The Big Four | Taiwan’s Offshore Diving Treasures

Penghu: Exploring Taiwan’s "Kingdom of Basalt" and Lavender Seas

The Penghu Archipelago (澎湖) is a spectacular collection of 90 islands in the Taiwan Strait, offering a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. Famous for its towering columnar basalt cliffs, ancient stone fish weirs, and vibrant coral reefs, Penghu is a premier destination for those seeking world-class diving and rugged island adventure.

Whether you're coming for the 2026 International Fireworks Festival or to mail a postcard from the ocean floor, Penghu is the ultimate summer getaway.

The "Must-Dive" Sites of Penghu

1. The Lavender Forest (薰衣草森林)

Located in the South Penghu Marine National Park (Southern Four Islands), this is arguably Taiwan’s most Instagrammable dive site.

• The Sight: Vast fields of bright purple staghorn coral stretch as far as the eye can see, resembling a lavender field under the waves.
• Marine Life: You’ll be surrounded by clouds of colorful damselfish, blue-striped angelfish, and the occasional sea turtle.
• Level: Beginner-friendly (Depth: 3m – 10m).

2. Taiwan’s First Underwater Mailbox (海底郵筒)

Located at Suogang (Hangwan), this is one of Penghu's most popular attractions for both snorkelers and scuba divers.

• The Experience: You can buy a special waterproof postcard at a local dive shop, write a message, and dive down to 4 meters to "mail" it.
• The Service: Professional dive instructors assist you in dropping your letter into the mailbox, which is regularly "emptied" by divers and sent to your destination!

3. The Blue Cave & Basalt Canyons (藍洞與玄武岩地形)

While the famous Blue Cave at Xiji Island is a protected area where you can only view the entrance from a boat, the surrounding waters offer incredible diving.

• The Draw: Explore underwater basalt formations that mirror the dramatic organ-pipe cliffs found on land. The unique geology creates swim-throughs and canyons that are a dream for underwater photographers.

Beyond the Water: Top Things to Do

• Twin-Heart Stone Weir (雙心石滬): Located on Qimei Island, this 300-year-old traditional fishing trap is the most iconic symbol of Penghu.
• Daguoye Columnar Basalt (大菓葉柱狀玄武岩): These giant hexagonal stone columns were formed by cooling lava and are a UNESCO-level geological wonder.
• Penghu Great Bridge: A 2.5km bridge connecting Baisha and Xiyu islands—perfect for a scenic scooter ride.
• Cactus Ice Cream: A local specialty! Try the bright pink "Cactus Ice" (made from prickly pear fruit) to cool down from the blazing sun.

Travel Planner: Logistics & Tips

The "Winter Factor"

From October to March, the Northeast Monsoon brings powerful winds to Penghu. Most water activities stop during this time, and the ferry from Chiayi often ceases operation. If you visit in winter, focus on the rich history, museums, and fresh seafood in Magong City.

Xiaoliuqiu: Taiwan’s Ultimate Year-Round Sea Turtle Sanctuary

Experience the World’s Highest Density of Green Sea Turtles

Located just 9 nautical miles off the coast of Pingtung, Xiaoliuqiu (小琉球)—also known as Lambai Island—is Taiwan’s only coral island and a premier destination for marine lovers. While other dive spots in Taiwan have distinct seasons, Xiaoliuqiu’s warm tropical waters stay above 25°C (77°F) year-round, making it the undisputed champion for winter diving and snorkeling.

Whether you are a licensed diver or a first-time snorkeler, Xiaoliuqiu offers a rare, high-probability encounter with majestic Green Sea Turtles in their natural habitat.

Top Spots for Turtle Sightings & Diving

1. Flower Vase Rock (花瓶岩)

The most iconic landmark on the island. The shallow, crystal-clear water around this coral formation is perfect for beginners. You can often see sea turtles grazing on algae just meters from the shore.

2. Beauty Cave (美人洞)

A top-tier snorkeling and diving site. The rugged coastline and underwater coral gardens here are a favorite playground for the island’s resident turtles. It is common to see five or more turtles in a single session.

3. Shanfu Harbor (杉福漁港)

Known for its calm waters and large seagrass beds, this is a "turtle cafeteria." It’s an ideal spot for freediving and Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) due to its gentle slopes and vibrant marine life.

4. Secret Shipwrecks

For certified scuba divers, Xiaoliuqiu offers several sunken shipwrecks that have become thriving artificial reefs, housing schools of tropical fish, barracudas, and giant groupers.

Plan Your Xiaoliuqiu Trip

How to Get There

The only way to reach paradise is by ferry from Donggang Harbor (Pingtung).

• Ferry Duration: 20–30 minutes.
• Pro-Tip: Take a shared van or the "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle" from THSR Zuoying Station (Kaohsiung) directly to the ferry pier.

The "Golden Rules" of Turtle Etiquette

Xiaoliuqiu takes conservation seriously. To protect the turtles and avoid massive fines, follow the "Five Don'ts":

1. ❌ Do Not Touch: Keep a distance of at least 5 meters.
2. ❌ Do Not Chase: Let them swim freely.
3. ❌ Do Not Surround: Ensure they have an easy path to the surface for air.
4. ❌ Do Not Feed: Let them eat their natural diet of seagrass.
5. ❌ Do Not Use Normal Sunscreen: Only use reef-safe zinc or wear a rash guard.

⚠️ Warning: Under Taiwan’s Wildlife Conservation Act, harassing or touching a sea turtle can result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000. Local "turtle guardians" and the Coast Guard monitor the waters closely

Island Essentials

• Scooter Rental: The best way to explore the 6.8km² island. Electric scooters are highly recommended to keep the island eco-friendly.
• Night Tours: Don’t miss a guided night tour to see intertidal creatures, blooming nocturnal flowers, and the stunning starlit sky.
• Food: Try the local "Gegay" (swirled) fried dough sticks and fresh sashimi at the harbor.

Green Island (Lyudao): Taiwan’s Emerald Paradise for Divers and Explorers

Rising from the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Taitung, Green Island (綠島 — Lyudao) is a volcanic marvel draped in lush vegetation and surrounded by some of the clearest waters in Asia. Bathed by the warm Kuroshio Current, the island is a haven for marine life, boasting visibility that often exceeds 30 meters.

From the world-class Zhaori Saltwater Hot Springs to its haunting history and vibrant coral reefs, Green Island is the ultimate "wild" escape for travelers seeking adventure beyond the mainland.

Top Underwater Wonders: Diving & Snorkeling

1. Shilang Diving Area & The Underwater Postbox

Shilang is the most popular dive site on the island, famous for its gentle coral slopes and the Pygmy Seahorse Underwater Postbox.

• The Experience: Divers can buy waterproof postcards and "mail" them from 11 meters deep.
• The "Big Mushroom": Nearby sits a 1,200-year-old Porites coral head, once the largest in the world. Though partially damaged by a typhoon years ago, it remains a majestic site teeming with life.

2. Chaikou Snorkeling Area

Located on the northern coast, Chaikou is the go-to spot for snorkelers. It features a long, scenic walkway that leads you directly over the intertidal zone and into a sea of Scleractinian (hard) corals. It is perfect for families and those looking for a vibrant, shallow-water experience.

3. Dabaisha (Great White Beach)

This stunning white-sand beach is more than just a photo op. It serves as an entry point for intermediate divers. The underwater topography here is rugged, with deep channels and large coral mounds that attract schools of larger migratory fish.

Must-See Attractions on Land

1. Zhaori Saltwater Hot Spring (朝日溫泉)

One of only three saltwater hot springs in the world (alongside Sicily and Kyushu).

• The Highlight: Soak in open-air pools at the edge of the Pacific. It is a local tradition to visit at 5:00 AM to watch the sunrise while submerged in the therapeutic, volcanic-heated mineral water.

2. Lyudao Lighthouse & The "Mini Great Wall"

• The Lighthouse: A 33-meter-tall beacon with a tragic history; it was built by the US to thank islanders for rescuing survivors of a 1937 shipwreck.
• The Great Little Wall: A ridgeline hiking trail that offers panoramic views of the "Pekingese Dog" and "Sleeping Beauty" rock formations.

3. White Terror Memorial Park

For history buffs, the island’s former political prison offers a sobering look into Taiwan’s martial law era. The site is now a museum dedicated to human rights and the prisoners once held here.

Travel Planner: Logistics & Tips

How to Get There

• By Ferry: Depart from Fugang Harbor in Taitung. Be warned: the crossing can be notoriously "bumpy," so bring motion sickness pills!
• By Flight: Daily Air operates small 19-seat planes from Taitung Airport. Tickets sell out weeks in advance for summer weekends.

Tips for a Responsible Trip

• Reef-Safe Only: Green Island’s ecosystem is fragile. Please wear a rash guard or use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent coral bleaching.
• Deer Spotting: At night, take a guided tour into the hills to spot the island’s famous Sika Deer and rare stick insects.
• Hydrate & Protect: The sun on the "Emerald Isle" is intense with very little shade. Carry plenty of water and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Orchid Island (Lanyu): Taiwan’s Wildest Frontier and the Home of the Tao

Far off the southeastern coast of Taiwan lies Orchid Island (蘭嶼 — Lanyu), a volcanic emerald rising sharply from the Philippine Sea. Unlike any other destination in Taiwan, Lanyu is a place where time slows down. It is the ancestral home of the Tao (Yami) people, an indigenous maritime culture whose lives are deeply intertwined with the "Flying Fish" and the rhythm of the tides.

For divers, Lanyu offers the "Deep Blue"—intense, ink-colored waters with visibility that can reach an incredible 50 meters. For travelers, it offers a rare glimpse into a living culture that has resisted modernization to preserve its soul.

The "Deep Blue" Experience: Scuba Diving in Lanyu

Lanyu is famous for its high-energy diving. Because the island sits directly in the path of the Kuroshio Current, the water is exceptionally clean and teeming with large pelagic fish.

1. The Lanyu Shipwreck (八代灣沈船)

One of the most iconic wreck dives in Asia. A massive Korean freighter, the Kwangyang, broke in two and settled on the sandy bottom of Badai Bay.

• The Sight: The bow sits at 20m while the stern rests at 30m+. It is now a giant artificial reef covered in colorful soft corals and patrolled by giant trevally and schools of barracuda.
• Level: Advanced (due to depth and potential currents).

2. Blue Hole & Underwater Tunnels

The volcanic nature of the island has created a labyrinth of underwater topography.

• The Sight: Near the Heitou (Black Hair) Rock, you can find spectacular swim-throughs and vertical chimneys where sunlight beams down into the dark blue like a cathedral.
• Marine Life: Look for sea snakes (Laticauda), which are famous residents of Lanyu’s rocky crevices.

3. Airport Side (Outer Reefs)

For those who love "Wall Diving," the reefs near the old airport offer dramatic drop-offs into the abyss. The coral health here is pristine, with massive sea fans and table corals.

Cultural Heart: The Tao Way of Life

Lanyu is not just a resort; it is a sacred home. To enjoy your trip, you must respect the Tao traditions:

• The Tatala (Traditional Boats): These hand-carved, red-white-and-black canoes are masterpieces of indigenous engineering. Never touch or sit in a boat without permission, especially during the Flying Fish season.
• Flying Fish Season (March – June): This is the most sacred time of year. There are strict taboos regarding where you can swim and fish. Always check with your local guesthouse before entering the water during these months.
• Underground Houses: In the village of Ye-yin, you can see traditional stone-lined "pit houses" built to protect the Tao from fierce typhoons. Tours are available through local guides.

Travel Planner: Logistics & Tips

How to Get There

• By Ferry: Departs from Fugang (Taitung) or Houbihu (Kenting). The trip takes 2–3 hours across open ocean; sea-sickness medication is highly recommended.
• By Flight: Daily Air operates 19-seat planes from Taitung. Tickets are notoriously difficult to book—try to reserve exactly two months in advance.

Essential Tips for the "Wild Island"

• Cash is King: There are very few ATMs on the island (mostly at the 7-Eleven or Post Office). Many guesthouses and dive shops do not take cards.
• Scooter Safety: The coastal road is beautiful but dangerous. Watch out for roaming goats, pigs, and crabs—they always have the right of way!
• Eco-Respect: Lanyu has limited waste processing. Take your trash back to the mainland if possible, and always use reef-safe sunscreen.