ASIAN MARINER - Kenting National Park

The Asian Mariner is a proper wreck dive, not just some scattered debris. We love how it still looks like a ship, upright and largely intact despite being down since '73. Dropping down to 36 metres, you’ll find its sheer size impressive – 103 metres long, it dominates the seafloor. We’d suggest focusing on the superstructure first; the bridge area is always fascinating, with gantries and winches now encrusted with sponges and hard corals. Look for the schools of bigeye trevally that often swirl around the mast, a shimmering column of silver. Inside, we’ve found robust lionfish tucked into shadowed corners, and occasionally, a passing reef shark cruises by the bow. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of depth, certainly not for beginners.

Location
Kenting National Park, Taiwan, East Asia
Coordinates
23.166666, 119.400000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Wreck History - ASIAN MARINER

Year Sunk
1973
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm

The Asian Mariner had a long career, built in 1940 by Harimo Zosensho in Aioi, Japan. For over three decades, she served as a carrier vessel, plying the waters of East Asia. Her final voyage began in October 1973, when she departed Kaohsiung, Taiwan, with a destination of Camarines Norte in the Philippines. She would never arrive.

Caught in the ferocious grip of a typhoon, the vessel was overwhelmed by the sea and sank on October 11, 1973. The ship came to rest on the seabed about 60 miles northwest of its intended course, forever changing its identity from a working vessel to an artificial reef.

Today, the Asian Mariner lies at a depth of 36 meters within the protected waters of Kenting National Park. This depth makes it a fantastic dive for advanced and technical divers. Over the decades, the wreck has become completely colonized by marine life, with large schools of fish, vibrant corals, and various macro critters making their home on its steel structure. Exploring the ghostly remains of this typhoon victim is a highlight of diving in southern Taiwan.

Marine Protected Area: 澎湖縣貓嶼野生動物重要棲息環境

Nearby Dive Sites in Kenting National Park

Nearest Dive Centres to ASIAN MARINER

Marine Life in Kenting National Park

Home to 546 recorded species including 442 reef fish, 75 hard corals, 9 sharks & rays, 6 sea cucumbers, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 other.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range of the 'ASIAN MARINER' dive site, and what are its shallowest and deepest points?
The ASIAN MARINER dive site is located at a depth of 36 meters. Based on the available data, a specific depth range or distinct shallowest and deepest points are not provided. Divers should plan for a dive to this depth when exploring this fascinating wreck.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see when exploring the 'ASIAN MARINER'?
When exploring the ASIAN MARINER, divers can expect to encounter the impressive features of a sunken carrier vessel. This substantial wreck, measuring 103.6m x 14.3m, was built in 1940 and sank during a typhoon in 1973. The provided data does not specify particular marine life, but wrecks often become artificial reefs teeming with various species over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the 'ASIAN MARINER' dive site, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The ASIAN MARINER dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This means it is generally not suitable for beginner divers who are new to the sport. Divers with some experience and appropriate training will find this wreck dive more manageable and rewarding.
What is the best time of year to dive the 'ASIAN MARINER' for optimal visibility and conditions?
The provided data for the ASIAN MARINER dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in Taiwan, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What certifications are required or recommended for diving the 'ASIAN MARINER', especially if considering wreck penetration?
Given the ASIAN MARINER is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive at 36 meters, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is typically recommended. For any consideration of wreck penetration, specialized training such as a Wreck Diver certification is essential, even though the wreck is classified as non-dangerous. Always dive within your training and experience limits.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the 'ASIAN MARINER' dive site?
The provided data for the ASIAN MARINER dive site does not include specific details on typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information regarding these factors.