Sea & Water Activities
Roam in Green Island and Dive into the Pacific Ocean
Not sure where to start upon arrival? Green Island is just about the right size. A motorcycle is sufficient for an exploration around the island where you can take in an abundance of natural scenery. The island also tells extraordinary stories of political prisoners in the White Terror period. The unique island lifestyle is especially appealing to travelers, making Green Island the top-rated offshore island of Taiwan. Here are five suggested itineraries for first-timers in Green Island!
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Chaikou
Situated in the North of Green Island, Chaikou is a widely favored snorkeling area full of coral rocks that are home to a spectacular cluster of Scleractinian corals. The area also features varied water depths where snorkelers can take in the diverse underwater landscape. The intertidal zone onshore is yet another destination for some adventurous exploring. Moreover, ample accommodation choices are available in Chaikou.
Best time to visit：June to August (It is when Chaikou is leeward to the southwest monsoon wind.)
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Suggested duration of stay：2 hours to half a day -
Shilang （ Good for diving ）
With the stable inrush of Kuroshio current, Shilang boasts an abundance of colorful atolls appealing to both divers and snorkelers. It is also an internationally reputed diving spot. In April, divers might even encounter a school of flying fish flapping vigorously !
Best time to visit：Summer; April is the season to see flying fish.
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Suggested duration of stay：2 hours to half a day -
Dabaisha
Located in the South of Green Island, Dabaisha is a white sand beach featuring crystal clear seawater. It is not only a romantic destination for couples but a snorkeling hot spot. There is a trail that extends into the middle of the ocean where visitors can go down as if walking on water. However, there are some undercurrents in the area, so visitors are advised to go snorkeling with professional instructors.
Best time to visit：All seasons are good for beach activities.
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Suggested duration of stay：2 hours to half a day
Church (Photo credit: International master diver – Nanwang & Bubu)
Coral rocks (Photo credit: TIM)
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Big Mushroom
Big Mushroom is the world’s biggest small-pores coral formation that has been around for a millennium. As of 2016, Big Mushroom grown on the 18-meter-deep seabed was 10 meters tall with its top 8 meters away from the surface of the ocean. However, the epic coral formation has fallen due to damage caused by Typhoon Meranti. Currently, experts are working on re-cultivating it.
Type of dive：Boat dive, shore dive
Level：Elementary
Maximum depth：18 meters
Sea creatures recommended for divers to look for：Knotted fan coral (Melithara ochracea), Echinogorgia, Neoniphon sammara (Sammara squirrelfish), Canthigaster valentini, Scarus rubroviolaceus (Ember parrotfish), Suezichthys gracilis (Slender wrasse), Dascyllus reticulatus, Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura (Blueside wrasse), Cetoscarus bicolor (Bicolour parrotfish), Scolopsis bilineata (two-lined monocle bream), etc. -
Dabaisha
Dabaisha is a diving area known for its white sand consisting of coral reef detritus and shells. The water depth along the coast is over 20 meters. The area is full of large coral rock formations, creating varied currents and underwater landscapes perfect for divers to explore.
Type of dive：Boat dive, shore dive
Level：Intermediate
Maximum depth：30 meters
Sea creatures recommended for divers to look for：Merulina scabricula, Subergorgia suberosa, Rumphella antipathes, Acanthurus pyroferus, Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus, Chromis chrysura, Melichthys vidua (pinktail triggerfish), Chaetodon auriga (butterflyfish) -
Church
This is a dive spot accessible through the trail stretching from the old road beneath Mati Bridge. Both hard and soft corals reside in this diving area. Light from above surface shedding into the tilted underwater stone cave creates a remarkable scene resembling that of light coming through stained glass church windows. Please note that there might be strong wind and waves during summer due to the Southwestern monsoon.
Type of dive：Shore dive
Level：Intermediate
Maximum depth：15 meters -
Steel Reef
Steel Reef is an artificial reef made of scrap tire and steel home to fish and corals. There used to be a school of over 70 orbicular batfish that had become a signature that attracts divers. Unfortunately, the number has come down to only three as a result of excessive fishing. As restoration projects are currently underway, the ecosystem shall be revitalized soon.
Type of dive：Boat dive
Level：Intermediate
Maximum depth：30 meters -
Chicken Reef
Chicken Reef was named after the chicken-head-shaped rock covered with corals at the entry point. There are also a number of other interestingly-shaped rocks in the area including the crocodile’s mouth.
Type of dive：Boat dive
Level：Advanced
Maximum depth：30 meters
Sea creatures recommended for divers to look for：Heniochus Monoceros (Masked bannerfish), Genicanthus semifasciatus (Japanese swallow), Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus (Coral hawkfish), Hippocampus bargibanti (Bargibant's seahorse), Phyllidiidae, Melichthys vidua, Thysanozoon nigropapillosum, Calloplesiops altivelis (the comet), Gymnothorax isingteena (spotted moray), etc. -
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a renowned dive spot off the coast of Gong Guan Port in Green Island. The area is home to colorful sea fans and Dendronephthya sp., a kind of soft coral. It appears to be like a mesmerizing underwater garden with fish habitants wandering around. Water temperature in the north is relatively low even during summer, so divers are advised to dress in heat-retaining outfits. For elementary divers, the area surrounding Gong Guan Port is recommended for the variety of fish as well.
Type of dive：Boat dive
Level：Advanced
Maximum depth：35 meters
(Photo credit/ Yorko Summer, authorized by the East Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters)
A semi submarine tour is another option for visitors with a fear of water to enjoy the underwater scenery. It is also less likely to be affected by weather conditions. Though the glass-made semi submarine moves about in the ocean steadily, visitors with motion sickness are still advised to take medication before boarding. Regardless, the sight of the spectacular underwater world will certainly ease any discomfort aboard. It is highly recommended to families traveling with little kids or elders.
Opening hours：Based on actual situation
Boarding location：Nanliao Harbor, Green Island
Tel：089-672180
Zhaori Hot Spring
Zhaori Hot Spring in Green Island is one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world along with the springs on Kyushu Island of Japan and Sicily in Italy. Zhaori Hot Spring features salted sulfur spring that is friendly to the skin. A good soak during the day or at night under the stars is definitely a one-of-a-kind island vacation experience.
Opening hours：May to September: 5 am to 2 am, October to April: 6 am to 12 pm
Location：No.167 Wenchuan Road., Ludao Township, Taitung County
Tel：089-671133