Kenting Beaches in Kenting
Part of the Kenting travel guide — see every topic in All Kenting Guides.
Kenting has the warmest beaches on the main island of Taiwan. The sand is light, the water is often clear, and coral grows close to shore in many places. Each beach has a different feel. Baisha is quiet and wide, Nanwan is busy and sporty, and Little Bay is small and right in Kenting town. All three are easy to reach by scooter or car, and you can see them in one day.
Baisha Bay, the quiet one
Baisha means white sand, and this bay on the west side of the peninsula has some of the softest, palest sand in the area. It is a little away from the main road, so it feels calmer than the beaches near Kenting town. There are a few small shops and rental stands for umbrellas and simple water toys, but not much more. The beach faces west, which makes it a good place to watch the sunset. Waves are usually gentle in summer. On windy winter days the sea can be rough, so look at the conditions before you swim.
Nanwan, the busy one
Nanwan, or South Bay, is a long curved beach on the main road between Hengchun and Kenting town. It is the centre of beach life in the area. In summer you will see jet skis, banana boats and other water sports, plus many shops that rent boards and sell drinks. The water is warm and the sand is wide, so families like it. It can be crowded on weekends and holidays. Swimmers should stay inside the marked areas, away from fast boats and jet skis. Beach rules and safe swimming zones can change, so follow the flags and signs.
Little Bay in Kenting town
Little Bay, also called Xiaowan, is a small beach just off Kenting Street, the main road through town. You can walk there from many hotels and from the night market. Because it is so close, it is a good choice for a short swim in the morning or a sunset walk after dinner. The bay is small and can feel full in summer, but the water is often calm. Some areas near the beach belong to hotels, so look for the public access paths. There are showers and shops close by.
Swimming safely
The sea around Kenting is beautiful, but it is open ocean. Strong currents can form, especially near rocks and when the wind is up. Swim only in areas with lifeguards or clear swimming zones, and never swim alone or after drinking. The sun is very strong here all year, so use reef-safe sunscreen, wear a hat and drink plenty of water. Coral and sharp rocks are common near shore, so water shoes help. Do not touch, stand on or take coral and shells, because the reefs are protected. In typhoon season, beaches can close when the waves get big.
When to go
The main swimming season runs from about April to October, when the water is warm and the wind is light. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with many visitors from around Taiwan. Summer is also typhoon season, so watch the weather news and be ready to change plans. From about October to March, a strong northeast wind often blows across the peninsula. Locals call it the falling mountain wind. It can make the beaches cool and sandy, even when the sun is out. Spring and autumn weekdays are often the best balance of good weather and fewer people.
Kenting Beaches at a glance
| Getting there | Scooter or car along the main coast road; Little Bay is walkable from Kenting Street |
|---|---|
| Hours | Beaches open in daylight; swim only when lifeguards or flags allow |
| Cost | Beaches are free; rentals and water sports extra |
| Best time | About April to October; weekdays are quieter |
| Watch for | Strong sun, currents, typhoon closures, winter wind |
| Bring | Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, water shoes |