Where to Mermaid in Xiaoliuqiu 🧜‍♀️: Easy Dive Spots for Beginners

Sunlight is the best filter

If you're dreaming of gliding through the ocean like a mermaid, Xiaoliuqiu has plenty of beginner-friendly spots where you can make that dream come true. The truth is—as long as there's sunlight, anywhere can look magical. Light rays dancing through the water, sandy textures, bubbles sparkling in the current… It's like nature's own special effects.

But when it’s cloudy, you’ll want to look for unique scenery or special seasonal moments to make your photos stand out.

Here are three great entry-level dive spots perfect for mermaiding, especially from a photo and safety perspective:

1. Shanfu Inner Harbor

Beginner-friendly｜Calm waters｜Turtle sightings

Pros:

• Protected harbor area means super calm water, perfect for posing without fighting the waves
• Shallow depth (within 3 meters), ideal for those practicing breath holds and fluid movements
• Sea turtles are often spotted here, adding a touch of magic to your underwater scene
• There's a small beach for easy gear setup and entry

Cons:

• Not much variation in the background—mostly sandy seabed and a few scattered rocks
• You’ll need sunlight or props to create more visual interest in your photos

2. Zhong’ao Beach

Wide sandy area｜Lovely light play｜Frequent turtle visits

Pros:

• A beautiful expanse of white sand creates stunning natural light effects underwater
• Sandy patches mixed with scattered reef rocks give you options for different backgrounds
• Shallow depths (within 3 meters) allow easy and graceful mermaid movement
• Sea turtles often cruise by, perfect for candid mermaid-turtle shots

Cons:

• On sunny weekends or holidays, this spot gets crowded with SUPs and kayaks
• You'll need to be mindful of your surroundings when taking photos

3. Dafu Fishing Harbor

Popular spot｜Easy to find buddies｜Best with seasonal magic

Pros:

• Almost everyone who dives Xiaoliuqiu has been here—easy to find company or dive buddies
• Great for solo mermaids looking for a safe and social spot
• Occasionally, you’ll catch massive sargassum blooms or other rare natural scenes that make for dramatic photos

Cons:

• Also a hotspot for SUP and kayak traffic, especially in the shallow entry zones
• Not many standout background features unless nature decides to surprise you
• Can feel crowded, so timing your shoot is important

No matter which spot you choose, weather makes all the difference. On cloudy days, go for a moodier, mysterious mermaid vibe. But when the sun is out—dive in, flip that tail, and let the light work its magic.