Baisha (White Sand) Beach is the largest and most accessible beach, about 30 minutes northwest of the main town — on weekdays outside peak season it can be nearly empty. The main resort beach in Kenting town is controlled by the large hotels but accessible to all for a small fee for chairs and umbrellas. Nanwan, south of town, is popular for water sports with scuba and snorkelling hire available. Shadao (Sand Island) beach is an ecologically protected area and swimming is not allowed there.