Jibei Island is the most visited outer island in northern Penghu. A ferry from the North Sea Visitor Center at Chikan takes about 18 minutes. The island is known for its wide, fine white sand beach and range of water activities. Shawei Beach stretches for several kilometers; at high tide it becomes a natural anchorage and the hub for banana boat rides, jet skiing, snorkeling, and other activities. Jibei Island is a common choice for Penghu outer-island day trips, particularly during summer and for family outings. In winter, strong northeast monsoon winds reduce ferry frequency and make water sports impractical, though the island becomes noticeably quieter once crowds thin.
Highlights
The main draw of Jibei Island is its beaches and water. Shawei Beach is about 300 metres wide, with fine white sand among the best in Penghu. The water deepens gradually from the shoreline and remains clear, making it suitable for snorkeling and observing intertidal life. At high tide the shallows are home to hermit crabs, starfish, and sea urchins; at low tide the tidal pools offer good conditions for closer observation. The white sand beach at the northern end of the island sees far fewer visitors — a good option for those looking for a quieter stretch of coast.
The island retains the character of a traditional Penghu fishing village. Guesthouses, small eateries, and water-sports rental shops line the bay, offering practical services without displacing the island’s modest atmosphere. Visitors staying for half a day or more can stroll through the village and experience a pace of life quite different from downtown Magong.
Getting There and Nearby
There is no bus service to Jibei Island. The only way to reach the island is by ferry. All departures operate from Chikan Pier’s North Sea Visitor Center (北海遊客中心), operated by North Sea Jimbada. The crossing takes about 18 minutes depending on sea conditions. In summer, ferries run roughly once an hour from 8:30 to 17:30; in winter, departures are infrequent and may be cancelled in poor weather. Most visitors join a local operator’s Jibei day-tour package, which typically bundles round-trip ferry tickets, an island scooter rental, and water-sports activities (7-in-1 or 10-in-1 combos range from roughly NT$650 to NT$1,500 depending on the operator and season). Independent travelers can also purchase ferry tickets directly at the North Sea Visitor Center (round-trip about NT$300 per person), but will need to arrange on-island activities separately. Add-on items such as SUP or kayak are typically priced around NT$500 per person when purchased separately.
See Penghu Ferry Routes for current Chikan–Jibei schedules, fares, and operating information.
Nearby outer islands include Yuanbei Island, Baisha Island, and Xianjiao Island. Some day-tour itineraries combine multiple islands or include additional water-sport activities; these are worth considering if time and budget allow. After returning to Magong Harbor, downtown Magong is about a 10–15 minute walk from the terminal — a convenient stop for a seafood meal or shopping.