Winter: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in principle; sailing days as announced by the operators · Representative sailings only — check the operator for today's full timetable
October 2026 winter timetable (past, for reference) Green Island Star's 2026 Orchid Island timetable listed sailings from 12 to 30 October with the ship for each (Golden Star, Green Island Star and Kaixuan 12 in turn): mostly 09:00 from Taitung and 13:00 from Orchid Island; on 13 October the boat left at 08:00 via Green Island and returned at 14:00. Several sailings between 21 and 28 October were cancelled or moved because of a typhoon, rough seas or the blocked channel at Fugang. Kaixuan's website also listed a Saturday sailing on 31 October.
How to find sailing dates Kaixuan: the Taitung⟺Orchid Island sailing calendar on its website, +886 89 281047. Golden Star (Dafa Shipping): the timetable calendar linked from its website, +886 89 281477. Green Island Star (Long Hung Shipping): sailing notices on its website, +886 89 280108.
Houbihu–Orchid Island winter break Kaixuan's Houbihu–Orchid Island route stopped on 12 October 2026 and is expected back after mid-March 2027, depending on the monsoon and the sea; the exact date will be announced. Until then, boats to Orchid Island leave from Fugang in Taitung.
Map – Fugang–Orchid Island
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult, one way (Kaixuan, reservation price) | NT$1,200 |
| Adult, one way (Golden Star) | NT$1,200 |
| Adult, one-way discount price (Green Island Star) | NT$1,200 |
| Adult, one way (Kaixuan, list price) | NT$1,300 |
| Adult, return (Kaixuan, reservation price) | NT$2,400 |
| Adult, return discount price (Green Island Star) | NT$2,400 |
| Child, senior or disability fare, one way (Kaixuan booked, Golden Star, Green Island Star discount) | NT$600 |
| Infant under 3 (insurance charge), one way | NT$100 |
Each of the three companies sells its own tickets. Kaixuan's table: NT$1,300 one way at the list price or NT$1,200 when booked; NT$2,500 return or NT$2,400 booked; child, senior and disability fares NT$650, or NT$600 booked, one way. Golden Star: adults (12 to under 65) NT$1,200 one way, with a NT$300-per-person deposit to book an adult return. Green Island Star: approved one-way fare NT$1,500, one-way discount price NT$1,200 and return discount price NT$2,400 (January 2026 list). Concession rules and the ID they ask for differ slightly, so carry proof of identity. All fares in New Taiwan dollars (TWD).
Boats from Fugang Harbour in Taitung to Kaiyuan Harbour on Orchid Island (Lanyu) do not run daily in winter. Three companies share the route: Kaixuan (Farnlin Shipping), Golden Star (Dafa Shipping) and Green Island Star (Long Hung Shipping). Kaixuan's notice of 11 October 2026 says that in winter sailings are planned, in principle, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to keep islanders and workers moving, with each sailing still depending on weather, sea state and safety checks. The same notice suspended the Houbihu (Kenting) to Orchid Island route from 12 October.
Green Island Star's 2026 Orchid Island timetable covered 12 to 30 October and named the ship for every sailing. Most boats left Taitung at 09:00 and came back from Orchid Island at 13:00; on 13 October the boat left at 08:00, called at Green Island first and returned at 14:00. Several sailings that month were cancelled or moved because of a typhoon, the northeast monsoon or the blocked channel at Fugang. From November, check the dates and times on each company's website or by phone before you plan the trip.
All three list NT$1,200 for an adult one way when booked or at their discount price. Kaixuan's list price is NT$1,300 and a booked return NT$2,400. Golden Star takes a NT$300 deposit per person to book an adult return. Green Island Star's approved one-way fare is NT$1,500, with NT$1,200 one way and NT$2,400 return as discount prices. Concession fares for children, people aged 65 and over and disability card holders are mostly NT$600, and infants under 3 pay a NT$100 insurance charge.
Check-in differs by company. Kaixuan wants booked passengers at its waiting room 50 minutes before departure; Golden Star asks you to collect tickets at its harbour counter 30 minutes before. Golden Star tickets are in the passenger's name and cannot be transferred. Its crew carry scooters on deck for NT$350 when space allows, with no advance booking. Beyond 24 weeks of pregnancy you need a doctor's certificate and a signed waiver. Golden Star also warns that delays of up to 30 minutes are normal, so leave at least an hour before any train connection.
- Get to the pier in good time; some routes need a ticket bought in advance or stop check-in before departure.
- Check the operator's notices on the day — wind, swell, typhoons and the northeast monsoon can cancel or change sailings.
- How you pay differs by route; some accept transport cards, and concession fares can require proof of eligibility.