Diving in Taiwan

East Asia

4 regions

94 dive sites

Taiwan probably isn't the first place that springs to mind for a dive trip, and that's exactly why we love it. The island sits right in the path of the Kuroshio Current, bringing in some incredible species you just don't see everywhere else. If you’re into big pelagics and serious drift dives, Orchid Island and Green Island are your go-to, with currents that will whip you past schools of jacks and barracuda, sometimes even a passing sperm whale. Kenting National Park on the main island offers a gentler pace with healthy hard corals and a surprising array of reef fish, perfect for a longer bottom time. We’d suggest heading there in late spring or early autumn to avoid typhoon season and enjoy the best visibility.

Taiwan Dive Regions

4 diving areas in Taiwan

Green Island

Green Island is a place we always circle back to, especially when we’re after a bit of a thrill. It’s a volcanic outcrop, and that geology means some seriously dramatic underwater topography. Think sheer walls, swim-throughs, and the kind of hard coral coverage that reminds you how resilient reefs can be. We’re talking massive Montipora and Birdsnest colonies, vibrant against the dark rock. Currents here are often brisk, which makes for exhilarating drift dives. If you time it right, you can really fly past the scenery, spotting Diana’s Hogfish darting between corals and the occasional curious Avocet Snipe Eel peeking from a crevice. We’ve found the Golden Angelfish here are particularly striking, a flash of colour against the blue. Visibility is generally solid, but those currents can sometimes stir things up a bit near the coast. Our favourite way to end a day of diving? Soaking in the island's unique underwater hot springs. It's an experience you don't find just anywhere, and it rounds out the adventure perfectly.

12 dive sites

Kenting National Park

Kenting National Park, right at Taiwan’s southern tip, is where the warm Kuroshio Current really makes its presence felt. We’ve logged quite a few dives here, and it’s always interesting to see how the currents shape things. You’ll mostly be drifting along reefs covered in Montipora coral, with plenty of Blackfin Chromis darting around. It’s a good spot for spotting some of the smaller, unique stuff, like the Hair Tailed Blenny or a Threadfin Reefgoby if you slow down and look closely. Our favourite time to dive Kenting is outside of typhoon season, generally from October through May, when the visibility tends to be more consistent. The reefs here aren’t always as dramatic as some other places, but we appreciate the sheer volume of species. We’ve seen Humphead Unicornfish schooling in the deeper sections and Clown Butterflyfish picking their way across the corals. There are some decent wreck dives too, offering a different kind of exploration when the reef life feels a bit familiar. Just be ready for a bit of surge on some days, especially around the exposed pinnacles.

44 dive sites

Northeast Coast

Taiwan’s Northeast Coast, just a short drive from Taipei, is often overlooked by divers chasing tropical titans. That’s a mistake. We love it for its quiet charm and incredible macro opportunities. Think temperate rocky reefs, a place where you're more likely to spot a quirky Flat-faced Seahorse clinging to a sponge or a shy Red Whalefish tucked into a crevice than a pelagic showstopper. The nudibranch diversity here is truly outstanding; you’ll find species you’ve never even heard of, their colours popping against the darker rock. Visibility can be a bit variable, especially after heavy rains, but we find the best conditions usually run from late spring through autumn. That’s when the soft corals really come alive, painting the reefs in delicate pinks and purples. Currents are generally manageable, making it perfect for lingering over a patch of Pavona coral searching for a Honeycomb Grouper or a Green Turtle munching on algae. Don't expect dramatic drop-offs; this is diving for the patient observer, the one who thrills at finding a Blackfin Triplefin perched on a rock or a pair of Common Dragonets dancing during their mating ritual. Our favourite dive often involves picking a small area and thoroughly exploring every crack and crevice - you’ll be amazed at what reveals itself.

38 dive sites

Orchid Island (Lanyu)

Remote island home to the indigenous Tao people, with crystal-clear waters, coral gardens, and flying fish migrations.