Green Island Dive Sites: An Overview for Scuba & Freedivers Green Island is a mountainous volcanic island that offers incredible diving opportunities all year round (with the exception of typhoon days). Because of its unique geography, you can almost always find a calm spot to jump in, regardless of the season. The Golden Rule: Follow the Wind The key to a great dive on Green Island is choosing your site based on the wind direction. We always aim for the leeward side (the side protected from the wind) to ensure the calmest surface conditions:
Winter (Northeast Monsoon): We head to the Southern side of the island.
Summer (South/Southwest Winds): We head to the Northern side.
Pro Tip: For real-time wind and wave updates, we highly recommend checking with the local guide or Windy (weather app).
Year-Round Warmth: The Kuroshio Current Thanks to the Kuroshio Current flowing past our shores, the water temperature remains pleasant throughout the year.
Summer: Water temperatures can soar up to 30°C.
Winter: Even during a cold front, the ocean stays around a comfortable 22°C. Diving in winter is actually quite enjoyable! Our only "insider tip" for winter diving is to have a windbreaker ready to put on immediately after you surface to stay warm in the breeze.
What to Expect Underwater Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, Green Island’s underwater world will not disappoint:
Depth: Most dive sites range between 5 to 30 meters, making them perfect for both recreational scuba and freediving.
Visibility: The water is legendary for its clarity, with visibility frequently exceeding 20 meters.
The Scenery: Imagine crystal-clear blue water with sunlight dancing across vibrant, multi-colored coral reefs. You’ll be surrounded by a bustling community of tropical fish as you glide through the ocean.
No matter your experience level, Green Island offers a world-class underwater playground that is sure to be the highlight of your trip.
Shore Diving & Boat Diving: Top Sites and Planning Green Island offers a variety of entry points for both shore and boat diving. Depending on your experience level and the wind direction, our local guides will curate the best underwater routes for you.
Popular Shore Dive Sites Our shore dives are generally categorized by the island's coastline. Each area offers multiple routes that can be customized based on a guide’s expertise:
Northern Side: Primarily focused on the Chaikou Conservation Area (柴口保育區), General’s Rock (將軍岩), and the waters outside Zhongliao Harbor (中寮港外側).
Southern Side: Centered around the famous Shilang Conservation Area (石朗保育區) and Dabaisha (大白砂).
Boat Diving Strategy Our boat diving arrangements strictly follow the "Leeward Principle"—we always seek out the calmest and safest waters protected from the seasonal winds.
Why Boat Dive? Boat diving allows us to reach sites that are typically deeper or more remote and difficult to access from the shore. It’s the best way to explore Green Island’s hidden underwater treasures.
A Note on Safety: Regardless of whether you choose shore or boat diving, the final itinerary and site selection will always be tailored to the actual experience, skill level, and physical condition of the divers. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.
Essential Safety & Diving Etiquette in Green Island
1. Respect the Strong Currents The reason Green Island’s water is so incredibly clear is due to the strong currents that wash away sediment. Always keep a visual reference with landmarks on shore to monitor your position. Currents can pick up suddenly and without warning. Even professional instructors can find these conditions exhausting.
2. Mind the Tides and Entry Points The tidal range significantly changes how you enter and exit the water at different sites. Many visitors get injured on the sharp coral reefs because they are unfamiliar with the correct timing or path for getting in and out of the water.
3. Hire a Local Guide & Use Full Equipment Never dive alone in open water if you aren't an expert on the local geography. Without a professional local guide, you risk being swept away by strong currents or losing your orientation. And always ensure you have a full set of well-maintained gear before heading out.
4. Watch for Boat Traffic Green Island is a busy hub for maritime activities. Never dive in or near navigation channels (boat lanes). If you wish to explore dive sites further from the shore, always book a boat dive.
5. Maintain Ocean Etiquette Whether you are snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving, we all share the same beautiful ocean. Maintain a friendly and respectful attitude toward everyone in the water. We believe in "treating others as you would like to be treated"—let’s keep the atmosphere positive and harmonious for all.