Jibei Sand Tail is a natural sandbar extending roughly 800 meters into the sea from the northern tip of Jibei Island, named for its slender, fish-tail shape. Administratively part of Baisha Township, Penghu County, it sits at the northernmost point of the Penghu archipelago. The bar is composed of coral rubble and shell sand accumulated over centuries, producing exceptionally fine, white grains that take on a near-silver sheen in direct sunlight. The surrounding water ranges from under half a meter to several meters in depth, with the seabed clearly visible throughout — conditions well suited to snorkeling and a range of water sports. In peak summer, rental stands for jet skis, banana boats, and kayaks line the sandbar; combined with day-trippers from the main island and beyond, Jibei draws the largest crowds of any outer island in Penghu.
Highlights
The sandbar’s central appeal lies in the contrast between shallow and deep water: walking out from shore, the sand shifts in color from off-white through clear, vivid blue. The gradient is especially visible from aerial photographs, and many visitors decide to visit after seeing them — only to find that the images were not exaggerated. At low tide the exposed area is widest and the color contrast on either side of the sandbar ridge is sharpest, making it the best time for photography and snorkeling.
The shallow reef zone around the sandbar supports a considerable number of hard corals, with damselfish, butterflyfish, and wrasse among the most common species. No diving equipment is needed — a basic snorkel mask is sufficient for observing marine life. The sandy-bottom area slightly further from the bar occasionally hosts sea turtles; slow swimmers sometimes encounter them unexpectedly. At the far northern end of the sandbar, operators offer parasailing — one of the few licensed aerial activities available on Penghu’s outer islands — with views back across the entire white bar against open water.
Getting There and Nearby
Jibei Island is an outer island with no bus service; a ferry is required. There are two main routes:
From Chima Fishing Harbor, Baisha Township: Chima Harbor is about a 30-minute drive north from central Magong. The ferry crossing takes 15–20 minutes and is the shortest and least expensive option. Multiple departures run daily during peak season; fewer in the off-season — confirm the day’s schedule before setting out.
From Magong Harbor (tourist pier): Visitors staying in Magong can take a direct ferry from Magong Harbor; the crossing takes about 40 minutes. Some sailings stop at Niaou Island en route — check whether your sailing is direct. For schedules and ticketing, see Penghu Ferry Overview.
Once on Jibei Island, the sandbar is reachable on foot — about a 10-minute walk from the pier to the sandbar entrance. Scooter rental shops are plentiful on the island; if you plan to also visit the stone weirs or the lighthouse, renting a scooter is more efficient.
The stone weir complex on Jibei Island is another local feature worth scheduling: dozens of traditional fish traps built from stacked basalt blocks ring the island’s perimeter. The “heart-shaped stone weir” has drawn wide attention online due to its rare shape; on the return trip from the sandbar, the northern coastal path passes it directly.