Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

(Pic's by Ralph Bosmeier 2007/11)

Guests from all over the world are always pleasantly surprised by the excellent diving here. Coral reefs abound around the island and are very easy to access (over 205 different kinds of hard and soft coral are to be found including Mountain coral -only to be found in the warm Japanese current). Snorkeling and scuba diving excursions are well organised and first timers can enjoy guided, supervised snorkeling with lifejackets and lifebuoys. Optical diving masks are also provided which is particularly welcome for those wearing glasses and contact lenses.

Tropical fish and coral reefs create a spectacular underwater display, even at shallow depths, and the clear, calm waters offer great visibility. When there are enough tourists around, a glass-bottomed boat cruises above the coral reefs and if you want a wedding at sea, the captain is authorised to perform marriage ceremonies on board! For those who would rather not go snorkeling, a glass bottom boat cruise can easily be arranged in stead.

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A story about scuba diving on Green Island :

Green Island SCUBA Trip

In March 2006 a group of us went to Green Island on a Green Island Adventures! package. All our train tickets were pre-booked by Eddie ( GreenIslandDiving.com) , and on Friday morning we boarded the 6:15 am train from Taichung to Taitung on a scenic 5 hour journey round Southern Taiwan. After a short wait (allowing time to freshen up at the new and clean bathrooms at Taitung station), we were greeted by Eddie’s partner, Jacky, and were taken to the harbor where we boarded the ferry on a 45 minute cruise to Green Island.

Green Island greeted us with a blanket of greenery and crystal clear waters. A mini-bus transported us to the hotel and after checking in our scooters were delivered ( 1 scooter per couple). The 2 night 3 day package allows a lot of flexibility time wise and we decided to explore the island ( 17 km circumference) and its very special rock formations, old villages, white beaches and hiking trails; and one of only three salt water hot springs in the world – overlooking the ocean!.

The evening kicked off with a lovely seafood meal at the “Fisherman” restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The fish and vegetables were super fresh and the beers ice cold…
The next morning our SCUBA dives were arranged. We kitted up at the dive shop, and were transported as a group to the first dive site.
“Having lived and dived in Taiwan for 4 years, this is the best diving I’ve experienced so far”: (PADI Instructor). The underwater topography abounds with coral
(hard and soft) and reef fish.

Our second dive took us to some of the oldest coral formations known on the planet
( verified by National Geographic). Spectacular underwater scenes greeted us….

While we were diving, Eddie took the non-divers for a guided tour of the island and all the interesting places like the prison exhibition center ( depicting the modern history of Taiwan and the reign of the White Terror) as well as the original little settlement village of the first Taiwanese Chinese that inhabited the island. The Sleeping Beauty- and Pekinese Dog rock formations provided excellent photo opportunities.

The afternoon was spent taking the non-SCUBA divers for a guided snorkeling excursion, which proved to be a momentous occasion for two people who have never been in the ocean before, let alone snorkeling – and they loved it ! The rest of us joined the guided snorkeling excursion and free dived with our friends. Even snorkeling at very shallow depths was not disappointing i t o sea life. Coral and reef fish abounded!

The second evening was spent in an open-air table barbeque restaurant ( eat as much as you like NT 250) on the quiet northern side of the island. In addition Eddie surprised with a few kilos of Boerewors (South African sausage).The food was good and the beers ice cold…

Sunday morning was spent having a hearty breakfast after some went to their favorite spots on the island and others went shopping in the many little shops of which the “Fuck very Hot” shop proved to be most popular. Little coves with little white beaches
and beautiful rock pools are to be found everywhere on the island and shell gathering is allowed.

Due to train schedules we boarded the 11:30 ferry and killed time waiting for our train, wandering around Taitung city and having lunch.

Points to note:

General
- Sea sickness tablets ( well advised to take some)
- Beach Towels
- Favorite drinks
- Snacks etc for the trip getting there

Divers
-Take your favorite mask or fins if you can (optical masks can be rented at dive shop)
-Remember SCUBA Certification card!

Scuba and fun trips to Green Island can be arranged by contacting Eddie : greenislandreservations@yahoo.com ; www.greenislanddiving.com

Narrated by Jerry Cardy

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E-mail:
Call Eddie: 0972 065 479 (+886 972 065 479 outside Taiwan)
Skype:greenislandadventures

Green Island Adventures will help you organize the perfect vacation on Taiwan's exquisite and untouched tropical Green Island. Although it is small, Green Island offers so much including beautiful beaches, snorkeling and some great scuba diving. Let us introduce you to this little-known paradise off the south east coast of Taiwan.