishing and development. It opened to tourism in the 1990s and was later awarded 5A status, China's highest scenic rating. Today it is managed as a marine park, with a daily cap on visitors during peak periods. The infrastructure is polished: a short ferry crossing, wooden boardwalks, shaded pavilions and a dive centre with multilingual instructors. Despite the crowds in high season, the underwater world remains the main draw, and our guides know which dive sites and beach corners stay quietest.

Highlights

Diving and snorkelling — Visibility up to 27 metres in calm conditions; beginner shore dives and boat dives to coral gardens are available with English-speaking instructors.
Lover Bridge — A wooden footbridge over clear shallows where you can spot reef fish without getting wet; a favourite photo spot at sunset.
Beach relaxation — Two main beaches with powdery sand and calm, swimmable water; loungers and umbrellas can be rented for around ¥100 per day.
Water sports — Jet skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing and sea walking are all on offer; our guide can help you choose reputable operators and avoid hidden fees.
Island loop walk — A 2.5-kilometre boardwalk circles the island, passing volcanic rock formations, a small lighthouse and viewpoints over Haitang Bay.

Tourists boarding a ferry to Wuzhizhou Island from Haitang Bay pier

How to get there

Wuzhizhou Island is reached by a 15-minute ferry from the Wuzhizhou Island Pier in Haitang Bay, about 40 minutes by taxi from downtown Sanya (¥80–100) or 30 minutes from Yalong Bay. High-speed rail from Sanya Station to Haitang Bay Station takes 20 minutes, followed by a short taxi. We usually combine the island with a morning visit to nearby Haitang Bay duty-free mall or a seafood lunch in Houhai Village, making a full, seamless day.

Tickets & practical info

Ferry and island admission are bundled: ¥144 per adult in high season (Oct–Apr), ¥136 in low season, with discounts for children and seniors. Ferries run roughly 8:00–16:00, with the last return around 18:00. Book online in advance via the official WeChat mini-program or through us; foreign cards are often not accepted at the pier, so bring your passport and use WeChat Pay or Alipay linked to an international card, or let our guide handle payment.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when seas are calm and underwater visibility is at its peak. Arrive on the first ferry at 8:00 to secure a spot on the beach and book dive slots before the crowds. Avoid Chinese public holidays, when daily visitor numbers surge and ferry queues can exceed an hour.

Tips from our guides

Book ferry tickets and dive packages at least a day ahead through our team or the official mini-program; walk-up tickets often sell out by mid-morning in peak season.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard and a waterproof phone pouch — sunburn and splashes are the two most common regrets.
If you plan to dive, avoid flying within 18 hours afterwards and disclose any medical conditions; the dive centre requires a health declaration.
Rent a locker (¥30) near the ferry terminal to store valuables; the island's paths are sandy and not ideal for wheeled luggage.
For the clearest water and fewest people, head to the far side of the island near the lighthouse in the early afternoon, after day-trippers cluster at the main beach.

Close-up of a sea turtle swimming over coral reef at Wuzhizhou Island

FAQ

Do I need to book Wuzhizhou Island tickets in advance?

Yes, especially from November to April. The island caps daily visitors, and ferries fill up. Book online via the official WeChat mini-program or ask us to reserve for you.

Is Wuzhizhou Island suitable for beginner divers?

Absolutely. The dive centre offers introductory shore dives with certified instructors, and the calm, shallow lagoon is ideal for first-timers. No prior experience is needed.

Can I pay with a foreign credit card on the island?

Most vendors prefer WeChat Pay or Alipay. Foreign cards are rarely accepted directly, so link your card to those apps beforehand or carry enough cash in CNY.

How long should I spend on Wuzhizhou Island?

A half-day covers a dive and beach time; a full day lets you walk the island loop, try multiple water sports and relax without rushing. We recommend arriving by 9:00.