Surfing in Taitung County, Taiwan: Surf Camps, Spots, and Travel Guide

Taitung County, Taiwan, has a blossoming surf scene with a variety of waves to ride. We will be covering a couple of the main waves to improve your surfing, a bit about the area, and where we would recommend taking a lesson and staying in this travel guide.

Right off the highway, you can find some of the most fun waves in Taitung, Taiwan.

Introduction to Surfing in Taitung County

Taitung County, located on Taiwan’s southeastern coast, is widely considered the center of Taiwan’s surf culture. Facing the open Pacific Ocean, the region receives consistent swells throughout the year and offers some of the best waves on the island.

The coastline around Taitung features a mix of beach breaks, reef breaks, and point-like setups. Combined with warm ocean temperatures, dramatic coastal scenery, and a relaxed local atmosphere, Taitung has become a favorite destination for both Taiwanese surfers and international surf travelers.

The region is also home to the famous Jinzun Harbor, which hosts international surf competitions and is often regarded as Taiwan’s most famous surf break.

During some of the warmer months of the year, you can find WaGaLiGong enjoying their time in the water.

Best Season to Surf in Taitung County

• Winter Season – October to March: Taitung’s premier surfing window. The powerful Northeast Monsoon takes over during these months, sending highly consistent, long-period swells down Taiwan’s east coast. While the water stays relatively mild, the crisp monsoon winds mean a light wetsuit or spring suit is usually required, especially on overcast winter days.
• Summer Season – June to September: Summertime brings tropical heat, board-short water temperatures, and a much calmer Pacific Ocean. Under normal conditions, the waves are small, clean, and highly forgiving, offering an ideal setup for beginners, longboarders, and surf schools. However, this is also peak typhoon season.
• The Transition Months – April, May, and September: These months mark the shift between the heavy monsoon energy and the calmer summer pattern. September brings the earliest pulses of the autumn monsoon, offering a great balance of lingering warm weather and building wave heights. April and May see the winter winds back off, leaving clean, glassy mornings and fun, highly approachable peaks across the coast.

Beautiful weather is found in Taitung County during the summer season. Photo provided by WaGaLiGong.

Surf Spots and Beaches in Taitung

Jinzun

Jinzun is Taiwan’s most famous surf break and a highlight of the country’s surf scene.  This break produces long right-hand waves that can deliver some of the best rides in Taiwan when the swell is strong.

The spot works best during larger swells and has hosted international surfing competitions. Intermediate and advanced surfers particularly enjoy the long walls and clean sections that Jinzun can produce.

Some fantastic lines are to be drawn at Jinzun.

Chenggong

Chenggong is another surf area along the Taitung coastline that offers beach break waves with beautiful Pacific scenery. Depending on swell direction and sandbar formation, surfers can find fun peaks suitable for a variety of skill levels.

A good highlight of the session that can be found at Chenggong.

Surf Camps and Lessons

WaGaLiGong 

WaGaLiGong offers travelers, surfers, and adventurers the best of Dulan, Taitung. Only 20 minutes from Taitung City, WaGaLiGong Surf Hostel & Bar is located on Highway 11 in Dulan Village on Taiwan’s picturesque East Coast.

They offer a variety of fun experiences from SUPing to spending the night and eating local cuisine! But the prize of their experiences is certainly getting your feet wet with their surf school. So, if you’re in the area, make sure to reach out

WaGaLiGong and their students looking psyched on their day of surfing.

Other Things to Do in Taitung County

• East Coast Scenic Area: A beautiful coastal drive with cliffs, beaches, and Pacific Ocean views.
• Sanxiantai Bridge: One of Taitung’s most famous landmarks with a unique arch bridge leading to a small island.
• Hot Springs: Relax in nearby natural hot springs after a surf session.
• Night Markets: Taitung City offers night markets where visitors can enjoy local Taiwanese street food.
• Cycling the East Rift Valley: One of Taiwan’s most scenic cycling regions.

A fantastic dinner party happening inside the WaGaLiGong Hostel.

Conclusion on Surfing in Taitung County

Taitung stands out as Taiwan’s premier surfing destination because of its geographic exposure and remarkable variety of setups. Unlike the more crowded, wind-sensitive spots elsewhere on the island, this stretch of the east coast benefits from a diverse mix of cobblestone river mouths, reef points, and open beach breaks that can handle a wide range of swell directions.

Whether you are looking for the highly consistent, powerful lines driven by the northeast monsoon in the winter, chasing heavy typhoon groundswells in the late summer, or seeking out the mellow, glassy peaks of the shoulder months, the region offers a reliable year-round canvas. For surfers who value clean water, stunning coastal scenery, and a distinct lack of heavy localism, Taitung delivers an authentic, wave-rich experience that holds its own against better-known Pacific destinations.

Some gems are able to be found around Taitung. Photo provided by WaGaLiGong.

FAQ: Surf Travel to Taitung County

Is Taitung the best surf destination in Taiwan?

Many surfers consider Taitung the best surf region in Taiwan because it faces the open Pacific Ocean and receives consistent swells throughout the year.

Do surfers need a wetsuit in Taitung?

In summer a wetsuit is usually not necessary, but during winter many surfers wear a light wetsuit or spring suit.

Which airport should surfers fly into?

Travelers can fly directly into Taitung Airport or arrive in Taipei and take a scenic train ride along the east coast to Taitung.

When are the biggest waves in Taitung?

The largest waves generally arrive between September and March when Pacific storms and typhoon swells reach the coastline.

Is Jinzun suitable for beginner surfers?

Jinzun is better suited for intermediate and advanced surfers when waves are strong, but nearby beach breaks may offer more beginner-friendly conditions.

Are the surf spots crowded?

Taitung remains less crowded than many international surf destinations, although Jinzun can get busy during good swell conditions.

Are there other surf locations in Taiwan?

Yes! Taiwan has a variety of waves. Check out our surf travel guide with Surfing in Taiwan for the full list of waves and all.