Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
1. Cijin Island
A small island off the coast of Kaohsiung, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
- Diverse Marine Life: Home to over 200 species of coral and a wide variety of fish.
- Easy Access: Quick ferry ride from the city, making it easily accessible for tourists.
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Offers excellent snorkeling opportunities without needing scuba gear.
2. Pier-2 Art Center
A creative park transformed from an old shipyard, it also offers a unique diving experience.
- Urban Dive Site: One of the few urban dive sites in Taiwan, offering a different perspective.
- Artistic Underwater Sculptures: Features underwater sculptures created by local and international artists.
- Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for beginners due to its shallow waters and clear visibility.
3. Tongyuan Island
An untouched paradise with pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life.
- Untouched Coral Reefs: Preserves some of the most pristine and undamaged coral reefs in Taiwan.
- Remote Location: Located far from urban areas, providing a more secluded diving experience.
- Advanced Divers Only: Suitable for advanced divers due to strong currents and deeper waters.
4. Yongchu Islet
A small islet with rich marine biodiversity, offering a chance to encounter large pelagic species.
- Pelagic Species Encounters: Known for sightings of manta rays, sharks, and turtles.
- Limited Access: Accessible only by boat, providing a more exclusive diving experience.
- Advanced Divers Recommended: Suitable for advanced divers due to strong currents and deep waters.
5. Cianpeng Bay
A hidden gem with clear waters and a variety of marine life, perfect for snorkeling.
- Clear Waters: Offers excellent visibility, making it ideal for underwater photography.
- Snorkeling Friendly: Ideal for snorkelers with its shallow waters and vibrant marine life.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from Kaohsiung city by public transportation.
6. Erlong Bridge
An underwater tunnel connecting two islands, offering a unique diving experience.
- Underwater Tunnel: Provides an opportunity to swim through an underwater tunnel.
- Advanced Divers Only: Suitable for advanced divers due to strong currents and deep waters.
- Unique Scenery: Offers a unique underwater scenery with large boulders and corals.
7. Wangshi Bay
A quiet bay known for its beautiful coral reefs and colorful marine life.
- Beautiful Coral Reefs: Features stunning coral formations and a wide variety of fish.
- Quiet and Peaceful: Less crowded than other dive sites, providing a more peaceful experience.
- Easy Access: Accessible by boat from Cijin Island or Pier-2 Art Center.
8. Dongsha Atoll
A remote atoll located in the South China Sea, offering a chance to see large pelagic species.
- Remote Location: Located far from urban areas, providing a more secluded diving experience.
- Advanced Divers Only: Suitable for advanced divers due to strong currents and deep waters.
- Pelagic Species Encounters: Known for sightings of manta rays, sharks, and turtles.
9. Wasa Islet
A small islet with a rich array of marine life, including sea turtles and sharks.
- Rich Marine Life: Home to various species of fish, sea turtles, and sharks.
- Limited Access: Accessible only by boat, providing a more exclusive diving experience.
- Advanced Divers Recommended: Suitable for advanced divers due to strong currents and deep waters.
10. Hengchun Green Turtle Cove
A nesting site for green sea turtles, offering a chance to observe these majestic creatures.
- Green Sea Turtle Nesting Site: A popular spot for observing green sea turtles laying their eggs.
- Natural Conservation Area: Located within a protected conservation area.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities to observe other wildlife such as dolphins and dugongs.
11. Taiwan Land Bay
A bay with a beautiful coral reef and various marine life, perfect for snorkeling.
- Beautiful Coral Reefs: Features stunning coral formations and a wide variety of fish.
- Snorkeling Friendly: Ideal for snorkelers with its shallow waters and vibrant marine life.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by boat from Hengchun town.
12. Sheding Nature Park
A protected nature park with beautiful coral reefs and a variety of marine life.
- Protected Marine Environment: Located within a protected marine environment.
- Beautiful Coral Reefs: Features stunning coral formations and a wide variety of fish.
- Eco-Friendly Diving: Promotes eco-friendly diving practices to preserve the marine environment.
13. Maolan Beach
A secluded beach with crystal-clear waters and a diverse coral reef.
- Crystal-Clear Waters: Offers excellent visibility, making it ideal for underwater photography.
- Secluded Beach: Less crowded than other beaches, providing a more peaceful experience.
- Diverse Coral Reefs: Features a rich array of corals and marine life.
14. Yancheng Coastal National Park
A coastal national park with beautiful coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling.
- Beautiful Coral Reefs: Features stunning coral formations and a wide variety of fish.
- Snorkeling Friendly: Ideal for snorkelers with its shallow waters and vibrant marine life.
- Natural Conservation Area: Located within a protected conservation area.
15. Kenting National Park
A national park with beautiful coral reefs and various marine life, perfect for snorkeling.
- Beautiful Coral Reefs: Features stunning coral formations and a wide variety of fish.
- Snorkeling Friendly: Ideal for snorkelers with its shallow waters and vibrant marine life.
- Natural Conservation Area: Located within a protected conservation area.