Taiwan
East Asia: the worlds 4th-largest superyacht builder and a Pacific cruising coast
Overview
Taiwan has been building quality superyachts for a long time, and ranks as the fourth-largest builder of superyachts in the world by total feet launched. The same shipyards provide first-class refit and repair, making Taiwan a serious build-and-service destination as much as a cruising one.
The island has over 800 nautical miles of coastline, the most spectacular facing the Pacific Ocean to the east. Made up of 168 islands, it offers plenty of cruising and shore excursions, with mountains of almost 4,000 metres and rainforests on the main island.
Local engagement with the sea was long discouraged for political reasons, but the sentiment is changing fast. Cruising highlights include the Penghu archipelago in the Taiwan Strait, Green Island, Kenting and the dramatic east coast at Hualien.
Marinas & Map
Map Key - Marinas
- Love River Marina (Kaohsiung)
- Horizon City Marina (Kaohsiung)
- Anping Marina (Tainan)
- Bi-Sha Marina (Keelung)
✈ Kaohsiung International Airport
Cruising areas: Penghu Islands, Green Island, Kenting, Hualien.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by the National Immigration Agency and the Directorate General of Customs. Ports of entry are Kaohsiung, Keelung, Hualien, Taichung and Mailiao. Local agents such as Seedmarine arrange Taiwan entry and exit.
Government Contacts
Immigration: immigration.gov.tw
Customs: customs.gov.tw
International Airports
Taiwan Taoyuan · Kaohsiung International · Taichung · Taipei Songshan.
Cruising Grounds
Penghu archipelago · Green Island · Kenting · the Pacific east coast at Hualien.
Local Services
Shipyards & Builders
Horizon Yachts · Kaohsiung Dry Dock · Seedmarine
Agents & Entry/Exit
Seedmarine · Central Yacht
Brokerage
Simpson Marine
Yacht Management
Seedmarine
Association
Taiwan Yacht Industry Association
Refit & Repair
Horizon Shipyard (Kaohsiung)
APSA Grand Tour: Taiwan
Captain Paul Brackley leads APSA's Grand Tour of Taiwan, from the superyacht shipyards of Kaohsiung to the cruising grounds of the Pacific coast and the Penghu Islands.
APSA Members in Taiwan
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Taiwan important to the superyacht industry?
Taiwan is the world's fourth-largest builder of superyachts by total feet launched, with Kaohsiung shipyards such as Horizon Yachts that also provide first-class refit and repair services.
When is the best time to cruise Taiwan?
Taiwan is subtropical with mild winters from December to February, the best cruising window. Summers are hot and rainy, and typhoons are most frequent from June to September.
Where can superyachts berth in Taiwan?
The main marinas are Love River Marina and Horizon City Marina at Kaohsiung, Anping Marina at Tainan, and Bi-Sha Marina at Keelung. Kaohsiung is the build and refit hub.
Where do superyachts cruise in Taiwan?
Cruising highlights include the Penghu archipelago in the Taiwan Strait, Green Island, Kenting, and the dramatic Pacific east coast around Hualien.
Which APSA members are based in Taiwan?
Taiwan's APSA members are Horizon Yachts, Seedmarine and Simpson Marine Taiwan, which operates from Kaohsiung.