Xiamen: Sailing & Sea Experience.

If you’re dreaming of feeling the wind in your hair, catching glimpses of white dolphins, and trying your hand at fishing on a traditional Chinese coast, then the Xiamen Sailing & Sea Experience might just be your ideal day. For around $22 per person, this tour offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic seaside life that leaves you with stories to tell long after the day ends.

Starting with a pick-up from your hotel in Xiamen, you’ll head to the Wuyuan Bay Yacht Club, where your adventure begins on a yacht. Expect to sail out into the sea, where the wind and waves become your playground; the chance to spot white dolphins adds a sprinkle of magic. Later, the tide reveals a flat, expansive beach perfect for fishing, shell collecting, and experiencing the life of local fishermen. The tour wraps up with a comfortable return to your hotel, making it suitable for a full, engaging day.

What we really love about this experience is how it balances active and relaxing moments — sailing and dolphin-spotting are exhilarating, while beach fishing and shell-picking let you slow down and connect with local maritime traditions. Plus, the tour’s family-friendly design makes it accessible for kids, couples, and friends seeking a fun, hands-on day on the water.

The only thing to keep in mind is that weather conditions can influence your day, especially the dolphin sightings or sailing conditions. Also, as expected with outdoor sea activities, clothes may get wet, so packing a change of clothes enhances comfort. This tour is best suited for those who love marine scenery, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences—especially if you’re traveling with family or friends.

Key Points

• Authentic Sea Life: Experience sailing, dolphin watching, and traditional fishing firsthand.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for children, couples, and groups looking for a relaxed, interactive outing.
• Flexible Schedule: Tour operates in the afternoon, with pickup, sea, and beach activities packed into a few hours.
• Cost-Effective: At just $22, it offers a good value for a full half-day of activity.
• Weather Dependent: Be prepared for possible weather impacts, especially on dolphin sightings or sailing conditions.
• Includes Transport and Experience: Your fee covers special car transfer, sailing, and fishing activities, making it straightforward for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Xiamen Sailing & Sea Experience

The Itinerary: What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

The tour begins around 1:00 PM with pickup from your hotel in Xiamen, which is a convenient way to avoid logistics hassles, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local transport. The drive to Wuyuan Bay Yacht Club is short, and the group size is likely small enough to keep things intimate and personalized.

Around 1:30 PM, you’ll step aboard a yacht—think sleek, comfortable boats designed for leisure rather than rough seas. Your guide, whose name isn’t specified but whose enthusiasm is evident, will lead you into the open water. This part of the experience is all about feeling the wind and enjoying the freedom of sailing. If luck is on your side, you might see white dolphins, a rare and delightful sight that many travelers cherish. The tour’s review notes how “you might be lucky to encounter white dolphins,” which adds a sense of anticipation.

By 3:30 PM, the tide begins to recede, revealing a broad, flat beach. This is your window for fishing and shell collecting. The experience of catching fish, shrimp, and crabs—though simple—offers a genuine taste of fishermen’s daily life. Picking shells and observing crustaceans is relaxing and provides plenty of photo opportunities. The guide will help you get set up for fishing, giving a chance for hands-on participation rather than just watching.

The tour concludes around 5:00 PM, with everyone returning to the yacht for the ride back to the dock, and then onto your hotel or other designated location. It’s a compact, well-paced afternoon that manages to balance adventure and leisure.

What Makes This Tour Special?

What truly sets this experience apart is the combination of sailing and traditional fishing in a single afternoon—offering a taste of maritime life that many travelers miss. The opportunity to spot white dolphins elevates the trip from a simple boat ride to something memorable. The beach activities provide a tactile, hands-on experience, perfect for families or anyone wanting to get out of the city and into nature.

Why We Love the Details

The small group size and personalized transfers make the experience feel more authentic and less commercial. The cost covers not just the boat ride but also the fishing activities, which means you’re getting a full taste of sea life without hidden fees. Plus, the flexibility—you can book now and pay later—adds to the appeal for spontaneous travelers.

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Potential Drawbacks

While the experience offers a lot, it’s inherently weather-dependent. A cloudy or stormy day could limit dolphin sightings or make sailing less enjoyable. Also, as it involves outdoor water activities, clothes might get wet—packing a change of clothes is a smart move. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, those over 70, or individuals with heart problems, due to the physical nature of seaside activities.

Who Would Love This?

This tour is perfect for families with children, couples seeking a romantic outing, or groups of friends wanting a unique coastal experience. If you’re someone who appreciates authentic maritime culture, or simply enjoys being on the water and catching a glimpse of marine life, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For a modest price, the Xiamen Sailing & Sea Experience offers a hands-on day with plenty of authentic coastal flavor. It’s a refreshing change from typical sightseeing tours, allowing you to actively participate in fishing, sailing, and beachcombing while soaking in the scenery and local maritime customs.

While the experience’s success hinges on weather conditions and luck, many travelers find it a worthwhile, fun-filled afternoon that brings them closer to the sea. It’s best suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, nature, and culture without the command of a large tour group.

If you want to feel the wind, see white dolphins if lucky, and experience fishermen’s life firsthand—all for a reasonable price—this tour is worth considering. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to add a splash of adventure to your stay in Xiamen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, your tour includes a special car transfer from your hotel in Xiamen to the yacht club and back.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs from about 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, giving you roughly four hours of activities.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, casual clothes, and beachwear. Since clothes might get wet, packing a change of clothes is advisable.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, making it a great activity for kids and parents alike.

Is dolphin sighting guaranteed?
No, dolphin encounters depend on the day’s conditions. You might see white dolphins, but it’s not guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women or elderly travelers?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those over 70, or individuals with heart problems due to physical activity and outdoor conditions.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, sailing experience, and fishing activities.

Are meals included?
No, dinner or other meals are not part of the tour.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions prevent sailing or dolphin viewing, the tour may be affected. Cancellation is possible if safety is compromised.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Xiamen sailing and sea experience offers a genuine, fun, and family-friendly way to connect with China’s coastal character. Whether you’re craving adventure or simply a peaceful day on the water, it provides a memorable slice of maritime life—one that’s well worth the modest cost.

You can check availability for your dates here: