Do I need a PADI or SSI certification to dive in Taiwan?
Taiwan accepts PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS and all internationally recognised dive certifications equally. A minimum Open Water (OW) certification is required for most boat dives. If you have no certification at all, you can join a Discover Scuba Diving session at Kenting or Xiaoliuqiu with no prior experience needed. Getting your OW certificate in Taiwan costs approximately NT$15,000 and takes 3–4 days.
Which Taiwan dive site is best for beginners?
Kenting's Houbihu Bay and Xiaoliuqiu are the most beginner-friendly options — shallow 5–15 m water, gentle currents, and the option to shore-dive at Kenting without even getting on a boat. Green Island has the best overall diving but requires at least an Open Water certification, and most dives involve a boat entry at greater depths. Longdong also has good beginner sites but the cooler water (22°C in winter) can be a deterrent for first-timers.
When is the best time of year to dive in Taiwan?
It depends on the site. Green Island and Xiaoliuqiu: April–October (calm northeast monsoon, warm and clear). November–March the wind and swell can make boat crossings uncomfortable or impossible. Kenting: October–April (winter brings clearest visibility on the western side, less wind). Longdong: year-round, though typhoon season July–September brings cancellations. Avoid July–September for most offshore island diving if you have limited dates.
Do I need dive insurance? Where is the recompression chamber?
DAN (Divers Alert Network) Asia-Pacific insurance is strongly recommended for any diving in Taiwan. Hyperbaric treatment without insurance is very expensive. The nearest 24-hour decompression chamber is at NCKU Hospital in Tainan — the best-placed facility for Kenting and Xiaoliuqiu divers. For Green Island and Orchid Island, the closest chamber is in Taitung city on the east coast.
Can I use flash photography on sea turtles in Taiwan?
No — flash photography near sea turtles is prohibited. Flash light startles turtles and disrupts their natural feeding and resting patterns over time. Always maintain at least 1 metre of distance and never touch, grab or ride a turtle. Inside Kenting National Park, rangers actively patrol dive sites and can issue significant fines for reef damage or wildlife harassment. Do not stand on or fin-kick the seabed near live coral formations either.
How much does a boat dive cost in Taiwan?
A standard two-tank boat dive package — including tanks, weights and dive guide — costs approximately NT$1,800–3,500 depending on the site. Green Island and Orchid Island are at the higher end because of the ferry crossing costs built into the package. Kenting and Longdong are more affordable with shore access options. Xiaoliuqiu sits comfortably in the middle range at NT$1,800–2,200. Wetsuit rental adds NT$300–500 if you need it.