WUZHIZHOU ISLAND
GETTING THERE
The island is accessed via ferry from downtown Sanya, Hainan Island’s southernmost city. Boats leave from Wuzhizhou Island Wharf every 20 minutes, and the journey to the island takes just 15 minutes.
Situated around 30 kilometres from downtown Sanya, Wuzhizhou Island is considered one of China’s best island getaways, the perfect luxurious tropical refuge away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Known as Guqizhou in ancient times, the island is 2,500 metres long from east to west and 1,100 metres wide from south to north, and the surrounding sea is home to beautiful underwater landscapes blanketed with a wide variety of coral species.
With the clearest waters in Sanya, it’s not surprising that Wuzhizhou Island is a destination that is all about water sports. As well as diving and snorkelling, you’ll be able to try your hand at parasailing, jet skiing and banana boating. But keep in mind that this is a very popular spot among the Chinese, and you’ll have to contend with queues and crowds if you want your fill of fun in the water.
Among all the water sports on offer, scuba diving is the biggest draw, and there are plenty of firsttimers doing try-dives. Experienced divers will want to avoid the packaged dives and instead arrange a private dive to allow them to explore the reef freely.
Glassfish Planet
Located on the western side of the island, this dive site has a depth of between 5 and 18 metres and is especially well suited to beginner divers. The highlight of the dive is the opportunity to encounter stunning “silverfish storms”, giant schools of shimmering fish that have to be seen to be believed. The area is also home to three interesting shipwrecks.
DIVE EXPERIENCE All levels, from beginner upwards
BEST TIME TO DIVE September to April
WATER TEMPERATURE 20°C to 28°C
VISIBILITY 5 to 30 metres
DEPTH 5 to 30 metres
Kirin Sea
Located on the northern side of the island, this dive site has a depth of 5 to 13 metres and is the location of one of the largest shipwrecks in Wuzhizhou’s waters.
“The surrounding sea is home to beautiful underwater landscapes blanketed with a wide variety of coral species”