WESTERN HOPE - Kenting National Park

The Western Hope, she's a big girl, and a personal favourite when we're in Kenting. Sunk in '88, she sits upright on the seabed, her bow pointing north. The sheer scale of her is impressive; 87 metres long and still very much intact, especially the forward sections. We love dropping down onto the bridge structure and poking around the wheelhouse – just watch your buoyancy, she's silty inside. As you explore, you'll see large schools of batfish circling the mast, and sometimes a chunky Queensland grouper has made a home near the deeper cargo holds. There’s a quietness inside the wreck, a real sense of history, and the sunlight filters through gaps in the superstructure, illuminating the soft corals that have started to bloom on the metal. This is a site that really rewards patient exploration, perfect for divers who appreciate the ghostly grandeur of a large wreck and don't mind a bit of depth. The currents here can be unpredictable, so we always check with the local dive centres before heading out.

Location
Kenting National Park, Taiwan, East Asia
Coordinates
23.639750, 119.958110
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: 嘉義縣鰲鼓野生動物重要棲息環境

Nearby Dive Sites in Kenting National Park

Nearest Dive Centres to WESTERN HOPE

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 maximum depth of the 'WESTERN HOPE' dive site and is it suitable for Open Water divers?
The WESTERN HOPE dive site has a maximum depth of 60 meters. This depth is well beyond the recreational limits for Open Water divers, making it unsuitable for them. Divers interested in exploring this fascinating wreck will require advanced certifications and specialized training for deep diving.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the 'WESTERN HOPE' dive site?
At the WESTERN HOPE dive site, divers will primarily encounter the impressive underwater feature of a sunken carrier vessel. This substantial wreck measures 87.5m x 13.4m and was sunk in 1988. While specific marine life details are not provided in the current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting diverse aquatic species over time; you can learn more about general marine life in our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level of diving the 'WESTERN HOPE' and are there any specific hazards like strong currents or limited visibility?
The WESTERN HOPE dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This rating is largely due to its significant maximum depth of 60 meters, requiring divers to possess appropriate training and equipment for deep diving. Our current data does not specify particular hazards like strong currents or limited visibility for this wreck site.
What are the best times of year or specific months to dive the 'WESTERN HOPE' for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Our current data for the WESTERN HOPE dive site does not specify the best times of year or specific months for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters. We recommend checking general regional diving conditions for Kenting National Park or consulting our When to Dive resource for broader guidance.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive the 'WESTERN HOPE', especially for wreck penetration or deeper sections?
Due to the WESTERN HOPE dive site's maximum depth of 60 meters and its nature as a wreck, advanced diving certifications are essential. Divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification, and for exploring deeper sections or considering wreck penetration, specialized certifications like Deep Diver and Wreck Diver are highly recommended.
How are the typical currents and water conditions at the 'WESTERN HOPE' dive site, and what is the average visibility?
Our current data for the WESTERN HOPE dive site does not provide specific details regarding typical currents, water conditions, or average visibility. For the most current information on these factors at this dive site, it is always best to consult with local dive operators in Kenting National Park.