Scuba Diver Australasia + Ocean Planet
TAIWAN (R.O.C)
A high-tech, highly urbanised country, Taiwan isn’t the most obvious choice as a dive destination. But diving is extremely popular here, especially among savvy locals, and there are various areas around the main island offering excellent scuba and snorkelling opportunities.
Beginners will love Kenting, on Taiwan’s southern tip, for its coral-fringed white-sand beaches, impressive marine biodiversity, and easy shore and boat dives. Divers who want more of a challenge will want to visit Lanyu, aka Orchid Island, for its sea turtles, sea snakes, and occasional whales, among incredible subsea rock formations. And, for something a bit special, off the coast of Taitung, head to Green Island, home to the world’s deepest underwater mailbox. You can even post waterproof postcards!
Getting There
The most common way of getting to Taiwan is by air via the country’s main international gateway – Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Alternatively, travellers can arrive via Taiwan’s second largest city Kaohsiung, arriving at Kaohsiung International Airport.
The cheapest and most convenient way of getting around Taiwan is by train, as most of the cities and tourist sites in the country are connected. However, if you’re travelling greater distances, a domestic flight is more practical; Taipei, in the north, to Kaohsiung, in the south, takes almost three hours by plane.
Marine Life
Taiwan has some of the world’s richest marine resources and a tremendous variety of marine life that call the country home. In fact, the waters around Taiwan host about one tenth of the world’s marine species, which is 400 times the average number for other coastal countries.
Travelling to and Diving in Taiwan
As at August 2021, water sports such as scuba diving are allowed in certain regions of Taiwan. According to Health Minister and Taiwan Centers for Disease Control head Chen Shih-chung, scuba diving is allowed because “the whole body is tightly covered, and the difference is that you are already wearing a mask when you go ashore.
When they are in the deep ocean, there is less possibility of cross-infections. Also, operators will have to properly manage (epidemic prevention protocols).”
In New Taipei City, Yilan County, and Taitung County water sports, including diving remain off-limits. In northern Taiwan, only the city of Keelung is following official guidance on water activities exactly. In eastern Taiwan, Hualien is permitting surfing and scuba diving. In the southern county of Pingtung, limited water activities are permitted at five beaches, including Sail Rock, Little Bay, Dawan (Big Bay), Fongchuisha, and Xingshawan. Dapeng Bay Scenic Area is also conditionally open to water sports.