Grand Island is a state protected nature reserve covering some 4.36 square kilometers. It is located off the coast of Wanning in South East Hainan and comprises three mountains spanning two islands, the tallest of which reaches 289 metres above sea level. These mountains have been used by sailors as navigation markers since the Chinese Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618 – 907) and are home to China’s only colonies of swifts, which provide the basis for the Eastern delicacy known as birds’ nest soup. Grand Island features lush tropical rainforest, gurgling streams and rugged rocky landscapes. The surrounding seas abound with marine life.

> Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Grand Island / Excursions

Leave Sanya at 08:30 and at 09:30 board a fishing boat for a sightseeing trip to Coconut Island and the Teng Qiao Estuary. At 12:00 enjoy a local specialty lunch in Teng Qiao village before leaving at 13:30 for the harbour and the boat for Grand Island. On arrival at the island at 15:30 enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear seas before pitching camp for the night. Dinner will be served at 22:00 after which you may retire to your tent for a well-earned rest.

Day 2: Excursion / Return to Sanya

After rising at 07:00 enjoy a breakfast of seafood porridge before setting off towards the big ridge and the distant Grand Island lighthouse. On the way see the caves where the swifts nest before enjoying a picnic lunch at 12:00. Afterwards board a boat at the rudimentary dock before embarking on a visit to see the swift caves from the sea and the fishing nets floating in the clear blue waters. At 14:30 return to the beach for swimming and snorkeling, crab fishing and shell collecting. Leave the island at 16:30 for the return journey to Sanya arriving at 18:00.