Ocean Researcher No.5

Best months: Mar–May

Protected Area

澎湖玄武岩自然保留區

Why dive here

With 537+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, giant moray eels, seahorses, sea turtles and sperm whales - Ocean Researcher No.5 offers some of Kenting National Park's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 24-30°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeMar–May

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Giant Moray Eels, Seahorses, Sea Turtles and Sperm Whales · 537+ species recorded

Water24-30°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 26m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Ocean Researcher No.5 is a relatively young wreck, sunk in 2014, and she’s starting to really come into her own. Sitting upright at 26 metres, this 76-metre research vessel offers a fantastic opportunity to explore a modern wreck. We love how intact she is; you can still make out the superstructure, the railings, and even the remnants of scientific equipment. Penetration isn't really an option here, as the currents can be shifty and she’s classified as a dangerous wreck, but circumnavigating her decks is an adventure in itself. The bow, in particular, has become a home for schooling bannerfish and batfish, so thick they sometimes obscure the hull. We’ve seen giant groupers lurking in the shadows beneath the bridge and vibrant nudibranchs clinging to the new coral growth on the stern. Visibility can be excellent, especially on an incoming tide, allowing you to appreciate the sheer scale of the vessel from a distance before getting up close. Our advice? Go early in the morning before any surface chop develops; the light filtering down through the water column really brings out the blue tones of the wreck. It’s a compelling dive for anyone who appreciates the history and the rapid way marine life reclaims man-made structures.