Wuzhizhou Island Overview
Often called the 'Maldives of China', this 1.48-square-kilometer island in Haitang Bay is Sanya's top destination for scuba diving and water sports, featuring some of China's best-preserved coral reefs and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Wuzhizhou Island Opening Hours & Tickets
- 08:00–18:30 (Ferries to the island stop around 16:00)
- Best season: November to April for the calmest seas and best underwater visibility.
- Ticket note:
Entrance fee includes the round-trip ferry. Advance booking is highly recommende...
Essential Wuzhizhou Island Visitor Information
- Enquiries: +86 898 88891013
- Ferry terminal
- Visitor center
- Electric sightseeing carts
- Lockers and showers
- Marine sports centers
How to Get to Wuzhizhou Island
Take bus 28 from Sanya downtown directly to the Wuzhizhou ferry terminal, or take a taxi (approx. 50 minutes from downtown). Then take a 20-minute ferry to the island.
Wuzhizhou Island Travel Safety & Advice
A medical clinic is available on the island. Lifeguards monitor the designated swimming zones closely.
Wuzhizhou Island Travel FAQ
Can I stay overnight on Wuzhizhou Island?
Technically, there is one resort on the island—Wuzhizhou Island Resort & Spa—but it's expensive (800+ RMB per night) and often fully booked months in advance. Most day-trippers find it unnecessary because the island is small enough to see in 4–5 hours. If you want a sunset stay, you'll need to book directly through the resort's official site or a travel agent at least two weeks ahead.
Is Wuzhizhou Island suitable for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues?
Partially. The main beach and the area near the pier are wheelchair accessible with paved paths. However, the lighthouse hike and many snorkeling points require walking on uneven sand or climbing steps. The ferry boarding can be a bit tricky—there's a gangplank with a slight step. I'd recommend contacting the island's service center (via their WeChat mini-program) before your visit to request assistance. They do offer golf carts for elderly guests, but they run on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if the weather forecast says rain—should I still go?
Tropical showers in Hainan often come and go within 30 minutes. Unless a typhoon warning is issued (check on the Hainan Meteorological Bureau's website), I'd still go. The island might even be less crowded. Just bring a lightweight rain jacket. If lightning is in the forecast, the ferry might be suspended, so check the official mini-program for real-time updates before leaving your hotel.
How much time do I really need on the island?
Most people spend 4–5 hours: 20 minutes each way by ferry, 2 hours for water activities, 1 hour for walking the trails and lighthouse, and 1 hour for lunch. If you want to snorkel at two different spots and relax on the beach, budget 6 hours. Arriving on the 8 AM ferry and leaving on the 2 PM ferry is my sweet spot.
Can I bring my own snorkeling gear and food?
Absolutely. You're allowed to bring your own gear, and I highly recommend it for hygiene. Same goes for food—pack a lunch. Just don't bring glass bottles; they're banned on the island for safety reasons. Also, no drones allowed without a special permit from the island administration.
Which Sanya must-visit place is best for a first-time visitor with only two days?
Day 1: Yalong Bay in the morning, Luhuitou Park at sunset. Day 2: Wuzhizhou Island for snorkeling. This covers beach, view, and adventure without rushing.
How do I avoid tourist traps in Sanya?
Stay away from the souvenir shops near Dadonghai – they sell the same stuff at triple the price. Buy local produce at the First Market. For tours, skip the street hawkers and use official platforms like Klook or Trip.com.
Is it safe to swim at Sanya beaches?
Yes, but follow the flags. Yalong Bay has lifeguards. At Dadonghai, strong currents exist near the rocks – stay between the flagged zones. And never swim after a typhoon warning.
Can I visit Sanya on a budget?
Absolutely. Stay in guesthouses near Sanya Bay (from ¥150/night). Eat at local noodle shops (¥15-20 per bowl). Use public buses. My record for a budget traveler is spending less than ¥300 per day excluding accommodation.
What's the biggest mistake tourists make in Sanya?
Trying to see too much in one day. Sanya's traffic can be brutal (especially on weekends). Pick two places max per day and enjoy them. I've had guests who tried to squeeze Yalong Bay, Dadonghai, and Wuzhizhou in one day – they ended up exhausted and unhappy.
Recent Reviews
First time in China and this island blew my mind. We took the earliest ferry to beat the crowds and had the beach almost to ourselves for an hour. The sand is like powder, and the ocean gradient from light turquoise to deep blue is insane. Rode the electric cart around the island—fun way to see the cliffs and the Love Bridge. Staff spoke some English and were very helpful. Only thing: the restroom facilities could be better, a bit dated. But honestly, minor complaint when everything else is this gorgeous. Highly recommend.
What a paradise! I spent the entire morning just floating in the calm bay, watching little fish swim around my feet. The water is warm and so clear it's like swimming in a giant aquarium. I also did the parasailing—the crew was professional and made me feel safe. The highlight was the marine animal show; they really care about the animals here. The island has a very relaxed vibe, not too loud or rowdy. Best day of my whole Hainan trip. Five stars all the way!
Honestly, I was expecting more based on all the hype. The ferry was packed and the ride was bumpy, felt like a cattle transport. Once on the island, the water is pretty, but the developed part feels too commercial—rows of souvenir stalls and overpriced food. We rented snorkel gear and the mask leaked, so that was annoying. The best part was the coral viewing from the pier. For the money and time it takes to get here from Sanya, I'd probably pick another spot next time. It's okay, but not mind-blowing.
We went on a weekday, so it wasn't too crowded. The island itself is stunning—turquoise water, dramatic rocky cliffs, and the vegetation is lush. Loved the little hiking trail up to the observation deck, the view of the South China Sea is unreal. However, I felt the ticket price was a bit steep for what you get. The included ferry ride is nice but short. If you don't do any water sports, you can pretty much see everything in half a day. Service was friendly but slow at the restaurant. Solid 4 stars from me.
Snorkeling here was absolutely out of this world! The water is so crystal clear you can see the coral and fish without even putting your face in. We took the glass-bottom boat tour first, but honestly, just jumping in is way better. The beach is pristine, soft white sand, and the staff kept everything super clean. Only downside is the sunblock prices on the island are a joke—bring your own. Also, the fried squid at the snack stand was surprisingly delicious. Would come back in a heartbeat.
Honestly, I was disappointed. The boat trip over was fine, but once we arrived it felt like a tourist trap. Everything costs extra—beach chairs, umbrellas, even using the shower. The water was clear but there was a lot of seaweed washed up, and the 'coral viewing' area had very few fish. Maybe I came on a bad day, but for the price I paid, I expected much more. Would not go again.
Nice island overall, but I was a bit underwhelmed given the hype. The beach is beautiful, no question, but it was really crowded even on a Tuesday. We waited almost an hour for the banana boat ride. The water activities are fun but they nickel-and-dime you for everything. Had a good time, but I think there are cheaper alternatives nearby. Still, the scenery is top-notch.
We booked the full-day package and it ended up being a really good deal. Parasailing, jet-skiing, and a glass-bottom boat ride all included. The staff were efficient and the queues weren't too bad on a weekday. The island itself is well-maintained and photogenic everywhere you look. Would 100% recommend coming here if you're in Sanya—bring sunscreen though, the sun is brutal!
Hands down the best place I've ever gone diving. The visibility was amazing, probably 20+ meters, and the marine life is so diverse. Saw sea turtles, clownfish, and even a reef shark! The dive instructors were professional and friendly. If you're into water sports, this island is paradise. Only downside is the lunch options are a bit overpriced, but who cares when the ocean is this good?
Absolutely stunning! The water is crystal clear, a perfect shade of turquoise, and the sand is soft and white. We spent the whole day just snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. The coral reefs are incredible—saw tons of colorful fish. Definitely one of the most beautiful spots I've ever visited in China. Totally worth the ferry ride and the entrance fee.
Nice place for a half-day visit. The beach is clean and the water is clear, but the facilities are a bit basic – only one decent restroom and long lines for the changing rooms. We enjoyed the glass-bottom boat tour, though it was short. Good, not great – a solid 4 out of 5.
One of the best day trips I’ve ever taken. The boat ride from the mainland was smooth, and once you step onto the island, it’s postcard-perfect. Rented a locker and spent hours snorkeling in the clear bay. The fried rice at the little food stall was surprisingly good. Highly recommend!
Pretty island with nice beaches, but honestly overpriced for what it is. The entrance fee plus speedboat ticket adds up fast. The coral reef was okay, but there was a lot of trash floating near the shore. Could use better maintenance. Still had a decent time overall.
Wuzhizhou is stunning, but don't expect a quiet escape. It gets packed by noon. The water sports are top-notch – I did the diving and it was worth every penny. Views from the hilltop are breathtaking. Just go early to beat the crowds.
Absolutely loved this place! The crystal-clear water and soft white sand made it feel like paradise. Snorkeling was incredible – saw a sea turtle and tons of colorful fish. The staff were super friendly and the lunch buffet had great variety. Definitely coming back next year!
Came mainly for sunset photos and was not disappointed. The golden hour light hitting the rocks and the water creates amazing shots. It's quieter on the east side of the island away from the main beach. I appreciated the little hiking trail that takes you up to a viewpoint. However, the infrastructure feels a bit dated — the sun loungers are worn out and some of the wooden boardwalks are splintered. The staff at the entrance were friendly though. A solid 4-star experience, worth visiting if you're already in Sanya.
Honestly felt a bit overhyped. Yes, the water is clear and the sand is white, but you can find similar beaches elsewhere in Hainan for a fraction of the cost. The entry + ferry ticket is already 136 yuan, then every water activity is extra — snorkeling 300+, jet ski 200+. And the island was packed even on a weekday, so you're constantly stepping over people's towels. The public bathroom near the beach was dirty and smelled. I don't regret going once, but I wouldn't go again.
We came with our two kids aged 6 and 9. They absolutely loved building sandcastles and splashing in the gentle waves. The water is shallow near the shore so it's safe for little ones. However, the waiting time for the ferry back was nearly an hour — not fun with tired children. Also, a bottle of water costs 15 yuan and a simple coconut drink is 40 yuan. Beautiful island, but the overall experience was dragged down by the crowds and high prices. Still a good day trip, just manage expectations.
One of the best dive spots I've been to in China. Visibility was at least 15 meters when I went in March, and the coral formations are healthy with plenty of marine life. The dive center staff were professional and spoke decent English. Only downside is the lunch buffet — overpriced and mediocre. But the diving experience itself? Top notch. Rent a GoPro from the shop if you don't have one, the underwater scenery deserves to be captured.
Absolutely stunning! First time visiting Wuzhizhou and the water color is unreal — that clear turquoise you only see in brochures. We did the snorkeling package and saw loads of colorful fish and even a small reef shark. The white sand is soft and fine, perfect for lounging. The Love Bridge area is super photogenic. Boat ride from the mainland was quick and well organized. Definitely the highlight of our Hainan trip. Will come back again!
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