Nam O Island Tidal Foraging Experience

Nan'ao Island is located in the waters at the boundary between Guangdong Province and Fujian Province, and is an island county. The main attractions on the island include Gold & Silver Island, Qing'ao Bay, Huanghua Mountain National Forest Park, the Commander‑in‑Chief's Mansion, Song Well and Dieshi Rock.

The landscape of Nan'ao Island is naturally formed. As it is relatively undeveloped, the environment is well preserved, with many rocks, plants and trees still retaining their original appearance. The beach scenery is also very beautiful, making it a popular spot for taking photos off the beaten track. In addition, there are some historical relics on the island that you can visit in your spare time.

Seaside Foraging Guide:

1. Before going seaside foraging, check the tide times first to make sure you search when the tide has gone out.

Generally, there is a low tide once during the day and once at night. Sometimes the night low tide occurs in the early morning, so there is only one daytime foraging session left. It is best to check in advance to avoid a wasted trip!

2. Tools to use: prepare a small shovel and a basket for collecting seafood. The small shovel can help you dig up items from the seabed more easily, while the basket or bag can be used to store the seafood you catch.

Beginner's Seaside Foraging Tips🌟🌟🌟

1️⃣ Digging the seabed: on the beach after the tide has receded, use a small shovel to dig up items from the seabed. Usually, seafood such as crabs, prawns and fish will hide in the sand or in rock crevices. Be careful when digging to avoid damaging the seabed ecological environment.

2️⃣ Catching crabs: crabs usually live in rock crevices or coral reefs. You can use a small shovel or your hands to catch crabs. Be careful when catching them to avoid being pinched by the crabs.

3️⃣ Catching shellfish: shellfish usually live on sandy beaches or in mud and sand. You can use a small shovel or your fingers to dig into the habitat of the shellfish.

Seaside Foraging Equipment Checklist

Basic tools: gloves (to prevent cuts), tongs (for turning over rocks), bucket (to hold your catch)

Advanced gear: headlamp for seaside foraging (for night foraging), sea foraging boots (to prevent cuts from rocks), salt bottle (for catching razor clams)

Other essentials: sun hat, mosquito repellent, change of clothes, rubbish bags (leave no trace while foraging)

Tide and Time Recommendations

The key to seaside foraging is checking the tide table; 2 hours before the lowest tide is the best time. According to recent data, low tide is mostly between 10 am and noon, or between 3 pm and 8 pm. It is recommended to check the tide table for the day before you set off.

Important Notes

The rocky areas are slippery, so wear non‑slip shoes. Families with children need to pay extra attention to safety.

Some areas have oyster shells that can easily cut your feet, so it is recommended to wear sea foraging boots.

If you are not sure whether what you have collected from the sea is edible, do not pick it randomly.

Protect the marine environment by taking away the rubbish you generate, and do not overfish.

If taking a boat to an uninhabited island, confirm the boat schedule and arrange your return trip in advance.

About Transportation

Nan'ao Island is not very big. You can reach all the attractions on the island by cycling, renting a car, or self‑driving. There is also a circular island tourist bus route you can take.

About Accommodation and Dining

Accommodation on Nan'ao Island is mainly concentrated in the Xiawei Bay and Qing'ao Bay areas. Overall, the environment is average. Xiawei Bay is located in the southeast of the island, closer to the coach station and Song Well. The guesthouses there are mainly homestays, so it is better to stay here if you want to eat seafood. Qing'ao Bay is on the southwest side of Nan'ao Island, and Changshanwei Pier is nearby. This means that if you come by ferry, you will actually be near Qing'ao Bay. It is better to stay here if you want to enjoy the sea view, and in the evening you can also see the beautiful island sunset.

The restaurants on the island are mostly seafood food stalls. The seafood is very abundant, fresh and delicious, and well worth a try.